Or sign in with your account on:

Not a member yet? Register

Graded Reading – Upper-intermediate – April 2015

Tuesday, 21 April 2015
Graded Reading – Upper-intermediate – April 2015 by Mitrohin_1914 is licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons"

Do women come from Venus and men from Mars?

Some people say that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. Why don't they always understand each other? Read all about it in this month's graded reader at an upper-intermediate level.

(Page 1 of 2) « Prev All Pages Next »

Do women come from Venus and men from Mars?

How men and women speak differently

It's long been said that men are from Mars and women are from Venus, and where use of the English language is concerned there are some very notable differences. Indeed, in some cases even people that have been in a long-term relationship find it difficult to understand each other.

The problem seems to be that some men speak "Menlish" rather than English, and women are left to merely scratch their collective heads.

If you've never heard of it, Menlish is a language that only men use and understand. It is largely based on English but involves unusual terms, significant volume and, in some cases, an almost inaudible mumble.

Terms that seem quite clear can also be interpreted quite differently. For example, when a woman points out that her man has become a bit of slob and that it would be appreciated if he helped out around the house a little, what the man hears goes something like: "nag, nag, nag, nag, nag, nag, nag, naaaaaagggggggg". When a man says he doesn't care what colour scheme a woman chooses to decorate the living room, what he really means is "it can be any colour as long as it’s the same colour as my favourite football team".

If a man says he doesn't like to go shopping, what he really means is that he doesn't like shopping if it isn't solely for himself and does not include stopping off at a pub somewhere for a few beers.

This said, those of the fairer sex are not always the easiest to understand either. In fact, most men have come to realise that when a woman says one thing what she actually means is the opposite.

For example, when she says "that's fine," she means "that's not on". If she says she's not angry about something it means she is furious, and if she says "wow" she certainly isn't impressed, she's actually thinking "what an idiot"."Flatulence"

Men – good harmless fun that is very amusing in public.

Women – disgusting regardless of a person's location.

"Television remote control"

Men – a device that allows me to flick through hundreds of channels, one after the other.

Women – something I never see except when I have to pull it out of the back of the sofa.

"I'll be ready in ten minutes"

Men – I will actually be ready in ten minutes or less

Women – Give me an hour at least.

Do women come from Venus and men from Mars? - Comprehension questions

1) What is the Menlish?

2) What does ten minutes mean to a woman?

3) If men supposedly come from Mars, where do women come from?

(Page 1 of 2)
« Prev All Pages Next » (Page 1 of 2)
Rate this item
(5 votes)
published in April 2015
Read 16801 times
Last modified on Wednesday, 14 February 2018 13:56

Free English lessons in your inbox

Subscribe to our Newsletter and receive free grammar lessons and exercises, graded readers with comprehension questions, and tips on how to improve your English. And stay updated on the WeLoveTeachingEnglish services.