Comprehension Quiz B

These quizzes refer to “Demography,” from Sociology: An Introduction by Richard J. Gelles and Ann Levine. See page 281 of Opening Doors.

Comprehension Quiz


1	Demographers
		A)	are interested in the distribution of population and in movements of people.
		B)	assess the impact of such things as life expectancy and the marriage rate.
		C)	count people and calculate the growth rate of a population.
		D)	all of the above.


2	In a given year, the birthrate in less developed countries (excluding China) is
		A)	18 per 1,000 people in a given year.
		B)	4.0 per 1,000 people in a given year.
		C)	1.6 per 1,000 people in a given year.
		D)	018 per 1,000 people in a given year.


3	Population growth slows down only when
		A)	birth rates are low.
		B)	death rates are high.
		C)	both birth rates and death rates are low.
		D)	both birth rates and death rates are high.


4	World population began to skyrocket in about
		A)	2000 B.C.
		B)	1000 B.C.
		C)	1000 A.D.
		D)	2000 A.D.


5	During Stage III of the demographic transition in western nations, birthrates declined because
		A)	infant mortality decreased.
		B)	access to modern birth control devices became available in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
		C)	more people postponed marriage.
		D)	couples began having children earlier.


6	In 1997 there were 26 births per minute in developed countries, while in developing countries the number of births per minute was
		A)	240 births per minute.
		B)	265 births per minute.
		C)	932 births per minute.
		D)	4,720 births per minute.

Expand your vocabulary using context clues.


7	They also attempt to calculate the growth rate of a population and to assess the impact of such things as the marriage rate and life expectancy. Insurance rates are based on life expectancy: the younger the person, the lower the rate. Expectancy means:
		A)	length
		B)	a known quantity or amount
		C)	the expected amount calculated on the basis of statistical data
		D)	a quantity or amount that cannot be determined or estimated


8	They are interested in the distribution of population and in movements of people (migration). The distribution of saguaro cactus is limited to the southwestern part of the United States and northern Mexico. Distribution means:
		A)	disappearance; extinction
		B)	planting
		C)	geographic occurrence or range
		D)	destruction


9	Demographers use a number of standard measures in translating a locality's raw totals-births, deaths, the number of those moving in and out-into general statistics that allow them to identify trends. Nutritionists have established the standard amount of fats, carbohydrates, and protein young children need in their diet. Standard means:
		A)	acknowledged measure
		B)	imprecise
		C)	incomplete
		D)	ambiguous


10	Demographers use a number of standard measures in translating a locality's raw totals-births, deaths, the number of those moving in and out-into general statistics that allow them to identify trends. Because the population in our suburb is increasing, there are many new businesses moving into our locality. Locality means:
		A)	voting precinct
		B)	school district
		C)	state
		D)	a particular place


11	Mass movements of people into and out of Afghanistan, Somalia, Bosnia, and Mozambique have contributed to this sharp increase. Most large cities have subway systems, bus systems, or other forms of mass transit. Mass means:
		A)	pertaining to religion
		B)	relating to a large number of people
		C)	relating to citizens of a country
		D)	related to high speed


12	Famine and political upheaval are usually behind these mass exoduses. The earthquake caused a complete upheaval of life in the peaceful mountain village. Upheaval means:
		A)	improvement
		B)	elevation
		C)	a sudden, violent disruption
		D)	gradual change


13	Famine and political upheaval are usually behind these mass exoduses. Historians report that seeking refuge from war, religious persecution, and epidemics are three major reasons for exoduses. Exoduses means:
		A)	trips or journeys
		B)	departures of large numbers of people
		C)	refusals to leave
		D)	planned absences


14	High infant mortality, epidemics, famines, and wars kept the population growth low. Child mortality rates are higher in poor countries because health care for children is so inadequate. Mortality means:
		A)	correct behavior
		B)	heart attacks
		C)	death rate
		D)	protection


15	Improvements in transportation facilitated food distribution: people were no longer dependent on local supplies or devastated by local crop failures. The new, computerized traffic signals facilitated the smooth flow of traffic during rush hour. Facilitated means:
		A)	made easier
		B)	slowed down
		C)	directed
		D)	authorized


16	Today birthrates in most western nations have stabilized at replacement levels, while death rates have continued to decline. Once the paramedics stabilized the victim's erratic breathing and heart rate, they rushed her to the emergency room for treatment. Stabilized means:
		A)	resuscitated
		B)	decreased
		C)	stopped
		D)	became steady or stable

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