The Age of Majority
In most countries, [1]turning 18 marks① the start of adulthood②.But what does reaching this milestone③， the age of majority④， really mean? Will you be completely in charge of⑤ your own life and able to express yourself in new and exciting ways? What new responsibilities⑥ will this freedom⑦ bring? Here, three young people tell us [2]what turning 18 means, or meant, to them.
[1]动词ing形式作主语。
[2]what引导宾语从句，并在从句中作宾语。
Bethany 16, Victoria, Australia
I can't wait to⑧ be 18.One reason is [3]that although I've been working ever since⑨ leaving school, I won't be voting⑩ in the next general election?.Why? Because I still won't be old enough.Surely?， [4]if you're old enough to earn a wage? and pay taxes?， you should be allowed to have a say? on [5]how the government spends them! I've also been taking driving lessons, and in fact I will be taking my driving test on the very? day I turn 18.My mum worries about me being behind the wheel?.As an ambulance? driver, she's seen a lot of car accidents [6]involving? teenagers and thinks the legal? age for getting a driving licence should be 21.But I think I'm already mature enough to understand [7]that driving a car also means taking responsibility for my life and the lives of other people.
[3]that引导表语从句，从句中含有although引导的让步状语从句。
[4]if引导条件状语从句。
[5]how引导宾语从句，作介词on的宾语。
[6]现在分词短语involving teenagers作后置定语，修饰名词car accidents。
[7]that引导宾语从句，that在从句中不作成分，可以省略。
