Follow the link and click on as many words as you can. Be curious!
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/es/topics/thinking-dreaming-and-ideas/mind-and-personality/
Match the adjectives with phrases 1- 24.
ambitious / arrogant / assertive / bad-tempered / calm / cheerful / conscientious / easy-going / eccentric / funny / immature / impulsive / insecure / insincere / loyal / open-minded / optimistic / possessive / reserved / self-confident / stubborn / vain / well-balanced / wise
He / She´s the kind (sort) of person who…
1- Always looks at herself in every mirror she passes.
2- Takes care to do things carefully and correctly.
3- Is prepared to accept new and different ideas.
4- Doesn`t say what she really thinks.
5- Other people often find different or unusual.
6- Is fairly relaxed about most things.
7- Is emotionally in control, not moody.
8- Never changes her opinion even when she`s clearly wrong.
9- Expresses her ideas or opinions with confidence.
10- Is always in a good mood.
11- Feels sure about her ability to do things.
12- Isn`t very sure about herself.
13- Is determined to be successful.
He´s good at…
14- Supporting his friends.
15- Giving people advice because of his knowledge and experience.
16- Keeping his head in a crisis.
She´s not very good at …
17- Letting other people share her friends.
18- Showing her feelings or expressing her opinions.
He tends to…
19- Behave like a child.
20- Act without thinking.
21- Get angry very easily.
22- Think he is better and more important than other people.
23- Expect good things to happen.
She has/ has got…
24- A great sense of humor.
1- Always looks at herself in every mirror she passes.
2- Takes care to do things carefully and correctly.
3- Is prepared to accept new and different ideas.
4- Doesn`t say what she really thinks.
5- Other people often find different or unusual.
6- Is fairly relaxed about most things.
7- Is emotionally in control, not moody.
8- Never changes her opinion even when she`s clearly wrong.
9- Expresses her ideas or opinions with confidence.
10- Is always in a good mood.
11- Feels sure about her ability to do things.
12- Isn`t very sure about herself.
13- Is determined to be successful.
He´s good at…
14- Supporting his friends.
15- Giving people advice because of his knowledge and experience.
16- Keeping his head in a crisis.
She´s not very good at …
17- Letting other people share her friends.
18- Showing her feelings or expressing her opinions.
He tends to…
19- Behave like a child.
20- Act without thinking.
21- Get angry very easily.
22- Think he is better and more important than other people.
23- Expect good things to happen.
She has/ has got…
24- A great sense of humor.
The study of personality has changed in recent times and more focus is now placed on the different ways that people understand their environments. One example of this type of approach is the study of optimism and pessimism. So what is the definition of optimism and pessimism?
Optimists tend to see all the events in their lives in a positive light. Everything seems positive to optimists. Even negative events may still be viewed as having the potential to be positive. Pessimists on the other hand generally focus on the negative potential of everything.
For example, pessimists who receive a poor grade in an exam will probably see this as a problem with their ability. In other words, they will see a poor grade as their own fault. Alternatively, pessimists may blame an external reason that is not within their control, e.g. a poor exam question or a strict examiner. The result is that pessimists will have lower expectations for the future and this can even lead to depression.
In contrast, optimists will most likely view a poor exam result as useful feedback. They will take it as a warning that they need to change their study habits or exam preparation techniques. Optimists often then make the decision to change that aspect of their study patterns and would fully expect to do better in the next exam.
In general, and not surprisingly, optimists do better in life. Taking students as an example, optimists generally believe that factors such as making an effort and improving study habits will lead to better results. Of course such beliefs lead to greater achievement. In one academic study, low-achieving students did much better when researchers helped them to overcome their negative feelings.
However, optimists should be careful. Over-optimistic people can sometimes ignore potential problems. Indeed, a person who is always positive in every situation, including times of crisis, is unlikely to be considered normal.
Based on the information in the article, are the following statements ‘true’, ‘false’ or ‘don’t know’?
1 Being an optimist always results in better outcomes.
2 Optimists are likely to blame bad results on other people.
3 Optimists can sometimes view bad events as having potentially positive outcomes.
4 Pessimists will always view a poor exam result as their own fault.
5 Low-achieving students are always pessimistic.
Carl Jung
The psychiatrist Carl Jung described two personality types. Read the text and say if the sentences are True or False.
1. Jung studied medicine in Zurich.
2. He identified the following personality types: extroverts, introverts, balanced personality.
3. Extroverts like to be in large groups of people.
4. Introverts think carefully before they do things.
5. People are interested today in his theories on dreams.
Carl Jung (1875-1961) was a Swiss psychiatrist who had a lasting influence on psychology and society. He studied medicine at the University of Basel from 1894 to 1900, specializing in psychiatric medicine.
Jung developed ideas about personality types which still interest and influence people today. He identified two personality types which he called introverts and extroverts. According to Jung, extroverts find meaning outside themselves, in the surrounding world. However, introverts are introspective. They look into themselves and find meaning in themselves.
Extroverts seem to like other people. It is easy for them to form close relationships. They enjoy the excitement of crowds. They tend to be assertive, self-confident, and are often leaders in groups. They are energetic and lead busy lives. In general, they are talkative, adventurous and sociable. Introverts, on the other hand, feel comfortable alone. They avoid large crowds. They are relaxed, thoughtful and reflect before they act. They are often quiet, cautious and have good powers of concentration. They often have creative ideas.
Jung´s influence on our society and culture has been enormous. The well-known tests (Myers-Briggs and David Keirsey) are based on his theory of personality types. His ideas have influenced writers as well as film-makers like Fellini and Kubrick. Jung´s ideas have even influenced video games and rock music groups. There is still great interest in his theories on the interpretations of dreams.
Measuring Personality
Listen to an interview with Frank Partridge, an expert in psychometrics (the measurement of intelligence and personality qualities).
Audio Track
Tick the topics covered in the interview:
1. Things that psychometric tests measure
2. The first tests
3. Problems with personality tests
4. The Myers-Briggs test
5. The future of personality tests
This free personality test is based on Carl Jung’s and Isabel Briggs Myers’ personality type theory.
Describe your personality
Watch the video and comment how does each woman (Catherine, Angelique and San) describe herself?
Check each statement true or false.
1. The three women’s personalities are very different.
2. Angelique dislikes the city because there are so many people.
3. San says she has qualities that both a serious and a funny person would have.
4. Catherine says that she can’t get comfortable in new surroundings.
5. San says her personality changes, depending on the situation she’s in.
6. Angelique says other people see her much as she see herself.
Astrology
Read the text fairly quickly and decide if the writer believes in astrology and horoscopes a lot, a little or not at all. Does the writer take the information about astrology seriously?
There’s something about the New Year that always makes me read my horoscope to see what lies ahead. I don’t believe in any of it really but there’s comfort in being told that the next 12 months will bring health, wealth and happiness (well, it’s usually over optimistic, isn’t it?).
There are many other people who are also skeptical about astrology and its belief that knowledge of the position of the stars and planets can help us understand our personality or predict human affairs. However, despite the lack of scientific evidence in its favour, astrology (not to be confused with astronomy which is the scientific study of astronomical objects) has been around for thousands of years, and is believed by millions of people in both the West and the East.
The Occident has its star signs every month and the Orient has its animals every year. I have to confess that this year I’m now more intrigued by the predictions for the future because 2007 is significant for me – yes, I’m a Pig (actually I prefer the alternative Wild Boar!). When I first found out I was a Pig person I was a little disappointed, and my friends (mighty Dragons, friendly Dogs and ferocious Tigers) sniggered. Pigs have a bad reputation – people think they’re dirty animals that smell horrible and many cultures don’t even eat them.
In the Chinese zodiac there are 12 animals and according to one legend, when Buddha left the earth only 12 animals came to say goodbye to him. As a reward Buddha named a year after each of the animals in the order that they came to him, and the pig (you’ve guessed it) came last – no doubt snuffling in the undergrowth for food rather than bounding forward like the sneaky rat that came first. So I thought I was unlucky being a Pig but this isn’t so. It appears that Pigs are kindly people who are helpful and giving. They tend to make good friends as they are loyal, thoughtful and trusting. Pigs are happy, optimistic people and have lots of fun – that sounds OK to me! However, Pigs are often naive and apparently it’s easy to con a Pig. They can also be very impulsive and react without thinking, and they’re not that great with money either. Pigs, it seems, get along with Sheep and Rabbits but, interestingly, not other Pigs, who they should stay clear of (I’d better cancel my dinner date with Ewan McGregor then!).
The Pig year itself is one of benevolence and is meant to make people feel good. It’s also considered a good year for business. However, although life in this year will be lived to the full, care is recommended with any matters concerning money – no wonder I’m not rich!
There are different kinds of Pigs though. Like all the animals of the Chinese zodiac they can be one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. I’m an Earth Pig which is interesting because, according to Western astrology, I’m Taurus the bull and Taurus is an Earth sign too. There are many similarities between the two: Taureans also make good friends, are patient and loyal, and hard working. They both dislike quarrels but can be hot tempered at times, and they both have a love for the good things in life including good food and wine. Fortunately, Taureans have a horror of falling into debt and will do anything to stop this happening so that’s useful! However, unlike Pigs, Taureans can be jealous, inflexible, greedy and stubborn! Both are industrious, practical, motivated by common sense and level-headed, so no wonder I take all this with a pinch of salt!
Incidentally the word astrology, and astronomy too, comes from the Greek word astron, which means star. There are some other interesting origins of words that are linked to the stars or planets too. The word disaster, for example, comes from the Latin dis-aster meaning bad star. We sometimes call a crazy or strange person a lunatic (or the shortened form loony), this is from the word lunar meaning moon – it was believed that the moon could make some people crazy, especially a full moon. A jovial person is jolly because they are influenced by Jove, the Latin word for the planet Jupiter. Finally, the word influenza, or flu, comes from the Latin influentia. It was believed the illness was caused by unfavourable star influences. And of course we call famous singers or film actors stars in recognition of the lucky stars that have brought them fame and fortune.
So perhaps I have a good year ahead. I won’t make a lot of money but it seems I’ll be happy with my life and my friends so that’s fine by me. Sun nin fy lok!
Which personality traits do you think are true about you and which are false? 
Do you think graphology is a serious science?
Your signature is part of your handwriting that says the most about your personality. It is quite normal for signature to change during your life, as your signature reflects how you evolve as a person. It is also common to have several signatures, for example a more formal signature (name and surname) when you sign a credit card or passport, and an informal signature (just your first name) when you sign a birthday card.
Your formal signature. A signature usually contains either a first name and a surname, or initials and a surname, or, less frequently a first name and initials. Your first name represents your private or family self, and your surname represents your public self, how you are socially and at work.
If your first name is more prominent in your signature, this implies that you have positive feelings about your childhood and that your “private” self is more important to you than your “public” self.
If your surname is more prominent in your signature, this means that your “public” self is more important to you. The more space there is between your name and surname, the more you wish to keep your public and private self-separate.
If you use only initials either for your first name or your surname in your signature, this mean that you are more secretive about this part of your personality (your private or public persona)
Legibility A legible signature, where names can be clearly read, implies that you are a person with clear ideas and objectives. The more illegible your signature is, the less assertive you are as a person, and more you tend to avoid conflict.
Angle Most signatures are horizontal, rising, or descending. A rising signature means that you are the kind of person who, when faced with problems, will work to overcome them. Usually optimistic, you are in control and ambitious. A descending signature means that you have a tendency to get depressed and give up when faced with problems, and lack self-confidence. Some people`s signatures go through a temporary phase where they go down, which shows that they are going through a hard time or illness. A horizontal signature suggests an emotionally stable person who is well-balanced and generally satisfied with the way their life is going.
Size If your signature is bigger than the rest of the letter or document you have written, that means that you are self-confident and have quite a high opinion of yourself. Some people actually sign in capital letters, which suggest they are arrogant rather self-confident. People whose signature is smaller than the rest of the text may be insecure and have low self-esteem.
According to the extract, which of the people A-F …?
1. has/had no separation between their public and private self, and is/was not very assertive
2. is/was more identified with their public self, optimistic, and ambitious
3. is/was more identified with their private self, and without much self-confidence.
4. is/was probably rather arrogant
5. keeps/kept their public and private life separate, is/was ambitious, and has/had positive feelings about their childhood
6. is/was secretive about their private life, and keeps/kept it very separate from their public life.
Blue Jazmin
Read the following plot to understand what the movie is about.
Woody Allen trades New York City for San Francisco with his comedy-drama Blue Jasmine, starring Cate Blanchett as a troubled woman whose world falls apart and has to move to the City by the Bay to live with her sister in a cluttered apartment.
Jasmine and Ginger (Sally Hawkins) were adopted by the same family but they do not share parents nor genes and there is nothing in common between them. Jasmine’s sister Ginger is a mother of 2 and a recent divorcee who is happy to have a hardworking, honest, construction worker as a boyfriend. She is shocked to learn that Jasmine travelled first class despite being completely broke!
Jasmine reflects on the rich yet tiring life that she has lost and tries to start a new one, but is constantly drawn back into her expensive habits. In flashbacks, she remembers her past life in New York with her husband, Hal (Alec Baldwin), a wealthy businessman. Forced to put her life back together piece by piece while under the effect of powerful anti-depressants, she dates a series of men, attempts to build a career, and slowly learns how to count on herself to survive.
Watch the trailer and pay attention to the sister’s different personalities. How would you describe Jasmine and Ginger?
Icons
Watch the video “Icons” and describe the celebrities’ character and personality.
SPEAKING
Do you believe in astrology?
What’s your star sign?
Do you know the characteristics someone with your star sign should have?
Which other star signs are you compatible with?
Do you believe there is any link between the position of the stars when you were born and your fate?
Do you ever read your horoscope?
Do you think astrology can be useful?
Do you think anyone can prove that astrology works?
Would you like to learn astrology?
Do you think astrology is an art, a science or something else?
Would you ever go or pay to see an astrologist?
Would you like to know your future?
Do believe in other fortune telling, such as palm reading or determining character by blood type, etc.?
Do you think people can predict the future accurately?
Which is the best system of predicting our personality and character?
- Star signs
- Handwriting
- Blood type
- Tea leaves
- Palm reading
- Crystal ball
- Personality tests
- Fortune cookies
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a strong personality?
What is a “personality clash”? Have you had a personality clash with someone? What happened?
What tells you more about a person’s personality: their appearance, their voice, their attitude or something else?
What kind of person makes...?
a bad travelling companion - a bad flatmate - a good friend - a good teacher - a good politician