Read the following passage about the The Growing Pet Economy in America and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate th...

Read the following passage about the The Growing Pet Economy in America and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.

American families are spending more money on their pets than ever before. Recent surveys show that households now spend about $4,366 each year on their animal companions, while younger people spend even more, at around $6,103 annually. This spending increase shows that many Americans spoil their pets rotten, treating them like real family members instead of just animals. [I] Pet owners buy expensive food, toys, and services for their dogs and cats. The emotional connection between people and their pets has become much stronger, changing how families budget their money and live their daily lives.

The modern pet industry offers many new products and services. Eighty percent of pet owners want more pet-friendly public spaces available. Besides basic needs like food and shelter, owners now purchase GPS collars to track their pets, monthly subscription boxes with treats and toys, and special medical care. [II] Over half of pet owners think employers should let workers bring pets to the office. These changes show that society's view of pets has shifted from seeing them as property to treating them as beloved companions.

This substantial pet spending boom affects many different businesses. Companies that make premium pet food are growing quickly, along with grooming salons and veterinary clinics. Experts believe this growth will continue for the next ten years, especially for health and wellness services. Hotels and restaurants are creating pet-friendly spaces to attract customers. [III] The travel industry has developed special services for people who vacation with their pets. These businesses understand that pet owners will pay extra for services that include their animals.

In conclusion, the pet economy represents a major change in American culture and spending habits. [IV] What started as basic pet ownership has transformed into something much bigger. People no longer just own pets; they parent them like children. Market researchers say this trend is permanent, not temporary. As Americans continue viewing pets as family members, businesses will keep creating new products and services to meet this demand. This economic shift proves that the relationship between humans and animals has fundamentally changed in modern society.

https://www.newswire.com/tc

Question 31: The phrase “spoil someone rotten” in paragraph 1 has the closest meaning to _________.

A. look after                                B. put up with                                 C. dote on                                        D. count on

Question 32: According to the passage, which is NOT MENTIONED?

A. The specific percentage of businesses that have become pet-friendly

B. The amount younger people spend on pets annually ($6,103)

C. Hotels and restaurants creating pet-friendly spaces

D. The expectation that growth will continue for the next ten years

Question 33: Where in the paragraph does the following sentence best fit?

Many businesses are becoming pet-friendly, allowing customers to bring their animals inside.

A. [I]                                        B. [II]                                                C. [III]                                                D. [IV]

Question 34: The word “their” in paragraph 2 refers to _________.

A. businesses'                        B. collars'                                        C. owners'                                        D. services'

Question 35: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?

A. Multiple pet-related industries are experiencing rapid growth as businesses recognize owners' willingness to pay premium prices for pet-inclusive services.

B. Premium pet food companies are leading industry growth while hotels and restaurants face challenges in developing successful pet-friendly business models.

C. Health and wellness services dominate the pet industry despite declining consumer interest in travel and hospitality sectors for pet accommodations.

D. Pet industry growth remains uncertain as businesses struggle to balance premium service costs with owners' decreasing willingness to pay extra.

Question 36: The word “substantial” in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _________.

A. comprehensive                        B. profound                                        C. prevalent                                        D. negligible

Question 37: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. Companies will stop developing pet products once Americans change their current attitudes toward animals.

B. Companies will persistently develop new offerings while Americans continue to treat pets as family members.

C. Companies must convince Americans to treat pets better through innovative products and marketing strategies.

D. Companies have already created enough products since Americans started viewing pets as family members.

Question 38: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Eighty percent of employers currently allow workers to bring their pets to office spaces.

B. Younger people spend approximately 4,366 annually, while older households spend around 6,103 on pets.

C. Over half of pet owners believe employers should allow workers to bring pets to work.

D. Market researchers predict this pet spending trend will decline within the next ten years.

Question 39: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Younger generations likely form stronger emotional bonds with pets than older generations typically do.

B. Most American businesses will require employees to bring pets to work within ten years.

C. Pet owners generally earn higher incomes than people who don't own any animal companions.

D. Traditional veterinary services are becoming less important as new pet products emerge rapidly.

Question 40: Which of the following best summarises the passage?

A. American pet owners are increasingly demanding more workplace accommodations and public spaces for their animals, while various businesses struggle to adapt to these new consumer expectations and requirements.

B. Younger generations in America spend substantially more money on their pets than older households, creating a generational divide that forces traditional pet owners to reconsider their spending habits and priorities.

C. The modern pet industry has shifted its focus primarily toward luxury products and premium services, while basic pet care needs have become less important to most American pet owners today.

D. Americans' fundamental transformation in viewing pets as genuine family members has created permanent economic growth across multiple business sectors, from premium food companies to travel services and veterinary care.