B1.2 Reading comprehension

Read the article about names. Five sentences have been removed. Choose from the sentences A–G the one which fits each gap (1–5). There is one extra sentence which you do not need to use.

What’s in a name?

The arrival of a baby in the family causes plenty of excitement for all new parents. They have to get a room ready for the little one, buy new clothes, and choose a name. 0  G  Many also go on to pick something a little bit different from their own or those of their family members.

But, according to new research, parents should really go for traditional names such as Michael, John, Ian, or Andrew if they want their sons to be successful in life. 1      There are also more lawyers and politicians with these four names than any other names. And it doesn’t stop there – they are well represented across the country’s police forces too, with eight of the chief constables in the country’s 52 forces named either Michael or Ian.

2      However, at present there is not a single person with this name in a senior position in government or the police force. Many top managers are selected through an interview process, and research seems to support the theory that people with straightforward names are the ones who are contacted and invited to come and meet the panel.

Andrew Watson, an author and parenting expert, said the survey highlighted the importance of traditional names over more unusual, trendy ones. He warned parents that the effects of their choice of name for their child will last a lifetime. 3      And this is not only important in childhood, but also in youth and adulthood. Mr Watson also warned parents to consider the spelling of the name. No child wants to go through life explaining an unusual name over and over again, or repeating it on the phone. The fact is that giving a child a fairly ordinary name can help them do well in life. Mr Watson reminded parents that unusual names come in and out of fashion quite quickly. Names which were trendy 30 years ago are almost unheard of today.

4      According to the most up-to-date data from the Office of National Statistics, Michael, Andrew, and Ian are not even among the 50 most popular names of the last few years. Instead, more unusual ones such as Ethan, Noah, Oscar, and Jayden were all preferred by new parents.

While Jack, Harry, Alfie, and Thomas were the four most popular boys’ names with new parents last year, it is unclear whether they will make a success of their lives when they get older. 5      Earlier this year, it was identified as the most popular name in the record books. In total, more than two million boys have been given this name since records began in Britain in 1837.

A  In the 1970s, one of the most popular boy’s names was Jason.

B  But despite the apparent advantages of solid traditional names, they are currently out of fashion.

C  Most people like it and it has been popular for many years now.

D  Only John, it seems, has managed to stand the test of time.

E  Their name is part of how others see them and feel about them.

F   These ‘power names’ are the most common among the top British businessmen.

G  They spend hours looking through thousands of names in baby books before deciding what to call their child.