CHAPTER 1 - The Age of Adulthood

Reading Comprehension - Check Your Understanding

A. Choose the correct answers for the following questions.

1. The main idea of the passage is ______.
A) the age of adulthood is too young in some places but too old in others
B) being a young person in Latin America is easier than in Japan or the US
C) there are special ages and celebrations around the world that show a person is becoming an adult

2. Americans are NOT allowed to ______ when they turn 18.
A) drive
B) buy alcohol
C) join the military

3. According to the passage, which of the following shows you are becoming an adult?
A) voting in an election
B) throwing a party
C) celebrating your birthday

4. What do quinceañera and Coming-of-Age Day have in common?
A) Both are only for young women.
B) City and school leaders are involved.
C) They start the day with a religious ceremony.

B. Read the following sentences. Choose true (T) or false (F).

C. Discuss the following questions with a partner.

1. Do you think age plays a big part in determining if someone is an adult? Why, or why not?
   Answer

   Answers will vary.

2. What ages are important in your country or culture? Why?
   Answer

   Some may feel that age is a good guideline; others may think that maturity is more important, and that maturity comes to people at different ages depending on their upbringing, culture, personality, and experiences.

The Age of Adulthood

In the United States, 16, 18, and 21 are significant ages in a person's life. A person can do new things at each age to show that he or she is no longer a child. These are all part of the transition to adulthood.

After turning 16 in the United States, a person can be employed, get a driver's license, and leave home. Many high school students learn to drive and get part-time jobs soon after celebrating their 16th birthday. At 18, people in the United States can vote in government elections and join the military, but they are prohibited from going into nightclubs, buying alcohol like beer or wine, or gambling until they are 21.

In many Latin American¹ countries, a young woman's 15th birthday is 'important. At this age, she is no longer considered to be a girl, but a woman. To mark this special day, families with 15-year-old daughters have a celebration called a quinceañera. The day begins with the young woman and her family going to church.' Later, there is a party to which many guests are invited.

In Japan, boys and girls are considered to be adults at the age of 20. At this age, they are allowed to vote and drink alcohol. The second Monday in January is a national holiday called coming-of-Age Day. On this day, 20-year-olds celebrate by first going to a shrine² with their families. Later, they listen to speeches³ given by city and school leaders. After that, many celebrate with family and friends late into the night.

In many countries, celebrations do not stop at adulthood. people like to celebrate what they consider to be important ages such as their 50th or 60th birthdays, or significant events such as the birth of their first child, or their retirement.