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Reading

10-th Grade

Reading Comprehension

Shyness

Recent research in America has shown that shyness is determined by our genes; some people are simply born that way. Strangely enough, it’s often those people who look as if they should be most confident (tall people, for example) who are most insecure. The 13-year research has now identified the gene that causes shyness, and the scientists believe that in fact we are all born more or less shy. It’s just that some people are able to deal with it better than others. Personal circumstances have an influence as well.

Shyness may not seem to be a serious complaint, but for some who suffer from it, it can become unbearable. Even talking to a small group of people you know can seem like an ordeal - it can feel as if you’ve been asked to give a speech on a topic you know very little about to a number of experts. You start to feel hot and shaky, your heart beats faster, your knees feel weak, you begin to stutter and the whole experience seems to last forever.

The fact of the matter is that shyness is something we often recognize in others: blushing (going red) is one of the more visible signs, for example. Yet we don’t judge someone harshly because of this. But shyness does mean you’re harder to approach, so you become more isolated. As one shy person put it, “It’s like being in a prison, and it’s very hard to break out.”

Experts on the subject have come up with various possible solutions, and one has been singled out as being the key to success - namely, finding an interest in common with other people. Spending a lot of time on the sidelines watching other people and envying them because they are much more outgoing doesn’t help; remembering that some of the people you most envy are probably shy themselves, does. The secret is how you deal with it. And experts have come up with four things you can do today to help:

Firstly, you can start by listening to other people. You will find yourself getting interested in what they’re talking about and asking questions - and before you know it, you’ll be having a conversation.

Secondly, you could try asking neighbours if you can walk their dog. Like children, pets can he excellent icebreakers for conversations with passers-by. Thirdly, try joining a class to learn something like tap-dancing or flamenco, where people are likely to laugh a lot. You’ll feel relaxed, and also you’ll feel much too busy concentrating on what you’re doing to feel shy.

Lastly, try telling yourself that it doesn’t matter if you say or do something silly. Most people make a fool of themselves every so often - and it’s not the end of the world if you do! 

Reading Comprehension

I. Write (true) or – (false) for each of the statements below:

1. Some people are born to be shy.

2. After the 14-year research the scientists have finally revealed the gene that causes shyness.

3. Shyness makes people suffer.

4. When you are in a stressful situation, you start to feel more confident.

5. We often notice shyness in ourselves.

6. To overcome shyness you have to find something common with other people.

7. An outgoing person is considered to be an insecure one.

8. Experts have discovered a great variety of different ways how to get rid of shyness.

9. Sometimes you have to say stupid things to conceal your shyness.

10. It is almost impossible to recover from shyness.

II. Answer the questions.

1. What has the research in America shown?

2. What influences shyness?

3. How do insecure people behave in stressful situations?

4. What is the most visible sign of shyness?

5. What do some people compare shyness to?

6. What is the main solution to shyness?

7. What is the first way of overcoming shyness?

8. What is the second way of overcoming shyness?

9. What is the third way of overcoming shyness?

10. What is the fourth way of overcoming shyness?

Writing

- Agree or disagree: We have too much leisure.

- Teenagers often complain that they do not know how to occupy their free time. Do you agree that it is a real problem? Express your opinion. Say how you try to solve this problem.

- You have got a letter from an English-speaking friend who asks you what young people in your country usually do in their spare time. What would you like to tell him about?