Parents do need to teach their kids financial responsibility and that money is earned. Still, many child-development experts agree that tying a child’s allowance to chores can be a slippery slope. Here’s why.

Susie Walton, master instructor at Peace in Your Home advises to keep chores and allowances totally separate. “Allowance is one thing. When it comes to chores, life skills, responsibilities­-that’s a whole different thing.” says Walton.

Walton says, “When kids aren’t doing a chore, you don't say, ‘well, there goes your allowance.’ You’re going to sit them down and ask what’s going on. ‘We are a team. We are a family. We’ve got to have them done.’”

Besides, by paying children for chores with an allowance, you’ll also be sending the message that work isn't worth doing unless they’re getting paid for it.

There are times when it would make sense to pay kids for chores. Most financial and child-development experts agree that it’s a fine idea to pay children money for extra jobs that are outside their normal set of chores, such as washing windows, washing the car or helping to clean out the garage-especially if the child is saving for a big item. This may even develop an entrepreneurial (企业家的) spirit to think outside of the box to earn money.

For parents who are concerned that their children won’t learn the value of a dollar if the allowance isn’t tied to household chores, note that there are still plenty of money management skills to be learned from a straight allowance. Depending on the age, kids can be made responsible for paying for their own toys or snacks. Some parents even require that kids set aside a percentage of their allowance toward savings.

“I really like having my own money,” says Kevin, 9. “It’s up to me if I want to buy the cheap toy now, or save and get the better toy.” And that’s a good lesson to learn at 9 years old.

No matter which allowance route you take in parenthood, kids will feel empowered by being able to handle their own money.

1.Which of the following would Susie Walton most probably agree with?

A. A child’s allowance shouldn’t be tied to chores.

B. Kids shouldn’t be forced to do chores.

C. Doing chores teaches kids the value of work.

D. Kids should be paid for doing chores.

2.According to Susie Walton, if kids don’t do chores, parents should ________.

A. teach them the entrepreneurial spirit

B. talk to them about family responsibilities.

C. give them a smaller allowance than usual

D. punish them by not giving them their allowances

3.In Paragraph 6, “a straight allowance” probably means “________”.

A. money given by charity organizations

B. money earned by doing part-time jobs.

C. money earned by doing everyday household chores

D. money given by parents and not dependent on chores

4.What is the author’s attitude towards Kevin’s action?

A. Worried. B. Doubtful.

C. Approving. D. Unfavorable.

5.The text is mainly about _____________.

A. the importance of kids doing chores

B. whether parents should pay kids for chores

C. the advantages of kids handling their own money

D. whether parents should give kids regular allowances

In today's fast paced,high stress world people are working longer hours than ever,and often exhaust themselves at day's end in front of the television to relax enough to begin again in the morning. However,television watching,for most people,does not really lower stress. Studies show that TV viewing more than an hour or so actually creates stress and,especially in women,may lead to the blues. Most individuals are unaware that doing some exercise after work makes them more energetic since it increases energy levels.

Wise use of free time does not mean getting an advanced degree,although the mental encouragement gained through education is unbeatable in keeping your mind active. Learning new things nearly always adds a spark to your daily life,especially if it is a favorite topic,such as sport,fashion,or art. Also,look through your bookstore or library to find books on your interests. Try to replace a half hour TV watching with reading.

It is reported that in the United States recently,many individuals have as few as two good friends. Long work hours and car commute act to separate people from each other. This separation is deadly. Find ways to meet people at the end of the day and on weekends. Often this can be best done by combining activities,such as by joining a walking group to get both exercise and companionship. Taking a class will lift your spirits and allow you to meet others with similar interests. Hobbies are great for reducing stress and provide another opportunity for social interaction.

Using your free time to aid your health may include these elements and many more,such as going to concerts and spending time with family. Overall,the key is to spend less free time being passive. The best ways to use free time are to be mentally and physically active,spend some time outdoors,and interact with other people on a regular basis.

1.What can we learn from the passage?

A. Watching television may cause women to feel depressed.

B. Finding interests and hobbies in common means taking a class.

C. Going to concerts is the best way to make you mentally active.

D. Getting an advanced degree in education always lights up your life.

2.What does the underlined word “commute” in Paragraph 3 probably mean?

A. The arrangement to work every day.

B. The journey to work every day.

C. The communication between people.

D. The separation between people.

3.Which would be the best title for the passage?

A. Live a Happy and Healthy Life

B. Relax Yourself in Various Ways

C. Spend Your Free Time Wisely

D. Interact With Others Outdoors

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