Topic: The Science of Habits
Exercise I. Answer in full sentences:
1. Do you think habits control our lives? Why or why not?
Yes, I think habits control our lives because we do many things without thinking. Habits help us decide what we do every day.
2. Is it harder to build a good habit or break a bad one?
I think it is harder to break a bad habit because we are used to it. It is difficult to stop something we do often.
3. What strategies have you used to change a habit?
I try to change a habit by doing it little by little. I also remind myself why I want to change and try to stay strong.
Reading Text: How Habits Shape Our Lives
Human behavior is largely driven by habits—automatic actions that are repeated over time. Although we often believe that our decisions are the result of careful thinking, research suggests that a significant portion of our daily activities is habitual.
Habits are formed through a psychological process known as the “habit loop,” which consists of three stages: a cue, a routine, and a reward. The cue triggers a behavior, the routine is the action itself, and the reward reinforces the habit, making it more likely to be repeated in the future. For example, feeling stressed (cue) may lead someone to scroll through social media (routine), which provides temporary relief (reward).
One reason habits are so powerful is that they reduce the need for conscious decision-making. This allows the brain to conserve energy and focus on more complex tasks. However, this efficiency comes at a cost. Once established, habits can be extremely difficult to change, even when they have negative consequences.
Despite this challenge, psychologists argue that habits are not fixed. By identifying the cue and reward, individuals can modify the routine while maintaining the same underlying need. For instance, instead of checking a phone when bored, a person might choose to take a short walk or read a few pages of a book.
Ultimately, developing awareness of our habits is the first step toward meaningful change. By making small but consistent adjustments, individuals can gradually transform their behavior and improve their overall well-being.
Exercise II. Match the words with their definitions:
1. Reinforce-b. To make something stronger or more likely to continue
2. Cue-a. A signal that triggers an action
3. Routine-c. Regular behavior or way of doing something
4. Conserve-d. To protect something from being wasted or lost
5. Awareness-e. Knowledge or understanding of a situation
Exercise III. Reading Comprehension: Answer in full sentences:
1. Do you agree that habits are more powerful than conscious decisions? Why?
Yes, I agree that habits are more powerful than conscious decisions because many of our actions happen automatically without thinking. Habits guide our daily behavior and save mental energy.
2. Can technology make our habits better or worse? Give examples.
Yes, technology can make habits both better and worse. For example, fitness apps can help people build healthy exercise habits, but social media can also create addictive scrolling habits that waste time.
3. Is it possible to completely eliminate bad habits?
It is very difficult to completely eliminate bad habits, but it is possible to replace them with better ones by changing routines and cues.
Exercise IV. A. Find examples in the text of:
1. A sentence with a relative clause
“a habit loop, which consists of three stages”
2. A sentence with a conditional idea
“By identifying the cue and reward, individuals can modify the routine…”
3. A sentence with a linking word (e.g., however, although, ultimately)
“However, this efficiency comes at a cost.”
B. Combine the sentences using appropriate connectors:
1. Habits are automatic. They can be changed.
Habits are automatic, but they can be changed.
2. He felt tired. He continued working.
Although he felt tired, he continued working.
3. You identify the problem. You can solve it
If you identify the problem, you can solve it.
Exercise V. Write a 200–250 word essay: Topic: «Are habits more powerful than motivation?»
Include:
1. A clear opinion
2. At least two supporting arguments
3. An example from real life
4. A concluding sentence
Habits are more powerful than motivation because they control our actions every day. Motivation can help us start something, but it does not last long. Habits, however, are automatic and continue even when we do not feel like doing something. For example, a student may feel motivated to study at the beginning, but only a habit of studying daily will help them succeed in the long term. Habits save time and energy because we do not need to think before acting. In conclusion, motivation is important, but habits are stronger and more useful for long-term success.
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