question_answer 16)

Discuss in pairs. It is natural for teenagers to have unrealistic dreams. What would you say are the benefits and disadvantages of such fantasizing?    

Answer:

Fantasy, is the creative imagination or unrestrained fancy. Commonly known as daydreaming, this is a fairly common phenomenon—and though it is not harmful, it should not be indulged in excessively. In a world of fantasy, one can have whatever one likes, even things that he/she cannot have in reality. In other cases, the person is so obsessed with his own thoughts, that he is absolutely unconcerned by the happenings in his environment. So, even though he is physically present, he is mentally in absentia and loses sight and sound of everything around him. An example could be said of some students who find it difficult to grasp and retain concepts because they arc daydreamers. On the other hand, Mark Twain too was a daydreamer.   Perhaps, the source of daydreaming may be the need to escape from unpleasant or stressful situations. A daydreamer would have sensitivity, depth and intelligence and hence should be given space and nurtured. But, it could also shut one out from reality. This is because the daydreamer, lost in his thoughts, loses his bearings entirely and is oblivious to things around him. If a daydreamer happens to be on the road, this state of mind can prove to be very dangerous or even fatal. (Daydreaming can be very distracting. It affects one's day to day working, and the person gets more and more absent-minded. After a point, he may start losing physical and social contact with his surroundings and become increasingly withdrawn.   Daydreaming has its advantages too. Daydreaming fosters a child's imagination, and enhances creativity. So if the extent of daydreaming is controlled, everything is fine. But, if one is a habitual daydreamer and tends to wander off a bit too often for comfort, it's time one did something about it.