British parents encourage their children to play musical instruments as part of a family tradition and not to raise their social status as Americans do, research says.
Dr. Aaron Reeves of the University of Oxford found that UK parents did not see musical achievement by their children as character building or useful in getting university places or jobs. Instead, it was usually only those parents who played instruments that encouraged their children to follow suit.
This contrasted with research carried out by other academics in America, he said. “Middle-class parents in the US appear to associate cultural practice with other benefits, such as developing specific characteristics and paving the way for educational success. Middle-class families are often marked by a pattern of ‘concerted cultivation’, where parents organize music-centred activities for their children, often in addition to school-based musical practice.”
Researchers had owed this to “parental anxiety over the declining fortunes of educated Americans. These parents have become increasingly worried about providing their children with skills and abilities enabling them to stand out from their competitors in the job market.”
By contrast, for British respondents, no such connection was made between what is considered as an overbearing parenting style and future educational or career possibilities. The parents interviewed here did not connect music with usefulness but rather they focused on the value of music as a family tradition and, to a lesser extent, as something valuable in its own right.
One Scottish parent, a chemist by profession, said during the interviews, “We’ve got two learning musical instruments. If we think it’s maybe worthwhile we try and encourage them, but we wouldn't force them.” A housewife said, “My son’s just turned five and I want him to do the guitar because his uncle does it, but it’s up to him.”
In some UK families, said Dr. Reeves, music was even “believed to be an obstacle to educational success, or at least secondary to it.”
1.What do British parents think of music learning?
A. Useful for job application. B. Helpful for character building.
C. Beneficial to further education. D. Worthwhile as a family tradition.
2.What does the underlined word “this” in Paragraph 4 refer to?
A. Cultural practice. B. Educational success.
C. Concerted cultivation. D. School-based musical practice.
3.What can be inferred from the text?
A. The future of American kids is not promising.
B. American parents hardly link music with success.
C. Music learning is a personal choice for British kids.
D. British parents show little concern about education.
4.What is the text mainly about?
A. Reasons for British music preference.
B. British parenting style in music education.
C. Americans’ attitude towards music learning.
D. Differences between British and American parents.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题
British parents encourage their children to play musical instruments as part of a family tradition and not to raise their social status as Americans do, research says.
Dr. Aaron Reeves of the University of Oxford found that UK parents did not see musical achievement by their children as character building or useful in getting university places or jobs. Instead, it was usually only those parents who played instruments that encouraged their children to follow suit.
This contrasted with research carried out by other academics in America, he said. “Middle-class parents in the US appear to associate cultural practice with other benefits, such as developing specific characteristics and paving the way for educational success. Middle-class families are often marked by a pattern of ‘concerted cultivation’, where parents organize music-centred activities for their children, often in addition to school-based musical practice.”
Researchers had owed this to “parental anxiety over the declining fortunes of educated Americans. These parents have become increasingly worried about providing their children with skills and abilities enabling them to stand out from their competitors in the job market.”
By contrast, for British respondents, no such connection was made between what is considered as an overbearing parenting style and future educational or career possibilities. The parents interviewed here did not connect music with usefulness but rather they focused on the value of music as a family tradition and, to a lesser extent, as something valuable in its own right.
One Scottish parent, a chemist by profession, said during the interviews, “We’ve got two learning musical instruments. If we think it’s maybe worthwhile we try and encourage them, but we wouldn't force them.” A housewife said, “My son’s just turned five and I want him to do the guitar because his uncle does it, but it’s up to him.”
In some UK families, said Dr. Reeves, music was even “believed to be an obstacle to educational success, or at least secondary to it.”
1.What do British parents think of music learning?
A. Useful for job application. B. Helpful for character building.
C. Beneficial to further education. D. Worthwhile as a family tradition.
2.What does the underlined word “this” in Paragraph 4 refer to?
A. Cultural practice. B. Educational success.
C. Concerted cultivation. D. School-based musical practice.
3.What can be inferred from the text?
A. The future of American kids is not promising.
B. American parents hardly link music with success.
C. Music learning is a personal choice for British kids.
D. British parents show little concern about education.
4.What is the text mainly about?
A. Reasons for British music preference.
B. British parenting style in music education.
C. Americans’ attitude towards music learning.
D. Differences between British and American parents.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
In America, parents tend to encourage their children to develop their potential (潜能) to the fullest extent. Fathers and mothers frequently teach their children both ambition and the confidence necessary to work toward their goals. American parents are always active in concentrating on what their kids can do, not what they can’t. As a result, millions of American boys and girls grow up hoping to become actors and athletes, diplomats and doctors. Many of them even want to become president.
American parents often encourage their children to become involved in extra activities of all types at school, such as student government, sports and music. They believe that only through taking part in these activities can their children become mature young adults.
As we all know, schoolwork is important. But parents should realize that the social skills their children learn form natural conversations with each other are as important as schoolwork and the skills they will need in the future work. What’s more important in their work is that their children should have a sound knowledge of physics or the ability to communicate effectively.
As a rule, Chinese parents don’t educate their children about the same kind of ambition and confidence as Americans do, nor do they encourage the same level of participation in extra activities. Children are typically advised to study hard and pass exams. They have to spend a lot of time in doing much schoolwork every day. It is a great waste of time to do so.
Now more and more Chinese parents have recognized that they should pay attention to developing the potential of their children. I hope that leaders in Chinese educational circles should take some measures to develop the potential of their children. I am very confident about it.
1.From the passage, we know the American parents pay much more attention to ________.
A. the social skills than Chinese parents
B. their children’s studying hard and well
C. what their children want but they can’t
D. extra activities than schoolwork
2.According to the passage, Chinese parents ________.
A. know more than American parents to educate their children
B. owning ambition and confidence is necessary and important
C. pay much more attention to their children’s fine future
D. don’t encourage their children to participate in extra activities
3.From the passage, we can infer _______.
A. American children are brave and adventurous
B. American children are more active in their studies
C. Chinese children have the ability to communicate effectively
D. Something should be done to develop the potential of the children in China
4.What’s the writer’s attitude towards Chinese education reform?
A. Neutral. B. Indifferent. C. Positive. D. Negative.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
In America, parents tend to encourage their children to develop their potential(潜能)to the fullest extent. Fathers and mothers frequently teach their children both ambition and the confidence necessary to work toward their goals. American parents are always active in concentrating on what their kids can do, not what they can’t. As a result, millions of American boys and girls grow up hoping to become actors and athletes, diplomats and doctors. Many of them even want to become president.
American parents often encourage their children to become involved in extra activities of all types at school, such as student government, sports and music. They believe that only through taking part in these activities can their children become mature young adults.
As we all know, schoolwork is important. But parents should realize that the social skills their children learn form natural conversations with each other are as important as schoolwork and the skills they will need in the future work. What’s more important in their work is that their children should have a sound knowledge of physics or the ability to communicate effectively.
As a rule, Chinese parents don’t educate their children about the same kind of ambition and confidence as Americans do, nor do they encourage the same level of participation in extra activities. Children are typically advised to study hard and pass exams. They have to spend a lot of time in doing much schoolwork every day. It is a great waste of time to do so.
Now more and more Chinese parents have recognized that they should pay attention to developing the potential of their children. I hope that leaders in Chinese educational circles should take some measures to develop the potential of their children. I am very confident about it.
1.From the passage, we know the American parents pay much more attention to ________.
A. the social skills than Chinese parents
B. their children’s studying hard and well
C. what their children want but they can’t
D. extra activities than schoolwork
2.According to the passage, Chinese parents ________.
A. know more than American parents to educate their children
B. owning ambition and confidence is necessary and important
C. pay much more attention to their children’s fine future
D. don’t encourage their children to participate in extra activities
3.From the passage, we can infer _______.
A. American children are brave and adventurous
B. American children are more active in their studies
C. Chinese children have the ability to communicate effectively
D. Something should be done to develop the potential of the children in China
4.What’s the writer’s attitude towards Chinese education reform?
A. Neutral. B. Indifferent.
C. Positive. D. Negative.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
Most parents encourage their children to take an active part in social events, ______ those events do not interfere with their studies.
| A．concerning | B．until | C．unless | D．provided |
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
Here are some ways parents can use to encourage a healthy self-image in their children.
Teach what real value is. I think kids sometimes are confused about values. How valuable you are is not measured by how pretty you are on the outside. 1. We were watching the Oscars and my 6-year-old son said, “She is so pretty,” and then quickly looked at me and said You are prettier, Mom.” And I said, “It’s okay. There are many people prettier than me on the outside. I know that’s not why you love me.” 2.
Tell your kids about “the grass is always greener” syndrome. It is very easy for all of us to see the charm, whether it is in a famous singer or the most popular girl in the school. Do not think too highly of famous people. 3. Maybe they have the same struggles, like wanting acceptance from peers.
4. Don’t be afraid to have conversations with your child about how they’re feeling about ads songs, etc. You are the parent! 5. Take a stand and have confidence enough not to be followers and not to purchase clothing, music, or magazines that you don’t believe send the right message to your children!
A. Use your mouth.
B. Be patient with your kids.
C. about what problems they might have.
D. It is important to teach children this from an early age.
E. Success is not measured by how famous you are, either.
F. Girls tend to like famous singers while boys prefer sports stars.
G In fact, kids of all ages want and need boundaries from you.
高三英语七选五中等难度题查看答案及解析
Here are some ways parents can use to encourage a healthy self-image in their children.
Teach what real value is. I think kids sometimes are confused about values. How valuable you are is not measured by how pretty you are on the outside. 1. We were watching the Oscars and my 6-year-old son said, “She is so pretty,” and then quickly looked at me and said you are prettier, Mom.” And I said, “It’s okay. There are many people prettier than me on the outside. I know that’s not why you love me.” 2.
Tell your kids about “the grass is always greener” syndrome. It is very easy for all of us to see the charm, whether it is in a famous singer or the most popular girl in the school. Do not think too highly of famous people. 3. Maybe they have the same struggles, like wanting acceptance from peers.
4. Don’t be afraid to have conversations with your child about how they’re feeling about ads songs, etc. You are the parent! 5. Take a stand and have confidence enough not to be followers and not to purchase clothing, music, or magazines that you don’t believe send the right message to your children!
A. Use your mouth.
B. Be patient with your kids.
C. about what problems they might have.
D. It is important to teach children this from an early age.
E. Success is not measured by how famous you are, either.
F. Girls tend to like famous singers while boys prefer sports stars.
G In fact, kids of all ages want and need boundaries from you.
高三英语七选五中等难度题查看答案及解析
Personally speaking, Chinese parents should encourage children more, getting their confidence to _____ .
A. pick up B. turn up C. build up D. take up
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
Not many parents realize that by encouraging their children to drink plenty of fresh water,they're helping them build healthier,stronger bodies.
Water is the ideal drink to prevent thirst and ensure hydration（水合作用）.Our bodies need water to regulate body temperature and to provide the means for nutrients to travel to all our organs.Water also transports oxygen to our cells,removes waste,and protects joints and organs.Poor hydration can affect a child's concentration levels, memory and learning ability.
"While most parents know that everyone should be drinking 6~8 glasses of water each day,they often find it difficult to get their children to drink water,"says Megan Pentz-Kluyts,a leading registered nutrition coach. However, there are healthy ways of making water tastier.
Keep a big bottle of water in the fridge that has been flavored with fresh fruits and herbs,such as chopped lemons,strawberries,apples,or oranges,as these flavor the water and up the intake of nutrients.
Mix fruit juices with water to increase water consumption.However,it's better to eat fruit whole as it provides nutrients such as fiber,vitamins,and minerals,which may not always be found in the same quantity once the fruit has been made into a juice.
Freeze bottles of water overnight so that the water is still cool later in the day when the sun is beating down.Use fun containers with your children's favorite characters on them to match the fruit or herb that's been used to flavor it for easy reference when grabbing from the freezer for school.
By encouraging your children to drink water from an early age,you'll help them form a habit that will be easy to follow through for the rest of their lives.You can set the best example by always reaching for water when you're thirsty or by making sure that there's always cool water readily available,whether in the fridge at home or packed into the car for after-school runs or family outings.
1.What does the author intend to tell in the passage?
A. Ways to get your kids to drink more water.
B. Tips on what to do for your children.
C. Hydration is connected with a healthy body.
D. Means as to getting water from kinds of fruit.
2.Which is NOT the function of drinking water according to the passage?
A. Make all our organs nourished.
B. Protect your joints and organs.
C. Make your skin more beautiful.
D. Develop your learning ability.
3.The author recommended fruit juices .
A. because fruit juices are better than water
B. to make kids consume more water
C. because kids prefer juices to water
D. to show fruit juices are rich in vitamins
4.What do you think of the author from the passage?
A. Enthusiastic. B. Defensive.
C. Subjective. D. Considerate.
高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析
A British scientist has predicted that parents who lose children in accidents may be able to clone “copies” to________ them within 50 years.
A．take place B．take place of
C．take the place of D．in place of
高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析
British children used to play conkers (板栗游戏) in the autumn when the horse-chestnut trees started to drop their shiny brown nuts. They would select a suitable chestnut, drill a hole in it and thread it onto a string, then swing their conker at that of an opponent until one of them broke. But the game has fallen out of favour. Children spend less time outdoors and rarely have access to chestnut trees. Besides, many schools have banned conkers games, worried that they might cause injuries or nut allergies.
That sort of risk-averseness(规避风险) now spreads through every aspect of childhood. Playgrounds have all the excitement designed out of them to make them safe. Many governments, particularly in societies such as America, have tightened up their rules, requiring parents to supervise(监管) young children far more closely than in the past. Frank Furedi of the University of Kent, a critic on modern parenting, argues that allowing children to play unsupervised or leaving them at home alone is increasingly described as a symptom of irresponsible parenting.
In part, such increased caution is a response to the huge wave of changes. Large-scale urbanization, smaller and more mobile families, the move of women into the labor market and the digitization of many aspects of life have unavoidably changed the way that people bring up their children. There is little chance that any of these trends will be changed, so today's more intensive(精细化的) parenting style is likely to go on.
Such parenting practices now embraced by wealthy parents in many parts of the rich world, particularly in America, go far beyond an adjustment to changes in external conditions. They mean a strong bid to ensure that the advantages enjoyed by the parents’ generation are passed on to their children. Since success in life now turns mainly on education, such parents will do their best to provide their children with the schooling, the character training and the social skills that will secure access to the best universities and later the most attractive jobs.
To some extent that has always been the case. But there are more such parents now, and they are competing with each other for what economists call positional goods. This competition starts even before the children are born. The wealthy classes will take their time to select a suitable spouse and get married, and will start a family only when they feel ready for it.
Children from less advantaged backgrounds, by contrast, often appear before their parents are ready for them. In America 60% of births to single women under 30 are unplanned, and over 40% of children are born outside marriage. The result, certainly in America, has been to widen already massive social inequalities yet further.
All the evidence suggests that children from poorer backgrounds are at a disadvantage almost as soon as they are born. By the age of five or six they are far less “school-ready” than their better-off peers, so any attempts to help them catch up have to start long before they get to school. America has had some success with various schemes involving regular home visits by nurses or social workers to low-income families with new babies. It also has long experience with programmes for young children from poor families that combine support for parents with good-quality child care. Such programmes do seem to make a difference. Without extra effort, children from low-income families in most countries are much less likely than their better-off peers to attend preschool education, even though they are more likely to benefit from it. And data from the OECD’s PISA programme suggest that children need at least two years of preschool education to perform at their best when they are 15.
So the most promising way to ensure greater equality may be to make early-years education and care for more widely available and more affordable, as it is in the Nordics. Some governments are already rethinking their educational priorities, shifting some of their spending to the early years.
Most rich countries decided more than a century ago that free, compulsory education for all children was a worthwhile investment for society. There is now an argument for starting preschool education earlier, as some countries have already done. In the face of crushing new inequalities, a modern version of that approach is worth trying.
1.What can we learn from the first two paragraphs?
A. More attention is placed on children’s safety.
B. More and more parents are becoming irresponsible.
C. Children are no longer interested in outdoor activities.
D. Parents are advised to spend more time with their children.
2.Which of the following about intensive parenting style is TRUE?
A. Chances are that this style could be changed.
B. Financial pressure forces parents to be stricter.
C. Rich families adopt such style to keep their advantages.
D. Such style is largely influenced by the size of the family.
3.What does the underlined sentence imply?
A. Economists offer practical advice to guide parenting.
B. A happy marriage secures children’s social positions.
C. Unfair division of social resources drives parents mad.
D. Parents are struggling for their children’s edge over peers.
4.Which is the proper measure to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor?
A. Parents are persuaded to give birth to babies in their later years.
B. Funds are provided for poor children after they are admitted to school.
C. New babies in low-income families are sent to nurses or social workers.
D. Children from low-income families are ensured to receive early education.
5.What’s the author’s attitude towards investment in pre-school education?
A. Supportive B. Disapproving
C. Skeptic D. Unconcerned
6.The author begins the passage with the game of conkers to .
A. show competition overweighs cooperation
B. imply educational inequalities should be broken
C. make readers aware of the rules of the game
D. indicate the game has lost its appeal to children
高三英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析