Topic

The topic of the extract “Family matters” from Jeff Benedict and Armin Keteyian’s biography of Tiger Woods is the influence that Tiger Woods’ family had on his development as a famous golfer and as a person with rather controversial behavior. Indirectly, the topic also touches on how parents’ actions can influence their children on a more general level.

The authors present the topic by mentioning instances from Tiger Woods’ childhood. Tiger’s status as a child prodigy is highlighted, as well as his unusual shyness. The authors mention that “Tiger felt different from all the other kids. Vastly different.” (ll. 6-7). This is linked to the pressure placed on him by his parents. 

From the start, we are told that his mother taught him mathematics that was much more complicated than what children his age normally learn. We are also told that his father pu...