Developing Oneself

Everyone has inborn talents and skills which are further
enhanced and developed by everyday circumstances andexperiences. Being a better version of ourselves is a struggle
especially if we lack the will and determination. One can only
develop oneself if he desires it. No one can force you to do it; youand only you can.
There are a lot of facets one must consider in developing
himself. The physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual
aspects are the main domains that complete one’s individuality.
A person may engage in several different modes for him to attainpersonal growth and development.
In addition, to develop oneself, one should go throughseveral obstacles or challenges along the way. One should be
able to overcome these challenges successfully. This is one of theessentials in developing oneself. The more challenges you go
through, the more experiences you gain, the better you become.

What’s the Meaning …
1. inborn
2. enhanced
3. facets
4. domain
5. modesPronunciation
Practice1

further2

circumstances3experiences4

struggle

5determination

6

individuality

7

engageLesson 11

Questions Related to the Topic
1. How can an individual develop oneself?
2. Give examples of facets you can develop.
3. Why do you think you need to develop yourself?
4. Do you think you can easily develop yourself?

Advanced Topic B TOPIC CONVERSATION

11

Dreams

A dream is a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring
during sleep. The duration of a dream varies from a few seconds toapproximately 20 - 30 minutes.
Dreams range from normal and ordinary to surreal and bizarre.
Experts presented their idiosyncratic interpretations of a dream or two. Aprominent man in this field is Sigmund Freud. He stated that dreams are
the manifestations of our deepest desires and emotions which come asnightmares.
There has been a notion that that particular person or thing you
dream about at night is the very last thing or person you think of before
you doze off; or perhaps, the thing or person you have been thinking
about all day.
Well, not only that. Have you ever felt like doing the same thingover again, or being in the same place, or in the same situation? As if,you’ve been there before? Guess what? You have; in your dreams. Atleast, that is what most people say. This is what people know as ‘de ja vu”.
It does make sense, for the most part. If you think about it,
you cannot remember what you dreamt about that night. But, when it
happens, you feel it. You feel as if you have been there and done that.
Nevertheless, dreams are interpreted in many different ways.
Some believe it is true, some do not. No matter, dreams are one of those
things that make our lives more interesting and filled with wonder.

What’s the Meaning …
1. duration
2. surreal
3. bizarre
4. idiosyncratic
5. nightmare

Pronunciation
Practice
1occurring

2

approximately

3

surreal4

bizarre5

idiosyncratic

6

interpretations

7

Sigmund Freud8

manifestations

Lesson 12

Questions Related to the Topic
1. Who is the most prominent when it comes to 		the study of dreams?
2. How does he define dreams?
3. Do you think animals also dream? Why or whynot?

Advanced Topic B TOPIC CONVERSATION

12Multicultural Marriages
A multicultural or interracial marriage is when two people
from different countries or culture unite through the act ofmarriage. Multicultural or interracial marriages have had a rapid
growth throughout the years. It has become a common sight
to see a couple of different nationality walking in the streets.
Technology has become one of the factors that contribute to
the rise in the number of interracial couples. This advancement
has become the avenue of such couples to know each other.
Particularly, they meet online through dating sites, social networks,
and chat rooms.
Many researches on interracial couples have beenconducted. Accordingly, there are a few common reasons why
they tend to marry a partner from a different culture. One isthat they have common interests. Another is, they are physicallymore attractive. They also share similar entertainment andsocioeconomic interests. Some interracial couples marry for true
love, but there are more couples who marry for greener pastures
or financial reasons and stability, and so, they encounter manydifficulties in their relationship and even in the society. Somepeople look at them with curiosity and some judge them for the
motives of their marriage.

What’s the Meaning …
1. multicultural marriage
2. rapid growth
3. avenue

Pronunciation
Practice
1multicultural

2

marriage34
56
78

Lesson 13

Questions Related to the Topic

1. What is multicultural or interracial marriage?
2. Where does multicultural or interracial 			interracial
marriage usually start?
throughout					3. Give important facts of multicultural or 			interracial marriage.
avenue4. Why do you think multicultural or 				entertainment
interracial couples encounter difficulties in 		curiosity
their marriage?
5. Are you willing to have a multicultural or an 		
judgeinterracial marriage?

Advanced Topic B TOPIC CONVERSATION

13

Stress

Everyone has the tendency to be stressed. It is our body’s
natural reaction when dealing with problems and challenges.
There are numerous factors that cause stress such as work, school,family, friends, some unfortunate occurrences in life or even theroad traffic.
Stress can most likely lead to health problems and evendeath, if not managed immediately. People who cannot handle
stress well have a higher tendency to have poor health, often
because they no longer have the appetite to eat or they smokeand drink, which would obviously jeopardize their health. The
most horrifying and unfortunate effect of stress is suicide, whereina stressed individual could no longer handle his problems anddecides to end his life to free himself from such terrible situation.
Stress must be handled properly because it is not just yourlife that is on the line, but the lives of the people around you are at
risk too.

What’s the Meaning …
1. stress
2. numerous
3. jeopardize
4. horrifying

Pronunciation
Practice

5. suicide
6. on the line
7. at risk

Lesson 14

Questions Related to the Topic

1

occur

2

individual3

innumerous

4liquor5obviously

6jeopardize

inevitable

7

horrifying

thoughts and feelings

1. What are the most common causes of stress?
2. What are the common unfortunate effects of 		stress?
3. How can a single person’s stress affect the livesof the people around him?

every once in a whilenightmares
scary
Advanced Topic B TOPIC CONVERSATION

14

Superstitious Beliefs

Every country is uniquely different. Cultural beliefs andtraditions define the identity of the people. Supernatural beliefs
are one feature of culture that every country possesses. It is thefear of what is not known and the unexplainable. Many of us
believe that certain things and our behavior can bring us either
good fortune or bad luck. Belief in the supernatural like somecertain unexplainable phenomena is an essential role in theway people live their lives. It is undeniable despite the world’s
rapid modern advancement. Some still adhere to the beliefs andtraditions of their ancestors.
This belief in the supernatural can be witnessed worldwide.
The people in each country believe in one or several supernaturalbeliefs that are different from the others.
People’s way of thinking and decision-making abilities areinfluenced by their culture’s superstitious beliefs. For instance,
Filipinos believe that sweeping the floor at night will make good
fortune disappear. In Japan, it is an omen of misfortune when
you break a comb or the cloth strap of a geta wooden sandal.
According to some Chinese superstition, if a person sees thereflection of a coffin in a mirror, there will be death from theirfamily. In Korea, dreaming about pigs will bring you wealth andluck in the future.
Superstitious beliefs may be illogical and unexplainable,
but its essence, makes our culture more vibrant and distinct.

What’s the Meaning …
1. supernatural beliefs
2. phenomena
3. undeniable
4. superstitious beliefs

Pronunciation
Practice

5. decision-making
6. illogical
7. vibrantLesson 15

Questions Related to the Topic1uniquely2phenomena

3

essentially4

unexplainable5superstitious

6vibrant

inevitable

7

distinct

thoughts and feelings

1. What greatly influences one’s superstitious 		
beliefs?
2. Do you think superstitious beliefs of your 		culture really exist?
3. Can you give more superstitious beliefs of yourculture?

every once in a whilenightmares
scary

Advanced Topic B TOPIC CONVERSATION15Multiple Intelligences

Everyone is intelligent. It is only a matter of finding yourarea of expertise. Howard Gardner, a developmental psychologist,
has identified eight different types of intelligence that every
person possesses. This allows people to evaluate themselves andidentify their strengths and weaknesses. Also, educators will havean idea which area they need to focus on when teaching theirstudents. Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligence identifies thefollowing: Visual-Spatial, Verbal-Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical,
Bodily-Kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, andNaturalist.
Visual-Spatial involves perception of the environment. This
creates and manipulates mental images. Verbal-Linguistic involves
words, reading, writing, speaking, and knowing foreign languages.
Logical-Mathematical involves numbers and solving different
logical problems. Bodily-Kinesthetic is physical coordination or
expressing oneself and learning through physical activities. Musicalis expressing oneself to music and rhythm. Interpersonal involves
knowing how to communicate and understand other people.
While, intrapersonal is understanding one’s inner self. Naturalist isunderstanding the environment and the world.
Multiple Intelligence theory gives you an idea on how todevelop your strengths and use it to your advantage.

What’s the Meaning …
1. expertise
2. multiple intelligences
3. visual/spatial
4. verbal/linguistic

5. bodily/kinesthetic
6. interpersonal
7. intrapersonal
8. naturalist

Lesson 16
Pronunciation
Practice1

expertise2

intelligence3

spatial4kinesthetic

5

rhythm6

strength7naturalist

Questions Related to the Topic
1. Who identified the theory of multiple 			intelligences?
2. Can you give one intelligence that you posses?
3. Why is it good to know your type of 			intelligence?
4. How do you think you can develop your type ofintelligence?

Advanced Topic B TOPIC CONVERSATION

16

Computer & Internet
Technological development has come a long way. Many
devices have emerged and became every man’s necessity. One
important invention is the computer. It contains commands andfeatures that help people in various ways. This machine is very
convenient in accomplishing people’s needs and purposes. Somepeople use it for innovation at work. One feature of a computer isto write documents and make easy presentations. Other features
include research, making reports, business proposals, photo andvideo editing, etc.
Despite the fact that computers are conducive, it also
brings harm and negative effects to people. For instance, when acomputer is used for entertainment they will need the internet tosearch different information, videos, and social networking sites.
There is a high risk of getting into forbidden websites. It is also themain source of bullying. Thus, it is important to remember thatcomputers and internet are for helping out, not for destroying
yourself or other people.

What’s the Meaning …
1. features
2. conducive
3. high risk
4. forbidden

Pronunciation
Practice

Lesson 17

Questions Related to the Topic
1. What has been considered one of the most		 important inventions?
2. Why are computers constantly redesigned?
3. What are the current threats of the misuse		 of computers?

1

forbidden

2

conducive

3

despite4

entertainment

5featuresTongue Twister!

6

invention

7

technological8

development“The leader left the leather in the cornernear the ladder. The leather left by theleader near the ladder was put in thedresser.”

Advanced Topic B TOPIC CONVERSATION17PrejudicePrejudice is not a stigma to most people.

On one hand, prejudice is an unreasonable opinion orjudgment against a certain race or person not of your own culture.
It shows hostility and unfairness towards people. It permits aperson to show unreasonable dislike or disapproval. Discrimination
is extracted from prejudice. It makes people treat another person
or a certain group unfairly due to their skin color, religion, sexual
orientation, etc. Prejudice may be passed from one generation toanother resulting to hatred and bigotry.
On the other hand, we can get rid of prejudice since it ismerely acquired. No one is born prejudiced. Showing prejudice canbe learned and unlearned. Adequate education and awareness can
get rid of prejudice.

What’s the Meaning …
1. prejudice
2. stigma
3. hostility
4. bigotry
5. get rid ofPronunciation
Practice1

prejudice2

discrimination

3

orientation

4

bigotry5

religion6adequate

7

unreasonable8

hostility

Lesson 18

Questions Related to the Topic
1. What is prejudice?
2. Define discrimination.
3. How can we get rid of prejudice?

Tongue Twister!
“She sells seashells by the seashore.”

Advanced Topic B TOPIC CONVERSATION

18

Endless Desires
She bought an IPod on the first day and an IPhone on thesecond. She purchased Chanel jewelry on the third day, acquireda Lamborghini car on the fourth and secured a Hermes bag on thefifth. She thought that was enough but it wasn’t. She rushed to themall, picked a pair of Louis Vuitton footwear and was tickled pink
wearing it on her way back home. What an endless desire of luxury
that was!
It is undoubtedly a fact that having unlimited desire is truly
an innate human nature. We compare ourselves to others andalways wish to have what others have. It is hilarious to note that
we get so curious about the possessions our friends, family andrelatives have, the brands they are in to, the size of their house, theplace where they live and even their lifestyle. Sad but true, we areso fond of longing for things we don’t have instead of counting ourblessings.

What’s the Meaning …
5. desire
6. luxury
7. innate
8. hilarious

1. purchased
2. acquired
3. rushed
4. tickled pink

Lesson 19

Pronunciation
Practice
1purchased2

acquired3

secured4rushed5

tickled pink

6

desire7

luxury8

undoubtedly

9

innate10

hilarious

11

curious12

possessions

13

lifestyle

14

fond

Questions Related to the Topic
1. Describe the woman in the article.
2. What is considered to be an innate human nature?
3. How does the writer express his opinion about human 		endless desires?

Tongue Twister!
“The soft soap softens softly in salty water.”

Advanced Topic B TOPIC CONVERSATION

19Pollution

Mother Earth is dying. Her blue blood teemed with marine
animals like fish, seashells and sea grass is now dirty and uninhabitable.
Waste full of chemicals and pollutants are dumped into the oceans andseas. Tons of trash are thrown into different bodies of water which madeher barely breathe.
Mother Earth is dying. Her skin full of green grasses andtrees with thick leaves is now a mass of rotten brown flesh because ofindustrialization and illegal logging. Those grasses where terrestrial
animals feed on; those trees of thick leaves where birds lay their eggs are
now replaced with skyscrapers and establishments.
Mother Earth is dying. Her body so cool and relaxing is now
burning like hell because of greenhouse gases. Industrial smoke, bus
and car emissions, combustions rapidly increase her body’s temperaturecausing her to be weak day by day.

Mother Earth is dying and she is telling us to help one
another - To Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

What’s the Meaning … 5. dumped

6. industrialization
7. terrestrial
8. skyscraper

1. teemed
2. marine3. uninhabitable
4. pollutants

Pronunciation
Practice1

reduce2reuse		

3

recycle4

skyscrapers

5

terrestrial

Lesson 20

Questions Related to the Topic
1. What is happening to the oceans and seas now? What causes
them to become dirty and uninhabitable?
2. What is happening to the green grasses and trees now? What
have they become?
3. What is happening to our environment now?

Tongue Twister!
“Susie works in a shoeshine shop. Where she
shines she sits, and where she sits she shines.”

Advanced Topic B TOPIC CONVERSATION

20