Question

The job of raising children is a tough one. Children don't come with an instruction handbook. And each child is different. So parents sometimes pull their hair out in frustration,not knowing what to do. But in raising children―as in all of life―what we do is influenced by our culture. 1       To Americans,the goal of parents is to help children stand on their own two feet. From infancy (幼年) ，each child may get his or her own room. As children grow,they gain more freedom to make their own choices. Teenagers choose their own forms of entertainment,as well as the friends to share them with. 2       Of course,many young adults still seek their parents' advice and approval for the choices they make. But once they "leave the nest" at around 18  to 21 years old,they want to be on their own,not "tied to their mother's apron strings".

The relationship between parents and children in America is very informal. American parents try to treat their children as individuals―not as extensions (延伸) of themselves. They allow them to realize their own dreams. Americans praise and encourage their children to give them the confidence to succeed. When children become adults,their relationship with their parents becomes more like a friendship among equals. 3       Even as adults,they respect and honor their parents.

Most young couples with children struggle with the issue of childcare. Mothers have traditionally stayed home with their children. In recent years,though,a growing trend is to put preschoolers in a daycare center so Mom can work. Many Americans have strong feelings about which type of arrangement is best. 4       Others insist that mothers are the best caregivers for children. A number of women are now leaving the workforce to become fulltime homemakers.

Being a parent is a tall order. 5       Some people are just deciding not to have children at all,since they're not sure it's worth it. But raising children means training the next generation and preserving our culture. What could be worth more than that?

   A. Naturally then,American parents teach their children basic American values.

   B. It takes patience,love,wisdom,courage and a good sense of humor to raise children.

   C. Some argue that attending a daycare center can be a positive experience for children.

   D. When they reach young adulthood,they choose their own careers and marriage partners.

   E. Disciplining children is another area that American parents have different opinions about.

   F. But contrary to popular belief,most adult Americans don't make their parents pay for

room and board when they come to visit.

   G. When parents find out more about their children's school performance,daily activities and attitudes towards life,they can better direct kids towards positive things in life.

1.       2.                  3.                  4.          5.       

Answer 1

养育孩子不是一件轻松的事，不同的教育方式折射出文化的差异，本文重点介绍了美国人平等、注重个性培养的育儿观。

1. A考查递进关系。由前文可知，我们如何抚养孩子受到文化的影响。所填的句子应该是对这句话的进一步解释，故答案为A项。

2. D考查顺承关系。由文中关键词"infancy"、"teenagers" "young adults"可知，该段是在谈论美国父母在孩子成长的不同阶段教会孩子学会独立。此处所填的句子应该是父母如何教育进入成年的孩子，故答案为D项。

3. F考查递进关系。从前文可知，当孩子成年后，他们和父母的关系会更像地位平等的朋友。而后一句指出，作为成年人，他们尊重自己的父母。此处所填句子应是细节注释性句子，进一步对成年的孩子与其父母的关系作出解释，故答案为F

项。

4. C考查对照关系。由后文可知，许多人坚持认为，母亲是孩子最好的护理者。此处应表明其他人的立场，故答案为C项。

5. B此句总结并升华。该段是对全文的总结，前一句说，成为父母是一项艰巨的任务。此处应指出作为父母所必备的素质，故答案为B 项。