Reading
1 Look at photos (a–c) and match them to the titles of the articles (1–3). Then read the articles and check your answers. 2
01 Read the text again. Are the sentences True (T) or False (F)? 1 A Harvard University study suggests someone asking more questions about you makes you more likely to have a positive impression of them. 2 According to the research at Duke University, outgoing people are more likeable because they talk more.
a
b
c
T / F
T / F
3 A University of Kansas study found a correlation between shoes and how much we like people. T / F 4 People like you more if your shoes cost a lot. T / F 5 It is not clear what type of person usually wears colourful shoes. T / F 6 The University of Texas found that cat people are less affectionate. T / F 7 According to the study, dog people prefer meeting and talking to people. T / F 8 Some people did not see themselves as either dog or cat people. T / F 3 Match the underlined words in the articles with the definitions. 1 prefer to do things by yourself, free 2 reacting quickly, in a positive way 3 something that shows what condition something is in 4 worried because you think something bad can happen 5 cheap enough for ordinary people to afford 6 appropriate Critical thinkers 4 Choose the correct answers. 1 We find people more likeable when they copy our body language because it shows … a that they understand us. b that they don’t know what to do. 2 Old, worn-out shoes are worn by outgoing people because they … a generally don’t earn as much as less confident people. b probably think there are more important things than shoes. 3 People may have similar personalities to their pets because … a they choose a pet that likes the same sort of lifestyle as they do. b we always choose to be with people/ animals who are exactly like us.
Are you a dog or a cat person? Do ‘dog people’ and ‘cat people’ have different personalities? In a study at the University of Texas, 4,565 participants were asked to say if they were ‘dog’ or ‘cat’ people and answer a personality quiz. The study found that cat people are independent, artistic and curious. They are also sensitive – a cat person needs a lot of affection– and they are sometimes anxious. The study said that dog people are energetic, outgoing and likeable. Were there more dog people than cat people? Twelve percent said they were cat people, 46% said they were dog people, and 28% of those asked said they were dog and cat people. Fifteen percent of those asked said they were neither dog nor cat people. So, what personality type are they? 3 good indicator of a person’s personality? In a University of Kansas study, 63 students looked at a total of 208 photos of shoes to assess the personality characteristics of the shoe owners. They thought that old, worn-out shoes were worn by outgoing people. They also felt likeable people wear sensible, affordable shoes. People who wear expensive shoes, branded shoes or shoes with pointed toes were considered less likeable. However, although participants accurately guessed 90% of the personality traits, they made mistakes. Attractive, well-kept shoes were associated with hard-working people, but this was not always the case. In addition, colourful, bright shoes didn’t always belong to outgoing people. So what kind of shoes are you wearing right now? What your shoes say about you! Shoes can help give a first impression, but are they a What makes a good conversation? In an experiment at Harvard University, people in pairs were told to get to know each other by interacting for fifteen minutes through a chatting app. One person in each pair was told to focus on asking questions: either many questions (at least nine) or few (not more than four). Participants never saw each other. After the conversation they had to report how much they liked their partner. The results proved that partners who asked more questions were more popular. These partners were perceived as more responsive. In another study published in 2015, Duke University researchers Korrina Duffy and Tanya Chartrand found that outgoing people were more likeable when they copied other people’s body language. So, if you want more friends, ask lots of relevant questions and try to read your partner’s feelings by studying their movements! The art of good conversation 1
2
Unit 1
5
Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software