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Name: ……………………………………….
1ST PAU Practice Examination (2021/10/01)
BOOK TREATMENT
Many people like to lose themselves in a good book if they feel depressed, or turn
to great literature for inspiration and insight. But a new technique called bibliotherapy
consciously tries to use literature as a way of helping individuals deal with emotional
problems.
Usually, the therapist starts by recommending reading material, usually fiction,
which is thought to be relevant to the client’s situation. At the most passive level, the
book can provide an escape from a difficult reality. Readers may also identify with a
novel’s protagonist, and learn that they are not alone in having a specific problem. A
book’s plot may also suggest ways of approaching a situation that may not have occurred
to the reader.
However, the novel is also often used as a springboard for more active
communication between clients and bibliotherapists, who may be mental health
professionals, teachers or librarians. Clients are able to discuss the characters’ situations if
revealing their own problems is too painful. They may also produce a drawing or painting
in response to the book, or write something themselves. Although used on its own,
bibliotherapy has been rated most successful when used in conjunction with other forms
of therapy.
The technique may be used to enhance self-awareness in people with no specific
problems, but it is commonly used in a therapeutic setting. In one government-funded
project in England, doctors direct depressed or anxious patients to the library for a course
of bibliotherapy. Some practitioners use this therapy to help rape victims and drug
addicts, among others.
So if you feel a bit low, why not try a spoonful of Shakespeare with a drop of
Dickens? It may help, and certainly can’t hurt.
I.- Answer questions 1-4 according to information given in the text. Use your own words.
(4 marks)
1.- How can reading help a person with emotional problems?
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2.- How do bibliotherapists use this treatment for more active communication?
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