Part 7: Gapped Text
Instructions: You are going
to read a text about DINKs — couples with double income and no kids.
Six paragraphs have been removed from the text.
Choose from paragraphs A–G the one which fits each gap.
There is one extra paragraph you do not need to use.
The DINK Generation: A Redefinition of
Adulthood
In many
societies, the idea of success has long been linked to marriage, parenthood,
and stability. However, a growing number of couples are questioning that model.
Known as DINKs — Double Income, No Kids — they are reshaping
expectations about adulthood and fulfillment in the twenty-first century. (1)___________.Rather
than viewing parenthood as a mandatory stage in life, these couples see it as
one of many possible choices. Their decision is often driven by a mix of
practical, personal, and ethical reasons — from economic uncertainty to
environmental awareness.
In many cases,
DINKs argue that not having children allows them to focus on other priorities.
They may dedicate more time to their careers, their relationship, or their
personal well-being. For some, the motivation is simply freedom — the ability
to travel, move cities, or change jobs without the restrictions of parenthood. (2)
___________. This independence comes with a sense of control that previous
generations rarely enjoyed. It reflects the modern emphasis on self-realization
and flexibility, values deeply rooted in contemporary urban life.
From an
economic perspective, DINK households often have greater disposable income and
higher purchasing power. They invest in property, technology, or leisure, which
stimulates several industries. Many global brands now design campaigns
specifically targeting this demographic, emphasizing lifestyle quality and
comfort over family-oriented themes. (3)___________. However, this
financial comfort sometimes attracts criticism. Some accuse DINK couples of
being materialistic or unwilling to make sacrifices for society’s future.
Others, however, argue that their decision may actually be a responsible
response to overpopulation and climate change.
Beyond
economics, this trend also has a psychological dimension. Studies have shown
that DINK couples often report stronger communication, emotional stability, and
mutual understanding. Without the pressure of childcare, they tend to have more
balanced relationships and higher life satisfaction. (4)___________. Yet
psychologists warn that some may experience loneliness or regret later in life,
especially if social networks shrink with age. As a result, many choose to
build “alternative families” based on friendship, mentoring, or community
engagement.
Cultural
expectations still play a strong role in how DINKs are perceived. In more
traditional societies, choosing not to have children can lead to judgment or
misunderstanding. Family gatherings, for example, may include uncomfortable
questions or remarks suggesting that adulthood without parenthood is
incomplete. (5) ___________. Nevertheless, attitudes are gradually
changing. Younger generations tend to see the DINK lifestyle not as rebellion,
but as an evolution — a conscious adaptation to modern realities.
Ultimately, the
rise of DINKs reflects a larger redefinition of what it means to live a
meaningful life. Adulthood is no longer tied to a single script; it is a
landscape of choices shaped by personal values and global challenges. (6)___________.
Whether or not this model becomes the norm, it reminds us that fulfillment can
take many forms — and that family, in its essence, may be more about connection
than reproduction.
Paragraphs
to Insert:
A. Their
financial freedom, however, doesn’t necessarily translate into social
acceptance.
B. At the heart of the DINK philosophy lies autonomy — the right to
define success on one’s own terms.
C. Despite its growing popularity, the DINK lifestyle remains
controversial.
D. In the past, the absence of children was often viewed as a personal
failure or misfortune.
E. Still, critics insist that child-free couples underestimate the
emotional rewards of raising children.
F. For many sociologists, this cultural phenomenon illustrates the
decline of traditional norms and the rise of individualism.
G. Ironically, the very independence that defines this lifestyle may, in
the long term, create new emotional challenges.
