Living space is tight, so not every child has his or her own room. But for those who do, it is important to keep it tidy!

WHO keeps your room tidy? Some might say it is their parents, or domestic helper. Of course, if you do not clean up your room, many of your peers are like that, too. Children failing to clean up their room is so common in surveys and studies have been done on the issue. One found that the average parent has to pick up after their children 28 times a week. Another survey found half of the children in the US will do anything to avoid cleaning.

So, it is hardly surprising that 45 percent of mothers rate their children’s rooms as the messiest one in the house. But tidying up your room benefits you in many ways. Psychologist Tamar Chansky said it helps a child “build a lasting sense of mastery, responsibility and self-reliance“.

A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people whose homes are “cluttered and “messy” were also more depressed, tired and stressed out than those whose homes are “restorative and clean”. You will also sleep better in a clean room. In other words, if you have made your bed, you must lie in it, psychologically speaking.

So how can you clean your room more easily? You can create a place for everything, so you can put them back where they belong. Put freshly laundered clothes in the drawers or wardrobe right away, and put dirty clothes in the laundry basket.

Some people say making the bed is a waste of time, since you are going to ruffle it up in a few hours anyway. But getting into a made bed feels good. Folding the blankets also lets the bed linens get aired out during the day.

In short, a tidy and clean bedroom will make you happier.

Credits: Issue 19, 2 March 2023 (Thursday) by Quest from hkej

1. peer (n) 同輩

2. hardly (adv) 簡直不

3. benefit (v) 有益於

4. mastery (n) ⁠精通

5. self-reliance (n) ⁠自立

6. messy (adj) 凌亂的

WHEN you say this to someone, you are telling them to accept the unpleasant results of something they have done. A related expression is “a taste of your own medicine”.

– You ignored my advice and now you’re begging for help? You’ve made your bed, now lie in it.

Credits: Issue 19, 02 March 2023 (Thursday) by Quest from hkej

Expressions are special phrases that mean something different from the words they literally use.

1. “Let the cat out of the bag” – This expression means to reveal a secret or confidential information unintentionally.

2. “Raining cats and dogs” – This expression is used to describe heavy or intense rainfall.

3. “Bite the bullet” – This expression means to face a difficult or challenging situation with courage and determination.

4. “All ears” – This expression means to be fully attentive and ready to listen.

5. “Back to the drawing board” – This expression means to start over or go back to the beginning because the previous attempt or plan was unsuccessful.

Below are links to free English Language Learning Materials:

BBC English

Speak Street Worksheet

British Council Learn English

Caro Kowanz English