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Reader's Bank_Level 8_Unit 03                                     Reading Text

Your classmate promised to help you with a group project but didn’t do their part. You try to talk to them, but they keep avoiding you. So you feel upset and annoyed. What should you do in this case?

You could shout at them, “Why didn’t you do anything for our project?” but such a reaction may offend them and make them feel insulted. When someone feels hurt, their logical thinking shuts down, and they stop listening. A better solution is to tell your classmate how you feel instead of criticizing them. Explain why you’re upset in a calm and polite way. For example, you could say, “I’m frustrated that you didn’t help with the project as you promised. I feel like I had to do everything by myself.” You are trying to express your emotions without hurting the listener’s feelings. Psychologists call this an “I-message.” An I-message doesn’t accuse the listener. It simply describes how you feel.

This way, you can solve the problem without hurting their feelings. When people don’t feel attacked, they are more likely to reflect on their actions. They may even realize their mistake, apologize, and try to do better next time.

08

In the past, the English language often used male terms to refer to all people. For example, professions like salesman, policeman, and chairman used the ending “-man” even when referring to women. This was unfair to women. It is known as sexist language. It suggests that one group is more important than the other. Today, people use neutral terms to avoid being criticized for this bias. They use words like salesperson, firefighter, and chairperson instead. This change helps make language fairer and more inclusive. The same idea applies to pronouns like everyone, someone, and somebody. For example, people used to say, “Everyone must bring his own book.” Now, they say, “Everyone must bring their own book.” This is called the “singular they” because “they” refers to a single person. Some may see this as ungrammatical from a traditional point of view. However, it is now a common way to avoid gender bias in language.

09

As a writer, it’s your job to create a memorable and unique character that readers will care about. But how do you do that? Think from the reader’s view. Would you enjoy a story where the main character is perfect? Someone who stays calm, always knows what to do, and never makes mistakes? That would feel dull, right? A character doesn’t need to be mean, but they should have some rough edges—like being insecure, shy, or impatient. These traits show their human side and help readers connect emotionally. When a character seems too perfect, it becomes harder for readers to care or relate. Many new writers avoid giving their characters weaknesses. They think it makes them less likable. But often, those weaknesses are what make a character feel real. If readers know a character had a childhood full of rejection or had to hide their true self, they’re more likely to see themselves in it and support them. Their efforts to overcome those flaws are what make them unforgettable, and that’s what keeps readers turning the pages.