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Level A1 – BeginnerCEFR A1
2 min
72 words
- After elections the winners often feel happier about democracy.
- People who lose often feel less happy with politics.
- Scientists call this the winner–loser gap in feeling.
- A research team tried to separate feeling from expectation.
- They used sports events and movie scenes to change mood.
- Fans were happier after their teams won big games.
- But their satisfaction with democracy did not change.
- Researchers say short emotions alone do not explain it.
Difficult words
- democracy — a system where people vote for leaders
- satisfaction — a feeling of being pleased or happy
- expectation — an idea about what will happen
- researcher — a person who studies and tests ideasResearchers
- emotion — a short strong feeling like joy or angeremotions
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you feel happy when your team wins?
- Do you feel less happy when your side loses an election?
- Can short emotions change your view of politics?
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