Extensive readingThe text you are going to read is called “The Teen Commandments”Commandment –one of the rules given by God in the Bible that tell people how they must behave.

What do you think it is going to be like? Do you think it is going to be serious or humorous? Why does the author use “teen” instead of “ten”

The Teen Commandments

I was thirteen when I wrote my first book. It was called The Teen Commandments, and consisted of advice to parents on how to behave and not to irritate their children to death .Sadly , I lost it. Then I asked my own children for their list of “Do” and Don’t” s for parents.

1.parent should not pry. This involved asking questions such as: “Where are you going?” “Who with?” “Will you be back for supper?’’ “Who was that on the telephone?’’ “Why were you so long on the telephone?’’ “ Was it a good party?” And (worst of all), “Did you meet anyone nice?”

2.Parents shouldn’t act like spies , ringing up best friend Louise’s mother, asking if Louise had a nice time at a party then casually asking if Louise mentioned Emily getting off with anyone-and then saying

3.Parents should not force their children to go frightful parties where they won’t know anybody,

4. Parents should cook and foot the drinks bill for their children’s parties, but not attend them .Nor should they invite any guest without consultation-.

5.Parents should never make comparisons, saying: “When I was your age, we never did anything, of course-we were so innocent those days.

6.Parents should never make personal remarks .If children wish to appear with their hair like an upside down or in a strange colour that’s their problem.

7.Parents should never dictate their children’s diet. Four Mars bars, seventeen packets of crisps,two pounds of Granny Smiths, a litre of Coke and four mugs of hot chocolate- are the ideal substitute for three meals a day.

8.Parents should never ask their children do the most housework. Parents must appreciate that there is no time like future. Bedrooms can be tidied next year,

New words.

Commandments պատվիրաններTo jog one’s memory-հիշողության մեջ փորփրելTo pry – թաքուև նայելTo resort to – դիմելCasually ի դեպSpy լրտեսելPersonal remarks անձնական դիտողություններTo get off with - to start relationship with somebodyTo foot the drinks bill- վճարել ըմպելիքների համարSubstitute փոխարինում

A biddable child լսող երեխաDiscussionDescribe your family relationships.Do you like this diet? What diet would you have if you could choose.?“There is no time like the present” is a popular saying. Why has it been changed in the text?Do you have similar arguments about housework with your parents? Do you think it is important to keep one’s house tidy?

Write your own “Ten” or “Teen” commandments for teenagers on your teachers’ or parents’ behalf

a. Try to maintain a light, humorous style and cover the following areas

b. Choose between “must” and “should” for each commandment

Personal relationshipsFinancial mattersDietSpending free timeAppearanceBehavior

Household duties