Question 18 is based on the passage you have just heard.

听力原文

        A new study has demonstrated the importance of women’s rights. The researchers behind this study state that many parts of the world have made good economic progress, but women’s rights are often overlooked. Thus, (16) [they wanted to determine if there was a link between protection of women’s rights and public health.] The researchers analyzed databases, which held information from 162 countries for the period 2004 to 2010. Countries were classified according to the respect they gave to women’s economic and social rights. There were three categories. They were high, moderate and poor. Analysis of the data showed that countries with strong women’s rights had better health than those where women’s rights were not as respected. The health indicators studied included disease prevention, reproductive health, death rates and life expectancy. Furthermore, (17) [in countries where women’s rights were most respected, but where access to hospitals and doctors was below average, health outcomes were still better than in countries rated as moderate or poor.] This confirms that even with a lack of resources, if a country has strong women’s rights, the health outcomes are better. Thus, the researchers argue that gender equality is not just a women’s rights issue. It is also a development issue. This is because better health aids economic development. (18) [They note that the value of women’s rights has often been questioned from an economic standpoint. Some have argued that ensuring those rights would limit progress, but this study indicates the opposite.]  

18. What has often been questioned regarding women’s rights?（妇女权利经常受到哪些质疑？）

解析：A。录音结尾提到，从经济角度来看，妇女权利的价值经常受到质疑。一些人认为，确保这些权利会限制发展。由此可知，经常会有人质疑保障妇女权利对于经济发展的作用，故A项为正确答案。

错项排除：B项的a country’s international image和C项的potential impact在录音中无依据，故均可排除。D项是研究人员要研究的内容，而不是妇女权利受到的质疑，故排除。