- Listen to the programme about children and independence.
- Answer the multiple-choice questions. Choose one answer for each question. Listen again if you need to.
- Read the transcript at the end of the page. It contains some mistakes. Listen again, find the mistakes and correct them.
Read the transcript and spot the mistakes.
P = Presenter A = Anna B = Ben C = Claire
P: Welcome to Have Your Say. Today we’re asking: when are children ready for more independence? Anna, you’re our first caller.
A: My fifteen-year-old son wants an e-bike. But the one he’s shown me is really an electric motorbike. Some boys round here ride them dangerously, and he wants to join them.
P: Wouldn’t it be fairer to judge him on his own behaviour?
A: The thing is, he takes risks when he’s with his friends. My biggest concern is that he’ll try to impress them.
P: So what you’re saying is you’re more worried about his friends’ influence than the bike itself?
A: Exactly. The main problem is how they behave together.
P: Have you thought about suggesting an ordinary mountain bike instead?
A: So, in other words, I should offer him an alternative?
P: Exactly. Something you’d feel comfortable letting him ride. Ben, you’re next.
B: My nine-year-old daughter wants a smartphone. She says everyone else has one.
P: And what do you think?
B: One advantage is that she could contact me after school. But I’m worried she’d spend all evening on it.
P: I gather your point is that you want her to be able to contact you, but you don’t want her constantly on a screen?
B: That’s right.
P: Don’t you think a basic phone would make more sense? What matters most is that she can reach you.
B: If I’ve got it right, you’re suggesting a phone just for calls and texts?
P: Exactly. Surely you can agree to a phone without agreeing to games and group chats?
B: That’s a useful way of putting it.
P: Finally, Claire. What’s your question?
C: My sixteen-year-old wants to go camping in the Highlands with three friends and no adults.
P: Have they been camping before?
C: Only with us. The best thing about it is that they’d learn to look after themselves. But they haven’t planned a route yet.
P: Wouldn’t it be better to ask them for a proper plan first? Where they’ll stay and what they’ll do if the weather changes.
C: The thing is, they think planning spoils the adventure.
P: You need to bear in mind that enthusiasm isn’t preparation. Isn’t it important for them to show they can take responsibility?
C: So what you’re getting at is that they need to earn that independence?
P: Exactly. A sensible plan would be a good start.