Question

Making Peace with Your Parents

As a teen, you’re going through big changes physically and mentally. Your interests are expanding. 1. Here is the challenge: Kids need to explore the world in new ways, and parents need to protect them from the dangers that are out in that world. These conflicts can easily set off fireworks in otherwise calm houses. Sometimes conflicts can’t be avoided. But by paying attention to the building blocks of successful relationships, you can work towards making home a happy and healthy place for you and your parents.

For instance, try to find a time to talk when your parents are not angry, tired, distracted, or hungry. A good time to talk is when you’re all relaxed. Timing is everything. If the conversation begins to turn into an argument, you’d better calmly and coolly ask to stop the conversation—for now. 2.

3. How do you build trust? Trust comes by actually doing what you say you’re going to do. Some teens find that doing fun activities with their parents can improve their relationships. Sometimes we forget that parents are more than rule-makers—they’re interesting people who like to watch movies, and go shopping—just like their teenagers!

Listen to what your parents are saying, and repeat it back to them. This shows them that you’re listening.4.

What do you do if you are trying your best, but your relationship with your parents continues to be rocky? 5. You can find supportive adults, such as a teacher or a coach, who can lend an ear.

Remember you can only change your own behavior; your parents are the only ones who can change theirs.

A. You may consider seeking outside help.

B. You can pick it up again when everyone’s more relaxed.

C. And then you’ll be able to accept what your parents say.

D. Faced with the challenge, children don’t know what to do.

E. And your desire to take control of your own life is growing.

F. It also gives them a chance to clear things up if you’re not on the same page.

G. You are more likely to get along with your parents if your parents believe in you.

Answer

1.E

2.B

3.G

4.F

5.A

【解析】

这是一篇说明文。本文论述了十几岁的年轻人，有了更多的欲望，想自己独立，必然和父母有分歧，本文给出了一些如何和父母和平相处建议。

1.根据上文Your interests are expanding．（你的兴趣在扩大。）中expanding可对应到E选项中growing。兴趣多了，自己的控制欲在增长，故E选项“你掌控自己生活的欲望也在增长。”符合上下文语境。故选E。

2.根据上文A good time to talk is when you're all relaxed．Timing is everything．If the conversation begins to turn into an argument，you'd better calmly and coolly ask to stop the conversation--for now．（当你完全放松的时候是交谈的好时机。时机就是一切。如果谈话开始变成争吵，你最好冷静地要求停止谈话——至少现在是这样。）可知暂停争论，冷静下来，就必须再找其他的时间交流，故B选项“当大家都比较放松的时候，你可以再提起它。”故选B。

3.根据下文How do you build trust? Trust comes by actually doing what you say you’re going to do. Some teens find that doing fun activities with their parents can improve their relationships.（如何建立信任?信任来自于真正去做你说过要做的事。一些青少年发现和父母一起做有趣的活动可以改善他们的关系。）可知本段是在说明青少年如何和父母建立起信任关系。故G选项“如果你的父母相信你，你更有可能与你的父母相处。”符合上下文语境。故选G。

4.结合上文Listen to what your parents are saying, and repeat it back to them. This shows them that you’re listening.（听你父母在说什么，然后重复给他们听。这表明你在倾听。）可推知本空应说明上文这种做法的原因是，当你和父母意见不一致，这也给父母一个说清楚事情的机会。故F选项“如果你们意见不一致，这也给了他们一个说清楚的机会。”符合上下文语境。故选F。

5.根据下文You can find supportive adults，such as a teacher or a coach，who can lend an ear．（你可以找到支持你的成年人，比如老师或教练，他们可以倾听你的意见。）可知是建议寻求父母之外其他成年人的帮助。故A选项“你可以考虑寻求外界的帮助。”符合上下文语境。故选A。