English Worksheet: The Topic of Gossips

Text 1: The History of Gossip

Gossip has existed since the dawn of human communication. In ancient villages, gossip served as
a way to share important information about who could be trusted, who was breaking social rules, or
who was generous. While today gossip often carries a negative meaning, in the past it had an
essential role in keeping communities safe and cohesive. Researchers in anthropology argue that
gossip acted as a kind of social glue: it warned people about cheaters, reinforced community
values, and provided ent...

True/False
1 Gossip only appeared in modern times.
2 In ancient Rome, gossip could change someone's reputation very quickly.
3 Anthropologists believe gossip has no social value.
4 Some scientists compare gossip to grooming among primates.
5 Modern gossip only exists in newspapers.
6 Gossip can sometimes strengthen relationships.
7 Words are powerful and irreversible.

Matching
1 Cohesive - a) destroying
2 Glue - b) something that sticks or connects
3 Reputation - c) what people think about you
4 Rumor - d) unverified story
5 Anthropology - e) study of human societies
6 Bond - f) a connection between people
7 Monotonous - g) boring or repetitive

Multiple Choice
1 Why did gossip exist in villages? a) entertainment b) survival info c) punishment d) magic
2 What place in Rome spread gossip? a) libraries b) forums c) temples d) schools
3 What do anthropologists call gossip? a) useless b) social glue c) harmful talk d) fake news
4 Which modern form of gossip exists? a) celebrity news b) textbooks c) law books d) reports
5 What is gossip compared to among primates? a) hunting b) grooming c) fighting d) migration
6 What kind of effect can gossip have? a) only bad b) only good c) both good and bad d) neutral
7 What is the final lesson in the text? a) silence is golden b) words are powerful c) gossip is fun d)
communities need rules

Open questions
1 Why do you think gossip is called a 'social glue'?
2 Do you think gossip is more harmful or helpful? Why?
3 What role does gossip play in your culture?
4 Can gossip ever be positive? Give an example.
5 Why is gossip compared to grooming among primates?
6 Do you think gossip has changed with social media?
7 How can people avoid harmful gossip?

Opinion
1 In your opinion, is gossip natural or dangerous?
2 Would society function without gossip?
3 What’s worse: spreading gossip or listening to it?
4 Should gossip in media be banned?
5 Do people gossip more about celebrities or neighbors?
6 Does gossip always include lies?
7 Would you trust a gossiper as a friend? Why or why not?
Text 2: Celebrity Gossip and Its Influence

Celebrity gossip is one of the most consumed forms of entertainment worldwide. Magazines, TV
shows, and websites earn millions by reporting who is dating whom, who is getting divorced, or who
had an argument at a party. While some claim that celebrity gossip is a harmless way to escape
reality, others argue that it invades privacy and creates unrealistic standards. Celebrities often
complain that gossip destroys their mental health. On the other hand, fans believe gossip makes
stars more human an...

True/False
1 Celebrity gossip is a new phenomenon.
2 Celebrities sometimes feel hurt by gossip.
3 Fans always think gossip is harmful.
4 Psychologists say gossip about stars acts like a mirror.
5 A rumor on social media can reach millions in hours.
6 Celebrity gossip never sparks global debates.
7 Celebrity gossip can lead to harassment.

Matching
1 Accusations - a) unfair comments
2 Harassment - b) repeated negative actions
3 Relatable - c) easy to connect with
4 Privacy - d) personal life
5 Standard - e) level of expectation
6 Rumor - f) unverified news
7 Escapism - g) mental distraction

Multiple Choice
1 What do magazines earn money from? a) sports b) gossip c) politics d) science
2 Why do fans like gossip? a) it makes stars more human b) it harms them c) it’s boring d) it’s
fake
3 What do psychologists say gossip reflects? a) society b) mirror of struggles c) media d) politics
4 How fast can a rumor spread on Twitter? a) hours b) days c) weeks d) months
5 What can celebrity gossip cause? a) joy b) false accusations c) trust d) honesty
6 What debates can gossip start? a) gender roles b) food recipes c) gardening d) tourism
7 Why might gossip exist? a) curiosity b) feeling superior c) both a and b d) none

Open questions
1 Why do people follow celebrity gossip?
2 Is gossip entertainment or invasion of privacy?
3 How does gossip affect celebrities?
4 Why does gossip spread so fast on social media?
5 Should gossip magazines exist?
6 Do people gossip about politicians differently than about celebrities?
7 What can society do to reduce harmful gossip?

Opinion
1 Would you like to be famous knowing gossip follows you?
2 Do you think fans create gossip or media does?
3 Is gossip worse in tabloids or online?
4 Should social media ban gossip pages?
5 Why do people believe gossip even without proof?
6 Do you enjoy reading celebrity gossip? Why/why not?
7 Is gossip addiction possible?
Text 3: Gossip in the Workplace

Workplace gossip is one of the most common problems in offices, schools, and companies. It often
begins with small conversations in the kitchen or corridors but can spread quickly across the whole
team. While some people think gossip at work is harmless, research shows it can reduce
productivity, increase stress, and even push talented employees to leave. Workplace gossip may
include rumors about promotions, relationships between colleagues, or secret projects. When
employees talk behind each oth...

True/False
1 Workplace gossip never affects productivity.
2 Some gossip helps new workers adapt to culture.
3 Gossip only exists in face-to-face offices.
4 Malicious gossip can poison atmosphere.
5 Managers should encourage secrecy to stop gossip.
6 Remote work removed gossip completely.
7 Gossip reflects a human need for information.

Matching
1 Corridor - a) hallway
2 Productivity - b) efficiency of work
3 Malicious - c) harmful
4 Punctuality - d) being on time
5 Atmosphere - e) general feeling
6 Transparent - f) open, clear
7 Conflict - g) disagreement

Multiple Choice
1 Where does gossip often start? a) meetings b) kitchens/corridors c) online courses d)
presentations
2 What can workplace gossip reduce? a) productivity b) food c) salaries d) furniture
3 What kind of gossip helps newcomers? a) malicious b) light c) online d) none
4 What should managers promote? a) silence b) open communication c) gossip d) rumors
5 Where has gossip moved in remote work? a) phones b) chats and emails c) papers d) coffee
shops
6 What does gossip signal? a) boredom b) lack of info c) curiosity only d) laziness
7 What happens when gossip is malicious? a) trust disappears b) cooperation grows c) nothing d)
more fun

Open questions
1 Why does gossip appear in workplaces?
2 Can gossip be useful at work? How?
3 Why is malicious gossip harmful?
4 What can managers do to fight gossip?
5 How has remote work changed gossip?
6 Do you think gossip can be replaced with transparency?
7 Would you report gossiping colleagues? Why/why not?
Opinion
1 Do you gossip about colleagues? Why?
2 Is gossip more common in small or large companies?
3 Should gossip be punished at work?
4 Does online gossip hurt less or more than face-to-face?
5 Would you trust a manager who gossips?
6 Can gossip ever improve teamwork?
7 Do you think gossip is natural in human groups?
Text 4: Gossip and Social Media

Social media has transformed gossip into a global phenomenon. In the past, gossip spread slowly
in villages, but today one tweet or video can reach millions in seconds. Platforms like Instagram,
TikTok, and Twitter allow ordinary users to share stories, rumors, or opinions instantly. Some
gossip pages gain thousands of followers who eagerly wait for the next scandal. Social media
gossip often focuses on influencers, celebrities, or viral events. However, the speed of online
gossip has a dark side...

True/False
1 Social media slowed down gossip.
2 A single post can reach millions instantly.
3 Some pages exist only for gossip.
4 Gossip online always focuses on politicians.
5 Online gossip can harm mental health.
6 Cyberbullying is linked to gossip.
7 Online gossip unites communities too.

Matching
1 Phenomenon - a) something that happens
2 Viral - b) spreading quickly
3 Scandal - c) shocking event
4 Cyberbullying - d) online harassment
5 Comparison - e) checking against others
6 Normalize - f) make it usual
7 Reputation - g) social image

Multiple Choice
1 Where did gossip spread in the past? a) newspapers b) villages c) online d) radio
2 What can a tweet do? a) disappear b) reach millions c) stay private d) stop rumors
3 What do gossip pages attract? a) no followers b) thousands of followers c) scientists d) no one
4 Why do people share gossip online? a) entertainment b) always truth c) boredom d) money
only
5 What problem can gossip cause? a) cyberbullying b) better sleep c) more trust d) knowledge
6 What unites online communities? a) shared gossip b) silence c) punishment d) laws
7 What replaced whispers? a) public entertainment b) silence c) newspapers d) nothing

Open questions
1 Why is online gossip faster than traditional gossip?
2 What are dangers of viral gossip?
3 Can online gossip ever be positive?
4 Why do people follow gossip pages?
5 How does online gossip affect reputation?
6 Is online gossip worse than offline gossip?
7 Do you ever share gossip online? Why?

Opinion
1 Should gossip pages be banned?
2 Is social media gossip addictive?
3 Would you rather gossip online or offline?
4 Is gossip entertainment or danger?
5 Does society depend on gossip?
6 Is it possible to stop gossip online?
7 Would you trust online gossip?
Text 5: Gossip in Literature and Culture

Gossip has not only been part of everyday life but also a central theme in literature and culture.
From Shakespeare’s plays to modern novels, gossip drives plots, creates conflicts, and reveals
hidden truths. In comedies, gossip often creates misunderstandings that later turn into humor. In
tragedies, gossip can lead to betrayal and death. Writers use gossip to show how fragile reputation
can be. In many cultures, folk tales include characters who spread rumors as warnings against
dishonesty or p...

True/False
1 Shakespeare never used gossip in plays.
2 Gossip in comedies causes humor.
3 In tragedies, gossip can lead to betrayal.
4 Literature ignores gossip completely.
5 Gossip appears in folk tales as warnings.
6 Some religions see gossip as sinful.
7 Soap operas use gossip to attract viewers.

Matching
1 Tragedy - a) serious drama
2 Comedy - b) humorous play
3 Betrayal - c) act of disloyalty
4 Folk tale - d) traditional story
5 Morality - e) sense of right/wrong
6 Insider - f) person with secret info
7 Reputation - g) public opinion about someone

Multiple Choice
1 What did Shakespeare use gossip for? a) nothing b) plots/conflicts c) science d) religion
2 What happens in comedies with gossip? a) sadness b) misunderstandings c) silence d)
violence
3 What can gossip lead to in tragedies? a) betrayal/death b) humor c) wealth d) trust
4 Where does gossip appear in culture? a) only books b) folk tales, plays, TV c) science journals
d) law
5 What do historians say gossip teaches? a) morality b) economics c) cooking d) geography
6 What makes soap operas engaging? a) gossip b) landscapes c) silence d) music only
7 Why is gossip universal? a) it reflects society b) it’s timeless c) both a and b d) neither

Open questions
1 Why is gossip useful in literature?
2 How does gossip create drama?
3 Why do folk tales include gossiping characters?
4 Is gossip in culture positive or negative?
5 Why do audiences enjoy gossip in TV dramas?
6 What lessons does gossip teach?
7 Would stories without gossip be boring? Why?

Opinion
1 Do you enjoy gossip in books or films? Why?
2 Is gossip necessary in drama?
3 Do you think gossip makes stories more realistic?
4 Can gossip in literature be educational?
5 What’s the difference between gossip in books and gossip in real life?
6 Would you remove gossip from cultural works? Why/why not?
7 Does gossip in art reflect real society?