《新编大学英语3》Unit 1

Book3 Unit 1-1

1. An Introduction to Personality

In a general sense, the term “personality”refers to all the personal and moral characteristics that determine the way a person thinks, feels and acts in his or her social and personal relations.

These traits include a vast variety of attitudes and attributes, such as: shyness, generosity, patience, flexibility, sadness, humor, cheerfulness, selfishness, independence and aggressiveness.

Most people are a mix of positive and negative traits. Personality traits that are valued in one culture may be frowned upon in another culture.

Most research tends to suggest that our basic personality is inherited but that many factors shape and mould our personality as we grow mature.

Recognizing one’s strengths and weaknesses is an important step in the process of personal development.

In recent years, various studies have shown that health and personality are interrelated. In constantly looking at the dark side of things, pessimists can become discouraged to feel helpless; optimists, on the other hand, attempt to make the best of a situation.

2. Mr. and Miss So and So

Directions: Work in pairs to complete these imaginary names to form adjectives that describe a person’s personality.

3. Personality and Job

Words used to describe a person’s personality.

aggressive, amiable, arrogant, artful, brave, broad-minded, carefree, caring, cheerful, compassionate, competitive, conservative, courageous, demanding, determined, dominant, dynamic, egocentric, extroverted, flexible, generous, idle,

light-hearted, lively, logical, loyal, malicious, mean, moody, outgoing, passionate, practical, proud, rational, realistic, reserved, ruthless, self-centered, sinister, spiteful, strong-willed, unscrupulous, vain, violent, well-organized…

Directions: Discuss with your partner and decide the personality traits that you think would make an ideal person for the following job.

Words and phrases

1. accent v. to emphasize a part of something 强调，使突出

1) Skillful use of make-up can accent your cheekbones and hide small blemishes.

2) The side tables were accented by fresh flower arrangements.

accent n. a way of pronouncing the words of a language that shows which country, area or social class a person comes from 口音，腔调

1) a northern/Dublin/Indian/Scottish accent

2) a strong/broad accent (= one that is very noticeable)

3) She spoke English with an accent.

2. a special importance that is given to something强调，注重

In all our products, the accent is on quality.

3. the emphasis that you should give to part of a word when saying it重音

In “today”, the accent is on the second syllable.

acquaintance n.

a person whom one knows but who is not a close friend 相识的人，泛泛之交

1) He has a wide circle of acquaintances.