Even if Mexico's population reaches 125 million by the year 2010, its population density is still smaller than the 1985 population density of some 50 countries. By international standards Mexico will still not be overpopulated by the year 2010. If wealth is generated by people, the more individuals there are, the greater the wealth that potentially could be generated. Why should Mexico control its population at density levels below those of the richer countries if more population represents the possibility of generating more wealth?

　　On the other hand, it is often pointed out that once sustainability(支撐力) limits are near or are reached, there are decreasing productivity gains (or,perhaps more accurately, increasing productive losses) , and people become a cost rather than an asset. If we assume that there are sustainability limits and that we are close to reaching these limits at a world level, then it is appropriate to check population growth.

　　21. According to the passage, the population argument is focused on_______.

　　A. whether more people are a property or a cost

　　B. whether Mexico should control its population growth or not

　　C. whether the density of population in Mexico is large or small

　　D. what the standard international sustainability limit is

　　22. Which of the following is TRUE according to the first paragraph?

　　A. Mexico has stepped into an aging society.

　　B. It is not necessary for Mexico to control its population.

　　C. Mexico population is younger than that of developed countries.

　　D. It is not necessary for Mexico to develop its infrastructure.

　　23. By "infrastructure"(Para. 2) the author means_______.

　　A. buildings

　　B. the basic framework of a country, such as schools, services, etc.

　　C. social demands

　　D. services and production

　　24. It may be inferred from the 3rd paragraph that_______.

　　A. it isn't necessary for Mexico to control its population growth

　　B. population is likely to grow at a slower pace than in the past

　　C. the more people there are, the greater the wealth people could generate

　　D. Mexico should control its population growth because she belongs to the developing countries

　　25. To check population growth is necessary when_______.

　　A. there are decreasing productivity gains

　　B. there are increasing productivity losses

　　C. we are close to reaching the sustainability limits at a world level

　　D. people become a cost

　　答案：21. B 22. C 23. B 24. A 25. C