Human Attraction: Biological and Genetic Factors
Option A: June 2009
**Human Attraction: Biological and Genetic Factors**
David Givens investigates the biological and genetic code of attraction between men and women. He has found that tall men, women with a certain waist size, and more symmetrical people attract the opposite sex more because they are both healthier themselves and will have healthier children.
Key Findings from David Givens’ Research
- David Givens asked how two bodies get close enough together to procreate.
- True love is too complex for us to explain.
- Certain sizes of hips and waists have attracted men for more than 20,000 years.
- It’s possible that codes of attraction and beauty are millions of years old.
**Why Certain Traits Are Attractive**
A) David Givens goes to many bars and pubs because he wants to discover the biological and genetic principles behind why men and women choose certain people to be their partners. He observes people flirting and identifies what kind of people attract the opposite sex the most.
B) Tall men and women with particular sizes of hips and waists attract more partners because they will probably have more children. Symmetrical faces, hands, and arms signify strength and are also positive factors when choosing a wife or husband.
**Personal Reflection on Attraction**
I sometimes worry about my appearance because I’m not like the tall men in the text. I’m quite short, so girls may not like me very much at the beginning. Therefore, I do plenty of exercise to be healthy. On the other hand, I think there are other more important things, like being handsome, being happy, and making other people happy. Girls also like men who are talented in art, medicine, or music. So, in conclusion, it is more important to be a happy guitarist or doctor than to be tall because then you will have a beautiful wife.
Option B: June 2009
**The Thrill of Bungee Jumping: Risks and Rewards**
Although bungee jumping seems frightening and even crazy, many people practice it because it is very exciting. Even though it is not dangerous, it makes your heart go very fast, so you need a doctor’s certificate if you are over 50, and you must be over 14.
**Insights into Bungee Jumping**
- Mark Debenham said that he had done about fifty jumps.
- Bungee jumping is such an incredible experience that it makes your heart race.
- You must have a medical certificate if you are 50 years old or more.
- It is taken up as a sport by many people.
**Motivations and Health Considerations**
A) Some people do bungee jumping if they want to lose their fear of heights. Others only do it once and enjoy the exciting experience of falling, but others practice it as a sport.
B) People who are more than 50 years old need a medical certificate because they are more vulnerable to illnesses. They can have a heart attack, for example, or can suffer damage to their brains or other organs. They have to be more careful than young people.
**A Personal Story: My First Hockey Game**
Dear Rocio,
I want to tell you about my first game of hockey, which I played in the school team last weekend. There weren’t enough players because one of them was ill, so if somebody hadn’t played in their place, we would have lost the game. It was very exciting, and we won by 3 points because one of our players was really good. The crowd supported us until the end. I like hockey, as you can play even if it is raining or very hot outside. Now I enjoy watching a match on TV because I appreciate it more.
Kisses.