Personality+profiles

A television company is planning another “Big Brother” reality show in which a group of people who are strangers to each other are locked into a house for a given period of time. Cameras record how they react to each other, and viewers vote for who they want to stay in the house. The person who stays the longest wins a money prize.

What do you think the produces look for when choosing people to go into the house? Why?


 * strong, conflicting personalities
 * strange appearance
 * interesting hobbies
 * varied background and experience
 * sense of humour


 * 1. Read the profiles of hopeful contestants, and underline the adjective they use to describe themselves**
 * 2. Which of the adjectives you underlined do you think best sums up each person? Do you think it is positive, negative or either?**

Example: Alain: idealistic-could be positive as long as it’s not taken too far.


 * Profiles:**

I’m idealistic and conscientious-I’ve got a strong sense of right and wrong. Everything has to be correct. I’m well-organised and have high standards. I’d bring a sense of order to the house, thought some people say I’m difficult to live with.
 * Alain**

I’m extremely ambitious. It doesn’t matter what others think of me and I’ll do anything to get on in life. Being in the house will give me a high profile and get me where I want to be. I’ll make sure the others don’t take advantage when I am not looking though.
 * Cris**

I am pretty quiet, really-and if I’m honest, sensitive. I’m a bit self-conscious, and what I need is something different to take me out of myself, though I don’t really mind. Being in the house would be good for me and make me more confident.
 * David**

I’m curious and I want to be part of an experiment. I’m independent and I like to think for myself-I’ll try anything once. I’m quite taciturn though, and I’m happy with my own company. I don’t have to join in everything going on if I don’t want to, though I like to watch.
 * Ella**

I’m trustworthy and supportive. I’m an excellent trouble-shooter so I can stop arguments in the house-I love working with others and I’m totally reliable. I don’t like jokes much, so I’ll keep it serous- but that doesn’t mean that I’m not supportive.
 * Franz**

I’m playful and high-spirited though teachers say I’m undisciplined. I can be impatient-I don’t suffer fools gladly-and so I annoy people sometimes. I’m extravert, I want to enjoy myself and I’d bring fun to the house.
 * Gina**

I’m a bit quick-tempered and quite assertive-maybe too much! I say what I think and people may think I’m self-opinionated but why should I let people get away with things I don’t like? I know I’m right, and people will agree when I’m in the house bringing everyone in line.
 * Harold**

I’m pretty normal, really. I think positively and I’m sociable, not confrontational-I’d rather agree with people. I like everyone to get on. I hate people who trample over others. I want to be in the house because I love meeting people I can empathise with, and chatting to them.
 * Iva**

I’m caring, empathetic, sincere and warm-hearted. I know I can be sentimental and I try to please others too much but that means I’d be able to make the others feel at home. I‘ll organise games and things like that –get everyone involved.
 * Brita**