READING
11. Childhood
IELTS Reading Test
Reading Passage:
The Changing Demands on Parents and Kids
A
Childhood has undergone significant changes over the years, according to Steven Mintz, a history professor at the University of Texas at Austin. He believes that current parenting practices, often referred to as "helicopter parenting," may not always be beneficial for children. Mintz, who also serves as the executive director of the University of Texas System's Institute for Transformational Learning, recognizes the impact of these changes on higher education.
B
In a conversation with EdSurge, Mintz discusses the evolving view of adolescence and its influence on the college experience. Contrary to the belief that childhood liberation has progressed over time, Mintz argues that today, parents tend to organise and supervise their children's activities more than ever before, resulting in a reduction of free, unstructured playtime. This limitation affects children's ability to establish an independent identity and navigate life on their own terms.
C
Mintz highlights the irony that even the geography of childhood has contracted, with children having fewer opportunities for outdoor play and exploration. He mentions the unintended consequence of requiring bicycle helmets, which led to fewer children riding bicycles due to concerns about their appearance. Instead, children now spend more time on screens or shopping rather than engaging in traditional childhood activities.
D
Although maintaining close relationships with parents is important, Mintz suggests that it may come at a cost for children. He believes that history teaches us to reject simplistic notions of progress and understand life's complexity. He acknowledges the challenges faced by parents today, such as declining birth rates, increased fear of crime and abuse, and a greater focus on children's psychological well-being. These factors contribute to the changing dynamics of parenting and the additional stresses faced by modern parents.
E
Mintz emphasises the importance of granting children the freedom to be children and recognizes that age-appropriate learning and development occur naturally as children mature. Parents need to allow their children to take risks and gain confidence and independence. However, in a culture that tends to emphasise control, this can be a difficult task.
F
Overall, Mintz encourages a nuanced understanding of the changes in childhood and parenting, acknowledging both the benefits and drawbacks. He underscores the need for parents to strike a balance between nurturing and offering children the space to explore and grow on their own terms.
Based on: How Childhood Has Changed (and How That Impacts Education) | EdSurge News
Questions 1-5
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer?
Write
YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
1. According to Steven Mintz, modern parenting practices are not as beneficial as helicopter parenting for children.
2. Some people believe that children enjoy more free time now than in the past.
3. Parents spend more time watching their children’s activities than before.
4. Fewer children are injured while riding bicycles than in the past.
5. Children now spend more time using electronic devices.
Questions 6-10
The reading passage contains 6 sections, A-F.
Which section contains the following information?
6. An example of the unexpected results of higher safety standards.
7. The advice that parents should allow their children to face more danger.
8. A reference to how children have less choice in what they do during their free time.
9. A recognition of how difficult it is to be a modern parent.
10. The claim that modern parenting methods are not as good for children as previous methods.
Reading Answer key:
1. False (modern parenting is often called ‘helicopter parenting’), 2. True, 3. True, 4. Not Given, 5. True, 6. C, 7. E, 8. B, 9. D, 10. A