Extroverts and Introverts

1 Everyone has a different personality. It is what makes people individuals and

2 unique. However, there are some shared personality qualities which let us talk about
3 personality “types”. One of the most basic personality differences is between
4 extroverts and introverts. These terms are used in many theories of personality
5 types. They were made popular by the important Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung (1875-
6 1961), although he did not invent them. Extroversion and introversion are ways of
7 describing a person's attitude to the world: do they move towards it or away from
8 it?
9
10 Extroverts are people who look outwards. They are friendly, sociable, talkative, and
11 self-confident. They are interested in a range of experiences and enjoy spending
12 time with other people. They tend to act first, then think later. When extroverts feel
13 bad, unmotivated or without energy, they look outside themselves. This means they
14 might go shopping, call friends or have a party. Typical extrovert jobs are in politics,
15 sales, teaching and management.
16 Introverts, on the other hand, look inwards. They feel more comfortable alone and
17 enjoy ideas and thinking. They are reserved, quiet, thoughtful and maybe shy. They
18 like to think and consider before taking action, and will often analyse before
19 speaking. In contrast to extroverts they value fewer, but deeper experiences. When
20 feeling bad or stressed, introverts look inside themselves for energy and motivation.
21 Introverts often work as artists, writers, engineers and inventors.
22
23 Although the types are different, most people have both extrovert and introvert
24 characteristics in their personality, but often they are more one type than the other.
25 There has been some interesting research into why people are basically extroverts
26 or introverts. Some people say that extroverts and introverts are born not made.
27 Others believe that environment is more important in shaping someone's
28 personality.
29 Attitudes towards introverts and extroverts vary in different cultures. For example,
30 Americans value extrovert qualities. However, cultures such as those in Central
31 Europe and Southeast Asia regard introvert characteristics more highly.
32 Interestingly, research shows that people who live on islands tend to be more
33 introverted. Studies have also found that extroverts have higher happiness levels
34 than introverts.

Taken from COTTON, David; FALVEY, David & KENT, Simon (2013). New
Language LEADER – Intermediate. England: PEARSON EDUCATION LIMITED.