Youtube Exercise » English Grammar Homework

What Really Makes Us Happy? | Easy English Podcast

Easy English

1,919 views 1 year ago

Warm-up Questions

What does “happiness” mean to you personally?
Which do you think makes people happier: money, success, love, or something else?
Do you think it’s possible to learn what makes us happy from science?

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Start With: Word Definition

Order: Alphabetical Random

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What Really Makes Us Happy? | Easy English Podcast

Vocabulary focus + What we think makes us happy (00:00 – 10:10)

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1. What does the speaker say “materialism” means?

The ability to feel happy without relationships
The belief that owning things brings us happiness
The practice of being thankful every day
The idea that money never affects happiness

2. What is the main idea of the “hedonic treadmill” in the episode?

Technology permanently increases pleasure chemicals
Exercise is the fastest way to increase happiness
People become happier and happier after every success
We quickly return to our normal level of happiness after good or bad events

3. According to the Harvard research mentioned, what is one of the most important factors in long-term happiness?

Living in a big city
Fame and status
Close healthy relationships
Owning many things

What Really Makes Us Happy? | Easy English Podcast

Brain chemicals, technology, and cultural ideas of happiness (10:10 – 15:06)

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1. In the episode, what is oxytocin linked to?

Fear and stress
Anger and competition
Love, trust, and social bonding
Memory and learning speed

2. What does the speaker suggest social media can do to dopamine levels?

It helps the brain reward itself in healthier ways
It creates small quick bursts that may disrupt the reward system
It only increases dopamine during exercise
It eliminates dopamine completely over time

3. How does the speaker say happiness is often viewed in the US and the UK?

Spirituality and tradition
Excitement, energy, and positive thinking
Silence and solitude
Peace, balance, and harmony

What Really Makes Us Happy? | Easy English Podcast

Why people aren’t happier + practical habits to build happiness (15:06 – 23:52)

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1. What does the speaker say social media comparison can lead to?

Feeling more grateful every day
Better control over world events
Feeling connected to other people
Feelings of not being good enough

2. Which basic things does the speaker say can improve happiness and are often ignored?

Competition, risk, and nightlife
Sleep, exercise, and nature
Money, fame, and gadgets
Working longer hours and multitasking

3. How does the speaker describe happiness near the end?

A feeling that comes and goes
Something controlled mainly by genetics
A reward you get only from success
A destination you reach once

What Really Makes Us Happy? | Easy English Podcast

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1. Which contrast is central to the episode’s message about happiness?

Short-term pleasure from new things vs. deeper happiness from meaning and relationships
Luck vs. talent
Optimism vs. pessimism
City life vs. country life

2. What is one main reason the speaker gives for why modern life can reduce happiness?

People have too much free time
People have stopped communicating completely
People spend too much time reading books
People receive constant information and compare themselves to others

3. Which habit does the speaker most clearly present as a practical way to increase happiness?

Writing down things you are thankful for
Watching more short videos to relax
Buying a new phone regularly
Avoiding all social contact

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

What Really Makes Us Happy? | Easy English Podcast

Do you agree that relationships are more important than money for long-term happiness? Why or why not?
What’s one example of “temporary happiness” you’ve experienced after buying or achieving something?
Do you think social media affects your happiness or motivation? In what ways?
Which habit from the episode (gratitude, connecting with people, outdoors, sleep/exercise) would help you most right now, and what would you do this week?