Раздел 1. Основы обучения на иностранном языке

Тема 1.1 Социально - бытовая сфера общения

1.1.1 Моя семья и я

1. Прочитайте следующий текст и переведите его на русский язык. Дайте перевод выделенных в тексте слов и словосочетаний. Задайте к тексту специальные вопросы. The American Family

The United States has many different types of families. While most American families are traditional, comprising a father, mother and one or more children, 22 percent of all American families in 1988 were headed by one parent, usually a woman. In a few families in the United States, there are no children. These childless couples may believe that they would not make good parents they may want freedom from the responsibilities of child-rearing; or, perhaps they are not physically able to have children. Other families in the United States have one adult who is a stepparent. A stepmother or stepfather is a person who joins a family by marrying a father or mother.

Families are very important to Americans. One sign that this is true is that Americans show great concern about the family as an institution. Many Americans believe there are too many divorces. They worry that teenagers are not obeying their parents. They are concerned about whether working women can properly care for their children. They also worry that many families live in poverty.

Four out of five people in the United States live as members of families and value their families highly. In one poll, 92percent of the people who were questioned said their family was very important to them.

Families give us a sense of tradition. Families give us strength and purpose. Our families show us who we are. As one American expert who studies families says, “The things we need most deeply in our lives – love, communication, respect and good relationships – have their beginnings in the family.”

Families serve man functions. They provide a setting in which children can be born and reared. Families help educate their members. Parents teach their children values – what they think is important. They teach their children daily skills, such as how to ride a bicycle. They also – teach them common practices and customs, such as respect for elders and celebrating holidays. In the United States, most people earn money outside the home. The most important job for a family is to give emotional support and security.

At 18years of age, young people in the United States can take on most of the rights and responsibilities of adulthood. Before this occurs, however, the American teenager (a common name for a young person between the ages of 13 and 19), goes through the period of adolescence. Psychologists (specialists who study the science of human behavior) say that most young people experience conflict during this period of their lives. They are hanging rapidly, both physically and emotionally and they are searching for self-identity. As they are growing p and becoming more independent, teenagers sometimes develop different values from those held by their parents. American teenagers begin to be influenced by the values expressed by their friends, the media (newspapers, television, magazines, etc.) and teachers. During this period of their lives, young people also begin to participate in social activities such as sporting events and church group projects, as well to do more things in the company of members of the opposite sex and fewer things in the company of their families.

While teenage years for most American young people are nearly free of serious conflict, all youths face a certain number of problems. Some young people have difficulties in their relationships with their parents or problems at school which may lead to use of alcohol or drugs, the refusal to attend school or even to running away from home. In extreme cases, some might turn to crime and become lawbreakers.

However, for every teenager experiencing such problems many more are making, important contributions to their communities, schools and society. Millions of young people in the United States are preparing for the future in exciting ways. Many teenagers are studying for college entrance exams or working at part-time jobs after school and on the weekends. Others are volunteering at hospitals, helping the handicapped or programming computers, etc.