Education


School bullies are known all over the world. Before
you read the article, think about the following points:
Think about the following questions:
*What is a bully?
*Is bullying a serious problem in schools, here in Bangladesh?
*Did you experience any bullying at school? If yes, what happened?
*Did you see or hear anyone being bullied at school? If yes,
what happened?
*Have you ever bullied someone?
Vocabulary:
Match the following words with their meanings.

Read
the title below and try to predict what the article is about.
"Doctors
Group Takes Aim At School Bullies"
Scan
the article quickly and find the answers to the following
questions.
1.
What is the name of the largest organisation of United States
doctors?
2. Where was the meeting for these doctors held?
3. What type of doctor is Edward Hill?
4. Which group has prepared a report on the problems caused
by school bullying?
5. Which groups does the AMA want to be part of a national
campaign against bullying?
The largest
U.S doctors' group took a stand against school bullies, urging
a far flung effort to change attitudes and asking colleagues
to talk to younger patients who may be suffering in silence.
Research
gleaned from previous studies presented to the American Medical
Association's House of Delegates, which met in the U.S, concluded
that roughly one out of 10 U.S school children are victims
of bullying. Between 7 percent and 15 percent of children
bully others, though some bullies are victims as well.
Persistent
bullying has been cited in the cases of several perpetrators
of school shootings in recent years, and many family physicians
say intervention is needed.
The resolution
called for the group to work with federal agencies, medical
societies, mental health organisations, schools, and youth
groups to create a national campaign against bullying.
It also
urged doctors to monitor younger patients for psychiatric
symptoms that may stem from being bullied. "Too many
children are being terrorised at school or on the playground
and remaining silent about it," said one physician.
On a different
front, the AMA agreed to provide additional financial support
to its nascent doctors union. The union, Physicians for Responsible
Negotiation, sought additional funding to pay salaries and
meet its costs in arguing two cases involving the right to
represent doctors and nurses in front of the U.S National
Labour Relations Board.
The
union effort, begun in 1999, was aimed at countering the bargaining
power of health maintenance organisations by collectivising
doctors and other health care workers.
Is
it true, false or not given?
Read the text again and write 'T' for true, 'F' for false
and 'NG' for not given.
1. The
victims are often traumatised in later life.
2. About 10% of U.S school children are bullied.
3. There is clear medical evidence that bullying is bad for
your health.
4. Victims of bullying don't suffer any long-term problems.
5. The union efforts began in 1998.
6. Anti-bullying programs in school are common.
7. Some bullies are also bullied by other children.
8. The incidence of bullying in school has increased.
9. Victims of bullying sometimes stay silent.
Writing:
Imagine you bullied someone when you were younger, write a
letter to this person and apologise. Describe the situation,
say why you did it and how you feel about it now.
Answers: Vocabulary:
1 I, 2- g, 3-a, 4 h, 5 f, 6 d, 7-b, 8 e, 9 c
True/false/not given
1 NG, 2 T, 3 NG, 4 F, 5 F, 6 NG, 7..T, 8 NG, 9 T
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