SELF-STUDY PORTFOLIO

Guidelines:
A portfolio is a profile or collection of all the work students have done during a course. It shows
how much work and effort students have made and how much they have learned or progressed
throughout the course. For this self-study package, each student is required to develop a portfolio
that helps them record all the ideas and language they have learned in each chapter and what they
have done to prepare for their own tests and exams in the course. For each chapter, there will be
specific guidelines and tasks for which students have to complete.

Requirements: The portfolio must be the product of each student’s own work and it should be
implemented on a frequent/ regular basis. Any evidence of copying or plagiarizing will lead to
serious penalty of ZERO score for the whole self-study package.

Students are required to use the following format for their personal portfolio.

SELF-STUDY PORTFOLIO
Course name: Listening and Speaking 4
Student’s name: Cao Ky Nguyen; Group: M02

CHAPTER 1: MARRIAGE, FAMILY AND THE HOME

General descriptions:
This chapter covered the topics of marriage, families, and the home. Let's start by discussing
marriage. About that, we know a great deal about marital cultures around the world, including
how people see marriage, pursue happiness, and handle flexibility in our lives. In reference to the
topic of "Family and the Home," the first chapter highlights the many types of families and draws
attention to the family's lasting value. It also stresses the significance of supporting emotional
development within the family, especially for young children.
Reflection:
"Academic Encounters Listening and Speaking 3: Marriage, Family, and the Home," Chapter 1,
covers a variety of issues pertaining to domestic life and relationships. This chapter's main
activities and topics include examining various cultural viewpoints on marriage and family
systems, talking about the duties and obligations that members of a family have, examining how
technology affects family relationships, discussing the advantages and difficulties of arranged
marriages. Engaging in lively discussions and group activities on these subjects can help me
practice my speaking and listening abilities. In general, Chapter 1 offers a thorough summary of
the subtleties and complexity of marriage, family, and domestic life, promoting critical thinking
and intercultural comprehension within the framework of interpersonal interactions.

Achievements: What have I learned from the chapter?

single-person households, extended family, nuclear family, single-parent family,

cohabitation, step-children, blended family, divorce rate, by most standard,
Key
home-cooked meals, make up, sibling rivalry, compromise, keepsake, heirloom,
vocabulary
black sheep, newlywed, bouquet, rewards, punishments, modeling, abuse,
acquire, bride, controversial, duties, spank, reinforce, socialized, talked back,
unconsciously, role models, set a good example, institution, arranged marriage,
boomerang children, median age, speed-meeting, spouse, sanctions, “Tiger
mother”, adapt, expert, immigrate, conflict, descendants, offspring, ancestors,
immediate family, family tree, ancestral lineage, in-laws, generation gaps,
monogamy, morganatic, polygamy, childhood sweetheart, tie a knot, get hitched,
call of a wedding, vow, susceptible.
+Marriage:

- Communication: The foundation of any successful marriage is healthy

Key ideas communication. Open and honest communication is essential for couples to
discuss both their happy and unhappy moments with one another.
about the
- Respect: A happy marriage requires respect. Respect for one another's needs,
topics wants, and perspectives is required between spouses.
- Trust: The cornerstone of any relationship is trust. Partners must be able to fully
trust one another.

+Home:
- Safety: Your family and you should feel comfortable in your home.
- Comfort: A comfortable place to rest and recuperate should be your home.
- Personality: Your house needs to convey your sense of style and individuality.
 -Togetherness: Making memories with your family at home is something you
should strive for.
+Family:
- Love: The most vital component of a strong family is love. Parents must
unconditionally love their children.
- Support: It's important for families to help one another. This entails sticking
with one another through good times and bad.
- Communication: In families, as in marriage, communication is crucial. Family
members must be able to communicate honestly and openly with one another.
- Boundaries: Sound boundaries are essential for families. This entails
establishing guidelines and standards for each member of the family.
Questions - What important lessons did you learn from your family members?
I can - What is some funny, exciting, strange, or sad story you can share about your
answer family?
questions
about the - Do you think today's youth appreciate their families?
topic. - What qualities do you look for in a future spouse to create a strong family unit?

- How can a couple build a strong foundation for their marriage?

- What does it mean to you to have a happy and healthy home environment?

- How can families create a sense of belonging and togetherness?

- In your opinion, how should household chores and responsibilities be divided

within a family?

- How can families adapt and grow as their children reach different stages of
life?

- What traditions would you like to establish in your own future family?
Planning ahead:

Questions Your answers Key vocabulary

for your answers
1. Do you 1. I come from a small family of five, including myself, my 1. small, military,
come from a sister, my younger brother, and my parents. Currently, I am married.
large family? living here, my younger brother is doing his military
service, and my sister is married so my parents are living
together in my hometown.

2. What kind of 2. My family is a nuclear family, consisting only of my 2. nuclear family,

family is it? parents and my siblings. We live in harmony with each siblings, harmony
other, so conflicts are rare in my household.

3. How often 3. To be honest, when I first started university, I used to 3. visit, frequency,
do you meet visit my parents once a week, mainly on weekends. geographical
your family? However, this frequency has now decreased to once every distance, video
two to three weeks due to various factors. The geographical chatting.
distance is also quite far, so my parents often advise me to
only come back when necessary. Instead, we use video
chatting to talk to each other more regularly every day.

4. Stemming from a farming family, we own a garden 4. stemming,

4. What do you
behind our house where a wide variety of plants and farming,
often do
vegetables are cultivated. It serves as a common ground for cultivating,
together?
us to collectively engage in gardening activities, such as gardening,
watering, fertilizing, and harvesting. We thoroughly enjoy activities, work
working together in this shared space. together.

5. People often remark on my striking resemblance to my 5. striking

5. Who are you
father, especially in terms of facial features. I have to admit resemblance, facial
most similar
that it is indeed true; we share a very similar facial structure, features,
to in your
and this is also the case with my younger brother. However,
 family? our personalities are not quite alike. In contrast to my personality.
father's straightforward and somewhat stern demeanor, I
tend to be more emotional and introspective.

6. Do you like 6. The idea of having many siblings truly excites me. To
to have me, a large family embodies the essence of a true family – a 6. large family,
many place overflowing with love, care, and a strong connection love, care, strong
siblings? between members. It's true that disagreements might connection,
Why (not)? happen, but I believe that with open communication and disagreements,
cooperation, both our parents and we can keep them under under control.
control.

7. What types 7. Vietnam traditionally boasts nuclear and extended 7. nuclear,

of family families. However, a growing trend in densely populated extended families,
structures cities is the rise of single-person households. trend, single-
are common person households.
in your
country
now?

8. What are 8. Nuclear families can be a haven for independence,

some pros allowing parents to set routines and children more space to 8. Independence,
and cons of a express themselves. Imagine weekend movie nights without set routine, parent-
nuclear needing to negotiate with grandparents! This focus on the child bonds,
family? core unit can also foster strong parent-child bonds, with financial burden,
parents having more time for each child. However, the flip expenses, social
side is a lack of the broader support system extended skills development.
families offer. Imagine needing childcare in a pinch – in a
nuclear family, it might fall solely on parents, impacting
their work or social life. This financial burden can be
another downside, with fewer people contributing to
household expenses. Finally, with fewer relatives around,
children in nuclear families might miss out on interactions
with different personalities and age groups, potentially
affecting their social skills development.
9. While there's no magic formula, happy families likely
9. What makes 9. formula,
share some common ground. Open communication is key,
a happy common ground,
letting everyone feel heard and understood. Quality time,
family? quality time,
 whether it's movie nights or just chatting, builds strong supportive
bonds. In my opinion, a supportive environment is crucial. environment,
Family should be a safe haven for love, encouragement, and unity, family team.
a shoulder to lean on – in good times and bad. Respect,
trust, and healthy conflict resolution are like the mortar
between the bricks. Shared values and goals provide a sense
of unity, like a family team.

10.What can be 10. Family arguments can happen for many unexpected 10. arguments,
the causes reasons. In my opinion, communication problems are often misunderstand, bad
for conflicts to blame. When we don't explain ourselves clearly or listen feelings, financial
among carefully, misunderstandings and bad feelings grow worse. stress, family
family Money worries can also be a source of conflict. Financial peace,
members? stress can put a strain on even the closest families. After all, expectations, past
families are a mix of different personalities and beliefs. problem,
Sometimes, these differences cause disagreements and
tension. Life events can also disrupt family peace, such as
job losses, new babies, or grown-up children leaving home.
Unrealistic expectations and past problems can also simmer
beneath the surface, ready to cause arguments. Even outside
pressures, like stress from work, can affect family life and
make arguments more likely. Although disagreements are
bound to happen, how families deal with them affects their
overall happiness.
Talk about one The person that I often admire is my cousin, Viet, who is a Cousin, general
family member 31-year-old general practitioner. I don't get to see him very practitioner,
that you often often, maybe once every 2-3 months, usually only at family gatherings, special
admire. gatherings or on special occasions. When we do meet, we occasions,
often talk about his experiences in medical school, study experiences,
You should say:
techniques, and life lessons. He shares a lot of valuable intriguing things,
Who the person knowledge with me on how to take care of my health, my empathy, caring
is. well-being, and many other intriguing things. nature, good
How often you health, demeanor,
What I admire most about Viet is his empathy and caring
meet him/ her. challenging,
nature towards others. He always makes an effort to
stressful, level-
What you often understand and support the emotional needs of those around
headed, patient,
do together him. He is constantly sharing useful information to help
career paths,
people maintain good health. Viet also has a calm and
What makes compassion,
you admire this composed demeanor. No matter how challenging or qualities.
person? stressful a situation may be, he remains level-headed and
patient. His gentle and tranquil nature truly astonishes me,
And what you
as I have never met anyone quite like him.
will do to
improve To improve myself and be more like my cousin, despite us
yourself to be being on different career paths, him as a general practitioner
like that person. and me as a language learner, I can emulate his compassion
and thoughtfulness towards others. I can strive to be more
understanding of people's emotions and offer support
whenever needed. Additionally, I can work on developing a
more composed and patient attitude in handling difficult
situations. By learning from his admirable qualities, I can
become a better person and positively impact those around
me.

Extra listening practice

1. Listening Practice - SECTION 1 – QUESTIONS 1-10

Complete the form below.

Write ONE WORD AND/ OR A NUMBER for each answer.

EARLY LEARNING CHILDCARE CENTRE

ENROLMENT FORM

Example: Parent or guardian: Carol …Smith….

Personal details
Child’s name: Kate
Age: (1) ……4……
Address: (2) ……46 WOMBAT…… Road, Woodside 4032
 Phone: 33459865

Childcare information
Days enrolled for: Monday and (3) ………Thursday………
Start time: (4) ……8:30…… am.
Childcare group: the (5) ……red……… group
Which meal/s are required each day? (6) ………lunch…………
Medical conditions: needs (7) ……glasses………
Emergency contact: Jenny (8) ……BALL……………; Phone: 3346 7523
Relationship to child: (9) ……aunt….
Fees
Will pay each (10) ………month………

2. Free listening: BBC Six minutes English

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD0hVvHkzuQ

CHAPTER 2: THE POWER OF THE GROUP

General descriptions:
The foundations of group formation and function were covered in this chapter. It offered a
framework for comprehending the associations and groups that people are a part of and
evaluating their effects—whether favorable or unfavorable—on their own lives. The chapter also
looked at a variety of group activities, such as movie watching, shopping trips, and get-togethers.
One important idea that was presented was "group pressure." The chapter offered techniques for
resolving these conflicts and successfully adjusting to the dynamics of the group. The chapter
emphasized the importance of the family as a basic group unit, notably broadening the meaning
of "group" beyond social circles and organizations.

Reflection:
We have a ton of enjoyable exercises in this chapter that will help us go deeper into the lessons
covered. We were given hypothetical scenarios involving certain teenagers, which we handled
and improvised with after imagining ourselves to be parents. In addition, we had to survey three
randomly selected individuals on their fads (things that are now quite popular) on the Foreign
Language Department campus. At last, we have the chance to explore the values of these iceberg
levels of culture once more.

Achievements: What have I learned from the chapter?

Associate, hang out with, peer pressure, jumping on the bandwagon, threatening,
recapture, immigrants, tense, ethnic, contact, racial, euphoria, letdown, honeymoon
Key
,resignation ,separation, membership, settings, sociologists, individualist,
vocabula
collectivist, affiliations, interactions, emphasize, singular, molecules, microscopic,
ry
solitary, championships, monitor s.th/so, identity, expression, connect, latest,
trends, news, political movement, popular, novelist, questioned, aspects, dynamics,
, bold, shift, comes into full bloom, at a glance, fad, draw the line, cliques,
copycats, graduate student, emphasis, linguist, conformity, in droves, imply,
culture shock, articulated, complex, govern, immense, irrationally, manifestation,
phenomenon, stressful, surroundings, depict. there’s no I in team! go along with
the crowd, two heads are better than one! you’re all in the same boat, don’t be a
backseat driver.
- As individuals in society, each of us belongs to several different groups.
- In fact, groups often influence the behavior of individuals. There are always
group pressures that influence us to act in certain ways.
Key ideas
about the - It is common for peers. Peer pressure is especially strong during adolescence.
topics
- Many sociologists believe that cultures can be divided into individualist and
collectivist models.
- There are three basic types of people who are responsible for spreading any
particular trend.
+ Person A is the kind of person who connects other people together.
+ Person B is the specialist who provides other people with new information.
+ Person C is the kind of person who makes others believe his or her message.
- Groups can achieve more than individuals can on their own. This is because
groups can pool their resources, knowledge, and skills. They can also provide
support and motivation for their members.
- Group work can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding. Some of the
 challenges of group work include:
+ Some members of the group do not contribute their fair share.
+ Disagreements between group members can disrupt the group’s work.
+ The challenge of groupthink, this is when the group makes a decision that is
not in its best interests because the members are afraid to disagree with each other.
- Members of a crowd develop a new norm to guide their behavior in a particular
situation. Although not everyone might agree about what to do, there is great social
pressure to behave like other members of the crowd (Emergent-norm theory).
Questions - What are your thoughts on teamwork?
I can - How would you manage the motivation of your team?
answer
questions - Which do you prefer: working in a team or on your own?
about the
topic. - Have you ever found it challenging to collaborate with other team members?

- How would you improve the culture of our team?

- In what ways does belonging to a group help and inspire individuals?

- How can teams effectively handle conflict in order to achieve desired results?

- What opportunities and difficulties might groups face in the future?

- What are some effective ways for individuals to contribute positively to groups?

- How can internal power conflicts impact a group's efficacy as a whole?

- In order to guarantee a more equitable use of power, how might underrepresented

voices be strengthened within a group?

- How can a collective accomplish more than the sum of its parts?

Planning ahead:
Questions Your answers Key vocabulary
for your
answers
1. How 1. My family is the cornerstone of my life. My parents made 1. cornerstone,
important is countless sacrifices to nurture my education and well-being. sacrifice,
family to They have an unparalleled understanding of me and offer nurture, support,
you? unwavering support through thick and thin. thick and thin.

2. Do you think 2. influence,

2. My family is a constant source of influence, shaping my
your family shaping, values,
values and encouraging me to evolve. Their unwavering
affects you support empowers me to grow, while their sacrifices and unwavering
much? In celebrations offer valuable life lessons. They are the support.
what ways? foundation for who I am and who I strive to be.

3. Did you have 3. Looking back, my parents definitely had some rules when I
to follow any was a teenager. They enforced a curfew, naturally, and during 3. curfew,
rules set by the week, schoolwork took center stage. Weekends were a bit managing time,
your parents more flexible, but they still emphasized the importance of enforced.
when you managing my time effectively. This way, I could get my
were in high homework done while still having some time to relax and
school? enjoy myself.

4. nature,
4. What do you 4. That's a good point! It's tough to know what nature versus
think you nurture is, but I definitely inherited my dad's stubbornness. We nurture,
both dig our heels in when we believe something! inherited,
inherit from
stubbornness.
your parents?

5. Do you feel 5. Family is undeniably my core, but university opened the 5. core, hang
that you door to another amazing community. I met a fantastic group of out, supportive,
belong to any friends who, like me, are passionate about learning English. no judgment,
other We dedicate a lot of time to studying together, but we also genuine
communities make sure to have fun and just hang out. They're incredibly connection.
beside supportive, and I feel like I can truly be myself around them –
family?’ no judgment, just genuine connection.
6. What were
6. High school was a pressure cooker - studying, exams, and 6. pressure
you like when
future careers loomed large. But the best part? Cramming for cooker,
you were in
graduation exams with my classmates! We'd race through naughtiness,
high school?
practice problems, then hit the cafeteria and schoolyard for carefree.
some epic playtime. Despite the occasional naughtiness,
studying remained a priority. Looking back, those were some
of the most carefree and fun times I've ever had.

7. Did you 7. High school peer pressure was all about the image. Fitting 7. fitting,
experience in meant dressing a certain way, hanging out with specific dressing, subtle,
any peer groups, and maybe even trying risky things to impress others. grades,
pressure Thankfully, I had strong friendships built on genuine internships,
when you connections, so I never felt pressured to compromise who I social lives,
were in high was. Now, in university, the pressure is more subtle. It's the healthy balance.
school? How constant comparison game – comparing grades, internships,
about now? and social lives. It can be motivating to see others succeed,
but sometimes it leads to feeling overwhelmed. The key is
finding a healthy balance – learning from others while
staying true to my own path.

8. In your 8. Peer pressure gets a bad rap, but I think it depends! In high 8. bad rap, ditch,
opinion, is school, it could be rough. There was pressure to ditch class, pressure, study
peer pressure follow trends blindly, or act a certain way. That kind of squad, double-
a good or bad pressure can definitely lead you down the wrong path. Now, in edged sword.
thing? university, it's a different story. Here, the pressure is more
about pushing each other to be better. My classmates are my
"study squad" – we motivate each other to stay on top of
assignments and celebrate each other's successes. It's a positive
kind of pressure that helps me reach my full potential. So,
overall, peer pressure can be a double-edged sword. It depends
on the situation and the people around you. When it motivates
you to be your best self, it's a good thing!
9. How do you
often react if
9. a step back,
someone says
9. Negative comments can sting! Initially, I might feel a little criticism,
something
hurt or confused. But instead of dwelling on it, I try to take a negative
negative
step back. Sometimes, negative feedback can actually be feedback,
about you?
constructive criticism. If it seems like there's truth to the comment.
comment, I use it as a chance to learn and improve. Other
times, negativity might just be someone having a bad day. In
those cases, I try not to take it personally and focus on the
supportive people around me.
10.In your
opinion, what 10.
should 10. In my opinion, communication is the secret weapon for communication,
parents do to parents helping teens with problems. Teens crave independence,
help their independence, but parents shouldn't become strangers. strangers, free
teenage Creating a judgment-free zone where teens feel comfortable zone, solutions,
children deal talking about anything is crucial. Lectures won't cut it; parents partnership,
with their should be active listeners, really trying to understand their voice
problems teen's struggles. Instead of control, offering guidance and
better? brainstorming solutions together empowers teens. It's like
building a problem-solving team, fostering a sense of
partnership and letting them find their own voice. Respecting
boundaries is important (teens need their space!), but parents
should still be a safety net, available for support. By being
open, supportive, and good listeners, parents can become
powerful allies, not just people their teens have to "deal with."
Talk about one I want to talk about a time that pushed me outside my comfort Comfort zone,
time you felt zone: my very first presentation in public speaking class. As alooming,
pressured freshman in my English Language Studies program, the presentation,
daunting, group,
because of looming class presentation felt like a daunting challenge.
conquering,
something.
Some of you might be thinking, "A class presentation in public forte, stumbling,
You should say: speaking? No big deal." But for someone like me, a rather shy smooth flow,
person who rarely spoke up in large groups, it felt like jitters.
When this
conquering Mount Everest. The pressure was real. Class
happened
presentation wasn't exactly my forte. The fear of making
What the mistakes, stumbling on grammar, or simply looking foolish in
causes of the front of classmates and the teacher kept me up at night.
pressure were
So, how did I conquer this fear? The answer lies in thorough
 How you dealt preparation. I picked a topic I was genuinely interested in and
with it researched it extensively. Every sentence in my presentation
was meticulously crafted to ensure a smooth flow, clear logic,
And explain
and easy understanding. Finally, I practiced giving the
what you could
presentation in front of the mirror, working on my
learn from that
pronunciation, delivery, and even body language. Presentation
experience.
day arrived, thanks to my preparation, I felt a surge of
confidence. It wasn't perfect, of course, there might have been
a stumble here or there, but overall, the presentation went
smoothly. Even better, I received positive feedback from my
teacher and classmates, a reward for all the hard work.
This experience was a valuable lesson. It taught me that
preparation is the key to conquering presentation jitters. The
more time you invest in research, practice, and delivery, the
more confident you'll feel. But it's not just about preparation;
it's also about believing in yourself and focusing on clearly
communicating your message.

Extra listening practice: Listen to the TED Talk – How I deal with peer pressure and make
notes on what ideas you can learn from it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz-Of9uyAb8

From the speaker's speech in the video, peer pressure is a significant challenge that many
individuals face, including myself. I have personally experienced the weight of peer pressure,
which nearly led to a standstill. Similar to the speaker, I encountered comparable situations,
particularly during my transition to high school and even now, as a university student. I often
found myself questioning why others could achieve certain things while I struggled. This internal
dialogue involved self-criticism about my communication skills, confidence, and courage, as well
as comparing myself to others. Peer pressure became a heavy burden during that period of my
life. I feared falling behind, receiving low grades, and constantly doubting myself. While I tend to
overthink, I questioned the rationale behind this behavior. “We might face the same problems but
in a different period “. I have come to realize, inspired by the speaker in the video, that everyone
faces similar challenges with varying outcomes. Consequently, there is no need for excessive
worry. “Find out what you are good at and just focus on improving your weaknesses, then you
can shine in your own way”. This statement from the speaker made me realize that perhaps I was
fixated on conforming to stereotypes and the pressure to excel academically and gain peer
approval, thereby disregarding my true interests and passions. I now understand the importance of
focusing on improving my weaknesses to become the best version of myself, aligned with my
aspirations. Drawing from the speaker's advice, transforming peer pressure into motivation is key.
“…life as a journey to enjoy, not a competition to race”. Instead of comparing myself to others
and inducing unnecessary stress, I should channel their success as inspiration to pursue my
personal growth path.

CHAPTER 3: GENDER ROLES & CHAPTER 4: GENDER ISSUES TODAY

General descriptions: Get ready for a dynamic learning experience that explores gender from
multiple angles! We'll delve into both the societal expectations for boys and girls (gender roles)
and the ongoing fight for gender equality. We'll explore how traditional stereotypes can limit a
child's potential and create societal imbalances. Through the lens of history, we'll examine the
inspiring journey of the women's rights movement, learning about the struggles and victories that
led to greater equality. To solidify your understanding, we'll analyze key vocabulary related to
gender roles and equality. This critical lens will be further strengthened by engaging with visuals
that challenge stereotypes and showcase diversity.

Reflection: Get ready to explore contemporary gender issues through interactive activities! This
chapter starts by unpacking how different perspectives influence how I understand situations,
laying the groundwork for grasping the root of these issues. I’ll then delve into the world of
gender roles, analyzing visuals that challenge traditional expectations and participating in thought
experiments like children exploring toys associated with different genders. As I journey through
this exploration, I'll encounter new vocabulary related to both gender identity and human
characteristics, all while examining how language itself perpetuates stereotypes in fairytales. To
solidify my learning, a group project will analyze how appearance shapes my perception of
gender using photos of men, women, and transgender people. By combining these activities and
discussions, this chapter aims to raise awareness of gender roles, dismantle stereotypes around
chores and professions, and ultimately help me develop a more informed perspective on this
important topic.
 Achievements: What have I learned from the chapter?
Innate, nurture, athletic, competitive, cooperative, mischievous, passive, strong-
willed, timid, adventurous, cowardly, thoughtful, aggressive, gentle, kind,
Key
vulnerable, gender fluid, gender queer, raise, stage, shot, exposed to, excel,
vocabula
bonding, tease, harshly, siblings, curfew, shelter, abstract, clarification,
ry
collaborative, self-esteem, respect, mass media, stereotype, expectation,
controversy, colleague, pay disparity, awful, gut feeling, making excuses for
myself, tend to, entitlement, custody, assume, playgroup, promotion,
mommy/daddy track, gender-specific, gender-neutral, get S.O point, conveys,
dilemma, as far as I’m concerned, discrimination, adulthood, accurate, sexism,
single-gender.
- Gender roles can limit people's opportunities: Rigid gender roles can restrict
people from pursuing careers, interests, or activities because of stereotypes.

Key ideas - Breaking Free from Boxes: Rigid gender roles can be like tight-fitting boxes,
limiting people's potential.
about the
topics - These stereotypes can restrict individuals from pursuing careers, interests, or
activities they might love simply because of outdated ideas about what's
appropriate for men or women. This chapter explores how these limitations can
hold us back.

Planning ahead:

Questions Your answers Key vocabulary

for your
answers
1. What is the 1. Think of yourself as a unique dish! The nature/nurture 1. Unique dish,
nature/nurture debate explores the ingredients that make you, you. Are your ingredients,
debate about? genes (nature) the key ingredients that determine your genes.
personality and potential, or is it the environment (nurture) –
 your upbringing, experiences, and surroundings – that seasons
and shapes who you are?

2
. Fairy tales aren't set in stone! Modern adaptations and
2. What are some retellings offer a chance to challenge traditional gender roles. 2. Modern
For example, stories like Red Riding Hood can be retold to adaptations,
common fairy
show a strong and resourceful girl who outsmarts the wolf. retellings,
tales, and what
These adaptations can empower children to see girls in a outsmarts, wolf.
do they teach different light.
children about
gender?

3. Societal expectations often focus on appearance differently

3. What are some for boys and girls. Boys are pressured to be strong and athletic, 3. Societal
stereotypes about while girls are judged on their looks and pressured to be thin expectations,
and pretty. These stereotypes can lead to negative body image appearance,
boys and girls?
and unhealthy self-esteem in both boys and girls. athletic, judged
self-esteem.

4. Some believe single-sex education, particularly for girls,

4. Why do some can boost confidence and participation in traditionally male-
people think 4. Single-sex,
dominated subjects like math and science. In a coeducational
single-sex male-dominated,
setting, girls might feel hesitant to speak up or take risks for
fear of being judged by boys. math, science.
education is
better than
coeducation?

5. Giving students some control over their learning can benefit

5. How might everyone. This could involve offering choices in projects,
boys and girls allowing for different learning styles (e.g., written reports vs. 5. Incorporating,
learn in different presentations), or incorporating student interests into the curriculum,
curriculum. offering choices.
ways?
6. Why is single- 6 6. Single-
gender education . Single-gender education is a double-edged sword. Supporters gender, double-
such a complex believe it can minimize distractions and boost academic edged, critics
issue? achievement, while critics fear it limits social development fear, social
and reinforces gender stereotypes. The effectiveness depends development,
on the school environment and individual students, making it a reinforces,
complex topic with no easy answer. gender
stereotypes.

7. What are some 7. Metaphors,

common glass ceiling,
metaphors that 7. Gender issues are often explained through figurative leadership
people use to language. The "glass ceiling" metaphor refers to the invisible positions.
discuss gender barriers that prevent women from reaching leadership
issues? positions. The "level playing field" metaphor emphasizes the
importance of creating equal opportunities for all genders.

8. What does the

term pay 8. societal
disparity mean? 8. Pay disparity refers to the unequal wages earned by men and expectations,
women for similar work. This gap can be caused by factors pay disparity,
like societal expectations about gender roles, unconscious bias gender bias,
in hiring and promotion practices, and a lack of opportunities promotion
for women to advance in their careers. opportunities.

9. Are women
treated equally in 9. workplace,
9. Despite progress, women still face challenges in the challenges, pay
the workplace? workplace. The gender pay gap persists, unconscious bias can disparity,
affect hiring and promotion decisions, and balancing work unconscious
with personal life can be more difficult for women compared bias, work-life
to men.
balance.

10. How can we

avoid using 10. Sexist
sexist language? language,
 10. Avoiding sexist language is about being mindful of words gender-neutral,
or phrases that reinforce stereotypes or perpetuate gender professional,
inequality. Focus on using gender-neutral terms whenever appearance,
possible and avoid making assumptions about someone's reinforce
gender based on their profession or appearance. stereotypes.

11. What are

gender-specific
11. Gender-
terms and
specific,
gender-neutral 11. Gender-specific terms identify someone as male or female
(policeman, actress). These terms can sometimes imply businessman,
terms? actress, fulfill,
limitations on what roles each gender can fulfill. Gender-
neutral terms, on the other hand, avoid specifying gender gender.
(police officer, actor) and are often preferred when the specific
gender isn't relevant to the situation.

12. Why is it
considered 12. Sexist
important to language,
avoid using 12. Sexist language can contribute to a culture of bias and discrimination,
sexist language? discrimination. It can make certain groups feel excluded or inclusive
undervalued. Using inclusive language creates a more language.
respectful and equitable environment for everyone, fostering a
sense of belonging and opportunity.

CHAPTER 5: MASS MEDIA TODAY & CHAPTER 6: IMPACT OF THE

MEDIA ON OUR LIVES

General descriptions: Newspapers, TV, and the internet - these aren't just for entertainment! Chapters 5 & 6 dive into how
media shapes our world, informing opinions and connecting us globally. But it's not just about absorbing information. You'll
become a media detective! Analyze news photos, dissect messages, and identify biases. Fun activities will solidify your
skills. Chapter 6 explores the other side. While media connects us, the constant flow of information and sensationalized
stories can be overwhelming. Social media, though great for connection, can also lead to isolation. By understanding both
positive and negative effects with real-world examples, these chapters empower you to be a critical media consumer. This
means questioning sensationalized content, avoiding information overload, and using social media consciously. Learn to
harness the media’s good while mitigating the bad, fostering a more informed and critical approach.
Reflection: These chapters weren't just about the fun stuff! Newspapers, TV, and the internet – they inform, entertain, and
shape our views, but there's more to the story. Chapters 5 & 6 emphasized critical thinking. Analyzing news photos with a
partner, dissecting potential biases, drove home the message: question what we see and hear. Chapter 6 explored the media's
double-edged sword. It connects us globally and informs us, but the constant information flow and sensationalized news can
be overwhelming and anxiety-provoking. Even social media, despite its connection potential, can lead to isolation. However,
by understanding both positive and negative impacts (with real-world examples!), these chapters empower us to become
smarter media consumers. This translates to being mindful of information overload, questioning sensationalized content, and
using social media consciously. Ultimately, they equipped me to leverage media's positive aspects while mitigating the
negative ones, fostering a more informed and critical approach.

Achievements: What have I learned from the chapter?

Mass media, companionship, plastic surgery, celebrities, shallow, doing voice-overs, instant gratification,
coverage, sucked in, disaster, bombarded, updates, after the fact, paparazzi, invasion of privacy, financial
Key
crisis, bold, keep up with, civic organizations, anticipate, police log, witnesses, credible, scandalous,
vocabulary
newsroom, editor, accurate, misinformed, sue, libel, uncorroborated, source, bold, ingrained, realm,
penetrated, exploded, central, nostalgia, skewed, heritage, brainwashed, interferes with, at your disposal,
trade-off, link up with.

- The Players: We explore the various communication channels that shape our lives, from traditional
media like newspapers and TV to the ever-present internet.

- More Than Entertainment: Media does more than just entertain us. This section examines how it
Key ideas
informs us (think news!), entertains us (movies, music), and even shapes our opinions and beliefs
about the (advertising, social media).
topics
- Beyond Passive Consumption: We move beyond just watching or reading passively. This section
teaches us to analyze media messages for potential biases, empowering us to develop informed
perspectives.

- Sharpening Your Skills: Here, we learn strategies for critical thinking, such as dissecting news photos
and engaging in discussions to solidify our understanding.

- Learning Made Fun: Interactive activities like media term games make learning engaging and help us
solidify key concepts.

- The Duality of Media: Media has both positive and negative impacts, and this section explores both
sides.

- The Good Side: We explore how media connects us globally, keeps us informed about current events,
and fosters cultural understanding.

- The Downside: This section examines the negative aspects of media, including information overload,
anxiety-provoking sensationalized news, and social media that can lead to feelings of isolation and
inadequacy.

- Thinking Beyond the Hype: By analyzing both positive and negative effects with real-world examples
(past and present), this section encourages us to form a critical perspective on how we consume media.
Planning ahead:
Questions Your answers Key vocabulary
for your
 answers
1. How often 1. Since I am not a corporeal person, I cannot watch TV in the 1. corporeal person,
do you traditional way. However, I am able to access and analyze data from programs, text,
watch code,
other programs using text and code. If given the option, I would
TV? What documentaries,
program watch documentaries on historical events or scientific discoveries
historical events.
do you since they spark my interest.
like most?

2. How do
you often 2. I process vast amounts of web content to constantly learn and 3. content, paper,
update
update my understanding. I'm not biased; I believe there are benefits electronic news.
informatio
n and to both paper and electronic news. I can evaluate the dependability of
news? Do both forms using citations and supporting information because I have
you prefer access to them both.
e-news or
printed
version?
Why?

3. Do you
think
older 3. While social issues may shift over time, there are often
generation
s care underlying patterns that endure beyond generations. Even while 3. social issues,
previous generations may have given economic stability a higher generations,
about
priority, people of all ages might be concerned about issues such as economic stability,
similar
racial equality,
social racial equality and environmental conservation. Even if technology
justice, fairness, core
issues has made it easier for younger generations to raise awareness of these ideals.
with your issues, justice and fairness continue to be generally valued core
generation
ideals.
s? Give
specific
examples?

4. Do you
think that 4. cultures, critical
4. Access to information from around the world made possible by thinking, prejudice,
technolog
y helps us technology has surely increased our comprehension of the world. We false information.
understan may now learn about many cultures and see events play out in real
d the time. But now more than ever, critical thinking abilities are crucial.
world The abundance of information on the internet may be deceptive,
better than therefore it's important to carefully consider your sources in order to
we used prevent prejudice and false information.
to? Why
(not)? 5. media, outside
5. Media influence is a complex subject. It can provide us with
world, hate,
5. From your entertainment and insight into the outside world, but it can also act as misleading
personal a shelter for hate and misleading information. Developing critical information.
standpoint thinking abilities and being conscious of what we eat are vital.
, do media
 bring
more good
or harm?
6. Using the internet presents some risks. To travel safely, I would
6. What do 6. fact-checking
you often prioritize fact-checking information before sharing it. I would also be information,
doMindmap cautious In
to limit question: when
your clicking on questionable
opinion, what are three main websites or potential
benefits and openingproblems for
questionable
the to use theattachments
usrisks media? Draw from unknown
a mindmap sources. these
to illustrate Usingbenefits
secure and
passwords
problems.and
websites, privacy
when carefully monitoring privacy settings are two more security
settings.
going
Empowerment precautions.
online?
 Informed Citizenry: Access to real-time news and diverse viewpoints fosters a well-
7. Do you informed7. Thepublic (thicker
internet line for emphasis).
is unquestionably a fantastic tool for anyone learning
think the Lifelong
English. It provides users with accessliketo documentaries
Learning: Educational resources and online
a vast collection courses
of 7. tool,
Internet empower continuous learning. educational
educational materials, such as new articles, videos, interactive materials, new
helpsyouGlobal Awareness: Exposure to different cultures and perspectives broadens
activities, of
and articles.
study understanding the online
world. courses. The learning process is further
English enhanced when students get the chance to communicate and practice
better? In with native speakers.
Connection
what
ways? Social Fabric: Media facilitates social interaction, strengthening bonds with friends
and family.
 Community Building: Shared interests lead to online communities, fostering a sense
of belonging.
 Experience Sharing: Social media platforms allow for sharing experiences and
creating connections.

Well-being

 Entertainment Oasis: Access to various entertainment options provides relaxation

and enjoyment.
 Skill Development: Tutorials and online courses enable learning new hobbies and
skills.
 Stress Management: Media can offer a healthy distraction and promote relaxation,
contributing to mental well-being.

Challenges

 Disinformation Deception: Fake news and propaganda pose a threat, requiring

critical thinking skills.
 Confirmation Trap: The tendency to seek information that confirms existing beliefs
creates echo chambers.
 Tech Overload: Excessive screen time can lead to social isolation and health
concerns.

Mindfulness

 Social Comparison Trap: Comparing oneself to unrealistic online portrayals can

negatively impact self-esteem.
 Cyberbullying Threat: Online harassment and abuse necessitate awareness and
protective measures.
 Privacy Maze: Data collection and tracking require vigilance to protect personal
information.
 Digital Security: Online scams and identity theft highlight the importance of online
safety practices.
LISTENING:
Listen to the following Six-minute episodes and note down the key ideas from each episode.
1- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxh3HeJvRhw (Is the Internet good or bad?)

 The internet's impact on our lives is a double-edged sword. It offers incredible benefits like global
connection, access to information, and a thriving online marketplace. However, there's a darker side with
issues like digital addiction, misinformation bubbles, cyberbullying, and hate speech.
 The solution isn't to abandon the internet, but to change how we use it. Tim Berners-Lee, the internet's
inventor, envisioned a space for open communication, not one controlled by powerful companies. We, as
responsible users, can create a more positive online environment by focusing on critical thinking and
positive contributions, rather than chasing validation through likes and shares.

2- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMQjmpVgor8 (How can we make the Web a better place?)

The internet, a product of modern technology, offers a double-edged sword. While it grants instant access to
global information and connection, it also carries the risk of negativity and misinformation. Web Science, a field
that combines various disciplines, studies these online interactions to create a better digital future. The internet's
potential extends beyond information access; apps can promote public health and social media can foster positive
human-technology interaction.