F.5

Reading Aloud 11

Let's put an end to domestic abuse

Domestic abuse takes many forms. It includes verbal, emotional, psychological and, unfortunately physical abuse. It can be directed at anyone – children, elders or partners.

Sometimes, under the pressure of work or perhaps finances, parents get angry with their children.

The impact can last a long time because it can shape the child's development and have consequences that affect the rest of their lives. It can lead to depression, anxiety, eating disorders and so on. Money problems and communication breakdowns are fatal to family harmony.

The best way to deal with these things is to talk about them before they actually become problems.

Regular family meetings are a good start. They provide a safe environment for family members to share their views.

Honest communication builds mutual trust. Mutual trust is the basis of a healthy family.

Ho Wing Sze (5E)
South China Morning Post ( November 3, 2008 )


Vocabulary

1. domestic abuse (n) 家庭虐待
2. verbal (adj) 言語的

3. psychological (n) 心理的

4. finances (n) 財務情況

5. consequences (n) 後果
6. anxiety (n) 焦慮

7. mutual trust (n) 相互信任

Useful Sentences

1. bring/put an end to sth 結束
It's hoped the talks may bring an end to the violence.

2. direct sth at/to sb/sth 把(某物)對準
Our efforts are primarily directed towards helping children who live in poverty.

3. under pressure 在壓力下
With greatly increased workloads, everyone is under pressure now.

4. get/become angry 發脾氣
There's no point in getting angry.

5. fatal to 致命的,災難性的
The recession has proved fatal to many businesses.

6. share sb's view 有同樣的觀點
I believe my view is widely shared.


 

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