Reading Practice (C1):
The Power of Solitude
In today’s fast-paced world, solitude is often misunderstood. Many people associate being alone with loneliness or social failure. However, psychological research increasingly shows that solitude, when chosen, can have profound benefits for mental clarity, creativity, and emotional well-being.
Spending time alone allows individuals to reflect deeply, process their experiences, and recharge without external distractions. Some of history’s most creative thinkers—like Isaac Newton and Virginia Woolf—relied heavily on solitude to produce their best work. Far from being antisocial, the ability to enjoy time alone is considered a sign of strong self-awareness and independence.
Of course, solitude is not a cure-all. Excessive isolation can be harmful, especially when it stems from fear or anxiety. The key lies in finding a balance: time with others nourishes our need for connection, while solitude nurtures our inner life.
Vocabulary
▪ solitude – samoća (pozitivna, dobrovoljna)
▪ profound – dubok, značajan
▪ clarity – jasnoća
▪ antisocial – asocijalan
▪ self-awareness – samosvest
▪ nurture – negovati, hraniti (u prenesenom značenju)
Comprehension Questions
1. How is solitude commonly misunderstood in modern society?
2. What are some benefits of solitude mentioned in the text?
3. Name two historical figures who used solitude to their advantage.
4. Why can too much solitude be dangerous?
5. What is the ideal balance, according to the author?
Grammar/Style Focus: Formal Expressions
- psychological research increasingly shows that…
- can have profound benefits for…
- the ability to enjoy time alone is considered…
Essay writing
Your Task:
Do you enjoy spending
time alone? Why or why not? Write 5–6 sentences in English using formal
vocabulary.