Program Predicts Personality of Workmates

November 3, 2015

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. program / ˈproʊ græm / (n.) – a set of codes that allows a computer to do something
Example: I’ve installed a new program on my laptop.

2. colleague / ˈkɒl ig / (n.) – a workmate
Example: She is at a meeting with her colleagues.

3. plug-in / ˈplʌgˌɪn / (n.) – an added feature to a much larger program or software
Example: The programmer added a plug-in to my web browser.

4. via / ˈvaɪ ə / (prep.) – by the use of (something)
Example: Please contact me via e-mail.

5. page / peɪdʒ / (n.) – one part or section of a website
Example: You can sign in on the website’s login page.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
A program lets users know not only the personality of their colleagues but also how they can better communicate with them.

Crystal Project Inc., a start-up company, developed the program called Crystal. This program uses data available on the Internet to determine a person’s personality and his or her preferences when it comes to communicating with other people.

This program works by installing its plug-in on Gmail and its extension on Google Chrome. A user is also required to sign in to LinkedIn, a social networking site for business purposes. After signing in, users will be able to see a number of people who are connected to them, either a workmate or someone they have e-mailed.

The more data a person has online, the more accurate his or her Crystal results will be. Among the details that Crystal provides are personality details and tips on how to effectively communicate with that person, either via e-mail or in person. Crystal also gives tips on how to better work with a person. In addition, the program can determine whether or not a person fits a specific team based on his or her personality. Lastly, Crystal provides suggestions on how to create an email that is appropriate for the receiver.

Another website that can also predict a person’s personality and other information is the Apply Magic Sauce, which was developed by researchers from the University of Cambridge. By analyzing the pages a person “liked” on Facebook, the website can guess his or her age, religion, sexual preference, personality, IQ level, and life satisfaction level.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Would you be interested to use Crystal and Apply Magic Sauce? Why or why not?
·         Do you think these programs will be popular in your country? Why is that so?

Discussion B

·         Why is it important to know the personality of one’s workmates?
·         How can the working relationships of colleagues be improved?

November 3, 2015