Do very clever children need help?

In our history, there have been some remarkable children. Mozart is a famous example. After he had heard a piece of music a couple of times, he could write it down on paper. He composed symphonies while he was still a child. Today we also hear stories of very gifted children.

Ruth Lawrence, from the UK, became famous at the age of 12, when she began her studies at Oxford University. She was the youngest student ever to attend a university in the UK. Before going to university, Ruth was taught at home by her father. While she was a student, her father was always by her side. He attended all her lectures with her. Ruth did very well at Oxford. She got a first class degree in mathematics. Now Ruth is a mathematics professor.

These young people are, however, extremely special. Because of that they naturally feel different to other children of their own age. They can become lonely. Michael Howe, a professor of psychology says, "It is good to be good at something while you are young, but if you do not have friends or other experiences you will not have a satisfying life." Gifted children who understand quicker than their classmates can also become lazy. They can behave badly in class because they are bored.

If parents find that their child is especially talented, they have to take some important and difficult decisions. They have to help their child develop but they cannot push their child too hard. If they do, the child may have serious problems later in life. However, if a child is especially gifted, it is clear that they need a special kind of education. These children need to be motivated. This means that they have to study with people who are older than them. But at the same time they must be allowed to be children too.

Despite her great success, Ruth Lawrence does not want her own children to be brought up and educated in the same way she was. They will be sent to a normal school and she has said that she wants them to develop and grow only in a natural way.

2. Ruth Lawrence was a gifted child. Read aloud the extract which says about her.

3. What kind of problems can wonderkids have?

4. What should parents and teachers do for their gifted children?

II.Listen to three speakers talking about their favourite pastime and answer the questions below.

1. According to the first speaker, what is his favourite pastime?

2. Why is the second speaker keen on crafts?

3. What problem does the third speaker have because of his favourite pastime?

Speaker 1: Well, my favourite leisure pastime is rather unusual. You see, I live in the country and for me there is nothing better than riding on horseback on a hot sunny day with a little breeze. There is no one around and you can enjoy freedom from almost everything and everyone. No matter what mood you are in, you can always find happiness.

Speaker 2: I am fond of crafts. I love making different items from wood and then painting them. I usually give them away just to make people smile! 1 also enjoy sewing, especially making doll clothes for my daughter. All these things relax me, not to mention that I get a bit of satisfaction from having made something useful. I love making gifts for my family and friends. I wish I had more time to do it.

Speaker 3: I have only one favourite pastime. Every day I come home, lie on the sofa, turn on TV and just relax. What do I watch? It doesn't matter. Anything from soaps to football matches. My TV set is my best friend. The only problem is that I have put on a lot of weight. I can't help eating crisps and other snacks while watching. My friends say I'm a couch potato. So what? I like it that way.

III.

1. Let's talk about different types of houses. Tell me about your dream house.

2. Do you find your flat/house a comfortable place for living?

3. What questions will you ask your friend who is going to move into his/ her new home?

4. If your parents ask for your opinion where to move: to the city or to the country, what would you recommend them to do?

5. They say that the room/flat/house you live in reflects your character and personality. What do you think about this idea?