MID-TERM EXAM

ASSIGNMENTS

READING SKILLS II
Assist. Prof. Dr. Cemre İŞLER

SECTION A

NAME & SURNAME: DİCLE AKAN

CLASS ID: 230561030

INSTRUCTION: Put the marker “X” for the related answer and sign each
paper.

WEEKS EKSİK TAM VAKTİNDE GEÇ YÜKLENMEDİ

WEEK 1 X X
WEEK 2 X X
WEEK 3 X X
WEEK 4 X X
WEEK 5 X X

 If you sent your assignment even 1 minute later than the deadline, mark
it as LATE.

SEE THE SECTION B BELOW:

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 SECTION B

INSTRUCTION: Please attach your papers according to the related week number.

WEEK 1
SEE-I 1
State: passive aggression usually Works poorly for us and does not get us what we want.
Elaborate: Passive-aggressive behavior, in which people express dissatisfaction or
disagreement covertly, is frequently misplaced and fails to produce the desired results. This
conduct includes subtle forms of resistance, such as procrastination or backhanded
compliments, which might mask the underlying source of frustration. While these behaviors
can temporarily alleviate tension, they rarely result in substantial resolutions or positive
consequences. Passive aggression perpetuates a cycle of misunderstandings and
misunderstanding, resulting in uncertainty, resentment, and relationship breakdown. It also
erodes trust and undermines the mutual respect required for effective communication.
Furthermore, passive-aggressive behavior frequently fails to address the underlying issues or
conflicts that caused irritation, resulting in unresolved difficulties and increased tension. As a
result, adopting more direct, aggressive, and constructive approaches to problem solving and
communicating demands is critical for promoting good communication and cultivating
positive relationships.

Exmplify: Let's give you an example of me and my roommate at dormitory. I have a

misophonic problem, and my friend likes to make exaggerated noises while eating or doing
things. I'm very upset because she makes a lot of noise when she eats something, but I can't
say it so that our friendship doesn't get broken. Sometimes after I get upset, I'm being harsh
with her and other people around me. After doing that, I don't do anything if she asks me to
do it, and I've been sulking at her all day. Being tough on her or sulking at her doesn't solve
the problem between us, but it just hurts me and confuses my friend because she does not
know exactly what I want. It's also damaging our relationship. The only thing that needs to be
done is to tell her what annoys me and ask her not to do that.

Illustrate: Dealing with passive-aggressive behavior is like using a foggy cloth to clean a dirty
window. The smudges and haze obstruct the view even more, failing to produce transparency
and clarity. Comparably, when we use passive-aggressive methods to voice our annoyances or
resolve disputes, we merely obstruct communication and make it more difficult to come to a
consensus or find a solution. Using a clean cloth to wipe away dirt and improve visibility
through windows is analogous to how using direct and assertive communication to break
down barriers and promote sincere comprehension and cooperation.

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WEEK 2
SEE-I 2
State: The insecure person copes best in a very structured situation where there are very
few unknowns to deal with.
Elaborate: Individuals dealing with insecurity frequently feel most at ease and capable in
circumstances that are highly organized and predictable, where the absence of ambiguity
and limited variables contribute to a sense of stability. In such circumstances, clear norms
and established procedures give a reassuring framework for the insecure individual to
traverse without being distressed by unanticipated problems or uncertainties. By reducing
the possibility of unknown situations and providing a regulated pathway, these
environments provide a sense of security and control, allowing the individual to focus their
energy and efforts with more confidence and effectiveness.

Exemplify: Let's imagine a man working in a call center. This man is introverted, insecure,
anxious and depressed. Even though he has such characteristics, he can easily work in the
call center because the conditions are mostly in his hands. When the customer calls, he does
not worry because he has already determined what he will do, what he will say, and what he
will ask. There is very little chance of encountering a sudden unexpected situation while
working at his job, so he can do his job easily. Insecure people have nothing to worry about
as long as circumstances are under their control.

Illustrate: A castle built in the middle of a stormy and icy sea may depict an insecure person
being comfortable in an environment he or she controls. While the stormy and cold sea
depicts the bad conditions outside, the castle depicts the insecure person who creates a safe
space within himself. Yes, there are bad conditions outside, but the castle has secured itself
and is not affected by this situation.

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WEEK 3

SEE-I 3
State: people only remove their goodwill toward you ( assuming some existed to start with)
if there is a payoff to them for doing so.

Elaborate: The statement implies that people are unlikely to withdraw their positive feelings
or support for you unless they see a personal benefit in doing so." This means that if someone
first demonstrated compassion or support, they would only stop doing so if they saw a benefit
in withdrawing their generosity. This payout could range from defending their own interests,
getting an advantage, or avoiding annoyance, emphasizing the transactional character of many
interpersonal relationships.

Exemplify: Think of a roommate in your dorm who is always supportive, helpful, and
cooperative. she stands by you and supports you in the decisions you make. But when finals
week comes around, you will see differences in her behavior. You will encounter some
behaviors such as not caring about your opinions, ignoring you, and focusing entirely on her
academic career. Since it is exam week, your friend keeps distance from you to invest in
herself. If she keeps distance between herself and you, there will be advantageous
consequences for her. The pursuit of individual goals can affect interpersonal dynamics even
in a collaborative environment.

Illustrate: Goodwill is a powerful force that fosters relationships and positivity throughout
nature's ecosystem. It's like a lovely breeze blowing through the forest, bringing life and
nourishment. However, in isolated areas, a lack of goodwill impedes the development of
connections and communal bonds. Goodwill pervades exchanges, nourishing the intertwined
web of life and guaranteeing that the forest survives as the air blows through its branches.

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WEEK 4
SEE-I 4
State: Once we feel good about ourselves, our ability to cope with conflict “snowballs''

Elaborate: As we cultivate a positive self-perception and inner contentment, our proficiency

in navigating conflicts experiences a gradual but significant amplification, resembling the
gradual accumulation of snow as it rolls down a hill, steadily increasing in size and resilience.

Exemplify: Let's imagine a company member trying to cope with feelings of inadequacy, fear
of judgment, and insecurity. This man is always shy to express his opinions and is passive.
But over time, as he receives encouragement and support from his colleagues and family,
this situation begins to change and he begins to become an extrovert. As he achieves
significant achievements, his self-confidence increases and he does not hesitate to express
his opinions or participate in discussions. As our self-confidence increases, our ability to deal
with conflicts increases accordingly.

Illustration: When we build a strong sense of self-esteem and confidence, our capacity to deal
with situations improves in a transforming process similar to a snowball gaining velocity.
Much like each layer of snow increases the size and weight of a snowball, our rising self-
assurance provides us with a deeper reservoir of resilience and adaptation when faced with
adversity. With each successful conflict resolution, we gain vital insights and methods,
strengthening our ability to face future difficulties with calm and efficacy.

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WEEK 5
SEE-I 5
Statement: Your assertive impact upon other people will likely be ineffective if at the same
time you show observable anxiety cues.
Elaboration: If a person tries to exert themselves yet shows visible signs of fear, their
assertive influence on others may be reduced. When anxiety signs are present, they might
distract from the effectiveness of the communication, making it difficult for people to take the
person seriously or fully understand their objectives.

Exemplify: Let's imagine a girl preparing a presentation for her end-of-term paper. Prepares
the presentation impressively and confidently. However, when she starts the presentation,
she notices that her hands and voice are shaking. The audience senses the girl's anxiety and
begins to question the feasibility and reliability of what she says. Although her ideas are
strong, the hints of anxiety observed make the audience suspicious. As a result, the power of
stability disappears in the shadow of the perception of uncertainty.
Illustration: Trying to assert yourself while showing signs of anxiety is like trying to light a
match in a strong wind. Even though you have the match and the intention to ignite
something, the wind keeps blowing out the flame before it can catch fire. Similarly, your
assertive message may be there, but the anxiety acts like the wind, extinguishing its
effectiveness before it can fully resonate with others.