Directions: For this part, you are required to summarize the main idea of the following passage in plain language in no more than 40 words. You should write your summary on the answering sheet.
Are Firstborns Better?
Freud, Kant, Beethoven, Dante, Einstein and Julius Caesar ― what do they have in common? All of these eminent men were firstborn children. Although many later-born children also become famous, certain studies hint that a first child is more likely to excel. For example, more firstborns become National Merit Scholars, earn Doctor's degrees and are mentioned in Who’s Who.
Researchers suggest several explanations for the higher achievement of firstborns.
Some believe that the reason is simply that firstborns are more likely than other children to attend college. They argue that economic factors alone could account for this difference, although firstborns typically get high grades before college as well.
Others suggest that firstborn children have a higher need to achieve. This need to achieve may be an outcome of the special relationship between firstborn children and their parents. Firstborns have their parents’ exclusive attention and seem to interact more with parents than other children. Parents of firstborns also seem to expect more of them. As a result, firstborns may seek approval by conforming to adult standards, including standards of achievement.
Firstborn children spend about 3,000 more hours of quality time with their parents during childhood than the next-oldest child, new research suggests. The study found that in two-child households, the elder children typically got between 20 and 30 minutes more quality time with each parent each day between the ages of 4 and 13. The findings may help explain why firstborn children tend to have higher IQs, perform better in school, and earn more money as adults.
Whatever the reason, firstborn children do tend to be more conforming, shyer, more anxious than their siblings — and more likely to outdo them.
