Page 108 - DENG102_COMMUNICATION_SKILLS_II

Unit 7: Comprehension and Quick Reading of Texts

The first exercise has been deliberately chosen as a simple one. The idea is not to give you an easy notes
time doing it but to give you ample scope to consciously practice the strategies that you have
read so far.

7.1.1 comprehension Passage i: Boys vs. Girls: How they Play?

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 the 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.

keywords

Hierarchical: Refers to systems that are organized in the shape of a pyramid, with each row of
objects linked to objects directly beneath it.
Negotiate: Try to reach an agreement or compromise by discussion with others

exercises

1. Answer the following questions:

(a) What do boys frequently argue about?
(b) Why does everybody get a turn in girls’ games?
2. State whether the following statements are true or false:

(a) Boys often boast about their abilities: ………………… .
(b) Girls’ activities are highly competitive: ………………… .
3. Find a word or phrase in the text which, in context, is similar in meaning to:
(a) Humorous or funny anecdotes: ………………… .

(b) Abilities: ………………… .
4. Multiple Choice Questions:
(a) Boys gain leadership by

(i) caring and sharing
(ii) voting democratically
(iii) giving orders.

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