A Rare Human Super-power

Pre discussion questions

What do you think the rare human super-power is?

Most of us can remember the faces of people we see a lot.  But there are some people who can remember a face of any person they meet. And they can remember them many years later even if their face has changed a lot. These 2% of people are known as ‘super recognizers.’

Some organizations such as the police are interested in people with “super recognizer” skills. These people will be able to help police and others quickly see people who try to hide their face by changing some things or are moving illegally from one country to another by using false documents.

"Super recognizers" have an uncanny ability to recognize faces, and remember people they have not seen for many years. They can recognize people who have substantially changed in appearance. And they can recognize people who they have only encountered for a short time.

Some super recognizers have even been accused of stalking because the person that they recognized did not reciprocate the recognition back.

Researchers also studied the potential causes of super recognition. They found no evidence that these people have higher intelligence levels or extra ability at all memory tests.

Their superior ability is only to the recognition of faces.

It seems that some people are predisposed to developing this face recognition skill.

Two studies show there is a higher correlation in face recognition ability for identical compared to non-identical twin babies.

Try to guess the meaning of the words in bold and match them with their closest meaning from the choices in the right. Some of the answers are very close and have similar meaning. The meaning of these words is how they are used in the reading. Some of these words have different meanings in the dictionary depending on how they are used.

 The answers are below the table.

A=3, B=6, C=8, D=1, E=5, E=7, F=2, G=4, H=7

Some example sentences using the new words or phrases from the meaning of how they are used in the reading to help you understand better.

1.      It was uncanny that I met him again by accident in Seoul because it is a very big city.

2.      The amount of money to fix this problem is substantial.

3.      When I visited Italy I encountered many Italians.

4.      It is expected that if someone buys you dinner then you should reciprocate by buying them dinner next time.

5.      This young boy has so much potential, he studies hard and is smart.

6.      If you walk across the road without looking, then you are predisposed to being hit by a car.

7.      There is a correlation between how much time you practice doing something and your success.

8.      These sweaters look identical, but one is much higher quality if you look more carefully.

Some questions using the new words/phrases. Try to use the words/phrases in your answer.

1.      Would you think it was uncanny if someone remembered your name and face ten years later?

2.      What skill would you like to be substantially better at? Why?

3.      Have you encountered someone who has a skill like today’s story? What other skills have you encountered in people you have met?

4.      If someone remembers your name and you can’t reciprocate, then how do you feel?

5.      What do you think is your biggest potential?

6.      Why do you think some people are naturally predisposed to be better at some things like sports, or can remember names or faces? Do you think we have the potential to be good at these skills if we practice?

7.      Do you think there is a correlation between remembering faces and being a person who remembers visual (seeing) things?

8.      Is there someone you would like to look identical to? Who and why or why not?