3. Setting the topic
T: Do you think all these people have something in common? Ok, I’ll reveal my secret: if you guess it right, it’ll be the topic of our today’s discussion.
P: Well, all of them are famous.
P: They all made a big breakthrough in various fields.
P: They deserve admiration for their achievements.
P: They realized their talent, fulfilled their potential.
P: I think they are all out of the ordinary people.
P: They are rich.
P: I can’t agree. It seems to be not so important about them.
T: Do you have your own version?
P: They all made something outstanding what people greatly appreciate.
P: Probably, they were successful in their lives.
T: It’s absolutely true. These people probably knew or know the secrets of success. Let’s formulate the topic of our discussion.
P: Success.
P: Successful people.
P: Secrets of success.
T: Good. Any other ideas?
P: How to be successful.
T: Right you are. How to be successful. Would you like to be successful? Is the topic relevant? Or probably you’re too young or too old for it?
P: I think success is something we are all keen to have in our lives.
P: Each beautiful thing we see: a vase, a book, a painting or impressive music is somebody’s success.
P: People achieve success by various means. So it could be a good chance to figure out the shortest way to it.
4. The Objectives of the Discussion
T: Good. As usual in the beginning we define our objectives. Ladies and gentlemen, which aspects of the topic are essential for you? Split yourselves in groups of four and come up with your ideas. I need an assistant to put them into a chart:
P: What is success?
P: What part does luck play in success?
P: How should we measure success?
P: Is there any universal recipe for success?
P: Can money buy success?
P: What to do with success when you’re already on the top?
P: Are men and women equally successful in life?
P: Does a family, friends, education make for success?
P: Are there any disadvantages of being successful?
P: Are there any age limitation to success?
P: What should we do if we fail?
II Oral practice.
A sketch
T: And now I offer you to role play the following situation. Let’s imagine that one of your groupmates isn’t self-confident in his relations with girls.
P: Looking at Karina. Wanna go out with her?
P: I have no chance.
P: Cheer up! Do something strange and unusual and she will notice you. For example, stir your ears like me.
P: Waste of time! I can do nothing of the kind.
P: Guys, what are you talking about?
P: We discuss how to be successful with girls.
T: It’s easy to find out. Let’s ask them. P (girl) -we were wondering what kind of boy you would go out with.
P (girl): I don’t like those who show off to much, a boy should be interesting to talk to, kind and generous, I think.
T: I’m sure, boys, you stand a good chance of success here. Now have a look at our chart. It seems to be a good ground for discussion, doesn’t it?
The definition of Success (slide)
T: I guess the best way to define success is probably to imagine that success is something alive.
How does it smell? P: ( sweet, like flowers, like honey)
What is it taste like? P: ( a hamburger, a juicy watermelon, an orange, a big cake, sugary)
What sounds does it make? P: (applause, fanfare, jazz, an anthem)
What does it look like? P: (the sky, smiles, awards, a gold medal, horizon, stars)
How does it feel? P: (smooth, warm, pleasant, soft, fluffy)
Now how would you describe a successful person? P: (he has charisma, lots of money, high social status, he is able to provide for his family, respectful)
T: Well, I’ll agree, but don’t forget the words of William Shakespeare: “All that glitters is not gold.”
My success
T: Success can be achieved in various spheres of life. One person can be successful in many fields. But it’s you who make a choice. So which picture would you like to appear in and why?
P: I think every girl dreams of a happy, healthy family. If your home is filled with warmth, laughter, children’s voices, if you feel support, love and care and if you’re ready to give it in turn, you’ve succeeded in life.
P1 (boy): …., and where do you see P2 (boy)….?
P: Football, of course.
P: Yes, I see my success in sports as I’d like to become a football player in the future, it’s great to win, score goals, get a goal medal, and what is more why not earn a lot of money for myself and my family?
P: I’d appear in the picture with a girl in a gown. Without good education one can hardly be successful. Profound knowledge and practical skills are the first step to success.
P: I agree with …….. but like my Dad I’ll get my way in business. I’ve already learned some secrets.
P: I can’t climb a mountain. Nevertheless I have a feeling that I’m able to achieve something that nobody expects of me. So I’m with those who are on the top of the mountain.
P: I’d rather find a group of like-minded people and we’ll pull ourselves to the top together.
P: In my free time I enjoy knitting. I can imagine my success in my hobby. I dream of my own collection of knitted things which I could give my friends as presents.
P: Nobody has said about love yet. I’d put it in the first place in my life. I think deep inside everyone dreams of successful love.
T: Is it possible to be in all pictures at the same time?
P: It’s hard to say what’s in store for me in life but it’s not bad to try everything. Am I right?
Our Own Symbols of Success
T: Sure, you right. Now your preferences are clear.
Do you think it’s a good idea to create our own symbol of success? And these colourful blocks could be the material we need. What does the symbol of success look like in your mind’s eye?
P: A ladder.
P: A house.
P: A pyramid.
T:-Which idea do you like most?
PP: A pyramid.
T: So let’s build our pyramid of success. Each block suggests that we do a certain task written on it. You decide in which order to put our pyramid up. What shall we start with?
A brain teaser.
T: You were brave enough to pick out the task called a brain teaser. It’s not an easy one. Lots of people have been making an attempt to define success. The following two quotations are among the most interesting. But there’re some gaps in them. Try to guess the missing words. Work in pairs.
Theodore Roosevelt said: “The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to…………”
Come up with your ideas.
Pair1: We think it’s how to earn money, because it can allow you to live in conditions which can promote success, you’ll be able to pay for good education, have enough food to be healthy, to provide for your children. Let’s be realistic – money is a symbol of ability and achievement.
Pair 2: We disagree. Money can’t buy happiness or love. Our version is how to cope with failure. All people have their ups and downs, the point is not to quit, not to give up.
T: Thank you, who wants to add?
Pair3. -You can’t achieve success without coming in contact with people. Our answer is how to deal with people
T: You’ve guessed it. The correct variant is how to get along with people.
Read the next quotation and try to find the two missing words “Success doesn’t consist of never making …….. but in never making the ……… one a second time.” George Bernard Shaw
Pair 4: Definitely the first missing word is mistakes as it goes with the verb to make.
T: Ok, and what is the second one?
Pair 2: Maybe it’s the same. People should learn from their own mistakes to succeed.
T: Do other pairs have the same version? Right you are. Mistakes and the same are the missing words.
An interview
T: Who do you think we’re going to take an interview with today? Only Karina knows my secret as she’s going to be a journalist today. Alexander Monako, one of my best students, now he is a successful student of Belarusian State University. Meet him.
Karina: Hi, Alexander, we know you’re quite busy with your studies now but still you’ve agreed to give us this interview. Thanks a lot
Alexander: Hi, Karina, all guys and guests in the studio. It’s a pleasure to be with you.
Karina: Alexander, we all think you’re a successful person. How would you define success?
Alexander: I would say success is not a final destination; it’s a long road consisting of many steps.
Karina: I wonder what impressions you have about our school, if years you spent here helped you succeed in life?
Alexander: Years spent in school are of great importance to me. We were having lots of fun and at the same time we managed to improve our records, participated in the Olympiads and conferences. I’m still its active member. I think you should make the most of your school years. Our school provides everything possible for us to get on in life. In this connection I would like to express my respect and gratitude to all the school teachers and especially the headmaster of our school.
Karina: Our audience would like to ask you some questions, if you don’t mind.
Alexander: I’ll answer them with pleasure.
Dima: Alexander, how important do you consider the knowledge of foreign languages for a successful person is?
Alexander: I believe most of the audience would agree that nowadays the knowledge of at least one foreign language is the must. And the more you know the better.
Liz: Are there any disadvantages of success?
Alexander: Those who have achieved success make a mistake when they just rest on their laurels. You should never stop at what has been accomplished. Laziness is the worst enemy of success.
Dasha: Does personal background matter in success?
Alexander: Definitely. Family and friends provide us with help and support. They encourage us to move on. And teachers take us on a path of discoveries, which leads to success. Personal skills and abilities are of great importance, too.
Anna: How to put abilities and to the advantage?
Alexander: Try to make the most of your abilities and constantly develop them. Only practice makes perfect. It is reasonable to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and to use this knowledge.
Karina: And the last but not the least.
Margarita: If somebody is shy and not so successful, what would you advise this person to do?
Alexander: My advice is never to give up. Ever tried? Ever failed? Try again.
Karina: Thank you, Alexander for such an interesting interview. We wish you great success in your life! Come to visit us!
Alexander: It’s my pleasure. See you soon.
Karina: See you!
Lexical-Grammar Focus
T: You know, everyone has some obstacles in the way to success. So let’s take our next block called an Opinion Pall.
T: Each of you has a problem that is on the card you’ll choose. Put your heads together and while mingling around ask for a piece of advice in your situation and at the same time help your partners cope with theirs. The phrases on the screen will be a hint
Giving advice
You’d better + Infinitive
You ought to …
If I were you, I’d……..
You should
It’s worth + - ing
It’s a good idea to…
You might find it useful to …
Why don’t you (+infinitive)….?
Remember to …..
Your best bet is to….
The best thing to do is…
You always forget appointments and birthdays.
You want to earn some extra money to be able to go on holiday.
You want to make a good impression for an interview.
You have just had a serious argument with your boyfriend/girlfriend.
You feel bored in the evenings.
You are addicted to computer games.
You can’t wake up in the mornings and therefore you are always late.
You dream of being a leader. But you’re not sure if you’ll succeed.
T: Have you got the advice you were looking for? Share with us, please.
Zhenya: I’ll take the advice to….
Dima: I think doing …… will help me ………
Dasha: It’s no good to… I’ll follow the advice to…
Liz: You know, I’ve found a great solution…. Thanks a lot!
Margarita:I agree with all of you. I’ll………….. Nobody is right in an argument.
Anna: Really why not……….?
T: I hope you see now the advantages of working a team.
It’s necessary to listen to your heart and everyone can find his/her talents
A Role Play
T: I’m glad that you understand it. Now let’s see what is in store for us now. Our next block deals with a role play.
Can a person be successful without his native country and its people? Definitely, he can’t. We are Belarusians and take pride in it. Only if we seek for happiness and success for our Motherland, we’re sure to achieve our goals. Our country badly needs successful young people like you.
Today you’ll be given a chance to prove your real skills or efficient entrepreneurs and to succeed in negotiations with your prospective foreign partners. Turn over the badges on my table and split into 2 groups according to the flag of the country you represent. Two badges are marked with the words: A Manager.
You, guys, run your own business in the sphere of design. You specialize in linen clothes for teenagers. You’d like to expand your business contacts, find a reliable investor and promote Belarusian fashion abroad.
And your group represents a world famous House located in the USA. You are ready to invest your money into some foreign company, but you’re to make sure they are creative, open to innovations and ready to pilot new projects.
T: ………….. you’re a manager. What will signify your success at the negotiations?
P: As a manager, I’d say we are to make our partners interested in collaboration with our company, and, if possible, to get beneficial investments into our business.
T: Mrs………., what is your idea of success at today’s meeting?
P: We seek for promising young stars in fashion, we’ll succeed if their company is really what we need and if they agree to be our partners.
T: Ok, good luck, you have five minutes. Let’s see what you’ll finally arrive at.
Group1. P: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our company.
Group 2. S: Good afternoon, thank you for taking the time to meet with us today.
P: It’s our pleasure. How long have you been in Minsk? Hope you’re having a good time here.
S: We’ve been here for 2 weeks already. We’re excited about your wonderful city.
P: Thank you
S: If you don’t mind, let’s get down to our business.
S: Last week we had a chance to attend the Belarusian Fashion Week Festival. It was definitely a great success!
S: we highlighted your line of flax clothes for teenagers. It was incredible.
S: Yes, brave colour combinations, a variety of modern styles, national traditions in a costume greatly impressed us. Would you like to consider the possibilities of establishing profitable relationships with our Fashion House?
P: What is the potential for our business relationship?
S: We could become your investors, our financial support could help you expand your business, modernize your equipment, furthermore you could sell and expose your collections in the best fashion halls of the USA.
P: It’s a tempting suggestion.
S: If you don’t mind we’d like to specify some information about your company.
P: You’re welcome.
S: Firstly, why have you chosen flax?
P: Flax is the wealth of Belarus. The flax has been cultivated here for centuries, making it a symbol of Belarus.
P: This natural fabric is known for its comfort. It allows the body to breathe; moreover, linen has natural anti-bacterial properties.
P: In addition, linen is a very popular fabric that never goes out of style. With the proper care, it can be a timelessly stylish wardrobe staple.
S: Well, it’s quite convincing. We were informed about your turnover. There’s a run on your collections. What is the secret of your success?
P: Keeping in mind traditional Belarusian movies, we’re piloting the line of clothes with bold ideas following no limitations. Our clothes make your step light and swift, they add individuality and elegance to your image.
P: We help teenagers who wear the clothes we design express their personality, be active, on the top of life, I’d say.
P: Not only does the idea of self-confidence attract our young people, I believe the values of our ancestors we promote through the traditions of Belarusian national costume help their self-realization as well.
S: How amazing! I’ve never heard about anything like that!
S: Now I understand why we found your clothes out of the ordinary. Do you have any new collections?
S: We’re preparing our new spring collection. Here are some of the new models from it.
S: How do you find them?
P: I definitely like it! It’s innovative! I guess your idea of clothes will be close to our teenagers as well.
P: We really appreciate your approach of bringing up young people through clothes they like to wear. Our fashion house is eager to collaborate with you.
S: We’re happy to become your partners.
P: We suggest meeting again in a week with all the necessary papers.
S: And during this week we can discuss all the particular issues to get ready to sign them. Many thanks for investing your time and giving us the opportunity to work with you.
P: hope we’ll establish a strong and profitable relationship.
T: Was it a success? Definitely! Congratulations!
A Delicate Aspect of Success
T: I can’t but share with you one more problem that doesn’t let me have a minute’s peace. Gore Vidal said: “It’s not enough to succeed, others must fail.”( Чтобы преусеть, нужно, чтобы другие потерпели неудачу)
Albert Einstein in 1939 encouraged the USA to start building an atomic bomb. Later, when he found out about Hiroshima and Nagasaki, he changed his mind. “If I had known, I would have become a shoemaker,” he admitted.(Если бы я знал, чем обернется моя идея создания атомной бомбы, я бы стал сапожником).
What delicate aspect of success is hidden in these words?
P: I suppose it’s the problem of ethics. One shouldn’t be selfish, nobody will recognize the success achieved at cost of people’s sufferings.
P: It appears that success is relevant. If you’re too self-centered, you can go astray and confuse real success with a fake.
P: It proves again it’s better to work in a team.
P: It’s good to remember that success is a choice. And people should make it wisely.
P: Let us not forget that we should live on this planet according to the laws given by God, the laws of love, mercy and clear conscience.
T:Thanks a lot. Your words absolutely coincide with my opinion. I’m glad to cooperate with such good students as you.
A Surprise
T: And now surprise! Look what I have got! You ask what it is? It’s a breakthrough in medicine! “Prosuccess” will solve all our problems in the wink of an eye. Take one pill in a lifetime and it will pull you to the top. Prosuccess guarantees you effortless success in any field you like. Don’t miss your chance!
Do you think it’s worth trying? But remember success comes to people who set high goals and are full of determination. It doesn’t come effortlessly. What we can do is to make up our own recipe of success. (Slide with a pot)
Let’s put here a stroke of luck. We can’t do without self-confidence, I think.
Mix it with strong health, enough exercise.
Support of friends and family.
Social status and material wealfare.
We can’t miss it – hard work.
I add enthusiasm and creativity.
The knowledge of foreign languages is a must.
The knowledge of oneself and talent help succeed.
9. Care about your country’s needs.
T: And I we’ll add mine if you don’t mind – it’s just love.
10. Love
A Game “Hot Ballooning”
T: So finally we’ve got our formula of success. No doubt, all the ingredients are valuable. But aren’t you curious to know which of the components is the most important.
What are you going to get rid of ?
What is your final choice?
Absolutely agree with you. First and foremost we need is love.
How do you see the problem we’ve been discussing today?
P: (DASHA) You know, the problem we’ve been discussing today is unique as it doesn’t have a complete solution. The more we discuss it, the more new ideas I get.
P: (DIMA) I’m sure each of us has made an attempt to find his own idea of success today. And it’s wonderful!
P: (KARINA) Our discussion helped me to understand that each of us is talented and stands good chances to be successful in life. It means we’ve been a success!
T: To crown it all up I’ve chosen the words of Norman Vincent Peale: Throw back your shoulders, let the heart sing, let the eyes flash, let the mind be lifted up, look upward and say to yourself…. Nothing is impossible!”Meditate on it at home. It’ll be your homework assignment. Please write down them in your exercise books.
As this lesson was required your creativity, each of you deserves 10 points for your work.