UNIT THREE

WHAT MAKES US HUMAN?

 LESSON ONE: Human Nature
Objectives | Identify the main features of human nature. Describe the aspects that
make us unique.

WARM UP: Identify whether the following traits are displayed by human beings, by
animals, or both.

LISTENING SECTION: Watch the video and then complete the exercises below.

What distinguishes humans from other animals?

Tick the differences between humans and other animals mentioned in the video.
  Humans have language

 Humans are moral

 Humans have culture

 Humans can use tools

 Consciousness is associated to humans

 Humans develop morality

 Humans have a sense of humour

 Humans can sing

 Humans can make music

Decide whether the following statements are True or False.

1. Human qualities can be found, to some extent, in other animals.

TRUE

FALSE

2. There is an abyss between what we can do, and what animals can do.

TRUE

FALSE

3. Sean Carroll is a physicist who writes in a Scientific Magazine.

TRUE

FALSE

4. Stephon Alexander is the cowriter of the book called the Jazz of Physics.

TRUE

FALSE
READING COMPREHENSION
Before reading
1. Scan the text below and infer the meanings of the words in blue. Can you guess them
through context?
WORD EXPRESSION
1. Trait (lines 1,2,6,18, 30)
2. For its own sake (line 10)
3. Feathers (Line 12)
4. A great deal of (line 16)
5. Put forward (line 17)
6. Chimps (line 19)
7. Selflessly (line 20)
8. Urge (line 25)
9. Give rise (to) (line 28)
10. Unprecedented scale (line
32)
MEANING
a. a large amount
b. to encourage forcefully
c. because it is interesting and enjoyable
d. a chimpanzee
e. to direct the eyes
f. a distinguishing characteristic or quality
g. to grant or bestow by formal action
h. one of the light structures that form the
principal covering of birds.
i. having little concern for oneself and one's
interests
j. never having happened before
K. to state an idea or opinion
While reading

Tick the most beneficial traits that, according to the text, make us unique.
* We have intellect to create weapons.
* Our need to accumulate information led us to the development of technology.
* We are able to understand other people's beliefs.
* Our ability to write lets us document how special we are.
* We can use language for several purposes.
 * We are the only animal species that can cooperate with others.

After reading - Speaking activity

In your opinion, what is the most important human trait? Explain your answer and provide
examples when necessary.
 Answer key
Tick the differences between humans and other animals mentioned in the video.

Humans have language *

 
Humans are moral

Humans have culture *

 
Humans can use tools *
 
Consciousness is associated to humans *
 
Humans develop morality *
 
Humans have a sense of humour *
 
Humans can sing

Humans can make music *

 

TRUE OR FALSE?

 Human qualities can be found, to some extent, in other animals. TRUE

There is an abyss between what we can do, and what animals can do. TRUE

Sean Carroll is a physicist who writes in a Scientific Magazine. FALSE

Stephon Alexander is the cowriter of the book called the Jazz of Physics. FALSE

MATCH THE COLUMNS

 WORD EXPRESSION
1. Trait (lines 1,2,6,18, 30)
2. For its own sake (line 10)
3. Feathers (Line 12)
4. A great deal of (line 16)
5. Put forward (line 17)
6. Chimps (line 19)
7. Selflessly (line 20)
8. Urge (line 25)
9. Give rise (to) (line 28)
10. Unprecedented scale (line
32)
MEANING
F a. a large amount
C b. to encourage forcefully
H c. because it is interesting and enjoyable
A d. a chimpanzee
K e. to direct the eyes
D f. a distinguishing characteristic or quality
I g. to grant or bestow by formal action
B h. one of the light structures that form the
principal covering of birds.
G i. having little concern for oneself and one's
interests
J j. never having happened before
K. to state an idea or opinion

Tick the most beneficial traits that, according to the text, make us unique.

* We have intellect to create weapons.

* Our need to accumulate information led us to the development of technology.
* We are able to understand other people's beliefs.
* Our ability to write lets us document how special we are.
* We can use language for several purposes.
* We are the only animal species that can cooperate with others.