Read the passage to review the vocabulary you
have learned. Answer the questions that follow.
The nature of the family varies widely from culture to culture. In some
societies, family members tend to stay in close proximity to their kin,
never moving more than a few miles away from the ancestral home. In
other places, while the members of one generation may all live near one
another, their descendants in the next generation scatter widely. In such
a case, it’s difficult to maintain the same family cohesion enjoyed by those
who live close together. Sometimes marriage can govern family structure;
for example, there may be strict traditions requiring a new bride to leave
her paternal home and siblings to move in with her new husband’s family.
Such traditions are followed, even by young couples who don’t like them,
because going against them is likely to result in the loss of inheritance.
Whatever one’s own sentiments about family structure, it is important to
recognize that one culture’s family system is as legitimate as another’s.
1. Which of the following best states the main idea of this passage?
a. Different family systems can be found worldwide, but each one deserves
respect.
b. Societies in which children move far away from their parents are
not very cohesive.
c. Although some societies still require a wife to move in with her husband’s
family, this tradition is dying out.
d. The most important factor in family happiness is close proximity
to your relatives.
2. According to this reading, which family system is most common?
a. Members of a family living in the same community.
b. Family members spreading out and living in various cities.
c. Young couples living with the man’s parents.
d. It is impossible to tell from this reading.