第4章 Lesson 4 Early Drug Testing

When 6th grader Jonas Walker tried out for the soccer team, he was told he would need to take a drug test. His father said they couldn't believe that 6th graders had to take drug tests. However, while most people think that middle school is too young to be thinking about drug testing, some coaches and administrators think it is necessary. They feel that it is another way to deter kids from even considering drugs. From their perspective, the program is merely another layer in a drug prevention program that reaches wide and deep. So far there haven't been any middle school students who have tested positive for performance enhancing drugs like steroids or human growth hormone, but it has turned up a few cases of marijuana use.

Ultimately, the idea behind the program is that if you get in early and plant the seeds of prevention, it will be more effective than if you wait until grade 11 or 12, when most of them have already made their choice. Most 6th graders are still making decisions, and deterrents can help them a great deal.

I. Word List

administrators: people who make important decisions

merely: only, just

deterrents: methods of prevention

II. Answer the following questions.

1. What was Jonas Walker's father so surprised about?

___________________________________________________________.

2. Why do some people think the drug program is a good idea?

___________________________________________________________.

3. Why is it better to start drug testing with younger kids rather than older kids?

___________________________________________________________.

4. Is there drug testing in your school?

___________________________________________________________.

5. What do you think are some other deterrents to stop kids from using drugs?

___________________________________________________________.

III. Word groups—Complete the following word groups with words from the reading.

1. football, rugby, s _ _ _ _ _

2. big, large, w _ _ _

3. children, youngsters, k _ _ _

4. primary school, high school, m _ _ _ _ _ s _ _ _ _ _

5. mother, brother, f _ _ _ _ _

IV. True, False, or Not Given—Read these sentences carefully. Write T (true), F (false) or NG (not given) for each one.

___ 1. Jonas Walker's father had to take a drug test.

___ 2. Jonas Walker is a rugby player.

___ 3. Many 6th graders take drugs.

___ 4. Most 12th graders take drugs.

___ 5. Many people disagree with drug testing for 6th graders.