Vocabulary
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- trigger /TRIG-er/
- hypothesis /hahy-POTH-uh-sis/
- recurrent /ri-KUR-uhnt/
- peculiarity /pi-kyoo-lee-AR-i-tee/
- devise /dih-VAHYZ/
[verb] – to cause something to happen, especially something bad
Shrimps and certain other seafood can trigger Alphonse’s allergies.
[noun] – an idea or explanation for something that is based on known facts but has not yet been proved
Based on our hypothesis, the man may have fallen asleep while driving.
[adjective] – happening again many times
The issue of unemployment is recurrent during this time.
[noun] – the quality of being strange or unusual, or an unusual characteristic or habit
I picked up on some peculiarities in his appearance.
[verb] – to invent a plan, system, object, etc., usually using your intelligence or imagination
To devise media and marketing strategies, they required professional staff.
Article reading
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Everyone dreams, but oftentimes we don’t recall them the next day. Experts are still unsure of the precise logic behind our dreams. For the time being, let’s examine a few well-liked theories for why people dream.
Processes emotions
Dreaming could aid in the brain’s emotional processing. It’s also recognized that strong, unpleasant emotions like stress and worry can trigger nightmares.
The “continuity hypothesis”
According to this hypothesis, the majority of our dreams reflect the same ideas and issues as our waking lives. By evaluating the themes of our recurrent dreams or their imagery, we may be able to identify our major concerns.
Consolidation of memory
Some scientists think that dreams contribute to the creation of memories. Evidence shows that the brain integrates, organizes, and stores information from the waking state while we sleep, transforming significant information into memories.
Generalization
The brain becomes accustomed to the same inputs and experiences people encounter every day, and our capacity to react to new situations decreases over time. Based on this theory, the peculiarity of dreams throws off this cycle and keeps us alert.
No purpose
According to some researchers, dreams serve no particular purpose. They assert that humans themselves devised the meanings of dreams, utilizing them to foretell the future or tell stories.
One of the biggest mysteries in behavioral science is why people dream. There’s still much more to learn about this aspect of life. How about you? Do you have any thoughts about your dreams?
Processes emotions
Dreaming could aid in the brain’s emotional processing. It’s also recognized that strong, unpleasant emotions like stress and worry can trigger nightmares.
The “continuity hypothesis”
According to this hypothesis, the majority of our dreams reflect the same ideas and issues as our waking lives. By evaluating the themes of our recurrent dreams or their imagery, we may be able to identify our major concerns.
Consolidation of memory
Some scientists think that dreams contribute to the creation of memories. Evidence shows that the brain integrates, organizes, and stores information from the waking state while we sleep, transforming significant information into memories.
Generalization
The brain becomes accustomed to the same inputs and experiences people encounter every day, and our capacity to react to new situations decreases over time. Based on this theory, the peculiarity of dreams throws off this cycle and keeps us alert.
No purpose
According to some researchers, dreams serve no particular purpose. They assert that humans themselves devised the meanings of dreams, utilizing them to foretell the future or tell stories.
One of the biggest mysteries in behavioral science is why people dream. There’s still much more to learn about this aspect of life. How about you? Do you have any thoughts about your dreams?
Discussion Questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Please share the most recent dream you can remember.
- Do you use your intuition or imagination to understand a dream? Please tell me more about it.
- If you were a researcher, which of the theories do you think would be the most believable? Why?
- Do you believe that all dreams have special meanings?
- In your opinion, do dreams/nightmares affect our moods when we wake up? Why or why not?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- precise
- evaluate
- integrate
- cycle
- foretell