Reading

1. | 1. GW. a) Read the text and explain the meanings of the words given in bold. b) Pay attention to the use of the words such as: too, also, either, quite and rather.

A Child’s Position in the Family

It’s true that our position in the family is the strongest factor that influences our personality. Psychologists say that the eldest children get maximum attention from their parents, and as a result they become quite self-confident people. They grow as good leaders. The eldest children are often ambitious. They’re more likely to enter universities than their brothers or sisters. They often get the top jobs, too. They are also responsible people, because they often have to look after their younger brothers or sisters. The downside of being older is that they worry a lot about things. They can also be quite bossy and even aggressive, especially when they don’t get what they want. The middle children are usually independent and competitive. It’s because they have to fight with their brothers and sisters for their parents’ attention. They’re sociable, they like being with people, probably because they always have other children to play with. But the middle children are often jealous of their brothers and sisters and they can be moody.

If a child is the youngest in the family, he or she will probably be very charming, affectionate and quite relaxed. On the other hand, the youngest children are often rather lazy. This is because they always have their elder brothers and sisters to help them. And they can be quite manipulative - they use their charm to get what they want.

The only children in the family don’t have to share with anyone, so they’re often spoilt by their parents and grandparents. As a result, sometimes they can be quite selfish. They think of themselves more than other people. But they are usually well-organized and responsible, and they can be very imaginative, too.

2. PW. Give your opinion about these statements.
1. The middle children are often jealous of their brothers and sisters.
2. The youngest children are often lazy.
3. The only children are usually well-organized.
4. The eldest children get a lot of attention from their parents.