and pole-dancing kits aimed at children, while the popularity of scantily clad female bands such as the Pussycat Dolls among pre-teenagers would seem to suggest that girls are growing up far more quickly than they used to. In fact, many of the mothers and daughters I speak to are remarkably sensible and see beauty pageants as part of a well-balanced life, rather than the only focus of it. Frequently, it seems that the children are the ones who beg their parents to enter rather than the other way round – one 10-year-old girl went door-to-door asking for sponsorship from her local community and raised £300 towards her pageant outfit. It might be depressing to think that our children are growing up in a world that places an ever greater value on appearance rather than substance, but if it is the case, then child beauty pageants are, perhaps, a natural extension of the trend. (Elizabeth Day, The Observer; adapted) 95 100 105 0 Which description of Amber’s bedroom is correct? a) She sleeps with a poster. b) She sleeps with a poster of her favourite actor above her bed. c) She has a glittery box above her bed. d) There is a poster on the wall above her bed. ✘ 1 What did Amber show the author of this article? a) a certificate that she won the Mini Miss UK contest b) a letter asking to take part in the Mini Miss UK show c) a document saying that she is Mini Miss UK d) a proof that she entered the Mini Miss UK pageant 2 What has happened to child beauty contests in recent years? a) The number of child beauty pageants in the UK has increased rapidly. b) Many child beauty pageants have exploded in the UK in recent years. c) The popularity of child beauty contests has decreased in recent years. d) There are no child beauty pageants in the UK any more. 3 What are regular routines Sasha Bennington has to go through? a) She has a nice natural tan. b) She puts on skin colouring regularly. c) She does not care about sprays because they are part of a gruelling routine. d) She needs to put on appearances every week. 4 What does Amber’s mother Sally say about all this? a) Amber may wear mascara. b) She can predict a problem for her daughter wearing mascara. c) She does not like Amber to wear mascara. d) She thinks Amber should wear mascara to make her more beautiful. 5 Why have supermarkets been criticised? a) for selling padded bras b) for selling pole-dancing kits c) for not selling padded bras and pole-dancing kits for children d) for selling adult products especially tailored for children Vocabulary: Beauty and fashion a) Make a mind map with expressions from the text above that refer to beauty and fashion. b) Add expressions which you have come across elsewhere, e.g. on the labels of beauty products. 2 129 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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