Speaking Part 3: Emotions

Below are some Part 3 questions related to emotions, along with sample answers and further explanations.

1. Is it appropriate to express your anger openly?

The appropriateness of expressing anger openly depends on the situation and the way in which it is expressed. Personally, when I feel angry with a friend or a family member, I believe it is best to communicate with them about the issue and express my feelings. However, I believe that engaging in arguments while angry does not help in resolving the problem; in such cases, it is better to manage one's anger and calmly explain the underlying issue.

2. Do women tend to show their emotions more openly compared to men?

In general, there is a stereotypical belief that women are more emotional, and based on my personal observations, I find some truth in this notion. For instance, my mother tends to readily express her feelings compared to my father. However, it is important to note that there are exceptions to this stereotype, and individuals vary in terms of emotional expression.

3. Why do you think men tend to be less expressive of their emotions compared to women?

The reason for men being less expressive of their emotions might be attributed to societal influences and upbringing. From a young age, boys are often taught not to cry or show vulnerability. Additionally, boys may be aware that their friends could perceive emotional expression as a sign of weakness. On the other hand, girls might be brought up to be more attentive to their friends' emotions, fostering an environment where emotional expression is more acceptable and encouraged.

To further illustrate these points, let's consider some examples:

• Regarding showing anger openly: For instance, if I feel upset about a friend canceling plans at the last minute, I would choose to express my disappointment and communicate my feelings calmly rather than engaging in a heated argument. By doing so, I can maintain a healthy relationship and work towards finding a resolution.

• Regarding men's emotional expression: An example could be a situation where a boy falls down and gets hurt while playing sports. He might suppress his tears and act as if he's fine, as he doesn't want his friends to perceive him as weak or crybaby. This experience potentially shapes his future behavior of being less expressive of his emotions.

On the contrary, girls might demonstrate a higher inclination towards openly expressing their emotions. For instance, if a girl notices her friend feeling sad, she might approach her and offer support, encouraging her to share her feelings and express herself, thereby creating a more open environment for emotional expression.

In conclusion, the appropriateness of displaying emotions, specifically anger, depends on the context and the way in which it is conveyed. Women generally tend to show emotions more frequently compared to men, possibly due to societal expectations and cultural upbringing. However, it is crucial to remember that these are generalizations, and emotional expression varies among individuals.