[SC20090421]

American culture corner(2)
独立自主的下一代Independent children
美国孩子从小就开始学习独立自主

Independent children
Americans value independence in their children

Conversation A

Jack: Hi, Laura, did you hear that Sam is going to Africa?
Laura: Really? Is he going on vacation with his family?
Jack: No, he's going with his church youth group. They're going to help build houses for poor families in rural villages.
Laura: But he's only 13 years old!
Jack: That doesn't matter. It's acceptable for young teens to travel far from home without their parents.
Laura: That's true. I know the high school Spanish Club is taking a trip to Peru in the summer.
Jack: That sounds like fun!

Conversation B

Laura: How is your niece Sylvia doing?
Jack: Great! She started her own business.
Laura: Really? She's only 16!
Jack: I know, but she's very resourceful. She loves dogs, so she started a dog-walking business. She advertised on the Internet and put up signs around town.
Laura: Did she get a lot of clients?
Jack: She did. She walks eight dogs at noon every day.
Laura: At the same time？
Jack: Yes! You should see her! And she's making some money - she charges $25 an hour.
Laura: Hmmm...maybe I should change jobs!


Word bank

acceptable(adj)
Wearing shorts to school in winter is not acceptable.

resourceful(adj)
Mark can help us fine the supplies for this project. He's very resourceful.

advertise(v)
Tom advertises his lawn care service on the Internet.

client(n)
Many clients appreciate the lawyer's help and wise advice.