Photo by Polina Kuzovkova on Unsplash
ESL Lesson: Business, Self-Discovery & Finance Part 1
Objective:
Students will continue to improve their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills through the story “Business, Self-Discovery and Finance.”
Duration:
45 minutes
ESL課程計畫:商海浮沉、自我探索與金融人生(第一部分)
學習目標:
透過本故事〈商海浮沉、自我探索與金融人生〉,提升學生的閱讀理解能力、詞彙量以及批判思考能力。
花費時間:
45分鐘
Photo by Ricardo Resende on Unsplash
Pre-Reading Vocabulary (10 minutes)
Key Vocabulary:
Fortress (n) - A large, strong building or group of buildings that can be defended from attack. * “Inside the towering glass fortress of Citigroup’s European headquarters, whispers spread like wildfire.”
Seismic (adj) - Having a strong or widespread impact; relating to earthquakes or other vibrations of the earth. * “The departure of their top equity capital markets banker, Jonathan Blake, was not just a resignation; it was a seismic shift.”
Turmoil (n) - A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. * “Jonathan sat in his corner office, the city skyline a silent witness to his turmoil.”
Treacherous (adj) - Hazardous because of presenting hidden or unpredictable dangers. * “He had spent over a decade climbing the corporate ladder, navigating the treacherous waters of high finance with a blend of charm and ruthless efficiency.”
Incessantly (adv) - Without interruption; constantly. * “His phone buzzed incessantly with messages from colleagues and competitors alike.”
Poignant (adj) - Causing a strong sense of sadness or regret. * “It was his resignation letter, a quick yet poignant farewell to the firm that had been his second home.”
Hesitantly (adv) - In a tentative or unsure manner. * ““Jonathan, are you sure about this?” His assistant, Emily, stood hesitantly at the door.”
Contemplating (adj) - Looking thoughtfully for a long time at; thinking about. * “Jonathan leaned back in his chair, contemplating the question.”
Inevitable (adj) - Certain to happen; unavoidable. * “Jonathan sighed, knowing this conversation was inevitable.”
Precipice (n) - A very steep rock face or cliff, typically a tall one; a situation of great danger. * “But now, standing at the precipice of change, he felt a strange mix of fear and excitement.”
Unwavering (adj.) - Steady or resolute; strong of heart and action. * “Jonathan met his gaze, unwavering.”
Closure (n) - A sense of resolution or conclusion at the end of an artistic work or a life event. * “As he walked through the corridors of Citi for what might be the last time, he felt a sense of closure.”
閱讀前的準備 (10分鐘)
重要單字:
Fortress (n):一座又大又堅實的建築物或建築群,可以抵禦外來的攻擊。 * "在花旗集團的歐洲總部──那座高大的玻璃堡壘中,議論聲如野火般迅速蔓延。"
Seismic (adj):能夠產生巨大或廣泛影響的;與地震或其他地球的震動有關的。 * "他們的股票資本市場頂尖銀行家──Jonathan Blake決定離開,這不僅僅是簡單的辭職,而是一場撼動全局的劇變。"
Turmoil (n):混亂、疑惑或充滿不確定性的狀態。 * "Jonathan坐在辦公室的角落,城市的天際線靜靜地目睹了他內心的掙扎。"
Treacherous (adj):因隱藏或無法預測的危險而可能造成傷害的。 * "他花了超過十年的時間,一步一步攀爬這個企業的升遷階梯,以一種冷酷無情、只追求效率、同時帶有一些個人魅力的方式,引領著大家度過高階金融界的險境。"
Incessantly (adv):沒有間斷;持續的。 * "他的手機不斷震動,看起來像是他的同事們和競爭者們傳來的訊息。"
Poignant (adj):產生一種強烈的悲傷或後悔的感覺。 * "那是他的辭職信,一封簡潔卻乘載著苦澀的告別信,送給這個曾經是他第二個家的公司。"
Hesitantly (adv):用一種試探的或不確定的態度。 * "「Jonathan,你真的確定嗎?」他的助理Emily猶豫地站在門口。"
Contemplating (adj):若有所思地凝視良久;思考。 * " Jonathan靠在椅背上,思索著這個問題。"
Inevitable (adj):必然會發生的;無法避免的。 * " Jonathan嘆了口氣,他知道這場談話是無法避免的。"
Precipice (n):一個非常陡峭,且大多非常高的岩石面或峭壁;一個極度危險的情況。 * "但現在,站在改變的懸崖邊,他有種奇妙的感覺,參雜了恐懼與興奮。"
Unwavering (adj):穩定或堅決的;心志堅定且行動果斷。 * " Jonathan與他對視,目光沒有一絲動搖。"
Closure (n):在完成一個藝術作品或經歷一場生命歷練後一種圓滿或釋然的感覺。 * "當他可能是最後一次走過花旗的走廊時,他感到一切圓滿結束了。"
Photo by Nikunj Singh on Unsplash
Reading Activity (20 minutes)
Reading: Chapter 1: The Departure
The sun had barely risen over the bustling streets of London when the news broke. Inside the towering glass fortress of Citigroup’s European headquarters, whispers spread like wildfire. The departure of their top equity capital markets banker, Jonathan Blake, was not just a resignation; it was a seismic shift.
Jonathan sat in his corner office, the city skyline a silent witness to his turmoil. He had spent over a decade climbing the corporate ladder, navigating the treacherous waters of high finance with a blend of charm and ruthless efficiency. But today, as he looked out over the Thames, he felt a pang of uncertainty.
Am I sure about this? He asked himself. He was taking a risk leaving his position. He was going to change his life forever. That had been the promise he had made himself. The son of driven immigrants, Jonathan had only ever known the drive to achieve more. Yet, he had promised himself to take time and reflect on what he really wanted.
His phone buzzed incessantly with messages from colleagues and competitors alike. He ignored them. Some were shocked, others curious, and a few were already circling like vultures, eager to capitalize on the power vacuum his departure would create.
Jonathan let his phone buzz perpetually, not even bothering to silence it. He was focusing instead on the email draft open on his screen. It was his resignation letter, a concise yet poignant farewell to the firm that had been his second home.
“Jonathan, are you sure about this?” His assistant, Emily, stood hesitantly at the door. She had been with him since his early days at Citi, and the thought of his departure left her visibly shaken.
He knew this decision affected her too. She still needed a few more accreditations before she could do what she had been doing for Jonathan by herself. However, Jonathan knew she would be fine. She was too clever and resourceful.
However, he still turned to her, offering a reassuring smile. “It’s time, Emily. I’ve given this place everything I have. Now, I need to find something new, something that challenges me in ways this place no longer can.”
Emily nodded, though her eyes betrayed her concern. “What will you do next?”
Jonathan leaned back in his chair, contemplating the question. “I’ve had offers, of course. Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs… But I think I need a break first. Maybe travel, clear my head. Then I’ll decide.”
As the morning wore on, Jonathan finalized his letter and hit send. The response was immediate. His inbox flooded with replies from senior executives, each expressing a mix of regret and best wishes. But one email stood out. It was from Philip Drury, the head of Citi’s banking, capital markets, and advisory business.
“Jonathan, let’s discuss this before you make any final decisions. Meet me in my office at noon.”
Jonathan sighed, knowing this conversation was inevitable. He glanced at his watch; he had a few hours to prepare. As he gathered his thoughts, he couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that had brought him here. From his early days as an ambitious analyst to becoming one of the most influential bankers in Europe, it had been a wild ride. But now, standing at the precipice of change, he felt a strange mix of fear and excitement.
Noon came quickly, and Jonathan found himself standing outside Philip’s office. He took a deep breath and knocked. The door opened, and Philip gestured for him to enter.
“Jonathan, please sit down,” Philip began, his tone serious yet understanding. “I’ve heard the rumors, but I need to hear it from you. Why are you leaving?”
Jonathan met his gaze, unwavering. “I’ve achieved everything I set out to do here, Philip. But I need a new challenge, something that reignites my passion.”
That was only part of the truth. However, he didn’t want to waste Philip’s time with stories of his mental struggles, nor did he want to extend the duration of this meeting.
Philip nodded slowly. “I understand. But know this, Jonathan: Citi will always have a place for you. If you ever decide to come back, the door is open.”
With that, the meeting concluded. Jonathan left Philip’s office feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. The decision was made, and there was no turning back. As he walked through the corridors of Citi for what might be the last time, he felt a sense of closure. The future was uncertain, but for the first time in years, he felt truly free.
閱讀時間 (20 minutes)
閱讀:第一篇〈離開〉
當消息傳出時,太陽剛剛從倫敦熙來攘往的街道中升起。在花旗集團的歐洲總部──那座高大的玻璃堡壘中,議論聲如野火般迅速蔓延。他們的股票資本市場頂尖銀行家──Jonathan Blake決定離開,這不僅僅是簡單的辭職,而是一場撼動全局的劇變。
Jonathan坐在辦公室的角落,城市的天際線靜靜地目睹了他內心的掙扎。他花了超過十年的時間,一步一步攀爬這個企業的升遷階梯,以一種冷酷無情、只追求效率、同時帶有一些個人魅力的方式,引領著大家度過高階金融界的險境。如今,當他俯瞰泰晤士河時,心中卻升起了一絲不安。
我確定嗎?他問自己。他正在冒險離開他的職位。他準備要永遠改變他的人生,這是他對自己的承諾。他的父母是一生渴望功成名就的第一代移民,作為他們的兒子,Jonathan一直以來只知道不斷向前達成目標。不,他已經答應他自己了,要花時間好好想想什麼是他真的想要的。
他的手機不斷震動,看起來像是他的同事們和競爭者們傳來的訊息。他直接忽略他們。有些人很驚訝,有些人很好奇,還有一部分的人已經像禿鷹一樣盤旋著,等不及要謀取因他離職所帶來的「權力真空」。
Jonathan讓手機持續震動,甚至懶得把它調成靜音。他專注在螢幕上的電子郵件草稿。那是他的辭職信,一封簡潔卻意味深長的告別信,送給這個曾經是他第二個家的公司。
「Jonathan,你真的確定嗎?」他的助理Emily猶豫地站在門口。從他剛來花旗她就一直在他身邊,想到他即將離開,她的表情明顯不安。
他知道這個決定也會影響到她。她還需要再獲得幾個證照,才能自己獨立處理由Jonathan負責的工作。然而,Jonathan知道她會沒事的。她非常聰明且應變能力強。
無論如何他仍轉向她,給了她一個安慰的微笑。「是時候了,Emily。我已經把所有的一切都給了這個地方。現在,我需要一些新的刺激、一些這裡再也無法帶給我的挑戰。」
Emily點了點頭,但她的眼神背叛了她,明顯流露出擔憂的神情。「那你接下來打算做什麼?」
Jonathan靠在椅背上,思索著這個問題。「當然,我之前收過一些錄取通知信。來自德意志銀行、高盛……但我覺得我需要先休息一下,也許去旅行整理一下思緒,然後再做決定。」
Jonathan花了一個早上的時間寫好他的辭職信,並按了發送鍵。他馬上就收到了回覆。他的收件匣瞬間被來自高層主管的回覆給淹沒,每封信都訴說著遺憾和祝福。然而,有一封郵件特別引人注目。那封郵件來自花旗集團的企業金融暨投資銀行事業群負責人Philip Drury。
「Jonathan,在你做出最終決定之前我們應該好好聊聊。中午來我的辦公室。」
Jonathan嘆了口氣,他知道這場談話是無法避免的。他瞥了一眼手錶,還有幾個小時可以準備。他沉澱了一下心情,不禁回想起這一路走來的酸甜苦辣。從他早期作為一名滿懷雄心壯志的分析師,到成為歐洲最具影響力的銀行家之一,這是一段驚心動魄的旅程。但現在,站在改變的懸崖邊,他有種奇妙的感覺,參雜了恐懼與興奮。
很快就到了中午,Jonathan一回神發現自己已經站在Philip的辦公室門外。他深吸了一口氣,敲了敲門。門開了,Philip示意他進來。
「請坐,Jonathan。」Philip開始說話,語氣有些嚴肅卻又充滿同理心。「我聽到了些傳聞,但我需要聽你自己說,為什麼要離職?」
Jonathan與他對視,目光沒有一絲動搖。「Philip,我在這裡已經完成了所有當初設定的目標。但我需要一個新的挑戰,可以讓我重新燃起熱情的挑戰。」
那只是一部分的實話。然而,他不想浪費Philip的時間,談論他內心的掙扎,也不希望拖長這段談話的時間。
Philip慢慢地點了點頭。「我明白了。但你要知道,Jonathan,花旗永遠會為你留個位置。如果你有一天決定回來,花旗的大門隨時為你敞開。」
在Philip說完這句話後,談話就結束了。Jonathan離開了Philip的辦公室,他感覺到一股壓力從肩膀上卸下。他已經做出了最後的決定,再也無法回頭。當他可能是最後一次走過花旗的走廊時,他感到一切圓滿結束了。未來雖然充滿不確定性,但這麼多年來,他第一次感受到真正的自由。
Photo by Mike Stezycki on Unsplash
Post Reading Section (15 minutes)
Reading Comprehension:
Warm-Up True or False Questions
True or False: Jonathan Blake felt completely (100%) confident about his decision to leave Citigroup.
True or False: Jonathan’s assistant, Emily, was supportive of his decision to leave.
True or False: Jonathan received an email from Philip Drury, the head of Citi’s banking, capital markets, and advisory business.
True or False: Jonathan decided to leave Citigroup because he had no other job offers.
Short Response Questions
What was Jonathan’s main reason for leaving Citigroup?
How did Jonathan feel as he walked through the corridors of Citi for the last time?
What did Jonathan plan to do immediately after leaving Citigroup?
Longform Discussion Questions
Discuss the impact of Jonathan’s departure on his colleagues and the company. How might his decision affect the dynamics within Citigroup?
Reflect on the theme of change and personal growth in the story. How does Jonathan’s journey show the challenges and rewards of seeking new opportunities?
閱讀後的討論 (15 minutes)
促進閱讀理解的問題:
暖身是非題:
True or False: 針對他離開花旗的決定Jonathan Blake有百分之百的把握。
True or False: Jonathan的助理Emily支持他離職。
True or False: Jonathan收到來自花旗集團的企業金融暨投資銀行事業群負責人Philip Drury的郵件。
True or False: Jonathan決定離開花旗是因為他沒有其他的工作機會。
簡答題:
Jonathan離開花旗集團的主要原因是什麼?
當Jonathan最後一次走過花旗的走廊時,他有什麼感覺?
Jonathan離開花旗集團後打算立刻做什麼?
討論問題:
8. 討論Jonathan的離職對同事和公司有什麼影響。他的決定會如何改變花旗集團內部的生態?
9. 反思故事中描繪「改變與個人成長」的主題。Jonathan的人生旅程如何展現出探索新的可能性時,伴隨的苦與甜?
Answer Key
Warm-Up True or False Questions
False
False
True
False
Short Response Questions
Jonathan's main reason for leaving Citigroup was that he needed a new challenge and wanted to reignite his passion.
As he walked through the corridors of Citi for the last time, Jonathan felt a sense of closure.
Immediately after leaving Citigroup, Jonathan planned to take a break, possibly travel, and clear his head before deciding on his next career move.
Longform Discussion Questions Possible Answers
Discuss the impact of Jonathan's departure on his colleagues and the company. How might his decision affect the dynamics within Citigroup?
Possible Answers:
Jonathan's departure could create a power vacuum and lead to competition among colleagues to fill his position.
His departure might also lead to a loss of morale among employees, especially those who were close to him or mentored by him.
The company could experience a loss of clients or business due to Jonathan's expertise and relationships leaving with him.
Jonathan's decision could also inspire other employees to re-evaluate their own careers and potentially lead to more resignations.
Citigroup might need to restructure or re-strategize to adapt to the loss of Jonathan's leadership and skills.
Reflect on the theme of change and personal growth in the story. How does Jonathan's journey show the challenges and rewards of seeking new opportunities?
Possible Answers:
Jonathan's journey demonstrates that seeking new opportunities can be both challenging and rewarding.
He faced uncertainty and fear about leaving a comfortable and successful position but also felt excitement about the potential for personal and professional growth.
His decision to prioritize his own passion and need for a new challenge over financial stability and prestige shows the importance of self-reflection and personal fulfillment.
Jonathan's story also highlights the importance of taking risks and stepping outside of one's comfort zone to achieve personal growth.
The theme of change is evident in Jonathan's willingness to let go of the past and embrace the uncertainty of his future.
解答
暖身是非題:
錯誤
錯誤
正確
錯誤
簡答題:
Jonathan離開花旗集團的主要原因是,他需要一個新的挑戰,並希望重新點燃自己的熱情。
當Jonathan最後一次走過花旗的走廊時,他感到了一切圓滿結束了。
Jonathan離開花旗集團後打算先稍作休息,有可能會去旅行並整理思緒,然後再決定他職涯規劃的下一步。
討論問題:
討論Jonathan的離職對同事和公司的影響。他的決定會如何改變花旗集團內部的生態?
可能的答案:
Jonathan的離職可能會創造出一個「權力真空」,導致同事之間為填補他的職位產生競爭。
他的離職可能會對員工的士氣造成打擊,尤其是那些與他關係密切或曾受他指導的人。
少了Jonathan的專業能力和伴隨他一起離開的人脈,公司可能會失去一些客戶或生意。
Jonathan的決定可能會啟發其他員工重新評估自己的職涯發展,進而可能導致更多人辭職。
花旗集團可能需要進行重組或重新制定策略,來應對失去Jonathan的領導力與技能後的挑戰。
反思故事中描繪「改變與個人成長」的主題。Jonathan的人生旅程如何展現出探索新的可能性時,伴隨的苦與甜?
可能的答案:
Jonathan的人生旅程展現了探索新機會時充滿挑戰的艱苦,但也期盼著克服挑戰後的回報。
他面對的是離開一個舒適且成功的職位帶來的恐懼與不確定性,但同時也對接下來可能的個人成長與職涯發展感到興奮。
他把自己的熱情和對新挑戰的需求擺在第一位,而非僅僅追求財務穩定和社會地位,這展現了自我檢視與自我實現的重要性。
Jonathan的故事也凸顯了勇敢冒險與走出舒適圈對實現個人成長的重要性。
Jonathan願意放下過去並擁抱不確定的未來貫穿了「改變」這個主軸。
Credits
Lesson and story by…. Tyler W. Golec
Translations by… Rosy Lien
Media contributions by…. Mike Stezycki, Nikunj Singh, Ricardo Resende, and Polina Kuzovkova