Speaking Test Part 3:

1. How does your childhood influence what kind of person you become?

I think that your experiences in childhood can make a big difference to the type of person you become. If you are raised by caring parents who make an effort to help you develop and teach you the right way to behave, as well as help you to learn the emotional skills that you need, you are much more likely to turn out as a happy and well-adjusted adult.

2. Should children be allowed to spend a lot of time watching TV or playing computer games?

Well, when I was a little kid, I loved to play computer games, but my parents were quite strict and I was only able to play them during the school holidays. During the school term time I couldn’t play and I hardly ever watched TV either. When I look back I realise it was a good thing for me as it meant that I spent all of my free time outside and was much more active.

3. Is it important for grandparents to help raise their grandchildren?

I think it really depends on a few factors. Firstly, if they live nearby it’s much easier for them to babysit when parents go out or watch over kids when they’re playing. Secondly, the age of the grandparents is important. If they are already very elderly, it may be very tough for them to look after toddlers.  Finally, it depends on how busy they are. Some grandparents are still working, so in this case it would be hard for them to help a lot with grandchildren.

4. Is it important for children to have role models?

Yes, of course, positive role models are crucial for kids when they are growing up. It helps kids a lot if they can look up to an adult who shows them how to behave and act appropriately. I think kids who have good role models tend to be more happy and well-adjusted.

5. Are more children spoilt now than in the past?

I’m not entirely sure, but possibly. I don’t have kids, but it sometimes seems like too many parents coddle children these days. I often see kids throwing tantrums and the parents don’t know what to do. Maybe there’s too much pressure on parents to nurture their kids, and they just don’t know how to discipline them.

6. When does a child become an adult?

That’s a good question. Legally someone becomes an adult in most countries when they are 18 but many kids don’t leave the family home until they’re much older. Often children are dependent on their parents until they’re at least 21 and don’t really become mature adults until even later.