Boys tend to play outside, in large groups that are hierarchically structured. Their groups have a leader who tells others what to do and how to do it, and resists doing what other boys propose. It is by giving orders that high status is negotiated. Another way boys achieve status is to take centre stage by telling stories and jokes, and by challenging the stories and jokes of others. Boys’ games have winners and losers and elaborate systems of rules that are frequently the subjects of arguments. Finally, boys are frequently heard to boast about their skills, likes and possessions, and argue about who is best at what.
Girls, on the other hand, play in small groups or pairs. The centre of a girl’s social life is her best friend. Within the group, intimacy is key: differentiation is measured by relative closeness. In their most frequent games, such as jump rope and hopscotch, everyone gets a turn. Many of their activities (such as playing with dolls) do not have winners or losers. Although some girls are certainly more skilled than others, girls are
expected not to boast about it, or show that they think they are better than the others. Girls don’t give orders: they express their preferences as suggestions, and suggestions are likely to be accepted.
QUESTIONS
I. Answer the following questions using your own words: (2 points; 1 point each)
1. What do boys frequently argue about?
2. Why does everybody get a turn in girls’ games?
II. Are the following statements true or false? (1 point)
1. Boys often boast about their abilities:____________________
2. Girls’ activities are highly competitive: ____________________
III. Find a word or phrase in the test which, in context, is similar in meaning to: (1 point)
1. Humorous or funny anecdotes: ____________________
2. Abilities: ____________________
IV. Choose a, b or c in each question below. Only one choice is correct: (2 points)
1. Boys gain leadership by
a. caring and sharing
b. voting democratically
c. giving orders.
2. Boys often argue about
a. their skill, likes and possessions.
b. who wins and loses.
c. playing with dolls.
3. Girls usually play
a. in big groups.
b. in twos or not very large groups.
c. chess because they don’t enjoy playing hopscotch or jump rope.
4. Girls
a. never boast about their skills.
b. do not often boast about their skills.
c. are more skilled than boys.
5. Composition (100-150 words). Choose one of the following topics: (4 points)
1. Are boys and girls so different? Give reasons.
2. Describe your ideal type of boy or girl.
Source: http://www.miguelmllop.com