Living Alone is the New Norm

The author includes paragraph 5 to

• analyze the benefits of living alone

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

• address a misconception about living alone

• suggest that research into loneliness is inconclusive

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

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

• 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

Which of these is the best summary of the article?

• While social scientists have long recognized that he number of people living alone has exploded...

• Single person households in the United States have become much more prevalent...

• The author's research into modern American domestic habits suggests...

• Many more people live alone today than in the past...

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

• Explain why he chose to live by himself

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

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

• 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...

• The extraordinary rise of solitary living is the biggest social change...

• 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...

The graphic titled "Where They're Living Solo" suggests that the practice of living alone is

• global

• temporary

• dominant

• cyclical