C
Do you often have meals at home with your parents?
For teenagers, eating with their families is not only about preventing bad outcomes – it is also about developing good ones.
Several studies have looked at the long-term effects eating with families has on a teenager. Experts say that these studies do not seem to prove a cause-and-effect relationship. However, they do suggest a strong link.
In 2018, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development looked at data from nearly three-quarters of the world’s countries. Among its findings was the fact that students who shared a main meal with their families were less likely to skip school.
Teenagers who eat a main meal with their families are also less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. That was a finding of a study by the National Center on Addition and Substance Abuse (CASC) at Columbia University in New York. The 2012 CASA report found that family dinners were strongly linked to teen substance abuse prevention. In the report，researchers say that teens who have family dinners frequently are more likely to say their parents know a lot about their lives.” They also claim that when teens say they feel closer to their parents, they are less likely to use drugs and alcohol.
Another study from the University of Montreal found that teenagers who ate with their families experience long-term physical and mental health benefits. These teens were physically in better shape and drank fewer sugary soft drinks. They also seemed to have better social skills.
Linda Pagani, a professor involved in this study says that there is a handful of research suggesting a positive link between eating family meals together frequently and adolescent health. Pagani says that mealtimes shared with parents likely provide young children with firsthand social interaction，discussions of social issues and day-to-day concerns. She adds that they may likely help the child have better communication skills with others.
28. What’s the function of the first sentence in the passage?
A. To ask readers a question. B. To introduce the topic.
B. To find answers. D. To give readers a help.
29. What is the main idea of the passage ?
A. Benefits of family dinners on teenagers. B. The vital importance of a healthy diet.
C. Teenagers’ desire for family dinners. D. Studies about teenagers’ physical condition.
30. What does the underlined word “substance” in paragraph 4 refer to?
A. Time and study. B. Drugs and alcohol.
C. Diet and disease. D. Conflict and violence.
31. Linda Pagnai believes that teenagers eating family meals a lot are probably more .
A. ambitious B. intelligent C. sociable D. conservative
