When John was growing up, other kids felt sorry for him. His parents al
ways had him weeding the garden, carrying out the garbage and delivering newspapers. But when John reached adulthood, he was better off than his childhood playmates. He had more job
satisfaction, a better marriage and was healthier. Most of all, he was happier. Far happier.
These are the findings of a 40-year study that followed the lives of 456 teenage boys from Boston. The study showed that those who had worked as boys enjoyed happier and more productive lives than those who had not. “Boys who worked in the home or community gained competence (能力) and came to feel they were worthwhile members of society,” said George Vaillant, the psychologist (心理学家) who made the discovery. “And because they felt good about themselves, others felt good about them.”
Vaillant’s study followed these males in great detail. Interviews were repeated at ages 25, 31 and 47. Under Vaillant, the researchers compared the men’s mental-health scores with their boyhood-activity scores. Points were awarded for part-time jobs, housework, effort in school, and ability to deal with problems.
The link between what the men had done as boys and how they turned out as adults was surprisingly sharp. Those who had done the most boyhood activities were twice as likely to have warm relations with a wide variety of people, five times as likely to be well paid and 16 times less likely to have been unemployed. The researchers also found that IQ and family social and economic class made no real difference in how the boys turned out. Working—at any age—is important. Childhood activities help a child develop responsibility, independence, confidence and competence—the underpinnings (基础) of emotional health. They also help him understand that people must cooperate and work toward common goals. The most competent adults are those who know how to do this. Yet work isn’t everything. As Tolstoy once said, “One can live magnificently in this world if one knows how to work and how to love, to work for the person one loves and to love one’s work.”
46. What do we know about John?
A. He enjoyed his career and marriage. B. He had few childhood playmates.
C. He received little love from his family. D. He was envied by others in his chil
dhood.
47. Vaillant’s words in Paragraph 2 serve as _____.
A. a description of personal values and social values
B. an analysis of how work was related to competence
C. an example for parents’ 
expectations of their children
D. an explanation why some boys grew into happy men
48. Vaillant’s team obtained their findings by _____.
A. recording the boys’ effort in school B. evaluating the men’s mental health
C. comparing different sets of scores D. measuring the men’s problem solving ability
49. What does the underlined word “sharp” probably mean in Paragraph 4?
A. Quick to react. B. Having a thin edge.
C. Clear and definite. D. sudden and rapid.
50. What can be inferred from the last paragraph?
A. Competent adults know more about love than work.
B. Emotional health is essential to a wonderful adult life.
C. Love brings more joy to people than work does.
D. Independence is the key to one’s success.
