Society and Solitude

The author includes paragraph 5 to —

• analyze the benefits of living alone

• address a misconception about living alone

• suggest that research into loneliness is inconclusive

• explain that people prefer living alone to living with someone else

According to the author, the growing number of people living alone —

• makes it difficult to study how happy people are

• is an inevitable result of a decline in family values

• should not be interpreted as a sign of increased loneliness

• will almost certainly affect the economy in a variety of ways

Which of these is the best summary of the article?

• While social scientists have long recognized that the number of people living alone has exploded, they have erred in interpreting the trend as a social problem. In fact, the growing number of households without children has improved the social fabric of the United States.

• Single-person households in the United States have become much more prevalent than many realize. Contrary to the views of some experts, however, this development does not signal growing isolation and social disintegration. Many find that living alone allows them to pursue happier and more socially active lives.

• The author’s research into modern American domestic habits suggests that the rise in solo living has been misunderstood. In the past the nuclear family was the most common form of household, but this type of living arrangement did not necessarily lead to the greatest happiness. People today are decreasingly concerned with raising a family, and it is time policy makers begin to understand this trend.

• Many more people live alone today than in the past. Some researchers think this is a worrisome development, but their concern is misplaced. Because of modern technology, people often feel overwhelmed by their social networks and constant connectedness to others.

In the article, the author mentions his own research in order to —

• cite further evidence that promotes a positive aspect of living alone

• explain why he chooses to live by himself

• demonstrate that research in favor of living alone is not valid

• detail the ways in which people who live alone spend their time

Which word best describes the author’s attitude in paragraph 4 toward researchers who express alarm at the growing popularity of solo living?

• Aggressive

• Understanding

• Critical

• Enthusiastic

Which sentence best supports the author’s belief that living alone is an appealing choice for many people?

• The theme of declining communities entered popular culture with Bowling Alone, political scientist Robert D. Putnam’s book, which was published in 2000

• The extraordinary rise of solitary living is the biggest social change that we've neglected to identify . . .

• Living alone, being alone and feeling lonely are hardly the same . . .

• Today, in our age of digital media and ever expanding social networks, living alone can offer even greater benefits: the time and space for restorative solitude.

The graphic titled “Where They’re Living Solo” suggests that the practice of living alone is —

• global

• temporary

• dominant

• cynical