FIREARMS AND GUN CONTROLS

When foreigners are sometimes asked what seems most strange about American society, somewhere on the top of the list will be the fact that the average citizen is allowed to possess guns. Although it is true that many people carry guns legally in the United States, it is also known that many who possess guns carry them illegally. Others, who don't have guns, feel that guns can be acquired quite easily. A recent survey indicated that many high school students, especially in the inner cities, can acquire a gun with little difficulty. Some schools require students to pass through a metal detector similar to those found at airports before entering the school building. Police statistics also show that death by firearms is one of the leading causes of death among children under twenty and many citizens feel that owning one is a necessary for self-protection. In a campaign to get children to give up their weapons, guns were once exchanged for toys at Christmas. Several years ago thousands of children handed in their firearms for coupons redeemable at Toys "R" Us. This was a bizarre and ironic indication of the full extent of the problem.

1. What do many non-Americans find very strange about America culture? A They are too independent B They have easy access to guns and weapons C Many high school students want to own a gun D Guns are found in almost every home 2. How do some schools check to see if students are carrying guns? A The administration searches their lockers B They have employed security guards on every floor C They have installed metal detectors at the entrance of the building D The invite the police to make surprise searches for guns 3. What is a leading cause of death for children under twenty in the United States? A Cancer and other diseases B Weapons of mass destruction C Firearms which are either intended or accidentally shot. D Automobile accidents.

Although most people would never want to own a gun, others have taken up hunting as a sport and enjoy hunting wild game in season. Hunting for deer, pheasants and duck in fall and winter is very much a part of the American culture. Also, some ranchers in rural areas who raise cattle and sheep feel they need to protect their animals against the mountain lions and wolves which attack their herds and flocks at night. To defend and support their rights to possess firearms The National Rifle Association (NRA) was founded in 1871 by National Guard officers. Their purpose was to help rifle owners to increase the accuracy of their marks-manship. The organization has close ties with the Defense department which has helped to support the organization and even sponsor a rifle contest. Nevertheless, the main importance of this association has been its efforts to prevent strict gun control legislation. The association has great political support in small towns and rural areas especially in the West and the South where hunting is especially popular. Those who favor the right to possess guns insist that the second amendment to the constitution provides the right of people "to keep and bear arms." They believe that gun control laws will not solve the problem of crime and violence in America. Recent events in America, however, have shown that the question of gun possession is now out of control and strong lobbies in Washington have called for immediate action to be taken. In seemingly peaceful schools students have gone into classrooms and cafeterias and opened fire upon their own classmates. In horror and shock America has been traumatized by such incidents which seem to occur with greater frequency.

4. What did thousands of children do at Christmas several years ago?

A The bought guns at Toys R' Us. B The redeemed their guns for store coupons. C They traded store coupons for guns D The exchanged toys for guns 5. Why do many people who are not interested in hunting choose to possess guns? A It is just a very practical weapon to have to deter crime B Guns are easier to use than knives C It is fashionable today to possess a gun D They need a gun for self-protection 6. For those who do not own a gun for self-protection which reason is often given? A The enjoy hunting as a sport. B They need a gun to protect their livestock from dangerous animals. C They belong to the National Rifle Association D It is part of America culture 7. Which organization was founded in 1871? A B C D The National Firearms Association. The National Rifle Army The National Rifle Association The Northern Revolutionary Association

The periodic deaths of innocent citizens and even foreign visitors from guns have forced legislators to enact laws to stop these senseless killings. Some have suggested that the distribution of ammunition be strictly controlled and heavily taxed, thereby making it difficult to acquire bullets for weapons. Others have proposed that a strict test be offered to anyone applying for a gun to ascertain his mental competency and stability. The day may not be far off when America will be transformed from a gun culture to one which controls their use and possession.

8. What is the main purpose of the (NRA) National Rifle Association? A This association has great political support in small towns B It fights to prevent strict legislation to control the use and possession of guns C It defends those who want to use guns for hunting D It insists that people have the right to own guns 9. Which amendment to the American constitution gives people the right to "keep and bear arms."? A The first amendment B The second amendment C The third amendment. D There is no such amendment to the constitution. 10. Which recent incidents in America have created lobbies in Washington to put more controls on gun ownership? A A rise in crimes which involve guns B The increase of terrorist activities C Violence in schools which involve students shooting their classmates. D The ownership of guns by people with mental illnesses

Answers 1. B 2. C 8. B 3. C 9. B 4. B 5. D 10. C 6. A 7. C