Question Set 7

TEENAGE CURFEWS
In an attempt to fight the growing problem of teenage crime in America, 70% of US cities and towns have
introduced curfew laws. The curfew laws forbid teenagers to be out on the streets after 10 pm unless they are
accompanied by an adult. There are a number of exceptions, such as going to or from workplaces, schools and
religious or civic functions. Young people caught violating the curfew get a warning, but after a second violation
they may get a fine or have to spend time in a correction centre. Parents who allow their children to violate the
curfew also risk prosecution.
The results of the curfew have been promising. In Dallas, Texas, violent crime by young people has decreased by
about 30%, and in New Orleans, the number of teenagers arrested for robbery has fallen by more than 25%. The
concept of curfew has reached other countries. In Spain, for example, an appeal for a curfew was made in Granada,
which has problems with teenage crime.
Despite the success of curfew laws in the US, not everyone is happy with them. Some teenagers consider them
unfair, and others claim that the curfew actually encourages law-abiding teenagers to break the law. Opponents of the
curfew claim that the laws are a violation of the rights of citizens under 18.
In spite of these objections, the US Supreme Court has ruled that well-designed teenage curfews are legal, since
public security is more important than the protection of teenage rights. Curfews do seem to be a step in the right
direction towards dealing with the problem of teenage crime.
QUESTIONS
1. Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Write down the evidence from the text. No marks are given for
only TRUE or FALSE.
a. Parents can let their children break the curfew without being punished.
b. The author of the text thinks teenage curfews have a positive effect.
(2 points)
2. In your own words and based on the ideas from the text, answer the following questions.
a. Who doesnt agree with the curfews? Explain your answer.
b. Why have curfews been made legal by the US Supreme Court?
(2 points)
3. Find the words in the text that mean.
a. prohibit (paragraph 1)
b. detained by the police (paragraph 2)
c. not just, not right (paragraph 3)
d. decided (paragraph 4)
(1 point)
4.
a.
b.
c.
d.

Complete the following sentences. Use the appropriate form of the word in brackets when given.
There ______________ (be) a curfew in Spain ______________ 23rd February 1980.
Many teenagers ______________ (arrest) for robbery ______________ our society.
______________ (break) the law is dangerous you ______________ end up in prison.
After ______________ (attend) a religious function, even after 10 pm, you are allowed ______________
on the streets.
(2 points)

5. Write about 80 to 100 words on one of the following topics.

a. A story about a robbery you have seen, read or heard about.
b. Some teenagers are sent to correction centres when they have broken the law. Do you agree with this punishment?
Explain your answer.
(3 points) B Burlington Books
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