Part 6
You are going to read an article about a nation. Six sentences have been removed from the article. Choose from the sentences A-G the one which fits each gap (37-42). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.
Is it time we went Dutch?
Two toddlers have just chased each other to the top of a climbing frame and are pushing to get down the slide first. Their mothers are chatting on a nearby park bench. In the distance a little boy wobbles along on his bike, followed by his grandfather who is pushing a buggy. A gang of older children comes racing along the bike path, laughing and joking. They overtake a young mum who is cycling more slowly, balancing a baby in a seat on the front of her bike and a toddler on the back. A group of girls is playing on the grass and not far away, some boys are perfecting their skateboarding moves. And none of the school-age children is accompanied by an adult.
This happy scene isn’t from a movie. It’s just a normal Springtime afternoon in the Netherlands. Is it too perfect? Realistic? Idealistic? 37 . Their teenagers are said to be among the happiest in the world and even newborn babies are supposed to be far more contented and smiling than their counterparts in different countries. Of course, the big question is why? And can Dutch parenting skills, the education system and their general priorities in life teach the rest of us anything important?
One significant factor could be the Dutch parents’ attitude towards achievement. For them achievement doesn’t necessarily lead to happiness, but happiness can lead to achievement. Success starts with happiness. They do not push their kids to learn quickly; the children are allowed to develop in their own time. 38 . Primary school children are not given homework, and reading and writing skills are not usually taught until the age of six. Learning to play together is of first importance. Carefree childhood lasts just that bit longer.
Security is vital for a happy child, and the Dutch try to forge strong family bonds. For example, it’s traditional for the whole family to eat breakfast together every single day. Dutch dads also play a big part in bringing up the children, taking an equal role in child-rearing and doing household chores. 39 . You’re just as likely to see a dad pushing a pram or wearing a baby-carrier as a mum!
Another interesting point is that independence in Dutch children is encouraged early on. 40 . They are taught to be self-sufficient and accept responsibility at an appropriate age. Playing outside unsupervised (often considered noisy and disruptive in other cultures) is seen as an important stage in the growing up process.
One common cause of dissatisfaction in many people today is an obsession with material things. 41 . For the Dutch, practicality usually tops luxury and children often grow up wearing second-hand clothes and playing with used toys. Check out King’s Day celebrations in Amsterdam – a major attraction is the enormous second-hand market where children become traders for the day, buying and selling old toys!
Of course, many countries claim to be ‘the happiest places to live’ or ‘have the most contented people’ for a variety of reasons. 42 . However, in the end, most happy adults start off as happy children. And while there may be some things about Dutch parenting or education that we do not completely agree with, they are undoubtedly doing something right.
A. Unusually, Dutch children do not appear to be overly affected by this concern.
B. This is reinforced by the Dutch education system.
C. Instead of this, the Dutch believe in inspiring children to explore the world around them.
D. Mums don’t do for their children things they are capable of doing themselves.
E. Perhaps the climate is good or maybe the standard of living is exceptional.
F. According to surveys, it reflects the claim that the Netherlands is a very happy nation.
G. They look after their kids on their days off and help put the little ones to bed.
For this task: Answers with explanations :: Vocabulary