Intermediate passages 1 The best recruiting agents

18 A ‘Sissy’ or a ‘Tom-boy

In most societies differences in play between boys and girls are not merely expected, but actively encouraged. In our own culture, only very young boys may be allowed to play with their sisters' dolls occasionally without ridicule or remonstrance. And even they are rarely given dolls of their own, although teddies and stuffed animals may be allowed. A seven-year-old boy who enjoys tucking teddies up in cots is likely to be ridiculed if he does it too often. Similarly, girls do enjoy playing with toy cars and train sets, but are rarely given these as presents. Older girls particularly are discouraged from playing boisterous games and may be labelled "torn-boys" if they do not conform to the quieter, gentler, less aggressive activities expected of them. Boys who abstain from rough games, or prefer reading or playing the piano are in danger of being labelled "sissy".

1. It's stated in the passage that

1. 
   babies are born with certain tendencies depending on their sexes
   
2. 
   the child's sex is taken into consideration when it is presented with a toy
   
3. 
   there must be certain games which both boys and girls can play together
   
4. 
   boisterous or aggressive games are considered suitable for neither gender
   

2. 
   According to the writer, the tendency that dominates society is that A) children should be allowed to play with whatever toy they like
   

B) the discrimination against toys regarded as suitable for boys or girls only increases the child's interest in them C) such activities as reading and playing the piano should be common to both genders

D) the child should be directed from an early age to behave in accordance with its own sex

2. 
   We can conclude from the passage that
   

1. 
   psychologists are attempting to eliminate sex discrimination in society
   
2. 
   girls aren't given toy cars and train sets as presents, but anyway, they instinctively haven't much interest in them
   
3. 
   the child's choice in games and toys is directed according to the norms of society rather than to his interests
   
4. 
   the child only grows interested in the toys belonging to the opposite sex
   

when there is a member of that sex in his or her vicinity

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