I. Before listening

1. TRUE / FALSE: Look at the article’s headline and guess whether these sentences are true (T) or false (F):

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article:

3. PHRASE MATCH: Match the following phrases from the article (sometimes more than one combination is possible):

II. Listen and fill in the spaces

Italian scientists have discovered that a chemical in the brain responsible for romantic love fades in __________ over the course of a year. This perhaps explains why that giddy, __________, head-over-heels-in-love feeling that takes our breath away at the start of a relationship __________ over time. Researchers from the University of Pavia determined that levels of a protein called Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) greatly increase when a person first falls in love. Raised NGF levels spring from the rush of adrenalin, __________ vigor and confidence and lust for life that occur when new love __________. Levels of NGF greatly decrease over a year or so as security within the relationship sets in. There is then less __________ to constantly woo a potential partner to ensure they are yours.

Research leader Dr. Enzo Emmanuelle reported: “We have demonstrated for the first time that __________ levels of NGF are elevated among subjects in love, suggesting an important role for this molecule in the social __________ of human beings.” His research team analyzed the protein balance in the __________ of 58 volunteers aged between 18 and 31. All of the participants had recently started a new relationship and had that __________ look in their eyes. The researchers compared the levels of NGF in the starry-eyed group with those in 58 people who were single or in __________ relationships. The increased prevalence of the molecule in the new romantics caused sweaty palms and butterflies in stomachs. It may also __________ young men to buy red roses and candlelit dinners.

III. DISCUSSION

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

1) Did the headline make you want to read the article?

2) Do you agree with the headline?

3) How much of a romantic are you?

4) How many times have you been head over heels in love?

5) When was the last time you had feelings of euphoria?

6) Are you happy now that you know the scientific reason why romantic love fades after a year?

7) Would you like scientists to make a drug that keeps NGF at very high levels in the brain for as many years as you want?

8) Do you wine and dine your partner / Do you like to be wined and dined?

9) What is the most romantic action you can think of?

10) Do you have a lust for life?

STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

1) Did you like reading this article?

2) What do you think about what you read?

3) Are you interested in social chemistry?

4) Does your behavior change when you are in love?

5) What kinds of things cause you to have butterflies in your stomach?

6) What do you think is the biological reason for NGF creating feelings of romantic love in us?

7) Do you think some races or nationalities have higher NGF levels than others?

8) Is it fair that young men buy the red roses and candlelit dinners and not young women?

9) Do people usually fall out of love after the NGF wears off?

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 982