Practice English Reading Exercises for B2 – Psychological Studies & Human Behavior 1

Exercises:   123456

Reading 1

You are going to read an article about four individuals discussing how learning about the famous ‘Marshmallow Test’ changed their entire approach to delayed gratification and saving money.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people/sections (A-D). The people/sections may be chosen more than once.

Which person/section

1   mentions implementing a mandatory waiting period before making purchases?

2   successfully altered the way they spend time with peers to reduce expenses?

3   was inspired by how the subjects in the original study diverted their own attention?

4   previously believed that being financially responsible meant sacrificing their own happiness?

5   puts money aside without having to actively think about doing it?

6   is currently gathering funds to further their academic qualifications?

7   shifted their focus toward a significant future travel goal?

8   used to accumulate debt by constantly acquiring the latest technology?

9   recognized that their spending habits were heavily driven by a need for social approval?

10   is currently putting money aside to eventually purchase their own property?

The Adult Marshmallow Test

A Oliver

Until I stumbled across an article about the Marshmallow Test, I had always been a notorious impulse buyer. If a new gadget hit the market, I’d inevitably buy it, completely maxing out my credit cards in the process. Reading about those children struggling to resist a sweet treat was a massive wake-up call; I realised I was essentially failing the adult version of the test on a daily basis. I decided I had to get a grip on my finances. Consequently, I implemented a strict forty-eight-hour cooling-off rule for any non-essential items. If I still genuinely want the product after two days, I allow myself to buy it, but more often than not, the urge simply fades away. Coming to terms with my lack of self-control was tough, but this simple trick has revolutionised my bank balance. Rather than squandering my wages on fleeting thrills, I’m finally going to be able to put down a substantial deposit on my first flat next spring.

B Sophie

For a long time, I thoroughly resented the concept of budgeting. I mistakenly assumed that being financially sensible equated to a life of sheer misery, constantly depriving myself of everyday pleasures like takeaway coffees and meals out. However, the Marshmallow Test completely shifted my perspective. It dawned on me that the experiment wasn’t about missing out on a marshmallow; it was about holding out for a much greater reward. I realised I needed a compelling reason to delay my own gratification. Therefore, I visualised my ultimate dream: a six-month backpacking adventure across South America. By keeping that vivid image in my mind, it became infinitely easier to walk past shop windows without giving in to temptation. I no longer feel as though I’m punishing myself when I transfer money into my savings account. Instead, I’m actively investing in a future experience that will undoubtedly be worth the wait.

C Julian

The prospect of saving for retirement used to overwhelm me to the point where I simply buried my head in the sand. I couldn’t fathom locking away my hard-earned cash for decades. But then I watched a documentary detailing the famous Stanford experiment. What fascinated me most wasn’t just the willpower of the successful children, but the coping mechanisms they employed to avoid looking at the sweet altogether. I realised that relying solely on sheer willpower to save money is a recipe for disaster. So, I took a leaf out of their book and removed the temptation entirely. Now, a set portion of my salary is automatically routed into an investment fund the moment I get paid. Because I never actually see the money in my current account, I don’t ever miss it. Had I not learned about the psychology behind delayed gratification, I would probably still be living from paycheck to paycheck.

D Clara

My biggest financial downfall was undoubtedly my active social life. I was always the first to agree to lavish dinners or pricey weekend getaways because I desperately craved the admiration of my peers. Discovering the Marshmallow Test was a lightbulb moment for me; I recognised that my ‘marshmallow’ wasn’t necessarily a physical object, but rather the instant validation I got from keeping up with my friends. I knew I had to break the cycle if I was ever going to afford the steep tuition fees for my Master’s degree. It was daunting at first, but I started suggesting more affordable alternatives, like hosting picnics in the park or cooking meals at home, rather than dining out at expensive restaurants. To my relief, my friends were incredibly supportive and even admitted they were glad to be spending less too. Letting go of the need to impress others has liberated me, both emotionally and financially.

Reading 2

You are going to read an article about four students sharing their shock upon participating in a psychology experiment about the ‘Bystander Effect’ and realizing they wouldn’t help a stranger in need.

For questions 1-10, choose from the people (A-D). The people may be chosen more than once.

Which person

1   confesses that their inaction stemmed from a fear of making a fool of themselves?

2   points out the huge gap between knowing how one should act and actually doing it?

3   explains that the size of the group made them feel less personally accountable?

4   was alarmed to realise they had blindly copied the passive behaviour of their peers?

5   hesitated because they thought the emergency might be a deliberate trick or prank?

6   vividly describes their body becoming completely immobilised when the emergency struck?

7   previously took their self-image as a highly ethical and helpful person for granted?

8   admits they actively watched others to figure out the ‘correct’ way to respond?

9   used the excuse that someone with medical or professional expertise would surely step in?

10   felt a sharp sense of inadequacy when a single person finally broke the silence and offered help?

The Illusion of the Good Samaritan

A Mia

I always took it for granted that I was a deeply compassionate individual. If you had asked me a week ago, I would have confidently claimed I’d be the first to rush to someone’s aid in an emergency. However, this experiment completely shattered that comforting illusion. We were sitting in a crowded waiting room when a man suddenly collapsed, clutching his chest. Instead of springing into action, I just sat there in silence. Because the room was packed with other participants, I unconsciously assumed that the burden didn’t fall entirely on my shoulders. I rationalised my hesitation by convincing myself that surely a doctor or a trained first-aider was among the crowd and would handle the situation far better than I ever could. Looking back, it’s a harsh wake-up call. My identity as a reliable, ethical citizen turned out to be nothing more than wishful thinking when put to the ultimate test.

B Toby

The most disturbing takeaway from the study was discovering just how easily I can be influenced by a crowd. When the fire alarm suddenly sounded and thick smoke began pouring under the door, my initial instinct was to evacuate the building immediately. But before making a move, I glanced around the room to carefully gauge the reactions of the other students. Everyone else was calmly filling out their questionnaires, completely ignoring the growing smoke. Not wanting to stand out or cause unnecessary panic, I simply stayed in my seat, gripped my pen, and carried on writing! I was absolutely appalled to realise that I had allowed the collective indifference of strangers to override my basic survival instincts. It’s terrifying to admit that conforming to the group felt more important in that split second than addressing a 

very obvious threat. I’ve definitely learned a tough lesson about independent thinking.

C Clara

During the experiment, we heard loud, distressing screams coming from the adjacent office. My heart was pounding, and my mind was racing with terrifying possibilities. Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to intervene because a nagging part of me suspected it was just a dramatic performance or a hidden-camera prank. I was absolutely terrified of rushing in, making a massive scene, and ending up looking completely ridiculous if it turned out to be a false alarm. So, I desperately tried to act natural. The guilt really hit me when, after what felt like an eternity, another girl finally jumped up and banged on the door to ask if everything was alright. Seeing her bravely take the initiative made me feel incredibly small and cowardly. I realised then that my dread of social embarrassment was vastly stronger than my basic human empathy, which is a hard truth to accept.

D Jamal

In my psychology classes, we’ve covered the bystander effect extensively, so I genuinely believed I would be immune to its psychological trap. I thought my academic awareness of the phenomenon would guarantee that I’d step up. Unfortunately, I quickly discovered there is a massive discrepancy between understanding a concept in a textbook and actually experiencing it in real life. When the individual sitting next to me began choking and gasping for air, my brain simply shut down. I had taken a first-aid course last year, but in that moment of crisis, I couldn’t remember a single protocol. My muscles locked up entirely; I was rooted to my chair, literally unable to speak or move a muscle. It wasn’t that I expected others to act or that I didn’t care; my body just went into a state of absolute paralysis. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, realising you aren’t the hero you always imagined.

Exercises:   123456