Read the text and say how the author feels about being picky.

Everyone has a dominant character trait. Mine is one that can get me in trouble, but might also help me: I tend to devote a lot of attention to detail. I do this not just with people but with things I see around me, and not only mentally but also verbally. This sometimes causes problems at home by making my family uncomfortable. They feel I am always cutting down someone or being picky.

However, when I see a good characteristic in people but they think differently, they say I have bad taste. They also feel a little awkward at times because they notice I critically watch everything they do. For instance, every time my brother gets ready to go out, he expects me to critique his appearance.

This trait of mine also affects my success with new people. When introduced to someone for the first time, I don’t often listen carefully to hear his or her name because I am too busy looking at the person’s hair or teeth or analyzing them in some other way. Most of the time I must say, “I’m sorry, but I’m very bad at names.” My penchant for detail should be valuable, though, for my plans of becoming a professional photographer. To be a good photographer I will need to be a good critic. Being able to bring out the best in my subject will not be difficult if I can be a critic of my own work.

I feel my special trait can benefit me or create problems. It all depends on how and when I use it.

Questions for discussion.

1. What is the narrator’s most noticeable trait?

2. How does it affect her life and relationships with other people?

3. Has it got any positive effects? In what way can this personal quality be helpful to her?

4. What is your dominant character trait? Speak about its advantages and disadvantages.

II

Do you think a person’s appearance and character are related in any way? Explain your viewpoint.

Read the text below and say whether it confirms your opinion.

PHYSIOGNOMY

Physiognomy is the interpretation of a person’s character through an examination of their features. The face always expresses the person’s emotional states and consequently reflects their character or temperament.

A. The FOREHEAD

A high forehead indicates intelligence.

A low forehead belongs to someone who is practical.

B. The NOSE

The size of the nose represents the resourcefulness of the individual; the larger the nose the more resourceful the person is.

A short nose indicates someone who is generally happy.

A small nose belongs to someone who is quiet and often dependent on others; the smaller the nose the more dependence.

A snub nose means friendliness, but also unambitiousness.

A turned down nose shows a person who is conservative.

A large nose signifies someone who is open-minded and self-confident.

A thin pointed nose is a sign of a jealous nature and someone generally easily irritated.

A long nose denotes someone who is careful and determined.

Large nostrils show strong character and reliability.

C. The CHIN

A prominent chin suggests determination.

A long chin represents someone who sticks to what they say.

A short chin shows someone who often changes their mind.

A round chin belongs to someone who is reasonable. But under pressure they can become the contrary.

A pointed chin means that a person is sociable and makes quick decisions.

A forward, jutting chin signifies someone who is stubborn.

A receding chin indicates an impatient nature.

A cleft in a chin is a sign of selfishness.

D. The EYES

Large eyes signify unusual perceptiveness.

Small eyes suggest cunning.

Round eyes show a trusting nature.

Oval eyes denote that a person is good- natured.

Narrow eyes are believed to be a sign of a suspicious nature.

Eyes set wide apart indicate reliability.

Close-set eyes represent a clever individual, but not necessarily trustworthy.

Deep-set eyes show a careful, measured manner of expression.

Bulging eyes suggest glibness.

E. IRIDOLOGY

(Considers the colours of the iris).

Dark brown eyes belong to someone who is passionate, but sometimes too impulsive.

Brown-eyed people are considered to be loyal, but they may have a tendency to shyness and passivity.

Dark blue eyes can be a sign of insecurity and sentimentality.

Light blue eyes represent someone who is trustworthy but may be prone to grudges.

Green-eyed people are believed to be practical and imaginative, they may tend to be temperamental.

Gray eyes indicate purposefulness and confidence.

Someone who has hazel eyes is very stable, energetic and quick thinking, but sometimes deceitful.

F. The EYEBROWS

Heavy eyebrows indicate great strength.

Thick eyebrows belong to someone who is outspoken. Exceedingly thick ones can mean a dictatorial nature.

Thin eyebrows show thoroughness and attention to detail. But very thin ones can mean fussiness.

Straight eyebrows are a sign of someone who is generally active and on top of things.

Gently curved eyebrows suggest a balanced caring person.

But downward sloping eyebrows show ambition.

Arched eyebrows signify a strong sense of curiosity, but can indicate problems in relationships.

Widely spaced eyebrows represent someone who is influenced easily. Close-knit eyebrows show someone who is nervous.

G. The MOUTH/LIPS

The form of the mouth reveals the basic temperament.

An upward curved mouth suggests an agreeable nature, one who is generally happy.

A downturned mouth shows a demanding obstinate person, who is more unhappy than not.

A mouth that is straight across belongs to a person with self- control.

A small mouth can indicate selfishness.

Thin lips are believed to be a sign of impatience.

A large mouth means generosity.

Thick lips usually belong to people who openly express their opinions.

Lips of medium thickness can signify loyalty.