Part B: Information Matching (2019)

How seriously should parents take kids’ opinions when searching for a home?

In choosing a new home, Camille McClain’s kids have a single demand: a backyard. McClain’s little ones aren’t the only kids who have an opinion when it comes to housing, and in many cases youngsters’ views weigh heavily on parents’ real estate decisions, according to a 2018 Harris Poll survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults.

While more families buck an older-generation proclivity to leave kids in the dark about real estate decisions, realty agents and psychologists have mixed views about the financial, personal and long-term effects kids’ opinions may have.

Ryan Hooper, clinical psychologist in Chicago: The idea of involving children in a big decision is a great idea because it can help them feel a sense of control and ownership. “Children may face serious difficulties in coping with significant moves, especially if it removes them from their current school or support system.”

Greg Jaroszewski, real estate broker: he’s not convinced that kids should be involved in selecting a home—but their opinions should be considered in regards to proximity to friends and social activities, if possible.

Adam Bailey, real estate attorney: Younger children should feel like they’re choosing their home—without actually getting a choice in the matter. Asking them questions about what they like about the backyard will make them feel included in the decision-making process.

Tracey Hampson, real estate agent: Many homebuying aspects aren’t a consideration for children. Placing too much emphasis on their opinions can ruin a fantastic home purchase. “Speaking with your children before you make a real estate decision is wise, but I wouldn’t base the purchasing decision solely on their opinions.”

Aaron Norris, The Norris Group: many children—especially older ones—may base their real estate knowledge on HGTV shows. “HGTV has seriously changed how people view real estate… With that mindset change come some serious money consequences.”

Julie Gurner, real estate analyst: Parents need to remind their children that their needs and desires may change over time. “The decision should likely not be made contingent on a child’s opinions, but rather made for them with great consideration into what home can meet their needs best.”

Matching Questions

41. Ryan Hooper

42. Adam Bailey

43. Tracey Hampson

44. Aaron Norris

45. Julie Gurner

[A]remarks that significant moves may pose challenges to children.

[B]says that it is wise to leave kids in the dark about real estate decisions.

[C]advises that home purchases should not be based only on children’s opinions.

[D]thinks that children should be given a sense of involvement in homebuying decisions.

[E]notes that aspects like children’s friends and social activities should be considered upon homebuying.

[F]believes that homebuying decisions should be based on children’s needs rather than their opinions.

[G]assumes that many children’s views on real estate are influenced by the media.

答案解析 (Answers & Explanations)

41. Ryan Hooper 对应 [A]
【解析】定位 Ryan Hooper 段落。他提到：“Children may face serious difficulties in coping with significant moves...（孩子们在应对重大搬迁时可能会面临严重的困难）”。“face serious difficulties”直接同义替换为选项 [A] 中的 “pose challenges”。故选 [A]。

42. Adam Bailey 对应 [D]
【解析】定位 Adam Bailey 段落。他建议让孩子“feel like they’re choosing their home（感觉像是自己在挑房子）”，通过提问让他们“feel included in the decision-making process（在决策过程中感到参与其中）”。这对应选项 [D]：“孩子们应该在购房决策中被给予一种参与感（a sense of involvement）”。

43. Tracey Hampson 对应 [C]
【解析】定位 Tracey Hampson 段落。她明确表示：“I wouldn’t base the purchasing decision solely on their opinions.（我不会仅仅根据他们的意见来做购买决定）”。“not solely on”完美对应选项 [C] 中的 “should not be based only on”。故选 [C]。

44. Aaron Norris 对应 [G]
【解析】定位 Aaron Norris 段落。他指出孩子们对房地产的认知可能基于 “HGTV shows”，并感叹电视节目严重改变了人们看待房产的方式。电视节目属于媒体。对应选项 [G]：“许多孩子对房地产的看法受到媒体的影响（influenced by the media）”。

45. Julie Gurner 对应 [F]
【解析】定位最后一段 Julie Gurner。她指出决策不应取决于孩子的意见，而应当考虑“what home can meet their needs best（什么样的房子最能满足他们的需求）”。对比选项 [F]：“购房决定应该基于孩子的需求（needs）而不是他们的意见”，符合文意。故选 [F]。

【干扰项排除】
[B] “瞒着孩子是明智的”：原文第二段说更多家庭“buck（抵制）”这种做法，且文中没有任何专家支持这一观点。
[E] “应该考虑朋友圈和社交活动”：这是 Greg Jaroszewski 的观点，但他不在 41-45 的题目列表中。