Directions: In this section you will hear two short talks. At the end of each talk, there will be some questions. Both the talks and the questions will be read to you only once. After each question, there will be a pause. During the pause, you must choose the best answer from the four choices given by marking the corresponding letter with a single bar across the square bracket on your Machine-scoring Answer Sheet.
Passage One
Questions 10-12 are based on the following passage:
In some lands certain kinds of insurance are compulsory. In others, most kinds are practically unknown. In addition, the cost of insurance and the type of coverage provided vary widely from country to country. But the fundamental principle of insurance—sharing risk—remains the same.
Naturally, the more property a person owns, the more he has to lose. Similarly, the more family responsibility a person has, the greater the impact if he or she dies or becomes physically disabled. Having insurance can reduce one’s concern about the possibility of suffering a loss of property or a disabling accident.
Yet, is it wise to spend money on insurance even though a claim may never be made? Is keeping a spare tire in the car a wasted investment, even if the tire is never needed? The sense of security to the car driver may make the expense of the extra tire worthwhile. While financial compensation cannot make up for certain losses, it may compensate for other losses.
Much of the insurance purchased by individuals falls into the categories of property, health, disability, and life insurance.
Property insurance is to insure against the loss of property—home, business, cars, or other possessions. It is among the most common forms of risk management.
Health insurance pays some medical expenses or may pay for only certain medical care. In many places workers may receive health insurance as a condition of their employment.
Disability insurance provides some income if a person is injured and cannot work. Life insurance provides financial assistance to a person’s dependents in case of his or her death. Such insurance has enabled many families to pay off outstanding debts and carry on their routine of life after the injury or the death of their main breadwinner.
10. What is the universally fundamental principle of insurance?
11. Why does the speaker mention the spare tire?
12. What categories of insurance have been mentioned in this talk?
