Optimists vs pessimists - 6 Minute English

Improve your English vocabulary and listening in just six minutes! In this programme. We discuss the topic and teach you vocabulary. Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Which one you are may be linked more to your birthplace and age than attitude. Neil and Sam talk about optimists and pessimists. This week’s question What proportion of the British population, do you think, describe themselves as optimistic? Is it: a) 20 percent? b) 50 percent? c) 80 percent? Watch the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary glass-half-full person someone with an optimistic attitude who tends to focus on the positive side of life Debbie Downer (US slang) someone who makes others feel bad by focussing on the bad or depressing side of things sugarcoat to make something seem better than it really is hyper- (prefix) having too much of a quality eg. hyperactive, hypersensitive rock bottom lowest possible level grumpy old man desc