Vocabulary
1. Significant (adj)/sɪgˈnɪfəkənt/: important or large enough to be noticed or have an effect
Ex: There has been a significant increase in production since we bought the new machinery.
2. Means (n)
/miːnz/: a way of reaching a goal; method
Ex: He has no means of escape.
3. Presume (verb)
/prɪˈzuːm/: to guess that something is true
Ex: I saw them holding hands, so I presumed they were a couple.
4. Clutter (n)
/ˈklətər/: a heap of unnecessary things
Ex: I don't know how you can work with all that clutter on your desk.
5. Suppress (verb)
/səˈprɛs/: to stop or prevent something from happening
Ex: The soldiers moved swiftly to suppress the rebel forces.
6. Appetie (n)
/ˈæpəˌtaɪt/: one's natural desire for food
Ex: The woman has a large appetite.
7. Somewhat (adverb)
/ˈsʌmˈwʌt/: to a small extent or degree
Ex: This new computer is somewhat faster than the old one.
Reading
Colors are significant because they often serve as means of identification in everyday life. Aside from being used in general descriptions, colors are quite often referred to as associations for certain types of personalities, moods, social and economic status, etc.
It is natural that people have one, or even a set of favorite colors. It is also quite natural that, based on their choices, we assume a thing or two about their personalities. For example, we often presume that a person whose favorite color is yellow is joyful and likes sharing knowledge, while a person that chooses black is somewhat emotional and artistic. A person whose favorite color is blue is believed to be very reliable and well-organized. People who prefer white are presumed to prefer clean and clutter-free spaces, while people who like red are presumed to be very determined. People whose favorite color is purple are unique, but can sometimes seem arrogant.
Colors are also believed to affect one’s mood. That is why you will rarely find a restaurant in which table cloths are, for example, navy blue. It is believed that dark colors suppress appetite. Similarly, people trying to win a competition like wearing red because it is believed that it brings good luck. Olive green, for example, is the traditional color of peace and that is probably why people usually feel comfortable around it.
Naturally, the meanings behind certain colors vary from one culture to another. These were just a few examples that are considered somewhat universal. Colors give life and meaning to everything, and it is difficult to imagine the world without them.
1. Why are colors important?
2. What is the "traditional color of peace" according to the article?
3. Which color is thought to suppress one's appetite according to the article?
1. What is your favorite color and why?It is natural that people have one, or even a set of favorite colors. It is also quite natural that, based on their choices, we assume a thing or two about their personalities. For example, we often presume that a person whose favorite color is yellow is joyful and likes sharing knowledge, while a person that chooses black is somewhat emotional and artistic. A person whose favorite color is blue is believed to be very reliable and well-organized. People who prefer white are presumed to prefer clean and clutter-free spaces, while people who like red are presumed to be very determined. People whose favorite color is purple are unique, but can sometimes seem arrogant.
Colors are also believed to affect one’s mood. That is why you will rarely find a restaurant in which table cloths are, for example, navy blue. It is believed that dark colors suppress appetite. Similarly, people trying to win a competition like wearing red because it is believed that it brings good luck. Olive green, for example, is the traditional color of peace and that is probably why people usually feel comfortable around it.
Naturally, the meanings behind certain colors vary from one culture to another. These were just a few examples that are considered somewhat universal. Colors give life and meaning to everything, and it is difficult to imagine the world without them.
1. Why are colors important?
2. What is the "traditional color of peace" according to the article?
3. Which color is thought to suppress one's appetite according to the article?
Discussion
2. Do you know of any other meanings associated with particular colors? Elaborate.
3. Which color do you like the least? Why?
4. How would your life change if you could no longer see colors?
5. What do you think the world would be like without colors?
-Tracy Luu-
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