Envy Without Reason: IELTS Reading Passage with Questions & Answers

Introduction:

Envy is a multifaceted emotion that can perplex even the most astute observers of human behavior. Preparing for the IELTS reading section involves understanding such intricate topics and being able to dissect and analyze passages for comprehension. 'Envy Without Reason' is an article tailored to challenge and enhance your IELTS reading skills. It delves into the psychology behind envy, exploring how it affects individuals and society, and is designed to stimulate critical thinking and test your ability to navigate complex text.

Passage: "Envy Without Reason: Understanding the Green-Eyed Monster"

Envy, often known as the green-eyed monster, is a complex emotion that can silently infiltrate our lives, impacting our decisions, relationships, and perceptions of success. It can emerge without reason, casting a shadow over achievements and joy. This essay seeks to explore the psychological contours of envy, its triggers, manifestations, and the subtle ways it can shape human behavior.

Human beings are inherently social creatures, and our place within the social hierarchy is often a source of either comfort or consternation. Envy is typically understood as a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck. It can strike without warning, and unlike jealousy, it does not stem from the fear of losing something but from the desire to possess what someone else has.

Psychologists have long studied envy, finding its roots in the very fabric of how we compare ourselves to others. It is a natural, albeit uncomfortable, part of being human. From a young age, comparisons teach us about fairness and justice, but they can also sow the seeds of envy when we perceive an imbalance—whether real or imagined. Social media amplifies this effect, with curated glimpses into others' lives leading many to envy what may only be an illusion of happiness or success.

The reason behind envy can often be nebulous or baseless. It may stem from deeply ingrained insecurities or the unfounded belief that others' successes diminish our own. It can twist admiration into resentment, spurring a hidden schadenfreude when those we envy face setbacks. However, envy is not always destructive. When channeled positively, it can motivate self-improvement and growth. It can drive us to work harder, push further, and reach for the accomplishments we desire.

Envy operates in the workplace, in academic settings, within families, and among friends. It can strain relationships and impede cooperation, yet it also has the potential to foster a competitive spirit that leads to innovation and progress. It is a paradoxical emotion—one that can both undermine and propel.

Questions & Answers:

Q1: What is envy often symbolized by?

A1: Envy is often symbolized by the term "green-eyed monster."

Explanation: The phrase "green-eyed monster" comes from Shakespeare's "Othello," where it is used to describe the destructive nature of envy.

Q2: Fill in the blank: Envy is a feeling of ________ or covetousness with regard to someone else's possessions or qualities.

A2: discontent

Explanation: Envy involves a sense of discontentment and longing for what someone else has, which can be either material possessions or intangible qualities.

Q3: True or False: Envy stems from the fear of losing something we have.

A3: False

Explanation: Envy is different from jealousy. Jealousy is the fear of losing something, whereas envy desires what someone else possesses.

Q4: According to psychologists, what is the primary root of envy?

A4: Comparisons with others

Explanation: Psychologists find that envy often arises from comparing ourselves to others, which is a natural part of human social behavior.

Q5: Fill in the blank: Social media can exacerbate feelings of envy by presenting curated ________ of others' lives.

A5: glimpses

Explanation: Social media often showcases selective and idealized portions of people's lives, leading to increased feelings of envy among viewers.

Q6: How can envy be positive?

A6: It can motivate self-improvement and growth.

Explanation: When used constructively, envy can be a driving force for individuals to better themselves and strive for their goals.

Q7: Fill in the blank: Envy in the workplace can lead to ________ but also has the potential to foster a competitive spirit.

A7: strained relationships

Explanation: While envy can create tension and conflict in professional settings, it can also encourage individuals to compete in a way that promotes productivity and innovation.

Q8: True or False: Envy is considered to be entirely a negative emotion with no redeeming qualities.

A8: False

Explanation: The passage explains that while envy is often seen negatively, it has a dual nature and can be a catalyst for positive change and motivation.

Q9: What literary figure is credited with the popular phrase describing envy?

A9: Shakespeare

Explanation: The term "green-eyed monster" as a symbol of envy was popularized by Shakespeare in his play "Othello."

Q10: Fill in the blank: Envy can twist admiration into ________, leading to a sense of pleasure in others' misfortunes.

A10: resentment

Explanation: The passage discusses how envy can corrupt feelings of admiration, resulting in resentment and even schadenfreude when envied individuals encounter difficulties.

5 Tips for Cracking the IELTS Reading Exam on This Topic:

Tip 1: Understand the context of idioms and metaphors related to emotions, as these are often used in passages exploring psychological topics.

Tip 2: Be aware of the nuanced differences between similar emotions, such as envy and jealousy, as the test may require you to distinguish between them.

Tip 3: Pay close attention to how the passage discusses the positive and negative aspects of emotions to ensure a balanced understanding of the content.

Tip 4: Practice reading a variety of texts on psychological and social topics to become familiar with the terminology and concepts.

Tip 5: Develop critical thinking skills to analyze the implications of emotions like envy on personal and social levels, as this will aid in answering comprehension questions accurately.