1.
Reading Comprehension
EGO BOOSTER!
CREATE A NEW, SELF CONFIDENT YOU!
1. Communication
Your thoughts and feeling are
important, so communicating them is
vital. You’re more likely to get what
you want if you can ask in a direct,
open way. Even if you don’t get your
way, you’ll feel stronger in yourself as
a result. Increase your communication
skills by writing down your views and
desires. Say them to yourself in a
mirror or record them on cassette. By
practising like this you’ll feel less
nervous when you really do have to
speak up. Learn to voice your feelings
– no one else will do it for you.
2. Body Language
The way we use our bodies coveys
even more about our feeling than the
things we say. Think how you use your
body when talking. Direct eye contact,
upright posture, emphasising gestures
and a lively tone of voice are signs of
assertiveness. Looking away from
people, crossing your arms and
fidgeting are signs which say your self
– esteem is low. Observe other and
think what you body’s saying.
3. Think Positive!
Sufferers of low self – esteem tend to
have negative thoughts about
themselves: I’m a failure, I am
boring .... “ and so on. If you don’t
respect yourself, how can you expect
others to respect you? So concentrate
on your positive traits and write them
down. They may not be earth –
shattering – maybe you’re a
sympathetic listener, or a caring
parent. Ask a close friend or relative
to list your pluses. The two lists could
well reveal bonuses you never knew
you had.
4. Taking the Blame
Constantly taking the blame when
things go wrong is a sign of low self –
esteem. We all make mistakes. But if
you’re for ever saying: “It’s my fault”,
or “I shouldn’t have said it”, and “I’ve
done it again,” you’ll end up self-
Advice Prep School – Inside Out Intermediate – Test -
2002
conscious and embarrassed and self-
esteem will plummet, leaving you
afraid to assert yourself. If you’ve
blundered, admit it. But remember,
one blunder doesn’t make you a
blunderer for ever. Learn from your
mistake and avoid it next time.
5. Enthusiasm
Remember how you feel when you’re
doing something you feel strongly
about. It’s impossible to feel bad
about yourself at such moments.
Think what you feel most strongly
about and develop these things into
as many interests as possible. Maybe
you could join a social, political or
campaign organisation – how about
drama, a competitive sport or an
absorbing hobby?
6. Winning targets.
Life’s winners set themselves targets
they know for sure they can reach.
Losers set themselves impossible
goals and thus their low self-esteem is
confirmed when they inevitably fail.
So set yourself realistic goals. For
example, if you feel the need to diet,
don’t aim to lose ten kilos in two
weeks. Instead, try for an attainable
loss – say one kilo in a week. Winners
recognise that each step towards a
goal is a success in itself. And, there’s
nothing like success for boosting the
ego.
7. Pamper yourself.
Give yourself regular treats, as if
you’re spoiling someone you love. Buy
that special outfit, go for a slap-up
meal, award yourself a day in bed
with a good book – anything which
makes you feel good. If you can
indulge others, you can indulge
yourself. It’ll give you a warm glow –
and boost that self esteem.
1
i. Find words or phrases in the text which could be replaces by:

Paragraph 1
a. very important
b. it’s more probable they you’ll
c. strong wishes
d. anxious or worried

Paragraph 2
a. shows
b. position of standing up straight
c. moving nervously
d. carefully watch

Paragraph 3
a. amazingly good
b. someone good at listening to others
c. show very good points.

Paragraph 4
a. fall to a low level

Paragraph 6
a. making yourself feel better

Paragraph 7
a. set of clothes.