[originaltext]Karen has written a touching open letter to a young mother she wi

Karen has written a touching open letter to a young mother she witnessed breaking down in Primark over her toddler’s cry and scream, to reassure her that she’s a “bloody good mum.” Karen took to the British parenting forum Mumsnet to share her support after she saw the mother sitting on the floor of the shop in tears. Explaining to other users that the mother was with her young son who was about two years old, Karen reassured her that she was not alone and should not feel judged. Saying she’s proved how good a parent she is by showing how much she cared, she added: “This is the toughest job in the world and we all have moments where it all gets too much and you just have to sit on the floor in Primark and have a good cry.” And other mothers quickly flooded the letter with support, with one user writing: “Thank you for posting this. I hope she sees it!” Sharing her own experience, another added: “My two-year-old was a little menace last night. Thankfully it was in the house but I had a good wee cry and a cup of tea. We have definitely all been there.” Praising Karen’s support, one wrote: “It’s positive reinforcement for all us mothers out there who sometimes break down in public and come away from it wondering if everyone’s worrisome glances in our direction were pure scorn and judgment. How nice to be reminded that there are indeed people out there who will have looked on with sympathy and understanding.”
Questions 16 to 18 are based on the passage you have just heard.
16. Why did Karen write the open letter?
17. What did Karen say about being a mother?
18. How did the other mothers respond to the open letter?