Earlier studies have shown that teenagers are more likely (可能) to make irrational decisions than people from any other age group, including children and adults. Is it that teenagers are too young to tell right from wrong? Not really. So what’s the reason?
According to Laurence, a teacher from a US university, the reason is that teenagers care a lot about how their peers (同龄人) view them—that is “peer influence”.
As children enter their teenage years, they spend more time with their friends and classmates, and also they care more about what they think of them. This makes teenagers make decisions without thinking about the costs.
In a test, a group of teenagers were asked to play a video driving game. When they played with their friends watching around them, they took more chances and drove more carelessly because that would increase their possibility of winning. But when they played alone, they drove more safely.
Why do peers have such a big influence on teens’ behavior?
As Laurence sees it, a teenager’s brain is like a car with a good accelerator (油门) but a weak brake (刹车). The “accelerator” is fully developed by teenage years while the “brake” is still not fully developed. When teenagers are watched by their peers, they usually push hard on the accelerator. With their weak brake, it is likely that they are going to end up in an accident.
But the good news is that a violent (暴力的)teenager doesn’t necessarily become a violent adult. About two-thirds to three-quarters of violent youth grow out of it. “They get more self-controlled.”
1. What does the underlined word “irrational” in the 2nd paragraph mean?
| A．Quick. | B．Crazy. | C．Careful. | D．Correct. |
| A．They like difficult tasks. |
| B．They don’t care about costs. |
| C．They are too young to tell right from wrong. |
| D．They care a lot about what their peers think of them. |
| A．By comparing it with how a car works. |
| B．By comparing it with an accident. |
| C．By showing research findings. |
| D．By giving examples. |
| A．use more self-control |
| B．perform better than when they are alone |
| C．become more careful about what they do |
| D．care about winning without thinking about danger |
| A．Teenagers are easy to have traffic accidents. |
| B．Peer influence is bad on teenagers. |
| C．Most of the teenagers become less violent when they grow up. |
| D．Teenagers shouldn’t spend all the free time with their friends. |
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【推荐1】Today almost everyone knows computers and the internet.If I ask you "what is the most important. If I ask you "what is the most important in your life?maybe you will say "Computers and
the internet." The first computer was made in 1946.It was very big but it worked slowly.
The internet came a little later than computers.It is about twenty-five years later than computers.
Many students like the internet very much.
Now the government has done many thing. Some gangster bars(黑网吧) have been banned(取缔).
We can use computers and the internet to learn more about the world.But at the same time,we should remember that not all the things can be done by computers and the internet.
| A．They are so interested in making “unreal friends” that they can’t put their heart into study. |
| B．But now it can be found almost everywhere. |
| C．They often go to the Internet bars as long as they are free. |
| D．But that’s not enough. |
| E．Today computers are getting smaller. But they work faster and faster. |
【推荐2】Most middle school students wear uniforms.
I surveyed some Japanese students about what they thought about school uniforms. I asked them, "Do you like fashionable uniforms?"
Hiromi said, "I like school uniforms because I don't need to choose clothes every day. I think that fashionable uniforms are good.
Miki said that she didn't like fashionable uniforms because she didn't want to spend too much money on uniforms.
Mitsuaki said, "
| A．They gave lots of different opinions. |
| B．I don't like school uniforms because I want to look different. |
| C．She thought that the uniforms should be changed. |
| D．Some students like uniforms, but others don't. |
| E．My high school uniform is fashionable, but there is a problem. |
Everyone needs support and help sometimes. As a young person, it is important to learn how to help others.
One way young adults can volunteer is through organizations that have been founded. There are charities providing shelters for the homeless. Young adults can cook meals for them in these places.
Animals also need help and young adults can help them a lot. You can volunteer at a local shelter that houses animals. Usually the tasks include cleaning up animal droppings and looking after them.
Try something else if there are no volunteer chances. Charities always accept monetary donations (捐款). Although young people are usually not rich, they can raise money. Another idea is to sell hand-made things or food to make money for the charity. People often sell vegetables and clothes at a local market on Saturday morning.
| A．At this time you can sell your things as well |
| B．The animals will feel comfortable with your help |
| C．Besides, you can help give away warm clothing to them |
| D．There are many ways for young adults to make money |
| E．Because helping others can also improve the helpers themselves |
