Pre-reading

As the most intelligent animal on this earth, we are supposed to behave in a rational way, i.e., act according to logic and reason required in a situation. But does that really happen? Do we always behave rationally? Certainly not. There are a lot of people who behave irrationally, causing problems to themselves as well as to others. 

Irrational behavior is part of human nature, but as MIT Professor Ariely has discovered, people tend to behave irrationally in a predictable fashion. Though we cannot explain the exact cause behind irrational behavior, we know that it is a manner of behavior not based on logic and reasoning. 

I would like to give you an example of irrational behavior. If a person has heard about someone suffering from some disease, he will start thinking that he may suffer from the same disease. This is irrational and illogical behavior. I don't think this behavior is always intentional. 

Pre-reading activities

1.Listen to a talk about why people are often irrational. Based on what you hear, match the questions with the answers by placing a letter next to the number.

1.(  )According to the speaker, how can people behave in a rational way?

2.(  )What are the consequences of people’s irrational behavior?

3.(  )What has MIT Professor Ariely discovered?

4.(  )What is the example in the talk regarding irrational behavior?

5.(  )What does the speaker say about this irrational behavior?

A.People tend to behave irrationally in a predictable fashion.

B.People should act according to logic and reason required in a situation.

C.It causes problems to themselves as well as to others.

D.He doesn’t think this irrational behavior is always intentional.

E.If a person knows someone suffers from a disease, he will feel he suffers from the same disease.

2.Listen to the talk again and answer the following questions:

(1)In your opinion, what is an irrational behavior? Give some examples.

(2)What do you think may cause people’s irrational behavior?

(3)Are you irrational? Why or why not?