【大学受験対策】英語長文読解問題42｜251語＋和訳・解答解説

In many families, being an only child can bring certain advantages, such as having more space at home or receiving extra attention from parents. However, some people worry that an only child might have fewer chances to develop social skills. Without brothers or sisters to play or argue with, an only child may have fewer daily opportunities to learn cooperation, compromise, and conflict resolution.

Still, there are many ways for an only child to grow socially. For example, attending daycare or joining a playgroup at an early age can help them learn to share and interact with children of similar ages. As they get older, activities like team sports, art classes, or music clubs allow them to make friends and practice working in a group. These experiences give an only child the chance to deal with different personalities and learn the importance of empathy.

Parents also play a key role in this development. They can organize play dates, encourage involvement in community events, or introduce family friends with children around the same age. In addition, teaching good communication skills at home—such as listening politely and speaking honestly—can help a child feel confident in social situations.

Being an only child does not mean missing out on essential social growth. It simply requires parents to create a supportive environment with enough opportunities for a child to interact with peers. When adults and caregivers focus on providing these positive experiences, an only child can develop strong social skills that will benefit them throughout life.

Q1.Why might an only child gain social skills from early activities?

1. Enrolling in playgroups to practice sharing with similar-aged kids.
2. Spending quiet hours reading at home every afternoon.
3. Limiting contact with other children to reduce possible conflict.
4. Skipping community events that involve large public gatherings.

Q2. How can families assist an only child in building social confidence?

1. They strictly avoid letting children talk with new friends.
2. They remove all group activities to focus on academics only.
3. They discourage open communication to prevent possible disagreements.
4. They arrange social chances and teach good communication skills.

Q3. Which statement below does not reflect the ideas presented?

1. Parents sometimes plan outings to help children socialize effectively.
2. Young only children hardly gain benefits from shared group experiences.
3. An only child may receive greater focus from parents.
4. Growing up alone does not block normal social development forever.