Borrowing Bravery

4/23/2023 6:00:00 AM
🧠
More Than Just Dress-Up

Think it's childish? Science says this hobby actually rewires your brain.

💡 Before reading the text, familiarize yourself with the vocabulary list below.

🧠 Now, let's test your memory. Check your vocabulary retention with the quiz below.

Read and do the following tasks.

Borrowing Bravery

Picture a quiet, introverted teenager who usually sits at the back of the classroom, avoiding eye contact. Now, imagine that same student striding confidently across a stage, commanding the attention of hundreds of cheering spectators. What caused this sudden transformation? It wasn't magic, but rather a meticulously crafted suit of armor made from foam and fabric. Welcome to the world of cosplay, where dressing up offers a liberating escape from the constraints of everyday life.

To the outsider, it looks like an elaborate game of dress-up. But psychologists suggest something far more profound is at play. They term it "Enclothed Cognition." This theory proposes that the clothes we wear can systematically influence our psychological processes. Just as wearing a doctor’s lab coat can make a person more attentive, putting on the cape of a superhero can induce a sense of courage. When fans step into these roles, they do not just look like the character; they manifest the character's traits. This phenomenon allows participants to come out of their shells and express parts of their personality that are usually hidden.

But the benefits extend beyond individual confidence. The community aspect plays a pivotal role. For many, the real world can feel like a minefield of judgment. In contrast, conventions serve as a sanctuary where they can let their hair down. Here, social barriers dissolve. A shared love for a specific series or game helps break the ice, allowing friendships to form rapidly among strangers. Within this supportive environment, the fear of rejection—which often inhibits social interaction— vanishes into thin air.

Skeptics love to write cosplay off by simply labeling it as escapism, a way to avoid reality. Yet, experts argue the opposite. By "trying on" confidence in a safe environment, individuals often find that these feelings rub off on them. The costume acts as training wheels for their self-esteem. Over time, the bravery they fake becomes the bravery they own.

At its heart, this colorful subculture is not about hiding who you are. It is about exploring who you could be. Whether wielding a plastic sword or piloting a mechanical suit, these individuals are proving a beautiful paradox: sometimes, you have to wear a mask to reveal your true self.

What is the main idea of the passage?
  • Cosplay is a hobby that requires expensive materials and professional tailoring skills.
  • Conventions are the places where teenagers can make friends without fear of judgment.
  • Wearing costumes can positively alter a person's psychology and social confidence.
  • "Enclothed Cognition" is a scientific theory that can apply to young shy people.

According to the passage, what role does cosplay play in the transformation of teenagers?

  • It shifts attention away from school life by focusing on costume creation activities.
  • It offers a means of self-expression that builds confidence beyond everyday social limits.
  • It creates opportunities for public recognition through performance before large audiences.
  • It promotes adopting fictional identities to avoid real-world expectations and duties.
According to the theory of "Enclothed Cognition", what is the effect of putting on specific clothing?
  • It can shape a person’s mindset and behavior by activating traits linked to the clothing.
  • It mainly changes how others perceive an individual in social situations.
  • It helps people temporarily escape reality by adopting fictional identities.
  • It increases confidence when the clothing closely resembles professional uniforms.
Why does the author mention "a doctor's lab coat" in the second paragraph?
  • To suggest that cosplayers should choose more practical costumes.
  • To illustrate the concept of "Enclothed Cognition" with a relatable example.
  • To argue that professional uniforms are more impactful than cosplay outfits.
  • To contrast the real-world benefits of a uniform with the escapism of a costume.
The word "inhibits" in the third paragraph is CLOSEST in meaning to _____.
  • encourages
  • explains
  • prevents
  • connects
It can be inferred that the social environment of a cosplay convention _____.
  • reduces social anxiety because participants interact through shared fictional roles
  • works best for individuals who share similar interests and communication styles
  • creates a safe space for people to express themselves and form new connections
  • allows social interactions to develop more quickly than they typically would elsewhere
What can be inferred from the passage about the confidence gained from cosplay?
  • It requires a clear separation between fictional roles and real identity.
  • It can slowly develop into genuine confidence beyond the cosplay setting.
  • It relies mainly on external praise rather than internal personal growth.
  • It tends to disappear once individuals return to their everyday routines.
Where is this passage most likely to be found?
  • In a psychological research journal reporting experimental results
  • In a school textbook explaining theories of personality development
  • In a popular magazine discussing culture and self-expression
  • In a technical manual outlining costume design techniques

Complete the summary using the list of words below. Write the correct letter, A-H, in each blank.

A. assurance

B. disguise

C. withdrawal

D. exclusion

E. boldness

F. unveil

G. fabricated

H. shelter


Cosplay represents a significant psychological shift for participants, allowing even the most reserved individuals to experience a sense of empowerment. Experts explain this through a theory suggesting that the garments we put on can actively shape our internal mindset. When fans dress as heroes, they often exhibit a level of that remains hidden in their everyday routines. This transformation is supported by specialized conventions that act as a vital , offering a space where social hurdles are removed. Within this community, the anxiety surrounding is entirely absent, fostering deep connections through mutual passions. Rather than being a mere distraction, this activity serves as a practical way to develop lasting . By repeatedly embodying these strong characters, participants eventually strengths that define their true selves, proving that a costume is often a path to authenticity.

🚀 VOCABULARY BOOSTER

Build your vocabulary by learning these intensive idioms/expressions used in the text Borrowing Bravery.

Choose the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s).

Several social and economic factors were at play in the sudden rise in housing prices.

  • inexorable
  • influential
  • irrelevant
  • appreciable

Choose the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s).

After joining the new team, he gradually came out of his shell during group discussions.

  • emboldened
  • snapped
  • engaged
  • withdrew

Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first one, using the word in brackets. You must use between TWO and SIX words, including the word given. Do NOT change the word given.

Once he reached the corner, the suspect was nowhere to be found, much to the police’s frustration. (THIN)

=> The suspect turned the corner and seemed , much to the frustration of the police.

Complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning to the first.

You shouldn't dismiss his ideas as useless because he is the youngest member.

=> It's a mistake to write ..........

Sally: Your confidence has really improved since you started working with Maria.

Jenny: Yes, her positive attitude really _____ on me.

  • passed on
  • beared down
  • rubbed off
  • wore off