Phrenology

1. Integrated writing. 

Step1. Read the text below.

In the late eighteenth century, an Austrian physician named Franz Joseph Gall observed a relationship between certain mental characteristics and the shapes of people’s heads. Gall founded the discipline called phrenology, which is based on the idea that variations in the human skull reflect differences in the size and the shape of the human brain. According to phrenology, different areas of the brain serve separate and distinct functions; therefore, by carefully examining the size and shape of an individual’s skull, an expert can determine the strengths, weaknesses, and peculiarities of the person’s character and intellect.

Devoting most of his life to a detailed study of the nervous system, Gall showed that the brain’s white matter consists of nerve fibers. He also initiated the theory of localization—the belief that the various mental processes are centered in specific parts of the brain. Gall claimed that humans had several different forms of power for each mental process. He developed a list of “organs” of the mind that featured 37 different mental powers. Among these powers were emotional faculties such as secretiveness and the capability for love; sentiments such as hope, reverence, and self-esteem; and reflective and perceptual powers, including aptitude for language, musical ability, and sensitivity to visual properties such as shape and color.

The simple doctrine of phrenology achieved great popularity in Europe and the United States during the early nineteenth century. Many leading scientists of the period supported its basic principles and attempted to advance it as a science. The doctrine also appealed to the general public since everyone could “play the game” of reading skulls.

Step 2. Listen to part of a lecture below and take notes.

Important!: Write out the three main ideas and their elaborations/illustrations/ details that the lecturer provides. You should connect the points made in the lecture to the points made in the reading! When you hear the question, click to show the passage and question and begin your response.

Click here to show/hide the question

Step 3. Write your answer.

Writing time - 16 min.

✍️ Planning/Outlining - 2–3 minutes: Organize notes: match each reading point with the lecture's illustration.

Writing the Essay  -  12–13 minutes: Write your 4-paragraph response clearly and concisely.

Tip: Write at least 300 words

Click here to show/hide the template

 

2. Independent writing

Reading time -2 minutes, writing time-8 minutes

Step1. Read the text

In this week's unit on the history and ethics of science, we are examining the legacy of discredited theories like phrenology and comparing them to emerging technologies.

Discussion Question:
Are there meaningful parallels between historical pseudosciences like phrenology and modern data-driven profiling techniques, such as facial recognition or neuromarketing?

Consider whether today's technologies might repeat similar ethical or scientific mistakes, or if they are fundamentally different in purpose and reliability.

Following the lecture, two students posted their views in an online discussion forum:

Student 1: Max

I think there are clear parallels. Both phrenology and modern profiling try to judge people by physical traits. Phrenology was used to support bias, and facial recognition has shown similar issues, especially with misidentifying minorities. Neuromarketing, too, can manipulate consumers without consent. Just because a method uses data doesn’t mean it’s free from prejudice.

Student 2: Emma

I disagree. Phrenology was unscientific and biased from the start. Modern methods are based on research and often used for good—like security or locating missing persons. Yes, problems exist, but developers are working on them. Comparing them to phrenology is unfair and may even stop progress in useful areas.

Writing Question:

Write a response (about 120 words) stating your opinion on the issue. Be sure to:

• State your own view clearly
• Refer to the opinions of both Max and Emma
• Use specific reasons or examples

Step 2. Write a response 

Tip: Write at least 120 words

Important: Address both students' views!

3. Independent speaking_1

Using words from the text and lecture in exercise 1, prepare answers to the following questions:

Use one of the following speaking-1 templates:

Basic Template:

Main Point (choose one): 

- "I support the view that…" 

- "I believe it is preferable to…" 

- "I find it a great/poor idea to…" 

Transition (optional): 

- "I hold this opinion for several reasons." 

First Reason: 

- "To begin with…" + "For instance…" (followed by a personal example). 

Second Reason: 

- "Additionally…" + "To elaborate…" (and include more details). 

Advanced Template:

Personally, I firmly believe [MAIN POINT]. 

This is mainly due to [REASON 1]. 

By this, I mean [expand on the reason]. 

Furthermore, [REASON 2]. 

For example, [expand on the reason or provide an illustrative example]. 

3. Integrated Speaking_2

Active vocab

Step1. Read the following announcement:

University Athletic Scholarship Policy Update

Beginning next semester, the university’s athletic department will introduce a new scholarship program aimed at strengthening the volleyball team. In addition to performance in tryouts, players who submit genetic test results showing positive markers for traits linked to athletic ability—such as speed, endurance, and injury resistance—will become eligible for enhanced scholarships.

According to the department, “This initiative will help us invest in students with the best long-term athletic potential, based on both skill and science.”

—Office of Sports Affairs

Step 2. Listen to the audio file below. During the real exam you will hear the audio only once. But now you can listen to it as many times s you want.

If you have difficulty understanding the the audio, Click here to read the script

Step 3. Prepare and record (in a messenger) an answer to the following question.

Preparation time - 30 seconds, speaking time - 60 seconds.

The woman expresses her opinion of the university’s announcement. State her opinion and the reasons she gives for holding that opinion

Click here to show/hide the template.

Integrated speaking_4

Step1. Read the text 

Reading time: 45 seconds

Genetic Predisposition in Athletic Performance

In recent years, sports science has increasingly emphasized the role of genetics in determining an individual’s potential in various athletic disciplines. Researchers have identified certain gene variants that influence muscle fiber composition, oxygen uptake, and reaction time—traits essential for success in sports. For example, the ACTN3 gene is often linked to power and sprinting ability, while the ACE gene is associated with endurance. These genetic markers suggest that some individuals may be naturally better suited to specific types of athletic activity, such as sprinting, swimming, or long-distance running. Although environmental factors like training, diet, and motivation are critical, genetic predisposition can significantly influence how far an athlete may progress in elite competition.

Critics, however, warn against over-reliance on genetic testing in youth sports. They argue that focusing too heavily on genetic traits could result in excluding potentially successful athletes who develop later or who succeed through training and resilience. Still, many sports academies and research institutions are beginning to consider genetic testing as part of their broader talent identification programs.

Step 2. Listen to the lecture

Note: Take notes of illustrations of the ideas given in the reading!

Step 3. Prepare and record your answer (send in a messenger)

Preparation time: 30 seconds

Answer time: 60 seconds

Speaking Time: 60 seconds

Why is the above task speaking 4 not 3?

 

Task	Structure	Content	Preparation time
Speaking 3     (new format)	Short reading + Professor lecture	Concept explained through examples	30 sec
Speaking 4	Short reading + More complex Professor lecture	Concept explained through usually deeper examples	20 sec