Reading and vocabulary. 2.1 Read the article. What does it say about national stereotypes? Are we typical? The English are cold and reserved

2.1 Read the article. What does it say about national stereotypes?

Are we typical? The English are cold and reserved, Brazilians are lively and fun-loving, and the Japanese are shy and hardworking – this is what people usually think about these nationalities. How much truth is there in national stereotypes? Two scientists, Robert McCrae and Antonio Terraciano, investigated the subject, and the result was surprising.

The scientists tested people of 49 different nationalities. Then, they interviewed them and asked them to describe a typical member of their society. The analysis showed that the stereotype was very different from the reality. For example, Italians and Russians think of themselves as sociable and open, but the tests show they are more reserved. The Spanish see themselves lazy, but in fact they are very hardworking. The English are the most open-minded nationality, which is very far from the stereotype! The tests also showed that all nationalities don’t have many differences. In fact, we have a lot in common!

2.2 In the text, find the words describing character.

2.3 Complete the sentences with the personality adjectives.

hardworking open-minded lazy reserved sociable hospitable shy fun-loving practical reliable talkative organized moody

a. ______ people who are open and enjoy the company of other people

b. ______ people who are happy one minute and sad the next minute

c. ______ people who like chatting

d. ______ people who like to work

e. ______ people who don’t like to show their feelings

f. ______ people who can be self-disciplined

g. ______ people who don’t like to work

h. ______ people who like visitors

i. ______ people who are not confident in themselves

j. ______ people who know how to spend their money

k. ______ people you can trust or believe

l. ______ people who love parties

m. ______ people who are open to new ideas

2.4 What kind of person are you? Describe yourself in three words. Are you a typical representative of your nationality?