Name__________________________________________Date___________________________
Reading Comprehension
Volume 2, Number 15, June 2, 1997
www.rhlschool.com

When Are You Old Enough?

     When are you old enough to smoke cigarettes? The law says
eighteen. As far as I’m concerned, no one is ever old enough to smoke.
In fact, smoking is a rather immature thing to do. How can doing
something that weakens your body and reduces your life expectancy be
associated with adulthood?
     Most adults do not smoke. About three out of four adults prefer to
breathe clean air. Researchers have also found that most new smokers
are not adults, they’re kids. So if you’re thinking of smoking to make
yourself seem grown-up, forget it. You’ll just look like someone who’s
trying to look grown- up, and that’s UNCOOL!
     When are you old enough to smoke? A better question is: When are
you old enough to know better?

1.  Does the author believe that children should smoke?

2.  In the author’s opinion, when are you old enough to smoke?

3.  About what fraction of adults smoke?

4.  Do you agree with the author’s position? Why or why not?

Copyright 1997 RHL