Listen&Learn: The Mandela Effect
Jaksyn PeacockPre-listening vocabulary
- phenomenon: a situation that is hard to explain
- coverage: media reports of an event
- insist: to argue persistently that something is true
- theory: an attempt to explain why something happens
- multiverse: the idea that there are many universes with different versions of events
- influence: to affect or change something
- individual: a single person
Listening activity
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Gapfill exercise
Comprehension questions
1. A false memory shared by many people is
A false memory shared by many people is that Nelson Mandela's death was on the news in the 1980s.
2. The Mandela Effect has caused some people to wonder about
The Mandela Effect has caused some people to wonder about the possibility of other universes
3. A reasonable explanation for the Mandela effect is that
A reasonable explanation for the Mandela effect is that group opinions can affect the memories of individuals.
Discussion/essay questions
- Have you ever experienced something like the Mandela Effect? Do you remember anything that didn’t actually happen?
- Do you believe in alternate universes? Why or why not?
Transcript
The Mandela Effect is a strange phenomenon where large groups of people seem to share the same false memories. The effect is named after former South African president Nelson Mandela. This is because many people say that they remember news coverage of Nelson Mandela’s death back in the 1980s, even though Mandela did not die until 2013. There are many well-known examples of the Mandela Effect. Some people remember song lyrics or movie lines incorrectly. Many people insist that the famous Mona Lisa didn’t always have a smile on her face. This effect has caused some people to form theories about the multiverse. However, the most reasonable explanation for the Mandela Effect is that the opinions of a group can easily influence an individual. This can affect our thoughts, our beliefs, and even our memories.
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12 comments
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Dominique says:
Thanks Jaksyn
It’s short, informative and at my level (intermediate) so I’m not downhearted like often with a long article… -
Abeer Amr Hasan Aldajany says:
1- mmres
2- PrsnaL
3-crctly
4-xpLnashen
5-fats ALevs -
Fidencio Huaito Berrios says:
important..!!!
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Zanet says:
These lesions are helpful, useful and fun.
Warm regards. -
Abshiro ali warsame says:
I want learn languagu english
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Caridadgomo says:
I have seen a movie of Mandela. That film was very interesting.
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Anushiya Thanapalan says:
I love to get English podcasts
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Mari Carmen says:
It’s really interesting to see how the masses let themselves be influenced by everything losing his stern identity
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Eugenia Castro says:
Thanks.
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Marcelo says:
I must say that this is a great way to improve my reading comprehension skills, thank you very much for that. Keep doing it
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Reza says:
I’m agreed Aly’s belief. All texts are so good, so simple, easy, and helpful. I eagerly read them and learn so much.
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Aly says:
I’m really happy with your help. Its exercises are so good and easy to learn. Thank you.