B1 – Intermediate
Teenagers want to try new and risky things. They think they have the freedom to do so because their parents or carers do not supervise them or tell them what to do as much as when they were little.
A research looks at the reason children and young chimpanzees take more risks.
Read the article about a research on how young chimpanzees’ thrill-seeking behavior is similar to that of human children.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2601/260115-risky-behaviour.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “supervise” mean? “She believes it is because they are at an age when parents supervise them less.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
- What does “old-fashioned” mean? “The website ScienceAlert said that “some anthropologists argue for increasing children’s access to thrill-seeking play, including the old-fashioned monkey bars, as a way to help them develop motor skills and skeletal strength”.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
- What does “thrill-seeking” mean? “The website ScienceAlert said that “some anthropologists argue for increasing children’s access to thrill-seeking play, including the old-fashioned monkey bars, as a way to help them develop motor skills and skeletal strength”.” Use the word in a sentence and give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What comes to your mind when you hear the word “risk”?
- In your own words, explain why teenagers like taking risks.
- Do you agree or disagree that “Teenagers are well known for doing crazy things.”? Explain.
- Did you also have a risky behavior as a teenager? Talk about some crazy or risky things you did at that age.
- How can teenagers’ risky behavior be controlled?