ESL Lesson: A Story of Business, Drama & Finance Part 6

Objective:

Students will continue to improve their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills through the story “Business, Self-Discovery & Finance.”

Duration:

45 minutes

Pre-Reading Vocabulary (10 minutes)

1. Invigorated (v, past participle) - Filled with energy and enthusiasm. * “The morning jog invigorated me for the rest of the day.”

2. Proposition (n) - A suggested plan or offer. * “The business partners presented a proposition for a new marketing campaign.”

3. Quaint (adj) - Attractively unusual or old-fashioned. * “We stayed in a quaint little cottage in the countryside.”

4. Infectious (adj) - Likely to spread or influence others. * “Her laughter was infectious, and soon everyone was smiling.”

5. Invaluable (adj) - Extremely useful; indispensable. * “His experience proved invaluable to the team's success.

6. Dynamic (adj) - Characterized by constant change, activity, or progress. * “The city has a dynamic and ever-changing skyline.”

7. Thrived (v, past tense) - To grow or develop well; to flourish. * “The plants thrived in the sunny window.”

8. Potential (n) - The possibility of something developing or happening in the future. * “The young athlete showed great potential for a successful career.”

9. Embrace (v) - To accept or support something willingly. * “She decided to embrace the new opportunity with open arms.”

10. Clarity (n) - The quality of being clear and easy to understand. * “The lawyer explained the legal terms with great clarity.”

Photo by Joshua Kettle on Unsplash

Reading: Chapter 6: A New Beginning

Jonathan Blake stood on the rooftop terrace, the Bangkok skyline glittering around him. The networking event had been a success, and he felt invigorated by the conversations and connections he had made. As the night drew to a close, he found himself reflecting on his journey over the past few months.

He had traveled across continents, met incredible people, and rediscovered his passion for life and work. The experiences had changed him, giving him a new perspective on what truly mattered. He realized that his journey was not just about finding a new job, but about finding a new way of living.

As he gazed out at the city, his phone buzzed with a message. It was from Emma, the entrepreneur he had met at the conference.

“Jonathan, it was great meeting you tonight. I have a proposition for you. Let’s discuss over breakfast tomorrow?”

Jonathan felt excitement. He was genuinely intrigued by the prospect. He replied, agreeing to meet her the next morning. As he put his phone away, he felt a sense of adrenaline. The future was full of possibilities, and he was ready to embrace them.

The next morning, Jonathan met Emma at a quaint café by the river. They ordered breakfast and settled into a comfortable conversation. Emma’s enthusiasm was infectious, and Jonathan found himself drawn to her vision for the future of finance.

“Jonathan, I’ve been thinking about our conversation last night,” Emma began. “Your experience and insights could be invaluable to my startup. We’re looking to expand, and I believe you could help us take it to the next level.”

Jonathan considered her words. The idea of joining a dynamic, innovative company was appealing. It was a chance to apply his skills in a new and exciting way, while also maintaining the balance he had found during his travels.

“Emma, I’m intrigued,” he said. “Tell me more about your vision and how I can contribute.”

They spent the next hour discussing ideas and strategies. Jonathan felt a renewed sense of purpose, excited by the challenge and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. By the end of their meeting, he knew he had found his next step.

“Count me in,” Jonathan said, extending his hand. “Let’s make this happen.”

Emma smiled, shaking his hand. “Welcome aboard, Jonathan. I have a feeling this is the beginning of something great.”

As they parted ways, Jonathan felt the rush of fulfillment. He had found a new path, one that combined his passion for finance with his desire for personal growth and balance. The journey had been long and challenging, but it had led him to a place of clarity and purpose.

Jonathan spent the next few weeks in Bangkok, working closely with Emma and her team. The startup was a hive of activity, filled with talented individuals who shared a common goal. Jonathan thrived in the dynamic environment, bringing his expertise and experience to the table.

As the days turned into weeks, Jonathan felt a deep sense of satisfaction. He had found a new home, a place where he could grow and contribute in meaningful ways. The journey of self-discovery had led him to a new beginning, one that was filled with promise and potential.

One evening, as he stood on the rooftop terrace once more, Jonathan reflected on the path that had brought him here. He had left behind the familiar to embrace the unknown, and in doing so, he had found himself. The future was bright, and he was ready to face it with confidence and excitement.

With a final glance at the city below, Jonathan smiled. He had found his place in the world, and he was ready for whatever came next.

The End!

Post-Reading Activity (15 minutes)

Warm-up (True or False)

  1. True or False? Jonathan felt energized and excited after the networking event in Bangkok.

  2. True or False? Emma contacted Jonathan through a phone call to discuss her proposition. 

  3. True or False? Jonathan was hesitant about Emma's offer and needed a lot of convincing. 

  4. True or False?Jonathan's new position allows him to combine his passion for finance with a balanced lifestyle. 

Short Response

  1. How did Jonathan's travels change his perspective on life and work?

  2. What specific qualities about Emma and her startup appealed to Jonathan?

  3. Describe the environment of the startup and how Jonathan felt working there.

Long Form Discussion

  1. The story emphasizes the idea of "finding your place in the world." What does this mean to you? How do you think people go about finding their place in the world?

  2. Jonathan takes a leap of faith by leaving his old life and accepting a job at a startup in a new country. Discuss the theme of taking risks to pursue personal and professional growth. What are the potential rewards and challenges of such decisions?

Answer Key

Warm-up (True or False)

  1. Jonathan felt energized and excited after the networking event in Bangkok. (True)

  2. Emma contacted Jonathan through a phone call to discuss her proposition. (False)

  3. Jonathan was hesitant about Emma's offer and needed a lot of convincing. (False)

  4. Jonathan's new position allows him to combine his passion for finance with a balanced lifestyle. (True)

Short Response

  • How did Jonathan's travels change his perspective on life and work?

    • Jonathan's travels exposed him to new cultures, ideas, and people, which broadened his horizons. It helped him realize that there was more to life than just his corporate job and that work could be fulfilling and balanced with personal life.

  • What specific qualities about Emma and her startup appealed to Jonathan?

    • Emma's enthusiasm, vision, and the innovative nature of her startup appealed to Jonathan. He saw it as an opportunity to use his skills in a new and exciting way while maintaining the work-life balance he desired.

  • Describe the environment of the startup and how Jonathan felt working there.

    • The startup environment was dynamic and filled with talented individuals working towards a shared goal. Jonathan thrived in this setting, feeling a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

Long Form Discussion

  1. Finding your place in the world can mean different things to different people. It could be about discovering your passion, purpose, or a sense of belonging and community. People go about finding their place through self-reflection, exploration, trying new things, traveling, and connecting with others. It can be a lifelong journey with ups and downs.

  2. Taking risks for personal and professional growth involves stepping outside of your comfort zone and embracing uncertainty.

    Potential rewards:

  • Discovering new passions and talents.

  • Personal and professional growth.

  • Increased self-confidence and resilience.

  • New opportunities and experiences.

    Potential challenges:

  • Fear of failure or the unknown.

  • Financial instability or loss.

  • Strained relationships or isolation.

  • The need to adapt to new environments and cultures.

Credits:

Story and lesson material by… Tyler Golec

Mandarin Translations by… Rosy Lien

Media contributions by… Polina Kuzovkova, Joshua Kettle, Geoff Greenwood, and Frida Aguilar Estrada