Question

In today’s households where both parents go to work and kids have busy schedules with school homework and many afternoon activities, finding time for a gathering at the table seems all but impossible. Yet, studies have shown time and again that eating together has lots of benefits for family members, especially children.

According to reports issued by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), children who eat more with their family are at lower risk of developing poor eating habits, weight problems or alcohol dependencies. They tend to perform better academically than those who frequently eat alone. Family meals came into American life in the mid-20th century. In the 60’s and 70’s, social, economic and technological changes quickly dissolved the short-lived way of family meals. Restaurant visits, take-out and TV dinners have since become normal.

There are indicators, however, that the old customs are coming back. According to the latest CASA reports, 59% of surveyed families said they ate diner together at least five times a week, a significant increase from 47% in 1998. Whatever drives this trend, it is a development that should be welcomed.

Eating together as a family is not just about food and nutrition. It is about teaching them how to become members of their society and culture. Food has become so easily and cheaply available that we no longer appreciate its significance. We have to rediscover its importance and its value. Sharing a meal with loved ones should be considered a special event, which can almost take on the form of a ceremony, as it was practiced by our ancestors for whom finding food was a constant struggle.

Of course, there is no guarantee that the simple act of eating at home surrounded by family may make children more virtuous or socially more responsible. But it can lay the groundwork for a lot of things that point them in the right direction.

1.What does the underlined sentence suggest?

A. Dining at home would enjoy great popularity.

B. The society was to develop at a fast speed.

C. This practice of family meals started to change.

D. Americans would attach importance to take-out.

2.What is the writer’s attitude towards eating together as a family?

A. Against. B. Encouraging.

C. Neither against nor encouraging. D. Uninterested.

3.From the passage we learn our ancestors possibly _____.

A. valued the education of children B. liked struggling with each other

C. appreciated the importance of food D. cared much about food nutrition

4.Which of the following can be the best title for the passage?

A. Family Dinners Benefit Kids B. Good Eating Habits Matter

C. Meals Take on New Meanings D. Old Customs Are Coming Back

Answer 1