2004年1月四级试题 Part II prehension (35 minutes) Passage One Questions 21 to 25 are based on the following passage. I'm usually fairly skeptical about any research that concludes that people are either happier or unhappier or more or less certain of themselves than they were 50 years ago. While any of these statements might be true, they are practically impossible to prove scientifically. Still, I was struck by a report which concluded that today's children are significantly more anxious than children in the 1950s. In fact, the analysis showed, normal children ages 9 to 17 exhibit a higher level of anxiety today than children who were treated for mental illness 50 years ago. Why are America's kids so stressed? The report cites two main causes: increasing physical isolation -- brought on by high divorce rates and less involvement munity, among other things -- and a growing perception that the world is a more dangerous place. Given that we can't turn the clock back, adults can still do plenty to help the next generation cope. At the top of the list is nurturing (培育) a better appreciation of the limits of individualism. No child is an island. Strengthening social ties helps munities and protect individuals against stress. To help kids build stronger connections with others, you can pull the plug on TVs puters. Your family will thank you later. They will have more tim
