Question

Nowadays plenty of kids are at home alone after school. Are you one of them? Kids who regularly take care of themselves are called “latchkey kids”.

This nickname got its start in the 1940s. Many men fought in the Second World War and women had to take jobs in factories to keep the country going. With both parents away, lots of kids went home to empty houses after school. Latchkey kids wore house keys around their necks and they used the keys to open doors.

Today, it’s common for both parents to work. As a result, a new generation of kids is spending some time alone after school. It becomes necessary (有必要的) for both parents and kids to make some rules. There are a lot of questions to talk about:

? Should you call your mum or dad as soon as you get home?

? Should you do your homework first?

? Can you watch TV or play computer games? If so, for how long?

? What can you eat if you want a snack?

? Can friends come over? If so, how many?

…

As latchkey kids, knowing how to stay safe is just as important as following the family rules. Talk about the following questions with your parents:

? What should you do when the phone rings?

? What should you do if someone knocks at the door?

? What should you do if someone breaks into the house?

? What should you do if you cut yourself while cooking?

You may feel when you are at home alone. Don’t worry. Keeping yourself busy is helpful. There are many things which can make you feel your home alone time go quickly:

? Read a magazine.

? Write an email.

? Phone a friend.

( ) 1. Latchkey kids ______.

A. like collecting keys

B. live with their grandparents

C. have part-time jobs in factories

D. regularly stay at home alone after school

( ) 2. How many pieces of advice does the writer give to latchkey kids?

A. Two. B. Three. C. Four. D. Five.

( ) 3. Which of the following questions can be put on the rule list?

A. Can you have your hair cut?

B. Should you go to school on foot?

C. Can you go out? If so, where?

D. Can you ask teachers for help at school?

( ) 4. Which of the following can be put in ?

A. bored B. excited C. relaxed D. pleased

( ) 5. The writer probably agrees that ______.

A. there’s no need to make family rules

B. latchkey kids should learn to protect themselves

C. time passes slowly when latchkey kids are busy

D. parents should never leave their kids alone at home

Answer 1

1D   2B   3C   4A   5B