Comprehension check

Ex. 1. Read the text. Provide each paragraph with an appropriate heading (choose among the proposed variants):

1. Reporting facts;

2. Different levels of communication;

3. Expressing feelings;

4. Cliché;

5. Communication and optimum health;

6. Sharing ideas.

Ex. 2. Translate paragraph 6 in writing.

Ex. 3. Read the text again and choose the correct alternative for each of the following questions:

1. What requires different levels of communication?

1. different conversations;

2. different relationships;

3. communicative skills.

2. Why is sometimes cliché used?

1. to begin a conversation;

2. to develop relationships;

3. to avoid silence.

3. Why will you stop sharing your ideas?

1. if you don't want to continue the conversation;

2. if you don't feel that your judgments and decisions are accepted;

3. if you are angry.

4. What does the highest level of communication involve?

1. the mutual sharing of feelings;

2. the mutual understanding;

3. difficult situations.

5. What problems can you develop, when you keep feelings bottled up inside you?

1. such problems as a risk behaviour;

2. the rejection of your ideas;

3. such problems as headaches, ulcers, stomachaches.

Ex. 4. Put 8-10 questions on the text so that they cover its content.

Text 4. Adulthood

1. a) _ _ _ _ _ _ _. Generally, adults¹ change physically very little over the years. Depending on environmental and hereditary² factors, and life-styles, chronic³ diseases and illness may occur. After age 30, skeletal muscles may lose some of their strength. The circulatory system may become less efficient. In later adulthood, skin⁴ may become wrinkled⁵ and hair turn gray. b) _ _ _ _ _ _ _. Adults of today are more aware of the need to be physically fit than ever before. Some people become more physically fit as adults than when they were younger because they have adopted lifestyles that promote healthful behaviors. They may exercise regularly, eat more healthful meals, and rest better than when they were young.

2. Psychosocial⁶ changes also occur during adulthood. Early adult­hood occurs for people in their 20s. c) _ _ _ _ _ _ _. How a per­son adjusts during this period is a measure of emotional maturity⁷. During this period, friends often replace family members as a source of help. Intimate⁸ relationships are sought. d) _ _ _ _ _ _ _. Many adults in this age group marry some may become dedicated to a career.

3. e) _ _ _ _ _ _ _. In this period, one may seek to adjust life goals and standards. For example, a person who works on a job that is not satisfying may look for a new job. Energies may become focused on more attainable goals.

4. Late adulthood for some people may be characterized by an awareness⁹ that life does have an ending. This stage can be a depressing time for those who have not achieved a sense of closeness¹⁰ with others and who feel they have no control over their own destinies. f) _ _ _ _ _ _ _. People look back at their accomplish­ments and value those accomplishments that have made them happy as adults. In this stage, some people often become advisors¹¹ and teachers. g) _ _ _ _ _ _ _. In some respects, late adulthood is the most stable period of the life cycle¹². Men and women begin to pursue new interests. They may take up new hobbies or register for courses in a local college or university. h) _ _ _ _ _ _ _.

Notes: 1) взрослый человек; 2) наследственный; 3) хронический; 4) кожа; 5) морщинистый; 6) психосоциальной; 7) зрелость; 8) интимный, личный; 9) знания, осведомленность; 10) близость; 11) советники, консультанты; 12) жизненный цикл.