Should I Be Allowed to Make My Own Decisions?

Many teenagers have hobbies. But sometimes these can get in the way of their schoolwork, and parents might worry about their     1     at school. Teenagers often think they should be allowed to practice their hobbies as much as they want. Do you agree?

Liu Yu, a fifteen-year-old boy from Shandong, is a running star. He is on his school team and has always wanted to be a professional runner when he     2     up. However, his parents won't allow him to train so much, "Of course we want to see him achieve his dreams," says Mr. Liu. " And we know how much he loves running. My wife and I have    3     every one of his races. We have nothing against     4    ! But we think our son needs to think about other possible    5    . He's getting older now, so he needs to think about what will happen if he doesn't end up as a professional runner."

Liu Yu doesn't really agree. "Well, I think I should be allowed to decide for    6    ," he says. "My parents have always taught me how     7    it is to work hard at school and enter university. I understand this, but I'm serious about running. It's the only thing I've ever wanted to do."

His parents believe that Liu Yu should study hard in the evenings     8    they don't allow him to practice running at night. "Maybe he thinks it's too strict or unfair," says Mrs. Liu. "But we think we're doing the right thing. He needs     9    more time on his homework because it is difficult to become a professional sports star.”

But Liu Yu still disagrees. "I know my parents care about me. They always talk about what will happen if I don't succeed. But I will! I'm a quick runner! I think I should     10    to make this choice myself. Only then will I have a chance to achieve my dream. "