English Curriculum

Advanced | Lesson 10

1) Reading: Talent Show

There is a talent show at my high school next week that I am thinking about entering. My high school is pretty small, so I don’t think that many people will sign up to be in it. The first place prize gets a new tablet, and I have always wanted one. More than that, I want to just be in the show.

I have never been on stage in front of an audience before. My parents always encourage me to try new things to see if I like them. I figured even though it will be really scary, this will be a good opportunity to conquer my fear.

1) Reading: Talent Show

I also have been working on a talent with my uncle. He used to be a performer in Las Vegas, where he blew fire out of his mouth. Right now he is teaching me how to do it. I have tried it a few times, but I was only successful once. It is harder than I thought it would be. If I can become more consistent with it, I will definitely win the talent show.

I think fire breathing is the coolest, so I am not worried about what the other contestants are doing. Best of all, this girl that I think is super cute will be in the audience, so it is really motivating me to do well. That way I can ask her on a date.

2) Conversation: Playing Instruments

Lucas: Hey Noah, are you going to do anything for the talent show?Noah: Yeah I am going to play the violin.Lucas: You know how to play the violin? I didn’t know that. Can you play any other instruments?Noah: Yeah I can play the piano as well.Lucas: We should start a band!Noah: What instrument do you play?Lucas: I play the drums but I can also sing pretty well.Noah: That’s a pretty weird mix of instruments for a band, but maybe it could work.Lucas: I know Tim plays the trumpet, we could start a cool smooth jazz band or something.Noah: Let’s meet outside the library at lunch.

2) Conversation: Playing Instruments

Noah: That way we can think through all the details.Lucas: I can already tell you are going to be the brains of the band, keeping it organized.Noah: Do you know of anyone that can play jazz flute. I think that would really bring together the sound of the band. It would make us pretty unique.Lucas: Hmm, not off the top of my head. I can ask around. We can also look and see if there are any other people playing instruments at the talent show. We could make just a band comprised only of members from our high school.Noah: That’s a great idea! I am excited about this now.

3) Interview Practice: What could you have done to improve your relationship with a manager you didn’t like?

The important thing to consider when addressing this question is make sure your answer is professional. Don’t go off on why your manager was a bad person. Sometimes people with conflicting personalities struggle to work well together in the beginning.

Try to also come up with a way you did make it better, if you did do that in your case. Most conflicts arise in the workplace because of poor or delayed communication. Talking things out early on can help prevent them from snowballing into much larger issues.

Try to think of a relationship with a manager you had that wasn’t ideal. Did you do anything to fix it? Could you have done anything more effectively to fix it sooner? How is your relationship with that person now?

4) Business Conversation: Making Connections

Olivia: I think it is time for me to switch companies. I don’t see a lot of growth potential for me anymore.

Eva: Do you have any idea about where you want to go?

Olivia: No, not yet. Most companies want to know what connections I have.

Eva: Do you have any connections at the places you want to work?

Olivia: I barely have any connections in general. What is a good way to make more connections?

Eva: You have to go to events and talk with people.

4) Business Conversation: Making Connections

Olivia: Do you know of any events that are coming up soon? I feel like the sooner the better.

Eva: I remember someone was saying there is a charity event this weekend for people in media. You could try there?

Olivia: You are a lifesaver. It has been so long since I have been to something like that. Do you know where I can find more details about the dress code and price?

Eva: I want to say that I heard it from Stephan in marketing, but I can double check if you want.

Olivia: That would be amazing. Thank you Eva!

5) Business Quote:

"If you are not willing to risk the usual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.“

- Jim Rohn