Section B 3a 3b get in the way of a professional runner grow up have nothing against decide for oneself enter university be serious about care about have a chance to do sth. 妨碍 一名职业跑步运动员 长大 一点都不抵触;不反对 自作主张; 由自己来决定 上大学 认真对待 关心； 在乎 有机会做某事 Translate the phrases. Should I Be Allowed to Make My Own Decisions? Many teenagers have hobbies. But sometimes these can get in the way of their schoolwork, and parents might worry about their success at school. Teenagers often think they should be allowed to practice their hobbies as much as they want. Do you agree? Section B 2b Liu Yu, a fifteen-year-old boy from Shandong, is a running star. He is on his school team and has always wanted to be a professional runner when he grows up. However, his parents wont allow him to train so much. “Of course we want to see him achieve his dreams,” says Mr. Liu. “And we know how much he loves running. My wife and I have supported every one of his races. We have nothing against running! But we think our son needs to think about other possible jobs. Hes getting older now, so he needs to think about what will happen if he doesnt end up as a professional runner.” Liu Yu doesnt really agree. “Well, I think I should be allowed to decide for myself,” he says. “My parents have always taught me how important it is to work hard at school and enter university. I understand this, but Im serious about running. Its the only thing Ive ever wanted to do.” His parents believe that Liu Yu should study hard in the evenings so they dont allow him to practice running at night. “Maybe he thinks its too strict or unfair,” says Mrs. Liu. “But we think were doing the right thing. He needs to spend more time on his homework because it is difficult to become a professional sports star .” But Liu Yu still disagrees. “I know my parents care about me. They always talk about what will happen if I dont succeed. But I will! Im a quick runner! I think I should be allowed to make this choice myself. Only then will I have a chance to achieve my dream.” What rules do you have at home? Do you have any rules about eating, sleeping, housework, homework, or making friends? 3a With a partner, discuss some rules at home that you agree or disagree with. Make some notes in the chart. Rule Why you agree or disagree with it How you think the rule should be changed cant play computer games agree-sitting in front of the computer for hours playing games isnt good no need to be changed Rule Why you agree or disagree with it How you think the rule should be changed cant watch TV disagree- not all TV programs are bad for students; need to relax sometimes, rather than spend all the time studying should be allowed to watch TV programs that are educational (such as documentaries); should be allowed to watch TV programs on weekends. Rule Why you agree or disagree with it How you think the rule should be changed must be home for dinner every day disagree- takes away opportunities to spend time with friends; makes life uninteresting should be allowed to have dinner with friends as long as I dont stay out too late and it does not get in the way of any important family activity Use the following expressions to help you: I do not agree with I think I should be allowed to I would like to I could if I 3b Write a diary entry explaining which rule(s) you do not agree with at home and how you think the rule(s) should be changed. I do not agree with the rule that I must be home for dinner every day. This is because the rule affects my social life. It takes away important opportunities for me to spend time with my friends. As a result, my life is quite uninteresting sometimes. I think I should be allowed to have dinner with my friends once in a while. For example, I would like to hang out with my classmates until after dinner on some Fridays. I wish my parents will allow me to do this if I promise not to stay out too late and if there is no important family activity on those days. Write a letter to your parents to tell them what decisions you want to make for yourself and give your reasons. Dear Mum and Dad, _ _ _ _ Yours _ Lets enjoy a song Be What You Wanna Be. 1 Match the words in the two columns and choose five phrases to make sentences. take shopping do photos get my dream achieve ears pierced make part-time work go a choice _ _ _ _ I never go shopp