Material The Road Towards Selfactualization

 

 

The road towards self-actualization “One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.”  again.”   Abraham Maslow.   Maslow.

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Introductory material Dear learner, This material will help you study the topics related to learning activity 1. You will learn about: either , and too.  1. How to ex express press commonalities using s o, neither, either  2. Lifelong learn learning ing strateg strategies ies to a achieve chieve y your our goals.

Let’s begin! 

 

 

ther , and too 1. How to express commonalities using s o, neither, ei ther 

A. Introduction to expre expressing ssing common commonalities alities In English, there are different ways to show agreement or to express commonalities. You are probably familiar with two of them: me too and me neither. Let’s take a look at the examples:  examples:  1.  A: I am hungry. B: Me too. too. Let’s cook something. 2.  A: I don’t like smoking. B: Me neither . I think it is a bad habit. In the two examples, speaker B agrees with what speaker A has just said. In example 1, speaker A uses an affirmative sentence. That’s why speaker B uses me too. In example 2, speaker A uses us es a negative sentence. That’s why speaker B uses me neither . Me too  and me neither   are commonly used in spoken English and are

considered informal. Now, you will get familiar with more formal ways to show agreement and express commonalities in English. Let’s start. B. Expressing commonalities with s o and too  Read the following examples and try to guess how to use so in the context of commonalities. 1.  A: She’s very punctual.  punctual.  B: So am I. I. I think being punctual is a way to show respect for people.

 

 

2.  A: They always get get up late on Sundays. B: So do I. I. I love staying in bed watching TV. Did you understand how to use it? If not, don’t worry. Let’s analyze the way speaker B replied in the examples above: Example 1: So am I. Example 2: So do I. Can you see the pattern? So + auxiliary + subject This is the formula you should follow if you want to show agreement or express commonalities using so. The auxiliary you use depends on the sentence you are replying to. Read the following examples:  examples:  Speaker A They are are  successful. Carlos is going is going to travel next week. Mark looks looks  elegant today. Luisa has has  two daughters. We bought bought a  a new apartment last year. I would would love  love some hot tea now. They will will  get married in June. He has has traveled  traveled all over South  America. Mario can can  speak German. My teacher should should be  be more organized. You could could be  be anyone you want.

Speaker B So am am I.  I. So is is Monica.  Monica. So does does his  his wife. So do do I.  I. So did did our  our parents. So would would I.  I. So will will Peter  Peter and Jane. So has has my  my sister. So can can Mariana.  Mariana. So should should I.  I. So could could you.  you.

 

 

In the case of too, you need to use the following formula when you want to show agreement or express commonalities: Subject + auxiliary + too In the following examples, speaker B will reply to what speaker A said in the previous exercise. This time, though, speaker B will use too. Speaker A They are are  successful. Carlos is  is going to travel next week. Mark looks looks  elegant today. Luisa has has  two daughters. We bought bought a  a new apartment last year. I would would love  love some hot aguapanela now. They will will  get married in June.

Speaker B I am am too.  too. Monica is is too.  too. His wife does does too.  too. I do do too.  too.

Peter and Jane will will too.  too.

He has has traveled  traveled all over South  America.

My sister has has too.  too.

Mario can can  speak German. My teacher should should be  be more organized. You could could  be anyone you want.

Mariana can can too.  too.

Our parents did did too.  too. I would would too.  too.

I should should too.  too. You could could too.  too.

C. Expressing commonalities using neither  and  and either   Read the following examples and try to guess how to use neither in the context of commonalities. 1.  A: She’s not proactive.  proactive.  B: Neither am I. I. I find it hard to take initiative. 2.  A: They don’t go out on Fridays. Fridays.   B: Neither do I. I. I have to get up early on Saturdays. Did you understand how to use it? If not, don’t worry.  worry.   Let’s analyze the way speaker B replied in the examples above:

 

 

Example 1: Neither am I. Example 2: Neither do I. Can you see the pattern? Neither + affirmative auxiliary + subject This is the formula you should follow if you want to show agreement or express commonalities using neither . The auxiliary you use depends on the sentence you are replying to. Read the following examples: Speaker A They aren’t proactive. Carlos isn’t going to travel abroad. Mark doesn’t look neat today. Luisa doesn’t have children. We didn’t buy a new apartment last year. I wouldn’t go out with her. They won’t get married in June. He hasn’t traveled all over South America. Mario can’t speak Chinese. My teacher shouldn’t be so impolite. You couldn’t be more right.

Speaker B Neither am  I. am I. Neither is is Monica.  Monica. Neither does does his  his wife. Neither do do I.  I. Neither did  our parents. did our Neither would would I.  I. Neither will will Peter  Peter and Jane. Neither has has my  my sister. Neither can can Mariana.  Mariana. Neither should should her  her students. Neither could could you.  you.

In the case of neither , you just need to use the following formula when you want to show agreement or express commonalities: Subject + negative auxiliary + either In the following examples, speaker B will reply to what speaker A said in the previous exercise. This time, though, speaker B will use either. 

 

 

Speaker A They aren’t proactive. Carlos isn’t going to study abroad. Mark doesn’t look professional today.

Speaker B I’m not not either.  either. Monica isn’t either. His wife doesn’t either.

Luisa doesn’tthesis.  have a topic for her We didn’t buy a new apartment last year. I wouldn’t go out with her. They won’t get married in June. He hasn’t traveled all over South  America. Mario can’t speak Chinese. My teacher shouldn’t be impolite. You couldn’t be more direct.

I don’t either. Our parents didn’t either. I wouldn’t either. Peter and Jane won’t either. My sister hasn’t either. Mariana can’t either. I shouldn’t either. You couldn’t either.

2. Lifelong learning strategies to achieve your goals “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” Mahatma Gandhi. 

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In the information age, our most precious asset is our brain. To learn l earn how to use it better, it should be our priority since its proper functioning influences the way we interact with the world. Information has been organized as a simple guide that includes some strategies you might want to try in order to improve the way your brain works. Every strategy has been scientifically tested and can be put into practice right away.

 

 

The purpose of this guide is to succinctly describe the way these strategies can benefit your mental functioning. If you have a more inquisitive mind (and you should), make sure to check out the bibliography and references at the end in order to understand in depth the theoretical foundation that supports this work. Happy learning! A.

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If you think exercising is just about the looks, you are, I’m sorry to tell you, dead wrong. Research has shown the way exercise positively influences your brain. But don’t take my word for it! Just J ust keep on reading! When you do any kind of endurance exercise, your brain releases a protein with protective properties. It raises the levels of another protein called BDNF, which spurs the development of new neurons and promotes their survival. Pretty sweet, eh? Exercising also affects the size of the hippocampus. The hippo what? The hippocampus. If you don’t know what it is and what it does, get ready to be mind-blown. The hippocampus is a small organ that plays a very important role in regards to long-term memory and spatial navigation. In order to really picture its importance, let’s imagine you damage it beyond repair. Guess what? From now on, you won’t be able to record any new memories or functions.

 

 

Exercising also improves your executive function and self-regulation skills. These skills depend on three highly interrelated brain functions:   Working memory (it allows you you to retain and manipula manipulate te different pieces of information over short periods of time).   Mental flexibility (it allows you to keep or shift attention in response to a changing environment and / or apply different rules according to the context).   Self-control (it allows you you to assess the conseque consequences nces of your ac actions). tions).

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Don’t you feel like going for a jog?  jog?   B.

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Believe it or not, there was a time when people used to handwrite absolutely everything! Are you surprised? Well, if scientists are right, that skill will have a comeback. Or at least, people who understand its benefits will start doing it more often. Don’t you want to know why? In a nutshell, handwriting outweighs typing by far in regards to its cognitive advantages. Handwriting improves speaking fluency and increases the quality of student’s student’s writing. Students who handwrite express more ideas and their compositions are more cohesive. Students, who type on the other hand, show a diminished ability to process new information. Take that tablet users! (Actually, there are some pretty cool handwriting apps you can download for tablets, too...). It seems that handwriting enhances the process of reflection and manipulation of information because it activates more neurological processes. If you attend a lecture, research has shown it is more beneficial to take handwritten notes since it improves the process of recalling information. While handwriters tend to be

 

 

more selective, laptop-notetakers tend to transcribe rather than process information. OK, take a break and go dust your old pen and notebook. It is time to put your fine motor skills to the test! C.

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“Everything we want is on the other side of fear”. George Addair. Comfort zone: That really cozy place where stress and risk are minimized, that womb-like womblike environment where worries don’t exist, that marvelous zombie-like zombie -like place where nothing bothers you… Who doesn’t want it? Well, W ell, you shouldn’t! shouldn’t!   It turns out It your comfortyou zone actually becomes prison since doeswant not let you grow. prevents from stepping out ofyour it because you it don’t to experience the feelings associated with it: fear of the unknown, fear of rejection, stress, anxiety, etc. But shying away from those feelings doesn’t decrease them over time. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know this, right? You know it and I know it, so what now? Well, the idea is not to become your own bully! The idea is to design a plan to get out if it gracefully. It is not an easy task, but it’s worth it. Let’s see why it is challenging. There is a part of your brain called the amygdala that is responsible for our emotions, emotional behavior, and motivation, and the fight or flight response. When we face uncertainty (experiencing something new / learning something new), the amygdala highjacks the body until a potential threat has been fully scanned. So far so good, eh? Well, it is not that simple.

 

 

There are two types of memories: implicit memory and explicit memory. Implicit memory has to do with emotional experiences. Remember that elementary school teacher who told you your drawings were horrible? Guess where that is stored. Explicit memory, on the other hand, deals with a conscious recollection of information. When the amygdala takes over, the access to sensible and conscious information is clouded. It is like when you get angry and say something stupid that you consciously don’t mean. Or that one time when your crush talked to you and you didn’t know what to say and just blushed. Freaking amygdala! But don’t feel there’s nothing you can do. Actually, you can take baby steps and start feeling like taking more risks more often while building more confidence in the process. Any learning process will cause some level of anxiety, but researchers have found that in order to maximize your performance, it is necessary to experience a state of relative anxiety.  anxiety.   Some researchers call call it “optimal an anxiety”, but it is the good old o ld zone of proximal development development Vigotsky coined in the 20th century. In layman’s terms, it means do something is neitherenough. too easyBynotdoing too complicated, that is to challenging and that motivating so, you willsomething be more productive and will have an easier time dealing with new and unexpected changes. Be bold but don’t be reckless! What about having lunch at a different restaurant? What about learning how to make pasta carbonara? Little by little you will build momentum in order to aim at higher goals. Don’t wait any longer. Do it now! D.

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Camels often sit down carefully perhaps their joints creak. Wait what? What on earth does that have to do with learning? Camels? Are you kidding me? Patience, dear learner. What you don’t know yet is that the nonsensical sentence above actually it’s a mnemonic device to remember r emember the Paleozoic and Mesozoic periods. Take a look: Camels. Often. Sit. Down. Carefully. Perhaps. Their. Joints. Creak.

Cambrian. Ordovician. Silurian. Devonian. Carboniferous. Permian. Triassic. Jurassic. Cretaceous.

Neat, isn’t it? Why would anyone be interested in something like this? Well, the point is that working memory (refer to section 1, in case you already forgot what it is) has a limited capacity. Untrained people are able to manipulate four bits bit s of information in their short-term memory at a time. Remember that party where you were introduced to a bunch of people and you were not able to remember a single name? There you have it. The limits of your working memory might have been taking its toll on you (or maybe you just need to be more attentive).  Anyway, the thing is that there are strategies to stretch the power of your working memory. One of them is chunking which consists on grouping several items into one larger whole that is easy to recall. Camels often sit down carefully perhaps their joints creak. Nine single words to remember in order becomes one strange phrase. Get it? There are different ways to chunk information, but there is one special characteristic great chunks share according to the experts: The more vivid, grotesque, absurd, shocking, and unusual, the better Picture an octopus that has eyes at the end of its tentacles. Do you think it might relate to a part of your brain? If your answer is yes, you are some kind of weird visionary because it actually does. It is a mnemonic device to remember the occipital lobe of the brain that is in charge of processing visual information. The -oc  in   in octopus reminds you of occipital. The eyes on the tentacles remind you that the occipital lobe is in charge of visual info. I bet you will never forget

 

 

this! That’s the idea of chunking. You can start by borrowing somebody else’s mnemonic devices and then start designing your own. The more you do it, the better you’ll get at it. Isn’t it cool to use your craziest ideas to help you remember relevant information? You can do this with your English learning process, too. There are many resources online. Google the topic you are interested in and try to find the mnemonic devices other people have used to learn it. The sky is the limit.

Contextualization Listen to Emily talk about willpower, determination, and facing challenges. Have you ever been in her situation? A determined mindset

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In general, people tend to think that real talent is something you have or you don’t have. I used to believe that for many years, but I don’t anymore. I have learned that in reality, everyone possesses the key attributes to be successful in the area of their choice. Willpower is like a mental muscle that you must exercise if you want it to grow stronger and stronger. Willpower is the fuel you need to tackle the challenges life has. If you choose to believe you don’t have willpower, you are right, and if you choose to believe you do, you are also right. Everything is based on your mindset. That mental attitude predetermines the way you are going to react to the situations you have to face daily.

 

 

My dad is an example of this. He was an alcoholic until one day he decided his dreams were stronger than alcohol. He quit drinking and went back to school. It was really hard for him to compete with younger students, but he was determined. Two years ago, he graduated from high school. He had always wanted that. After that, he has had to face many other challenges and so have I, but now our willpower is stronger than ever. He thinks hard work pays off and I do too. An American psychologist called Timothy Leary once said, “You can be anyone this time around” and I couldn’t agree with him more.  more. 

Comprehension A. Read again and decide if the following statements are true or false: Statements  Statements 

True

False

Some people are born with talent and others aren’t. aren’t.   Emily once thought some people had talent and some didn’t.   didn’t. She thinks some people innately have the essential traits to be successful. Her dad quit his job to go back to school. She thinks you can grow muscle, but you can’t build willpower. Her dad’s dreams weren’t as strong as his bad habit. Her dad achieved one of his goals. Both Emily and her dad think hard work gets rewarded. B. Read the following questions and choose the best answer according to the listening. 1. If you want to be successful in the area of your choice, a. You should wait for oppo opportunities rtunities to knoc knock k on your door. b. You should k know now you alrea already dy have the necessary traits to do it. c. You should ask people who have successful attributes to hel help p you. 2. Believing that you do or don’t have willpower is is:: a. A choice.

 

 

b. A matter of luck. c. Something some people have and others don’t.  don’t.   3. 3.“You “You can be anyone this time around” most likely means means:: a. You cannot change y your our fate ev even en if you want to. b. You can change your fate if you want to. c. Your fate has been predetermined.

Practice 1 A. Read the following situations and complete each sentence.  1. Julian Julian:: ““II don't think procrastinating is good for you you.” .”   Sandra:: “_____.”  Sandra “_____.”  a. Me too. b. So do I. c. Neither do I. d. So am I. 2. Robert: “I “I think mindfulness meditation is useful.” useful .”   Ryan: “_____.”  “_____.”  a. b. c. d.

So am I. I do too. I am too. So do I.

3. Angel Angela: a: “I “I love working out in the morning!” morning !”   Paul: “_____.”  “_____.”  a. b. c. d.

I do too. So am I. Me neither. I can too.

4. Tom: “I didn’t learn how to cook when I was a child.”  child.”   Sam: “______.”  “______.”  a. b. c. d.

I did too. Neither do I. I didn’t either. Me too.

 

 

5. Maureen: “I would like to eat healthy food every day.” day.”   Michael: “______.”  “______.”  a. b. c. d.

I do too. I wouldn’t either.  either.  I am either. I would too.

6. Juan: I can’t go to the movies tonight.  tonight.   Rocio: “______.”  “______.”  a. b. c. d.

Me too. So can I. Neither can I. I don’t either.

7. Mariel: “I’m in the mood for jogging.” jogging.”   Rose: “______.”  “______.”  a. b. c. d.

So am I. Neither am I. I’m not either. So do I.

8. Javier: “I shouldn’t waste so much m uch time watching TV.” TV.”   Susana: “______.”  “______.”  a. b. c. d.

Should I too. So should I. I should either. Neither should I.

B. Rewrite each sentence, using the word in parentheses. Make verb changes as necessary. Look at the example below. Example: Paul McKenna is an excellent public speaker, and Steven Kotler is too. (so). Paul McKenna is an excellent public speaker, and so is Steven Kotler. 1. Joseph Camp Campbell bell was a great scholar, a and nd so w was as Robert Anton Wilson. (too).  ________________________  ____________ ______________________________ _____________________________ _______________. ____.

 

 

2. The university doesn’t allow plagiarizing, and neither does the school. school . (not either).  ___________________________  ______________ ____________________________ __________________________ _______________. ____. 3. Her company has adopted a new promotion policy policy,, and his has too. (so).  _________________________  ______________ ___________________________ ____________________________ ________________. ____. 4. Tank tops aren’t appropriate in the t he office, and neither are sandals. (not either).  _________________________  ______________ ______________________ _________________________ _____________________. _______. 5. They we were re annoyed by her be behavior, havior, and I was too. (s (so). o).  _________________________  ______________ ______________________ _________________________ _____________________. _______. 6. I have d decided ecided to v volunteer, olunteer, and so has she. (too).  ____________________________  ______________ _________________________ _________________________ __________________. ____. 7. Chloe doesn’t like getting up early, and they they  don’t either. (neither). (neither).  ________________________  ____________ ________________________ ________________________ _____________________. _________. 8. We’re not going to the seminar this weekend, and you’re not either. (neither).  ________________________  ____________ ________________________ ________________________ _____________________. _________. C. Use short responses with so, too, neither, or not either to agree with the statements.  1. A: I don’t really like the t he fast pace of the modern world. B: ____________. 2. A: I’m really annoyed a nnoyed by people who are not punctual. B: ____________. 3. A: I try not to be rude when I get upset. B: ____________. 4. A: I can’t understand why people talk during movies. movies.   B: ____________. 5. A: I speak up when someone tries to put me down.

 

 

B: ____________. 6. A: I don’t have time to get involved i nvolved with my community. community.   B: ____________. 7. A: I would consider spending some time teaching others what I know. B: ____________. D. Match the following statements with the appropriate response.  I was at a seminar last week. a. I do too. I can’t believe what she said.  said.  b. I don’t either.  either.  I don’t handwrite anymore.  anymore.  c. I shouldn’t either.  either.  I didn’t use to write my goals. d. So did I. I’m trying some new learning strategies.

e. I can’t either .

Martha loves using mnemonics. f. Neither did I. I shouldn’t have cheated.  cheated.  g. I was too. I applied for a new job yesterday. h. So am I.

E. Read the following statements. Go to the multimedia, listen to the options and choose the correct option.  1. He doesn't like doing chores, and she doesn’t _________. _________.   a.

(either)

b.

(neither)

 

 

c.

(too)

2. I hate it w when hen people give up easily, and so _______ _________my __my sister. a.

(does)

b.

(is)

c.

(neither)

3. My sister doesn’t know what mnemonics are.  are.   ____________ does my mother. a.

(Either)

b.

(Neither)

c.

(Nor)

4.  ____________ He didn't come  ________________. ____.  to a.

(come)

b.

(neither)

c.

(either)

the

conference,

and

his

boss

didn't

5. Exercising is importan importantt for your mental he health, alth, and _________is eating well. a.

(too)

b. c.

(neither) (so)

6. He writes his daily g goals oals every morning. So ____ ________his ____his childre children. n. a.

(does)

b.

(do)

c.

(are)

7. Paulo Freire has done a lot for education, and so __________ Ken Robinson.

 

 

a.

(has)

b.

(is)

c.

(does)

8. He didn’t yell at me. He didn't insult me _________.  a.

(too)

b.

(either)

c.

(neither)

9. I didn’t know handwriting is cognitively demanding. Neither_________my teacher. a.

(do)

b.

(did)

c.

(know)

10. Her brother steps out of his comfort zone often. Her sister _______too. a.

(does)

b.

(steps)

c.

(is)

 

 

F. Go to the multimedia and listen to a podcast about the similarities between teens and cats. Based on the podcast, answer the questions below: Look what the cat dragged in

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Phil: Hello and welcome to “Are you kidding me?”,  me?”,  the podcast that will put a smile on your face every morning. Today, we have a special guest that will warm these cold November mornings. His name’s Joe Medina, a standup comedian from San Diego, California. Hi, Joe, it’s nice to have you on our show. Joe: Hi Phil. It’s great to be here. Thanks for the invitation. Phil: Don’t mention it. Listen, I was told tol d you have a new sketch about similarities between cats and teens. Is that right? Joe: Yeah, that’s right. I have been working really hard trying to come up with new material to keep my act fresh. Just because it is comedy, it doesn’t mean it’s easy. Phil: I know what you mean, man. Hey, would you mind sharing some of your new material here on the show? Joe: Not at all. You guys have been really supportive from the get-go. This is  just based on what I’ve seen seen my teenage kids do. Cats don’t turn their t heir heads when you call them. Teenagers don’t either. Cats don’t walk outside of the house with an adult human being. Neither do teenagers.

 

 

If you tell a joke to a teenager, she will never laugh. Cats won’t either. Cats can lie on a sofa all day long l ong without doing anything. Teenagers can too. People say cats have nine lives. Teenagers act like they do too. Whenever you’re doing something important, something important, cats feel the need to disturb you. So do teenagers. I have a thousand more similarities, but if you want to hear the rest, don’t forget to buy tickets for tonight’s show at Mad House Comedy Club. Phil: Hahahahaha. You can bet I’ll be there, there , Joe. I am a parent myself and hadn’t stopped to think about that. On a different note, why don’t you tell t ell us how you got into standup comedy? Joe: Sure! When I was in … (fade out). 1. Mark the following sen sentences tences true or false acc accordingly: ordingly: Sentences  Sentences  Joe Medina hosts a morning podcast. Phil told Joe he has a new podcast. podcast.   Joe thinks writing comedy is easy. Joe has children. 2. Choose the best answer to complete the following sentences:    When you call a cat or a teenager,

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a. heads ds aright away. b. They They will will turn heartheir and hea ma make ke noise. c. They will act as if they didn’t hear you.   In regards to humor,

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a. Cats and teenager s seem not to get adult’s jokes. jokes. b. Cats and tteenagers eenagers lov love e it when adults tell them jokes. c. Cats and teenagers love to look funny on videos.   In regards to behavior, teenagers:

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a. Seem to be cautious. b. Seem to be reckless.

True   True

False   False

 

 

c. Seem to be worried.   When adults are busy,

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a. Cats and teenagers keep their distan distance. ce. b. Cats and teenagers leave them alone. c. Cats and teenagers distract them. G. Listen to four people describing their profile for an online dating service company. Stan

Celine

Kelly

Diego

I am in love with the outdoors. There’s nothing better than riding a bicycle in the country. Even though I like living in the city, sometimes it gets too

I am more of a city girl. I enjoy crowds. I love going shopping and watching people. I know it sounds weird, but I find people fascinating. I’m not really into reading; I prefer

I like to think I am adventurous. I might not have a lot of free time, but when I do, the last place where I want to stay is the city. I have a country house where I spend at least four

I live downtown. It is the most vibrant part of the city and I love it. There’s always something going on. I love going to the movies, watching plays, visiting museums, and

overwhelming. Every weekend I go out of town to enjoy nature and read surrounded by the silence of the mountains.

watching series online. Going camping or hiking is my idea of hell.

days a week. I’m a country girl at heart even though I was raised in the city. I love quiet places because I can concentrate more when I read and write, two of my favorite activities.

eating out. I hardly ever leave town. I don’t like going to places where I cannot enjoy the comforts of the city. When I want to take a break from work, I read a novel or surf the web and try to find something to watch: a TV show, a movie, a

 

 

documentary…   documentary… Fuente de imágenes: SENA imágenes: SENA

1. Based on what y you ou heard, complete the se sentences ntences below w with ith the correct names: a. ____________ _______________ ___ likes nature, and s so o does ______________ ________________. __. b. ________________ isn’t interested in sleeping sleeping under the stars. Neither is  ________________.  ____________ ____. c. ____________ ________________ ____ lov loves es the city life. _____________ does too. d. ____________ ________________and ____and ____________ ____________enjoy enjoy does________________.

reading,

and

so

e.  ________________doesn‘t  ________________doesn‘t stay in the city all week. week.   Neither does  ________________.  ____________ ____. 2. Read the follow following ing statements. Decid Decide e if they are true or false accord according ing to the profiles: Statements  Statements  Celine likes the outdoors, and so does Diego. Stan doesn’t like noisy places, and neither does Kelly. Kelly.  

True   True

False   False

Diego is into reading, and Kelly is too. Celine doesn’t mind being surrounded by people, and Diego doesn’t either.  either.  Kelly can concentrate more in a public place, and so can Stan.

Practice 2 A. Go to the multimedia and listen to a neuroscientist talk about the importance of exercise. Take notes as you listen and answer the questions below:

 

 

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If you think exercising is just about the looks, you are mistaken. Research has shown the way exercise positively influences your brain. When you do any kind of endurance exercise, your brain releases irisin, a protein with neuroprotective properties. Irisin raises the levels and increases the expression of another protein called BDNF, which spurs the development of new neurons and promotes their survival. Pretty sweet, eh? Exercising also affects the size of the hippocampus. The hippo what? The hippocampus. If you don’t know what it is and what it does, get ready to be mind-blown: The hippocampus is a small organ that plays a very important role in regards to long-term memory and spatial navigation. In order to really picture its importance, let’s say you damage it beyond repair. Guess what? From now on, you won’t be able to record any new memories or functions. Creepy, I know. Exercising also improves your executive function and self-regulation skills. These skills depend on three highly interrelated brain functions:   Working memory (it allows you you to retain and manipulate different different pieces of information over short periods of time).

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  Mental flexibility (it allows you to keep or shift attention in response response to a changing environment and / or apply different rules according to the context).

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  Self-control (it allows you you to assess the conseque consequences nces of your ac actions). tions).

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Don’t you feel like going for a jog?  jog?  

 

 

1. According to the neur neuroscientist, oscientist, are the follow following ing statements true or false? Choose the correct option. Statements  Statements 

True   True

False   False

Exercise is only a way of improving your physical appearance. Irisin creates new neurons.  neurons.  The hippocampus is a part of the brain in charge of visual information. The hippocampus plays an important role in the formation of new memories. Self-control helps you make more sensible decisions. 2. Choose the best answer based on what the neuroscientist s says: ays:   By do doing ing ex exercise, ercise, y you ou are not only improving the way you look look,, but also:

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a. The s size ize of y your our hy hypothalamus. pothalamus. b. The ex executive ecutive function o off your brain. c. The number of items y you ou can ret retain ain for a short period of time.   Working memory is related to:

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a. What you can reme remember mber for a limited period of time. b. How y you ou can move thr through ough spa space. ce. c. What you can reme remember mber for a an n indefinite period of time.   Which protein stimulates the survival of new neurons? 

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a. Irisin. b. c. BDNF. Spirulina.   Which mental function is related to res responding ponding to new circumstances? 

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a. Self-control.  b. Working memory.  c. Mental flexibility. 

 

 

B. Read the following text about the comfort zone and answer the questions below. 

Fuente: SENA SENA  

Comfort zone: That really cozy place where stress and risk are minimized, that womb-like environment where worries don’t exist, that marvelous zombie-like zombie -like place where nothing bothers you… Who doesn’t want it? Well, W ell, you shouldn’t! shouldn’t!   It turns out your comfort zone actually becomes your prison since it does not let you grow. It prevents you from stepping out of it because you don’t want to experience the feelings associated with it: fear of the unknown, fear of rejection, stress, anxiety, etc. But shying away from those feelings doesn’t decrease them over time. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know this, t his, right? You know it and I know it, so what now? Well, the idea is not to become your own bully! The idea is to design a plan to get out if it gracefully. It is not an easy task, but it’s worth it. Let’s see why it is challenging. There is a part of your brain called the amygdala that is responsible for our emotions, emotional behavior, and motivation, and the fight or flight response. When we face uncertainty (experiencing something new / learning something new), the amygdala highjacks the body until a potential threat has been fully scanned. So far so good, eh? Well, it is not that simple. There are two types of memories: implicit memory and explicit memory. Implicit memory has to do with emotional experiences. Remember that elementary school teacher who told you your drawings were horrible? Guess where that is stored. Explicit memory, on the other hand, deals with a conscious recollection of information. When the amygdala takes over, the access to sensible and conscious information is clouded. It is like when you get angry and say

 

 

something stupid that you consciously don’t mean. Or that one time when your crush talk to you and you didn’t know what to say and just blushed. Freaking amygdala! But don’t feel there’s nothing you can do. Actually, you can c an take baby steps and start feeling like taking more risks more often while building more confidence in the process. Any learning process will cause some level of anxiety, but researchers have found that in order to maximize your performance, it is necessary to experience a state of relative anxiety. Some researchers call it “optimal an anxiety”, but it is the good old zone of proximal development d evelopment Vigotsky coined in the 20th century. In layman’s terms, it means to do something that is neither too easy not too complicated, something that is challenging and motivating enough. By doing so, you will be more productive and will have an easier time dealing with new and unexpected changes. Be bold but don’t be reckless! What about having lunch at a different restaurant? What about learning how to make pasta carbonara? Little by little you will build momentum in order to aim at higher goals. Don’t wait any longer.  longer.   Do it now! 1. What is the best way to describe w what hat the co comfort mfort zone is? a. An expanding area of growth. b. An area of stagnation. c. An area of limitless resources. 2. The com comfort fort zone is like a prison because: a. It forces you to design p plans lans to escape. b. It doesn’t allow you to flourish.  flourish.  c. It doesn’t allow you to feel comfortable. 3. By ignoring uncomfortable feelings, you will: a. Perpetuate their existence. b. Make them disappear. c. Face your fears. 4. The sentence “you don’t have to become your own bully” most likely means: means:   a. You s should hould b be e relentles relentless s with yourself. b. You s should hould b be e comp compassionate assionate with y yourself. ourself. c. You should take advantage of p people. eople.

 

 

5. The amygdala is related to: a. Implicit memory. b. Explicit memory. c. Elementary school. 6. It is challenging to mak make e sensible decisions under the influence o off stressful circumstances because: a. A part of your brain block blocks s conscious thinking. b. A part of your brain block blocks s uncons unconscious cious thinki thinking. ng. c. A part of your brain blushes. C. Decide if the following statements are true or false according to the text: Statements  Statements  It is very simple to step out of your comfort zone. If you feel some anxiety when you are trying something new, there’s something wrong with you.  you.   Optimal anxiety is the perfect zone where things are neither too simple nor too frustrating. By methodically stepping out of your comfort zone, you will gain more confidence. It is better to wait until unti l you feel you are ready to step out of your comfort zone.

True   True

False   False

D. Read to Sam sharing what he considers to be one of the most effective lifelong learning tools he has ever learned. Take notes as you listen and answer the questions below.

Fuente: SENA Fuente:  SENA

 

 

I have always been a very competitive person. I had always wanted to be number one no matter the cost until the day I had a panic-attack at work. That day while I was at the hospital, I realized I had been too focused on winning to the detriment of everything else. A doctor told me that mindfulness meditation would help me reduce my anxiety and stress. str ess. Until then, I thought meditation was for hippies and people with too much free time, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Mindfulness meditation taught me how to stop prolonging the unnecessary suffering that results from trying to escape the uneasiness, and sometimes pain, that comes as a consequence of being alive. Basically, you just have to sit, close your eyes, and pay attention to your breathing. When your inner dialogue starts distracting you, you just have to gently bring back your attention to your breathing. This meditation is basically becoming aware of the present moment without judgment. Research has shown that it strengthens the immune system, lowers your blood pressure and increases your levels of satisfaction with life. I think everyone should try it. It has dramatically improved my well-being. 1. Decide if the following statements are true or false according to what Sam says: Statements  Statements  Sam is not a competitive person anymore. Sam changed his mind about meditation after having a panic-attack. Even though he worked hard, he still had time to focus on his family.  A doctor told him to try some experimental experimental drug to treat his anxiety.

True   True

Sam had an erroneous idea about meditation. 2. Read the following statements and choose the correct answer:    The word “uneasiness” is closer in meaning to:  to:  

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a. Difficulty. b. Anxiety. c. Enjoyment.

False   False

 

 

  In order to practice mindfulness meditation, y you ou just have to:

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a. Buy the necessary equipment. b. Go o online nline a and nd find a c course. ourse. c. Find a comfortable place.   When your mind gets distracted by thoughts, you should:

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a. Start breathing faster to concentrate more. b. Try as hard as possible to remove them. c. Softly take your a attention ttention b back ack to your bre breathing. athing.   Research on mindfulness meditation has shown that:

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a. It helps you be m more ore c competitive. ompetitive. b. It improves your health and quality of life. c. It remov removes es your negative thoughts. pr oven test-taking techniques. Take E. Read to professor Lisa Seuss talk about proven notes as you listen and answer the questions below:  Taking a test doesn’t have to be a nightmare 

Fuente: SENA

Taking tests might not be the most relaxing activity for most people, but you can improve the way you take them by following some simple strategies. First and foremost, if you want better academic success, there is no substitute for preparation. Learning how to best prepare and study for exams

 

 

will make you feel more relaxed. The main ingredients to achieve better results are preparation and relaxation. Do plan ahead so that you can have plenty of study time. Don't let your work affect your studying plans. Create a study schedule and stick to it. Do use mnemonic devices to easily remember large quantities of information. Don't waste too much time preparing to study for the exam. Spend that time studying for the exam. Do ask your teacher about the contents of the exam and the type of questions he/she is most likely to ask. Do set goals for each test. Setting a goal will have a positive impact on your motivation. Be realistic, though. Don't let external influences affect your preparation. Avoid people with whom you usually get into arguments. Do take breaks while studying. Research shows that studying in smaller chunks with regular breaks helps students retain more information. i nformation. Don't study in a place full with distractions. Choose a place where you won’t be disturbed. Do review previous exams to get familiar with the kinds of questions your teacher asks. Do take practice exams. If possible, create your own practice exam. Don't stay up late the night before an exam. Sleeping well is essential for proper cognitive functioning. Do read the instructions for each exercise carefully. Make sure you understand them before taking the exam. Don't get stuck on a question for too long. If the question is too difficult, move to the next question and get back later. Do take your time and double check your answers.

 

 

Do reward yourself with a something special after you have finished the test. Watch a good movie, buy a nice meal, take a nap, etc. 1. Write the followin following g pieces o off advice in into to their corres corresponding ponding colu column: mn:                    

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  

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Sleep well the night before the exam. After turning in the exam, do something fun. Study for long periods of time without breaks. Turn in the ex exam am as soon as y you ou finish answering the last question. Answer each question as fast as you can. Use traditional memorization strategies. Attend all the review sessions. Spend the night before the exam trying to me memorize morize information. Choose a noisy study place to build concentration power. Plan your study sessions in advance. Do’s 

Don’ts 

2. Read the following statements and decide if they are true or false according to information in the video. Statements  Statements  Most people find test-taking relaxing. Being committed to your study schedule is not essential. Mnemonic devices can help you recall a lot of information. Spend plenty of time preparing to study for the test. Don’t make your teacher upset by asking questions about the test. Stay away from annoying situations. Reviewing your answers is a sign of mental weakness. Don’t overthink. If a question is too difficult, d ifficult, move

True   True

False   False

 

 

on to the next.

practice  Pronunciation practice 

Note: This practice must be completed using the multimedia version of the Note: This study material. There you will find f ind the corresponding sound files.

A. T-voicing in connected speech   As you already know, in some varieties of English, particularly in the USA and Canada, t can be pronounced differently depending on its context. The most common variation is      t ,̬ a voiced pronunciation of the regular t; which sounds like a very rapid d.  This can happen not only within words, but also, in sentences, where words connect together. Let’s go to the multimedia, listen to some sentences and identify the instances in which a voiced     t  ̬occurs. 

ˈwɑ   t  ̬ ə ˈwʌndərfəl ˈdeɪ  ˈwɑt ‿

What a wonderful day.

pʊ   t  ̬ ɪt     ̬ ɪn ðə bɑks  pʊt ‿

‿

Put it in the box.

ˈɡe   t  ̬ ə ˈnju ˌpleɪs tə ˈliv  ˈɡet ‿

Get a new place to live. Note: T-voicing can occur in many accents of English. It can appear within it is words and also in connected speech. Remember, that t can become     t  when ̬ preceded by a stressed vowel and followed by an unstressed vowel. B. Go to the multimedia, listen to the following sentences and decide if Tvoicing has occurred.  1. Yes

No

 

 

2. Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

3.

4.

5.

Now, listen to the sentences again and practice repeating them.

ɑɪ dɪdnt laɪk ðə fud at a   t  ̬ ˈɔl  ‿

I didn't like the food at all.

ɑɪd ˈlʌv səm ˈbɪskɪts ˈnɑu  The house needs painting.

mɑɪ ˈtitʃər ʃʊd ˈbi ˈmɔ ˌɔrɡəˈnɑizd  My teacher should be more organized.

wi ˈbɔt ˈbɔ   t  ̬ ə ˈnju əˈpɑrmənt ˈlɑst ˈjɪər  ‿

We bought a new apartment last year. 

ɑɪ ˈtrɑɪ ˈnɑt tə ˈbi ˈrud wən ɑɪ ɡe ɡet   t  ̬ ʌpˈset ‿

I try not to be rude when I get upset. 

C. Go to the multimedia and listen to the following sentences. Click on the word ends where T-voicing has occurred. I was at a seminar last week. I always put on some weight during the holidays.  Maria was sick so she spent the night at the hospital. I think that is a bad habit. Kate and Jules asked me to come over dinner.

 

 

Now, listen to the sentences again and practice repeating them.

ˈɑɪ wəz ət ə   t  ̬ ə ˈsemɪnər ˈlɑst wik  ‿

I was at a seminar last week.

 ju ˈɔlweɪz pʊt pʊ   t  ̬ ɑn ˈweɪt ˈdʊər·ɪŋ ðə ˈhɑlɪˌdeɪ.  ‿

You always put on some weight during the holiday.

ˈdʒeɪn wəz ˈsɪk soʊ ʃi ˈspent ðə ˈnɑɪt ˈnɑɪ   t  ̬ ət ðə ɪˈmɜrdʒənsi rum  ‿

Jane was sick so she spent the night at the emergency room.

ɑɪ ˈθɪŋk ˈthæt ˈthæ   t  ̬ ɪs ə ˈbæd ˈhæbɪt.  ‿

I think that is a bad habit.

ˈkeɪ   t  ̬ ənd ˈdʒulz ɑskt mi tə ˈkʌm ˈoʊvər ˈdɪnər  ˈkeɪt ‿

Kate and Jules asked me to come over dinner. D. Read the following sentences. Type the correct spelling for the word that has been transcribed.

Sentence

Word

Ever since Paula has been at college, she has been considered an excellent ˈskɑlər.  When he was coming home, he saw a ˈkripɪ man. I couldn’t enter because there was a kraʊd at the gate. She has just bought some

tæŋk tɒps.

He doesn’t do anything different at work for ages. He’s in a ˈkʌmfərt zəʊn.  A terrorist group ˈhaɪdʒækt a Pacific Air Dreamliner. She loves

ˈdʒɑgɪŋ at nights.

Fortunately, he has ˌoʊvəˈkʌm his addiction. Now, go to the multimedia, listen to the sentences and check the stress and intonation patterns used. Then, record yourself and practice pronouncing them.

 

 

Ever since Paula has been at college, she been considered an has excellent scholar.  When he was coming home, he saw a creepy man. I couldn’t enter because there was a crowd at the gate. She has just bought some tank tops. He doesn’t do anything different at for ages. He’s in a comfort zone.  A terrorist group hijacked a Pacific Air Dreamliner. She loves jogging at night. Fortunately, he has overcome his addiction. Document control Name   Name

Author  

Mauricio Aldana

Position   Position

Dependence   Dependence

Date   Date

Theme expert  Asesor English Dot

Dirección de formación

November

Works - Programa de bilingüismo

profesional. Dirección General

2014

Centro  Agroindustrial. Regional Quindío

October 2015

Rachman Copy editor – editor – Línea  Línea Adaptation  Adaptation  Bustillo Martínez de producción