B2 – Upper Intermediate
Optimism and pessimism are our way of thinking and considered basic traits of the human brain. Optimism reflects a belief of hopefulness about the future whilst pessimism is not a trait most people desire to have. There are benefits and drawbacks to both.
Let’s listen to the audio and read the transcript below to find out more about optimism and pessimism.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2022/ep-220331
Discussion Questions:
- Are you more of an optimist or a pessimist? Explain your answer.
- Do you enjoy being with optimist people or do you find them annoying? Explain.
- Have ever lost something because of being optimist/pessimist?
- How do you deal with unpleasant or disastrous situations?
- Think of a situation where optimism can save you?
- Optimistically speaking, what will you be doing 10 years from now?