填空题.Americans have long prided themselves as being part of an optimistic society. But a new research describes Americans as pessimistic, believing the nation is in decline and that quality of life for 1 generations may be lower than it is today. Defining the American Dream is not easy, although four definitions dominate people's 2 of what it means to them, according to researchers at the Xavier University's Institute for Politics and the American Dream: opportunity, freedom, family and financial success. Happiness, wealth, home ownership are among the things that 3 as less important in people's views of what the dream means. However people define it, they believe the American Dream is harder to achieve for this generation that it was for their parents' generation. Sixty percent of those 4 by Xavier University said that was their conclusion. Even more—68 percent—said their children and grandchildren will find it more 5 to achieve than they have. The results may not be 6 , given the state of the economy. The deep recession that has gripped the nation sent the unemployment 7 to 9.7 percent. Add to that the damage done to retirement savings accounts by the 8 decline in the stock market. Today, a majority of Americans—58 percent—see the country in decline. A smaller majority—52 percent—believe the world now 9 to many other places to see where the future is. It's little wonder Americans are in a pessimistic 10 . A. looks B. mood C. ratio D. rank E. surveyed F. contemporary G. difficult H. future I. rate J. supported K. sharp L. hopes M. perceptions N. disappointing O. surprising