Lesson
Is Doing More Always the Answer?
Read this news story in English at three levels, easy, standard, and advanced (B1–C1) — with vocabulary and a comprehension quiz.
The article explores how the pressure to do more can lead to overwhelm, suggesting that sometimes less is more in managing stress and responsibilities.
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Standard — Natural English
65 words · ~1 min readEasy version (A2–B1)
Many people feel they are not doing enough. Social media makes us think we need to add more to our lives. This can lead to stress and burnout. Instead of adding more tasks, we should think about removing some. Doing less can help us feel better.Standard version (B1–B2)
The article discusses the pressure many people feel to constantly do more, often fueled by social media. This pressure can lead to feelings of overwhelm and burnout. Instead of adding more activities or commitments to alleviate stress, research suggests that removing low-priority tasks might be more effective. The tendency to add rather than subtract is known as 'additive bias,' which is common in consumerist societies.Advanced version (C1–C2)
In the article, the author examines the societal pressure to constantly engage in more activities, particularly as influenced by social media. This pressure can lead to feelings of overwhelm and irrational behaviors, such as seeking out new commitments instead of eliminating existing stressors. Psychological research indicates that individuals often default to an 'additive bias,' where they attempt to solve problems by adding more tasks rather than simplifying their lives. This tendency is exacerbated in consumerist cultures, where comparison with others can intensify the urge to do more, ultimately leading to burnout and dissatisfaction.Lesson audio
Standard level
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Test your understanding
01What does the article suggest about the 'more is more' approach?
02What is 'additive bias'?
03What is a common reaction to burnout according to the article?
Discussion
How can we balance the desire to be productive with the need for mental peace?
Vocabulary
overwhelm word
to feel unable to cope due to too much happening
“She felt overwhelm from all her responsibilities.”
additive bias word
the tendency to solve problems by adding more rather than removing things
“His additive bias led him to take on more projects instead of simplifying his workload.”
burnout word
a state of physical or mental collapse caused by overwork
“After months of stress, she experienced burnout and needed a break.”
consumerist word
related to a society that encourages buying and consuming goods
“In a consumerist culture, people often feel pressured to buy more.”
irrationality word
the quality of being unreasonable or illogical
“His irrationality made him buy things he didn't need.”