U4 Reading 1: FOCUS ON UNDERSTANDING

Read the statements about “Why Are Little Kids in Japan So Independent?” Choose True or False.

1. Most Japanese children don’t go places by themselves until they are 12 years old.

• True

• False

Read the statements about “Why Are Little Kids in Japan So Independent?” Choose True or False.

2. Though some Japanese parents allow their children to be independent, this is not common.

• True

• False

Read the statements about “Why Are Little Kids in Japan So Independent?” Choose True or False.

3. Self-sufficiency is the reason that Japanese kids are independent.

• True

• False

Read the statements about “Why Are Little Kids in Japan So Independent?” Choose True or False.

4. Japanese schools teach children to share responsibility for work and public spaces.

• True

• False

Read the statements about “Why Are Little Kids in Japan So Independent?” Choose True or False.

5. Most people in Japanese cities walk a lot and take public transportation instead of cars.

• True

• False

Read the statements about “Why Are Little Kids in Japan So Independent?” Choose True or False.

6. One reason Japanese parents let their kids go to school alone is that they trust the community.

• True

• False

Choose the correct answer to the questions about the text.

1. What is common in Japanese cities?

• crime

• the sight of children traveling alone

Choose the correct answer to the questions about the text.

2. How did Kaito’s parents feel at first about him taking the train alone?

• apprehensive

• happy

Choose the correct answer to the questions about the text.

3. What is different for kids who take the train alone now than in the past?

• They don’t get as much help from others.

• They have cell phones to call for help.

Choose the correct answer to the questions about the text.

4. What do Japanese children learn very early on in life?

• Anyone in the community can be called on to help.

• It’s important to be self-sufficient