[A]People express their personalities in their clothes, their cars, and their homes. Because we might choose certain foods to “tell” people something about us, our diets can also be an expression of our personalities. For example, some people eat mainly gourmet foods, such as caviar and lobster, and they eat only in expensive restaurants (never in cafeterias or snack bars). They might want to show the world that they know about the “better things in life.”

[B]Human beings can eat different kinds of food, but some people choose not to eat meat. Vegetarians often have more in common than just their diet. Their personalities might be similar too. For example, vegetarians in the United States and Canada may be creative people, and they might no enjoy competitive sports or jobs. They worry about the health of the world, and they are probably strongly opposed to war.

[C]Some people eat mostly fast food. One study shows that many fast-food eaters have a lot in common with one another, but they are very different from vegetarians. They are competitive and good at business. They are also usually in a hurry. Many fast-food eaters might not agree with this description of their personalities, but it is a common picture of them.

[D]Some people also believe that people of the same astrological sign have similar food personalities. Arians (born under the sign of Aries, between March 21 and April 19)usually like spicy food, with a lot of onions and pepper. People with the sign of Taurus (April 20 to May 20)prefer healthful fruits and vegetables, but they often eat too much. Sagittarians (November 22 to December 21)like ethnic foods from many different countries. Aquarians (January 20 to February 18)can eat as much meat and fish as they want, but sugar and cholesterol are sometimes problems for them.

[E]What is your food personality? Take this quiz about North American foods. Circle the letters of the right answers for you.

1.You are at an amusement park, and you want something to eat. Which of these will you buy?

A.A candy apple

B.Cotton candy

C. vanilla ice cream cone

2.Someone gives you a box of chocolates. Which kind are you going to eat

first?

A.The kind with caramel centers

B.The kind with fruit centers

C.The kind of cream centers

3.You are in an Italian cafe. What do you prefer?

A.Espresso

B.Cappuccino

C.Milk

4.You are in a movie theater. Which of these will you probably get for a snack?

A.Nachos

B.Popcorn<

C.A chocolate bar

5.It’s your birthday, and your best friend wants to take you out for dinner at any  

restaurant you choose. Which of these places are you going to pick?

A.A Thai or an Italian restaurant

B.A Mexican or an Italian restaurant

C.A fast-food place

6.Which do you prefer on most of your sandwiches?

A.Spicy mustard

B.Mayonnaise

C.Butter

7.It’s Saturday morning, and you’re going to make breakfast. How are you   

going to cook the eggs?

A.Eggs rancheros (Mexican Style)

B.Scrambled or fried

C.Boiled

8.It’s early morning. Which of these do you want first?

A.Black coffee

B.Orange juice

C.Hot oatmeal

9.What do you like best on your toast?

A.Nothing. I like dry toast.

B.Jelly or marmalade

C.Butter

10.You’re out shopping, and you’re hungry. There are only fast-food places in

the area. Which will you choose?

A.A taco place or a Japanese noodle place.

B.A pizza place

C.A hamburger or a chicken place

 

Now add up your score:

·For every (A)answer, you get 5 points.

·For every (B)answer, you get 3 points.

·For every (C)answer, you get 1 point.

What is your total score? What does it mean?

If your score is between 40 and 50 points, your food has a strong personality—just like you. Your food is sour, spicy, bitter, or crunchy. You are intelligent and creative.

If your score is between 20 and 40 points, you like many kinds of food. You probably have a strong personality, but you can also get along with many kinds of people.

If your score is under 20, you usually eat sweet, soft, or bland foods. You like to be with people, but you are probably not a leader.

Notes to the Text

personalities:个性 the complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterize a unique individual.

gourmet foods: 美味佳肴gourmet: 美食家a person devoted to refined sensuous enjoyment (especially good food and drink)

caviar: 鱼子酱

lobster:龙虾

cafeteria: a restaurant where you choose your own food and carry it to the table.

snack bars: usually inexpensive places to eat.

creative: having the ability or power to create. E.g. a creative imagination; creative work.

astrological signs: 星座astrological:占星术的 related to or concerned with astrology, which is the study of the relationship between the movements of the stars and their influence on people and events. The astrological sign means the horoscope .

Aquarius水平座-January20-February18

Pisces双鱼座-February19-March20

Aries白羊座=March21-April19

Taures金牛座-April20-May20

Gemini双子座-May21-June21

Cancer巨蟹座-June22-July22

Leo狮子座-July23-August22

Virgo处女座-August23-September22

Libra天秤座-September23-October23

Scorpio天蝎座-October24-November22

Sagittarius射手座-November23-December21

Capricorn魔歇座-December22-January19

onions: 洋葱

pepper: 辣椒

vanilla ice cream cone:香草蛋卷冰淇淋

caramel: 焦糖

espresso: 意大利特浓咖啡

cappuccino: 泡沫咖啡 an Italian, coffee-based drink prepared with espresso, hot milk, and milk foam.

nachos: 粟米脆饼

popcorn:爆米花

Thai：of Thailand or people from Thailand.

Mexican:of Mexico or people from Mexico.

mustard:芥末

mayonnaise:蛋黄酱

butter:黄油

scrambled eggs:炒鸡蛋

fried eggs:煎鸡蛋

oatmeal:燕麦粥

jelly:果冻，胶状果酱

marmalade:果酱

taco: 墨西哥炸玉米卷

sour: 酸的

spicy:辣的

bitter:苦的

crunchy:脆的

bland foods:food which has very little taste.

 

Vocabulary

Nouns

amusement:娱乐 a feeling of delight at being entertained or an activity that entertains.

An amusement park is a large park with many special machines that you can ride on, and play with.

score:得分 a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance).

Verb

oppose: be against; express opposition to , fight against or resist strongly.

Adjectives

competitive: a situation or environment in which it is very hard to be more successful than other or a person who is able and determined to be more successful than others.

intelligent: having a high level of mental ability so that you are good at understanding and thinking quickly and clearly.

Cultural Note

Astrological Signs

1.Aries March 21 – April 19

Aries people are creative, adaptive, and insightful. They can also be strong-willed and spontaneous (sometimes to a fault). Aries people can be driven and are very ambitious often making them over-achievers in anything they set their mind to tackle. Aries are fire signs, and so too is their personality. They may be quick to anger, but don’t take it personally, it’s just their fiery, passionate personalities showing through. Aries signs have excellent sense of humor, and they get along with almost everyone at the party (and they DO know how to party). Aries can be impatient, but we love them anyway because they are devoted friends, lovers and family members – they are loyal to then end and will fight for their causes (usually supporting the underdog).

2.Taurus The Bull April 20 – May 20

Taurus zodiac signs and meanings, like the animal that represents them, is all about strength, stamina and will. Stubborn by nature, the Taurus will stand his/her ground to the bitter end (sometimes even irrationally so). But that’s okay because the Taurus is also a loving, sympathetic and appreciative sign. The Taurus is very understanding and when we need someone to unburden ourselves to, we often share our deepest fears with the Taurians of the zodiac. Taurians are very patient, practical and efficient, they are excellent in matters of business and are also wonderful instructors/teachers. Although initially they may have their own best interest at heart, they are ultimately and endlessly generous with their time, possessions and love.

3.Gemini The Twins May 21 – June 20

Flexibility, balance and adaptability are the keywords for the Gemini. They are quick to grasp the meaning of a situation and act on it, often with positive effects. They tend to have a duality to their nature, and can sometimes be tough to predict how they will react. They can turn from hot to cold and may be prone to noticeable mood swings. However, they are generous signs with tendencies of being affectionate, and imaginative. They also inspire others easily as they seem to naturally motivate themselves – their charismaand accomplishments are infectious. Geminians are very supportive, and are especially good at promotions, sales, and driving hard bargains.

4.Cancer The Crab June 21 – July 22

Cancerians love home-life, family and domestic settings. They are traditionalists, and enjoy operating on a fundamental level. They love history, and are fascinated with the beginnings of things (heraldry, ancestry, etc.). The moon is their ruler, so they can be a bit of a contradiction and sometimes moody. However, they are conservative, so they’ll be apt to hide their moods from others altogether. They have a reputation for being fickle, but they’ll tell you that isn’t true, and it’s not. Cancerians make loyal, sympathetic friends. However Cancerians need alone time, and when they retreat, let them do so on their terms.

5.Leo The Lion July 23 – August 22

The zodiac signs and meanings of Leo is about expanse, power and exuberance. Leo’s are natural born leaders, and they will let you know it as they have a tendency to be high-minded and vocal about their opinions. That’s okay, because if you observe, the Leo is usually correct in his/her statements. Leo’s have a savvy way of analyzing a situation and executing swift judgment with a beneficial outcome. It comes from being a leader. They are brave, intuitive, and also head-strong and willful. Beneath their dynamic persona lies a generous, loving, sensitive nature that they do not easily share with others. They might be a bit bossy, but those who know them understand this comes from a source need to do good, not (usually)from an inflated ego.

6.Virgo The Virgin August 23 – September 22

Virgo’s have keen minds, and are delightful to chat with, often convincing others of outlandish tales with ease and charm. Virgo’s are inquisitive and are very skilled at drawing information from people. This trait also makes them naturally intuitive. Combine this with their remarkable memories, and we see an advanced, analytical personality. However the Virgo needs balance in their lives otherwise they may become short-tempered, impatient and self-serving. Virgo’s are excellent teammates in work and social activities. They work well with others, although they freely express their opinions (even when unwarranted).

7.Libra The Scales September 23 – October 22

As their zodiac signs and meanings would indicate, Libra’s are all about balance, justice, equanimity and stability. They easily surround themselves with harmony and beauty, but sometimes go to extremes to do so if their goals are unreasonable or unhealthy. With Venus as their ruling planet, Libra’s are very understanding, caring, and often the champion of underdogs. They have keen intuitions, but often don’t give themselves enough credit for their perceptions. They can be quiet and shy if not persuaded to come out of their shell. Ironically and in spite of their introverted nature they make excellent debaters, often proving a point from out of seemingly nowhere. 8.Scorpio The Scorpion October 23 – November 21

The Scorpio is often misunderstood. These personalities are bold and are capable of executing massive enterprises with cool control and confidence. They can surmount seemingly all obstacles when they put their mind to the task, and they have unshakable focus when the situation calls for it. Regardless of their bold nature, they are often secretive, but they are always observing behind their withdrawn manner.

9.Sagittarius The Centaur November 22 – December 21

Here we have the philosopher among the zodiac signs and meanings. Like the Scorpio, they have great ability for focus, and can be very intense. However, they must channel their energy or they will waste time and wear themselves out going in too many directions at once. They are not very patient and expect quick results. However, when encountered with failure they make extreme comeback’s often against incredible odds. They make loyal friends and lovers, but they do not handle commitment well as they refuse to be tied down while chasing philosophical pursuits. 10.Capricorn The Goat December 22 – January 19

Capricorn’s are also philosophical signs and are highly intelligent too. They apply their knowledge to practical matters, and strive to maintain stability and order. They are good organizers, and they achieve their goals by purposeful, systematic means. They are very intuitive, although they don’t share this trait with others freely. They do not deal well with opposition or criticism but a healthy Capricorn will often shrug off negative comments towards their character. They are patient and persevering – they know they can accomplish any task as long as they follow a their plan step-by-step. Capricorn’s have broad shoulders, and typically take on other’s problems with aplomb. Ironically, they rarely share their own problems and tend to go through bouts of inner gloom after a spell of dwelling on these problems.

11.Aquarius The Water Bearer January 20 – February 18

Often simple and unassuming, the Aquarian goes about accomplishing goals in quiet, often unorthodox ways. Although their methods may be unorthodox, the results for achievement are surprisingly effective. Aquarian’s will take up any cause, and are humanitarians of the zodiac. They are honest, loyal and highly intelligent. They are also easy going and make natural friendships. If not kept in check, the Aquarian can be prone to sloth and laziness. However, they know this about themselves, and try their best to motivate themselves to action. They are also prone to philosophical thoughts, and are often quite artistic and poetic.

12.Pisces The Fish February 19 – March 20

Also unassuming, the Pisces zodiac signs and meanings deal with acquiring vast amounts of knowledge, but you would never know it. They keep an extremely low profile compared to others in the zodiac. They are honest, unselfish, trustworthy and often have quiet dispositions. They can be overcautious and sometimes gullible. These qualities can cause the Pisces to be taken advantage of, which is unfortunate as this sign is beautifully gentle, and generous. In the end, however, the Pisces is often the victor of ill circumstance because of his/her intense determination. They become passionately devoted to a cause – particularly if they are championing for friends or family.