Dialogue

Alice: Bob, you look like you’re staring at that coffee cup with intense concentration. Are you trying to understand its inner thoughts?

Bob: Alice, you caught me! I was actually trying to figure out why *that* person keeps tapping their foot. Is it stress? Or just a catchy song in their head?

Alice: Ah, the mysteries of human behavior! That’s psychology, Bob! We’re like amateur detectives of the mind.

Bob: So, if someone smiles a lot, does that mean they are always happy?

Alice: Not always! Sometimes people smile to be polite, even if they feel a bit sad inside. It’s called a ‘social smile‘.

Bob: Wow, so a smile can be a secret code!

Alice: Exactly! And what about body language? If someone crosses their arms, what do you think that means?

Bob: Hmm, maybe they’re cold? Or they don’t like my joke?

Alice: Could be! In psychology, crossed arms often suggest a ‘closed’ posture – maybe they’re feeling defensive, or simply not open to what’s happening.

Bob: So I should uncross my arms right now to seem more open to learning this!

Alice: Smart move! And what about motivation? Why do *you* drink so much coffee?

Bob: Easy! To stay awake and listen to your fascinating psychology lessons!

Alice: Good answer! That’s an ‘extrinsic motivation‘ – something outside yourself. You get the coffee, you get the lesson.

Bob: So, if I learn because I *love* learning, that’s ‘intrinsic motivation‘?

Alice: You got it, Bob! You’re a natural psychologist!

Bob: Maybe I should open a ‘Mind Reading Cafe’! We could serve coffee and analyze customers.

Alice: Haha, I’d be your first customer, Bob. But let’s start with observing ourselves first!

Current Situation

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It helps us understand why people think, feel, and act the way they do. From observing how a baby learns to talk, to understanding why advertisements make us want to buy things, psychology is everywhere.

It helps us understand ourselves better, improve our relationships, and even solve problems in our daily lives. Basic psychology ideas help us see the world and people around us in a new, interesting way. It’s not about reading minds, but about understanding patterns and reasons behind actions and feelings.

Key Phrases

• Human behavior: The way people act or react. Example: Psychology studies human behavior.
• Body language: Communication using body movements and gestures. Example: Her body language showed she was nervous.
• Social smile: A smile given for social reasons, not always showing true happiness. Example: He gave a social smile to his new boss.
• Motivation: The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way. Example: What is your motivation for learning English?
• Extrinsic motivation: Motivation that comes from outside factors (like rewards or avoiding punishment). Example: Getting a good grade is an extrinsic motivation for students.
• Intrinsic motivation: Motivation that comes from internal factors (like enjoyment or personal interest). Example: I learn new things for intrinsic motivation; I just love to know more!
• To be open to (something): To be willing to consider or accept something. Example: He is open to new ideas.

Grammar Points

1. Present Simple for General Truths and Habits

We use the Present Simple tense to talk about things that are always true, facts, or things that happen regularly (habits).

• Form: Base form of the verb (e.g., walk, study) or base form + -s/-es for he/she/it.
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “Psychology studies human behavior.” (a general truth/fact)
  • “People sometimes smile to be polite.” (a general habit/fact)
  • “He keeps tapping his foot.” (a regular action/habit)

2. The Verb ‘To be’ (am/is/are)

The verb ‘to be’ is very common and essential. We use it to describe what someone or something is, where they are, or how they feel.

• Form:
  • I am
  • You/We/They are
  • He/She/It is
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “You are thoughtful.” (describing a state)
  • “That’s (That is) psychology.” (identifying something)
  • “It is called a ‘social smile’.” (describing a fact)

3. Question Words: What and Why

We use question words to ask for specific information.

• What: Used to ask about things, information, or definitions.
  • Example from dialogue: “What do you think that means?”
  • Another example: “What is your favorite color?”
• Why: Used to ask for reasons.
  • Example from dialogue: “Why do *you* drink so much coffee?”
  • Another example: “Why are you happy?”

Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb ‘to be’ (am/is/are).
   1. Psychology ____ the study of the mind.
   2. I ____ interested in human behavior.
   3. They ____ observing people in the park.
   4. A smile ____ not always a sign of happiness.
2. Match the key phrase with its meaning.
   1. Body language
   2. Motivation
   3. Social smile
   • 1. A reason for doing something.
   • 2. A smile for polite reasons.
   • 3. Communication with your body.
3. Answer the questions using Present Simple.
   1. What does psychology study? (human behavior)
   2. Why do people sometimes smile even when they are sad? (to be polite)
   3. What does intrinsic motivation come from? (inside / enjoyment)

Answers

1. 1. Psychology is the study of the mind.
   2. I am interested in human behavior.
   3. They are observing people in the park.
   4. A smile is not always a sign of happiness.
2. 1. Body language – 3. Communication with your body.
   2. Motivation – 1. A reason for doing something.
   3. Social smile – 2. A smile for polite reasons.
3. 1. Psychology studies human behavior.
   2. People sometimes smile to be polite.
   3. Intrinsic motivation comes from inside / enjoyment.