Task: Your class listened to a radio discussion about how adults can be a good influence on

younger people. You have made the notes below:

Ways adults can influence how younger people behave:
- Giving rules
- Setting an example
- Offering advice
Write an essay discussing 2 of the ways in your notes that adults can influence younger people’s
behavior. You should explain which way you think is more effective, giving reasons to support
your opinion.

Nowadays, the biggest problem that adults are faced with is how to make the younger people
behave better. Everyone uses a different method, which they believe is the best one. But which
one is the most effective?
Unfortunately, the most common way adults use to control the younger people is by giving
rules. As time passes they realize how ineffective it actually is, but it is often too late. You know
what people say – “Everything is sweeter when it is forbidden.” That is why many young adults
do exactly the opposite you tell them. Having disobeyed the rules, the teenagers are often being
punished. Although, you might think they they will take a note, it is more likely to lose their
trust. So the next time they want to do something forbidden, they would rather lie to you.
On the other hand, it is always a good idea to talk calmly to a teen and give them an accurate
example. For instance, adults can share a similar experience they had when they were younger
and explain how they dealt with it. After all, we were all once young! The only think that the
youngsters want is to be understood and trusted. If you show them that you have gone through
all the problems they are having now, you can make them realize that they are not alone in this.
To sum up, being a good influence on younger people is not easy at all. But if you talk with them
as a friend and set a good example, you will always have their respect and trust.