2024年3月8日发(作者：)

【外刊精读】19. 性格内向有哪些好处？

导读：

有些人性格内向，而有些人则性格外向。相比之下，开朗大方的人似乎更容易被人接受，又常是社交活动中备受瞩目的对象。但外向真的比内向好吗？还是说各有利弊？哪类人更善于倾听？本文讨论性格内向的好处。

一、语篇泛读

From a young age, many of us learn the benefits of being an extrovert –

those gregarious individuals who always seem to be the life and soul of

the party, often outspoken and able to express their opinions easily.

However, not all of us are wired that way – so is being an extrovert really

better?

While thinking of extroverts, we imagine a character who

is assertive, approachable, cheerful and charming. We are taught to

admire these traits early on. Kids are often encouraged to interact, play

and communicate with other children. It seems at times as though

children are made to embrace a more outgoing lifestyle, with some

people becoming pseudo-extroverts – introverts who mimic extrovert

behaviour. While externally they may seem to enjoy the company of

others, or being in the limelight, they can still become over-extended in

intense social situations.

So, while the positive aspects of being an extrovert are plain to see, what

are the benefits of introversion? While extroverts thrive on social

interaction, introverts are more comfortable with levels of isolation.

According to Dr Berit Brogaard, a professor of philosophy,

extreme solitude, such as times like the recent lockdown, does not affect

introverts as much as extroverts. Lack of social contact, something

extroverts thrive on, can lead to depression, loneliness, and even

premature death.

But it’s not just in an extreme situation that the pros of being an introvert

shine through. These people seem to have more time

for contemplation and introspection and thus can become more

balanced. They also tend to be good listeners and think before they speak,

meaning they could become great friends. Finally, introverts are often

fantastic observers, as sitting out of the focus can give you more time to

watch the behaviour of others.

So, whatever your personality, either introvert or extrovert, there are clear

advantages to being either, and if you meet an introvert, you might just

end up with an amazing friend.

二、词汇表

gregarious 爱交际的

life and soul of the party 社交场合的灵魂人物

outspoken 坦率的，直率的

assertive 坚定自信的

approachable 平易近人的

cheerful 乐观开朗的

charming 迷人的

trait （性格）特点

encourage 鼓励

interact 互动，相互交流

communicate 沟通

outgoing 开朗外向的

mimic 模仿

over-extended 吃不消，压力过大

solitude 孤独

contemplation 沉思

introspection 反思

三、测试与练习

1. 阅读课文并回答问题。

1. In what ways are children encouraged to be more extroverted?

2. What are pseudo-extroverts?

3. What are the potential risks of being alone for an extrovert?

4. Why can introverts become more balanced?

5. Why can introverts be good friends?

2. 选择意思恰当的单词或词组来完成下列句子。

1. He’s so warm and friendly – and he’s _______ all the time.

cheerful introspection

solitude mimic

2. Sharon’s so easy to talk with – she’s really _______.

contemplation approachable

life and soul encourage

3. Our boss always _______ us to take a holiday when we need one.

outgoing introspection

encourages mimic

4. The child is _______ his father’s speech patterns.

interact cheerful

approachable mimicking

5. I learnt Spanish so I could _______ better with my husband’s family.

mimic over-extend

communicate cheerful

【参考答案】

1. 阅读课文并回答问题。

1. In what ways are children encouraged to be more extroverted?

Kids are often encouraged to interact, play and communicate with other

children.

2. What are pseudo-extroverts?

Pseudo-extroverts are introverts who mimic extroverts’ behaviour.

3. What are the potential risks of being alone for an extrovert?

Lack of social contact, something extroverts thrive on, can lead to

depression, loneliness, and even premature death.

4. Why can introverts become more balanced?

Introverts seem to have more time for contemplation and introspection

and thus can become more balanced.

5. Why can introverts be good friends?

Introverts tend to be good listeners and think before they speak,

meaning they could become great friends.

2. 选择意思恰当的单词或词组来完成下列句子。

1. He’s so warm and friendly – and he’s cheerful all the time.

2. Sharon’s so easy to talk with – she’s really approachable.

3. Our boss always encourages us to take a holiday when we need one.

4. The child is mimicking his father’s speech patterns.

5. I learnt Spanish so I could communicate better with my husband’s family.