An only child

What is an “only child”? Are children that have neither brothers nor sisters different from those who have them? Are they the same as children from large families? There are many articles about only children. Some articles speak of the ‘problem’ of only children. But what are the facts?

A lot of only children are people who are very successful in life. For example, many famous scientists were only children. But many first-born children are also successful, as a rule.

What do the scientists say?

Fifty years ago they said: “Being an only child is an illness. ” Of course, it is difficult to agree with this. But only children are very different from children in large families. They are often in the centre of attention.

One modern scientist believes that it is more difficult for them to feel comfortable at school. But the phrase “an only child” does not mean “a lonely child”. Another scientist said: “There is one great advantage for an only child. This child gets all the love of his/her parents. A loved child usually becomes a loving parent. ”

But there are a lot of people who think differently.

Ø And what do you think? How many children do you have/do you want to have? Would you like to have twins?

Ø What size is the perfect family?

Make up the dialogue/sentences using the following words and word combinations.

A famous scientist; an only child; to be different from; a large family; to get all the love of smb.; a loved child; a loving parent; to agree with smth./smb.; a first-born child; to be very successful in life; an illness; in the centre of attention; a lonely child; a great advantage for smb.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-16