Unit Two: Dreams

Lesson 1: What is a Dream?

A. Work in pairs and discuss the following questions:

1. What is a dream?
2. Do you have dreams?
3. Is a dream real or unreal?
4. Is there any relation between dream and action?
5. Who is a dreamer? Do you like a dreamer? Why/why not?

Answers:

 

1. What is a dream? A dream is a series of images, thoughts, and emotions that occur during sleep.
2. Do you have dreams? Yes, I do have dreams.
3. Is a dream real or unreal? A dream is generally considered unreal because it occurs in the mind during sleep, although it can feel very real while experiencing it.
4. Is there any relation between dream and action? Yes, dreams can inspire actions and motivate individuals to pursue their goals and aspirations.
5. Who is a dreamer? Do you like a dreamer? Why/why not? A dreamer is someone who envisions and aspires to achieve goals or desires. Yes, I like dreamers because they are often creative, hopeful, and driven to make positive changes in their lives and the world around them.

Lesson 1 -Unforgettable History 

B. Read the following words aloud. You may not be familiar with some of them. Look up their meaning in a dictionary. How are they related to dreams?

 

• colour
• nightmare
• imagination
• day-dream
• reverie
• romantic
• hallucination
• shadowy
• silvery
• short-lasting
• dreamy
• dreamer
• reality
• pleasant
• haunting
• fragment

Answer 

Words Related to Dreams

Here are the relationships between the words and dreams:

• Colour: Dreams often involve vivid and sometimes unusual colors.
• Nightmare: A type of unpleasant dream that can be intense and frightening.
• Imagination: Dreams often involve creative and imaginative scenarios.
• Day-dream: A dream-like fantasy that occurs while one is awake.
• Reverie: A state of pleasant dreaminess or contemplation.
• Romantic: Dreams can be idealized or romanticized visions of reality.
• Hallucination: A perceptual experience that appears real but is not, similar to vivid dreams.
• Shadowy: Dreams sometimes feature dim or indistinct figures or settings.
• Silvery: Dreams may evoke a sense of brightness or ethereal quality, like moonlight.
• Short-lasting: Dreams can be brief and fleeting experiences.
• Dreamy: A state of being pleasantly lost in thought, akin to the feeling of being in a dream.
• Dreamer: Someone who imagines and pursues ambitious dreams or goals.
• Reality: Contrasts with dreams as the state of actual existence or events.
• Pleasant: Dreams can be enjoyable and filled with positive emotions.
• Haunting: Dreams that leave a deep, lasting impression or feeling.
• Fragment: Dreams often occur in disjointed or fragmented sequences.

C. Read the following text and fill in the gaps with words listed above. You can use a word only once.

 

All of us know what a dream is. Generally, we dream during our sleep. Dreams may appear to be short or long-lasting. Sometimes we say, “I dreamt for the whole night!” But do we really dream for the whole night? Some dreams are sweet or (a) pleasant, and some are horrible.

When we dream something extremely bad, we call it a (b) nightmare. This is interesting that dreams have no (c) reality. They are soft (d) dreamy and (e) silvery. Do you know how the words (f) day-dream and (g) imagination differ from a dream? Do you know any (h) dreamer? What do they do? Does a dream have any relation with (i) action? Do we always dream during our sleep? The happy dream we have about our lives or future while awake is called (j) reverie. Sometimes we long for something so passionately. We call that a dream as well.

Lesson 2: Nelson Mandela 

D. Now read the article below and see if what you think about dreams is similar or dissimilar to what is said here:

 

Dreams have fascinated philosophers for thousands of years, but only recently have dreams been subjected to empirical research and scientific study. Chances are that you’ve often found yourself puzzling over the content of a dream, or perhaps you’ve wondered why you dream at all.

First, let’s start by answering a basic question: What is a dream? A dream can include any of the images, thoughts, and emotions that are experienced during sleep. Dreams can be extraordinarily vivid or very vague; filled with joyful emotions or frightening images; focused and understandable or unclear and confusing.

Why do we dream? What purpose do dreams serve? While many theories have been proposed about the reason and function of dreams, no consensus has emerged. Considering the time we spend in a dreaming state, the fact that researchers do not yet understand the purpose of dreams may seem baffling. However, it is important to consider that science is still unraveling the exact purpose and function of sleep itself.

Some researchers suggest that dreams serve no real purpose, while others believe that dreaming is essential to mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Next, let’s learn more about some of the most prominent dream theories.

Consistent with the psychoanalytic perspective, Sigmund Freud’s theory of dreams suggests that dreams are a representation of subconscious desires, thoughts, and motivations. According to Freud, people are driven by aggressive and sexual instincts that are repressed from conscious awareness. While these thoughts are not consciously expressed, they find their way into our awareness via dreams. In his famous book The Interpretation of Dreams (1899), Freud wrote that dreams are “…disguised fulfillments of repressed wishes.”

Freud’s theory contributed to the popularity of dream interpretation. Following his path, many theorists came up with their own ideas about dreams. The following are just a few of them:

1. Some researchers suggest that dreams are a subjective interpretation of signals generated by the brain during sleep. Dreams are not meaningless. Instead, during dreams, the cognitive elements in our brain produce new ideas.
2. One theory suggests that dreams are the result of our brains trying to interpret external stimuli during sleep. For example, the sound of the radio may be incorporated into the content of a dream.
3. Another theory uses a computer metaphor to account for dreams. According to this theory, dreams serve to ‘clean up’ clutter from the mind, much like clean-up operations in a computer, refreshing the mind to prepare for the next day.
4. Yet another model proposes that dreams function as a form of psychotherapy. In this theory, the dreamer is able to make connections between different thoughts and emotions in a safe environment.

Unit 1: Lesson 3 : Two Women 

E. Find out the contextual meaning of the following words and identify their parts of speech. Then make sentences with them.

1. empirical (adjective)
2. vivid (adjective)
3. vague (adjective)
4. frightening (adjective)
5. baffling (adjective)
6. unravel (verb)
7. psychoanalytic (adjective)
8. perspective (noun)
9. motivation (noun)
10. awareness (noun)
11. repressed (adjective)
12. cognitive (adjective)
13. stimuli (noun)
14. incorporate (verb)
15. clutter (noun)
16. psychotherapy (noun)

Answer 

Here are the contextual meanings, parts of speech, and example sentences for the requested words:

1. empirical (adjective):
   • Meaning: Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.
   • Example Sentence: The scientist relied on empirical evidence to support her hypothesis.
2. vivid (adjective):
   • Meaning: Producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind.
   • Example Sentence: The sunset painted a vivid picture across the sky, with hues of orange and pink.
3. vague (adjective):
   • Meaning: Uncertain, indefinite, or unclear in character or meaning.
   • Example Sentence: His instructions were vague, leaving us unsure of what exactly we were supposed to do.
4. frightening (adjective):
   • Meaning: Causing fear or dread; terrifying.
   • Example Sentence: The horror movie was so frightening that I had trouble sleeping afterward.
5. baffling (adjective):
   • Meaning: Perplexing, confusing, or difficult to understand.
   • Example Sentence: The disappearance of the artifact remains a baffling mystery to historians.
6. unravel (verb):
   • Meaning: To solve, clarify, or explain (something) that is puzzling or mysterious.
   • Example Sentence: It took years to unravel the complexities of the ancient manuscript.
7. psychoanalytic (adjective):
   • Meaning: Relating to or employing psychoanalysis, a method of treating mental disorders by investigating the conscious and unconscious elements in the mind.
   • Example Sentence: His psychoanalytic approach helped patients uncover buried traumas from their childhood.
8. perspective (noun):
   • Meaning: A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
   • Example Sentence: From her perspective, the decision seemed like the only logical choice.
9. motivation (noun):
   • Meaning: The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.
   • Example Sentence: His strong motivation to succeed drove him to study late into the night.
10. awareness (noun):
    • Meaning: Knowledge or perception of a situation or fact; consciousness.
    • Example Sentence: Environmental awareness has increased among the population due to recent climate change discussions.
11. repressed (adjective):
    • Meaning: Kept under control, restrained, or suppressed.
    • Example Sentence: Her repressed emotions finally surfaced during the therapy session.
12. cognitive (adjective):
    • Meaning: Relating to cognition, the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning.
    • Example Sentence: Cognitive abilities decline with age, affecting memory and problem-solving skills.
13. stimuli (noun):
    • Meaning: Something that arouses activity or energy in an organism or a system.
    • Example Sentence: Coffee and tea are common stimuli that people use to wake up in the morning.
14. incorporate (verb):
    • Meaning: To include or combine (something) into a whole.
    • Example Sentence: The new design will incorporate feedback from both customers and stakeholders.
15. clutter (noun):
    • Meaning: A collection of things lying about in an untidy state, often creating confusion or disorder.
    • Example Sentence: She cleaned up the clutter in her office to create a more productive workspace.
16. psychotherapy (noun):
    • Meaning: The treatment of mental disorders by psychological rather than medical means.
    • Example Sentence: Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a widely used form of psychotherapy for treating anxiety and depression.

F. Read the following statements. Are they true or false? If false, give correct answers.

 

1. Philosophers had little interest in dreams until very recently. False. Philosophers have been interested in dreams for thousands of years.
2. Dreams are always elusive. False. Dreams can be extraordinarily vivid or very vague.
3. Scientists differ in their opinions in terms of the reasons or duration of a dream. True.
4. According to Freud, dreams are conscious memories that we forgot for some time. False. According to Freud, dreams are representations of subconscious desires.
5. Modern scientists believe that dreams help generate new ideas. True.
6. The brain can connect to external stimuli like the radio signals. True.
7. Dreams can work as mind-cleaner. True.

G. Theorists interpret dreams that we have during our sleep. But we also dream when we are awake. Now give examples of:

1. A sweet dream while sleeping
2. A nightmare
3. A dream that you always cherish consciously
4. A daydream

Answer:

 

Here are examples of different types of dreams:

1. A sweet dream while sleeping: Imagine dreaming of flying over fields of flowers under a warm sun, feeling completely free and joyful.
2. A nightmare: In contrast, a nightmare might involve being chased by a menacing figure through dark, twisting corridors with no escape.
3. A dream that you always cherish consciously: This could be a long-held aspiration, like becoming a skilled musician, visualizing yourself performing on stage with a crowd cheering.
4. A daydream: Sitting in class, you drift off into a daydream where you envision yourself traveling the world, exploring exotic places and meeting new people.

H. Noted scientist and former President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam says, “Dream is not that you see in sleep, dream is something that does not let you sleep too.” Work in pairs and answer the questions:

 

1. Do you agree with his statement? Why/why not?
2. Do you have a dream that does not let you sleep? What is that? What do you do to make it real?

Answer:

 

Do you agree with his statement? Why/why not?

I agree with APJ Abdul Kalam’s statement. Dreams that truly inspire and drive us are not merely fantasies we experience during sleep but are ambitions so compelling that they keep us awake with excitement and determination. These dreams push us to strive harder, innovate, and persist despite challenges.

Do you have a dream that does not let you sleep? What is that? What do you do to make it real?

Yes, my dream is to become a successful entrepreneur who uses technology to solve real-world problems. This dream keeps me awake at night as I brainstorm ideas and strategies. To make it real, I’m currently studying business and technology, networking with industry experts, and developing prototypes for potential products. I believe in taking consistent steps towards my goal and staying resilient in the face of setbacks.

 

I. Write a paragraph of 100 words narrating what you will do if you become an elected student leader in your college.

Answer

 

If I were elected as a student leader in my college, I would prioritize enhancing student engagement and academic support. Firstly, I would establish regular forums where students can voice their concerns and suggest improvements for campus life. Secondly, I would work closely with faculty to implement peer tutoring programs and organize workshops to support students academically. Additionally, I would promote cultural diversity by organizing events that celebrate various traditions and encourage dialogue among students. Lastly, I would strive to foster a sense of unity and collaboration among different student groups to ensure a vibrant and inclusive campus environment for everyone.

J. Write about a dream that you have and what you have to do to make it real. For example:

 

I want to be the opening batsman of Bangladesh national cricket team. I know I have to ….

Answer:

I dream of becoming a renowned environmental scientist who makes significant contributions to sustainable development. To achieve this dream, I know I have to pursue a rigorous education in environmental science and related fields. This involves earning advanced degrees, conducting groundbreaking research, and publishing influential papers. Additionally, gaining hands-on experience through internships and collaborating with experts in the field will be crucial. I need to stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in environmental conservation and actively engage in projects that address pressing global environmental challenges. Ultimately, by dedicating myself to continuous learning and impactful research, I aim to make my dream a reality and contribute meaningfully to a greener and healthier planet.

K. Summarize the text on dreams highlighting the following points:

 

1. What is a dream?
2. Why do we dream?
3. Does a dream have any meaning?
4. What are the benefits of dreaming?

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Summarized Text on Dreams:

Dreams have fascinated philosophers for thousands of years, but only recently have dreams been subjected to empirical research and scientific study. A dream can include any of the images, thoughts, and emotions experienced during sleep. Dreams can be extraordinarily vivid or very vague, filled with joyful emotions or frightening images, focused and understandable or unclear and confusing.

While many theories have been proposed about the reason and function of dreams, no consensus has emerged. Some researchers suggest that dreams serve no real purpose, while others believe that dreaming is essential to mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Sigmund Freud’s theory suggests that dreams are a representation of subconscious desires, thoughts, and motivations. Other theories propose that dreams are a subjective interpretation of signals generated by the brain, a result of interpreting external stimuli, a way to ‘clean up’ clutter from the mind, or a form of psychotherapy.

 

Now write a Paragraph on Dreams

Dreams are fascinating experiences that occur during sleep, encompassing a wide range of images, thoughts, and emotions. They can be vivid or vague, joyful or frightening, and sometimes downright bizarre. The nature and purpose of dreams have intrigued philosophers and scientists alike for thousands of years. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, proposed that dreams are a manifestation of our subconscious desires, often revealing hidden thoughts and emotions.

Modern theories suggest that dreams might play a role in processing information, solving problems, or even organizing memories. Some researchers believe dreams are essential for emotional and mental well-being, acting as a form of internal therapy. Despite the lack of consensus on why we dream, it’s clear that dreams hold significant importance in understanding the human mind, providing insights into our deepest thoughts and desires.

 

Now write a composition on Dreams 

 

Dreams have been a source of fascination and mystery for humans since ancient times. From vivid, surreal landscapes to abstract, fleeting images, dreams encompass a diverse range of experiences that occur during sleep. The study of dreams, known as oneirology, has captivated philosophers, psychologists, and scientists, each seeking to unravel the enigma of why we dream and what our dreams signify.

At its core, a dream is a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person’s mind during sleep. Dreams can be extraordinarily vivid or strikingly vague, filled with joyful emotions or intense fears. They can be coherent and logical, or disjointed and confusing. This variability makes dreams a rich field of study and interpretation.

Sigmund Freud, the pioneer of psychoanalysis, offered one of the most influential theories of dreams. He posited that dreams are a manifestation of our deepest desires and anxieties, often rooted in our subconscious mind. According to Freud, dreams are a window into our unconscious, revealing hidden thoughts and unresolved conflicts. He famously referred to dreams as the “royal road to the unconscious,” suggesting that by interpreting our dreams, we can gain insight into our innermost selves.

Beyond Freudian theory, modern research has expanded our understanding of dreams. Some scientists propose that dreams serve a biological function, helping to process emotions, consolidate memories, and solve problems. During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the brain is highly active, and this period is often associated with the most vivid dreaming. Researchers believe that during this stage, the brain may be integrating new information with existing knowledge, thus aiding in learning and memory retention.

Another perspective is that dreams act as a form of psychological therapy. The “threat simulation theory” suggests that dreams allow us to practice responding to threatening situations in a safe environment. This can help us to develop coping mechanisms and enhance our ability to deal with real-life dangers and challenges.

Moreover, cultural and spiritual beliefs have long held that dreams can be prophetic or carry significant messages. In many cultures, dreams are considered to be a means of divine communication or a reflection of one’s spiritual state. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Greeks, often looked to dreams for guidance and insight into future events.

While the exact purpose and meaning of dreams remain a topic of debate, there is no doubt that they hold a significant place in human experience. Dreams can inspire creativity, as evidenced by artists, writers, and scientists who have drawn inspiration from their nocturnal visions. They can also provide emotional catharsis, allowing us to process complex feelings in a symbolic and indirect manner.

In conclusion, dreams are a fascinating and multifaceted phenomenon that continues to intrigue and perplex us. Whether viewed through the lens of psychology, biology, or spirituality, dreams offer a unique glimpse into the workings of the human mind. As research progresses, we may uncover more about the mysterious world of dreams and their role in our lives. Until then, dreams remain a profound and captivating aspect of the human experience, inviting us to explore the depths of our subconscious and the limitless possibilities of our imagination.

 

 

Now write a informal letter on your Dreams 

 

[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]

Dear [Friend’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to share some of my dreams with you and hear about yours too.

I’ve always dreamed of traveling the world. I imagine myself exploring places like Tokyo, Rome, and New Zealand, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. Another dream of mine is to write a book. I love the idea of creating a story that captures people’s hearts.

On a personal note, I dream of having a cozy home filled with love and laughter, with a garden where I can grow my own vegetables and flowers. Professionally, I want to make a meaningful impact in my field, working on projects that inspire me and contribute positively to society.

What about you? What are your dreams and aspirations? I’d love to catch up and talk more about them.

Take care and keep dreaming big!

Best,
[Your Name]

          ⇔Stamp 

 

Suppose you are Karim , and you friend is Tamim, now write a dialogue about dreams. 

 

Karim: Hey Tamim! How have you been?

Tamim: Hey Karim! I’ve been good, just busy with work. How about you?

Karim: Same here, busy but good. I’ve been thinking a lot about dreams lately. Do you have any big dreams you’re working towards?

Tamim: Oh, absolutely! I’ve always dreamed of starting my own business. I want to create something unique and impactful. What about you?

Karim: That sounds amazing! For me, one of my biggest dreams is to travel the world. I want to visit places like Japan, Italy, and New Zealand. There’s so much to see and experience.

Tamim: Traveling sounds incredible. I’ve always wanted to see Japan myself. What else do you dream about?

Karim: Another dream of mine is to write a book someday. I’ve always loved reading, and I think it would be amazing to create a story that others can enjoy. Do you have any personal dreams besides your business?

Tamim: Writing a book is such a cool idea! Personally, I dream of having a cozy home with a garden. I love the idea of growing my own food and having a peaceful place to relax. How about you?

Karim: I love that! A cozy home with a garden sounds perfect. I also dream of making a difference in my career, working on projects that have a positive impact on society. It’s important to me to leave a mark.

Tamim: That’s a great goal, Karim. Making a positive impact is so important. Have you taken any steps towards your dreams?

Karim: I’m starting to save money for travel, and I’ve been writing a little bit every day. How about you? Any progress on your business idea?

Tamim: I’ve been doing a lot of research and planning. It’s still in the early stages, but I’m excited about the possibilities. We should definitely keep each other motivated!

Karim: Absolutely! Let’s support each other and make our dreams a reality. It’s always good to have someone to share the journey with.

Tamim: For sure, Karim. Here’s to chasing our dreams!

Karim: Cheers to that, Tamim!

 

Fill in the Gaps Questions and Answers on a dream 

 

1. Question: Dreams have fascinated philosophers for thousands of years, but only recently have dreams been subjected to ______ research and scientific study. Answer: empirical
2. Question: A dream can include any of the images, thoughts, and ______ that are experienced during sleep. Answer: emotions
3. Question: Dreams can be extraordinarily vivid or very vague; filled with joyful emotions or ______ images; focused and understandable or unclear and confusing. Answer: frightening
4. Question: Considering the time we spend in a dreaming state, the fact that researchers do not yet understand the purpose of dreams may seem ______. Answer: baffling
5. Question: Consistent with the psychoanalytic perspective, Sigmund Freud’s theory of dreams suggests that dreams are a representation of subconscious ______, thoughts, and motivations. Answer: desires
6. Question: According to Freud, people are driven by aggressive and ______ instincts that are repressed from conscious awareness. Answer: sexual
7. Question: Freud wrote that dreams are “…disguised fulfillments of ______ wishes.” Answer: repressed
8. Question: Some researchers suggest that dreams are a subjective interpretation of signals generated by the ______ during sleep. Answer: brain
9. Question: One theory suggests that dreams are the result of our brains trying to interpret external ______ during sleep. Answer: stimuli
10. Question: Another theory uses a ______ metaphor to account for dreams. According to this theory, dreams serve to ‘clean up’ clutter from the mind, much like clean-up operations in a computer. Answer: computer
11. Question: Yet another model proposes that dreams function as a form of ______. In this theory, the dreamer is able to make connections between different thoughts and emotions in a safe environment. Answer: psychotherapy

What is a Dream?

 

A dream is a series of images, thoughts, and emotions that occur during sleep. A dream can be vivid or vague, pleasant or frightening, and coherent or confusing. A dream often reflects a mixture of reality and imagination, drawing from our experiences, desires, fears, and subconscious thoughts.

Dreams have fascinated humans for thousands of years and have been the subject of philosophical contemplation and scientific research. While their exact purpose remains unclear, various theories suggest that dreams may serve functions such as emotional processing, memory consolidation, problem-solving, or simply reflecting subconscious desires and thoughts.