30.
(A) All

(B) Others

(C) Both

(D) Whole
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▲ 閱讀下文 ， 回答 第 31-35題
According to an OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and Development) report, fertility rates have decreased by half in the
past six decades. This situation has posted the risk of population decline
and brought forth economic and social challenges. It has been predicte d
that lower fertility rates could lead to population decline starting in the
coming decades with deaths outpacing births for the first time during
the past half century.
It has been reported the average age of women giving birth has
risen from 28.6 in 2000 to around 31 in 2022. There are a variety of
reasons behind the issue of low fertility rate. One of the key factors is
related to later parenthood. As having children is attributed to personal
choice, this factor is closely linked to individuals’ pressures from
society. In traditional societies, having children is often seen as a duty
or a natural part of life, whereas the pressure to do so has gradually
diminished in modern societies.

In addition, a lack of sufficient supportive government schemes
may also affect parenthood decisions. Among these schemes, experts
have stressed that affordable housing and public policies promoting
access to career progression of women are extremely important
contributing factors since the economic cost and long -term financial
uncertainy of having children significantly affect people’s decision to
become parents.
A number of Asian countries are facing the challenge of falling
birth rates. For example, Taiwan saw its ninth consecutive year of
declining birth rates in 2024, suggesting the country will become a
super-aged society soon. Taiwan’s cabinet has approved st andardised
cash payouts to families of newborn and the coverage of a larger
proportion of infertility treatment costs, which is expected to take effect
in the near future. Another country facing this similar issue is Japan,
where the number of its annual births hit a record low in 2024. To cope
with this problem, the Japanese government has promised to promote a
more flexible working environment as well as to implement other
measures to help couples balance work and parenting.
All in all, the low fertility rate is a reflection of complex social
and economic changes. This issue cannot be addressed by a single
solution. More comprehensive measures such as workplace reform,
family-friendly policies and stronger social support systems might be
necessary in order to create conditions encouraging people to choose
parenthood.