Writing for Academic Discussion Do you prefer to try new things regularly, or do you prefer a stable lifestyle?

Do you prefer to try new things regularly, or do you prefer a stable lifestyle? (psychology)

 

 

☆ Let’s Think

1.       Do you often try foods you have never eaten, or do you always eat what you already know? Why?

2.       Do you enjoy meeting new people or stick to very few close friends? Why?

3.       What are the disadvantages of each of the two approaches to life the professor mentions?

 

 

☆Hints for points

Adventurous lifestyle

varieties of experiences, large network of a variety of friends and acquaintances, strong interest in new things, life full of excitement and surprise, introduction of new things into society, unexpected discoveries, flexible and tolerant toward different ideas and tastes, progressive, often misunderstood by others, full of danger and loss

“A rolling stone gathers no moss.” (A proverb)

 

Safety-oriented lifestyle

safe and peaceful life, focused on protecting the status quo, deep understanding of one thing/person, skeptical and afraid of new things, possibility to miss opportunities, old-fashioned, often considered boring, fail to adapt to inevitable changes, You cannot say that you are really living if you keep avoiding new things

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” (Neale Donald Walsch)

 

Decisive reasons for your preference

way of life (offensive/defensive), character (active/passive), role model (family member, the person you admire, famous people, etc.)

 

 

☆ Sample for Ideas and Expressions

【Thesis】While I think Samantha is right in that the predictability of routine leads to peace of mind and indeed it is a factor of happiness, I prefer to keep trying something new because nothing stays the same forever.

【Supporting Details】There is always an end or a point of completion of a phase in anything, beyond which development is barely expected other than enhancement through repetition of routines. Therefore, when I feel I have experienced something well enough or when a project gets on track and the work is almost done, my mind becomes less activated. I find it hard to keep the same degree of passion in the present as before, and naturally, I start seeking for a novelty for growth.

【Counterargument-treatment】This does not mean that completion and sophistication are psychologically less important than launch and endeavor to establish a pattern, but it is natural for a mind to look for a new experience. It is also true that continuation of monotonous daily life and steady practice of routines can be the matrix of evolution, and thus I don’t take light of conventional lifestyle. but my preference for changes won’t change.

【Conclusion】It is instinctive for us humans to try to expand ourselves, and I think I’m just following the rule in this sense. (208 words)

 

 

 

 

 

Write your response in 10 minutes. Show each other your responses. Write down questions or suggestions to each other’s response.

 

 

                                                   DRAFT