Talent
Lesson explores the concept about talent, discussing various topics about talent.
Part 1
Warm-up
Answer the questions
Were you born with a talent? If yes, what is it?
If no, which talent do you wish you were born with?
Part 2
Vocabulary
Read the word, its’ meaning, and the examples
Then make up your own sentences using the word.
Student can skip the words they already know.
fill someone's shoes
/fɪl ˈsʌmwʌnz ʃuːz/
To do someone’s job or take their place and perform as well as they did.
After the manager left, it was hard for anyone to fill her shoes.
When my sister moved away, I had to fill her shoes at home.
resent
/rɪˈzent/
To feel angry or bitter about something, often because you think it is unfair.
He resents his parents for not supporting his talent.
She resented being compared to her more talented sister.
figure out
/ˈfɪɡ.jər aʊt/
To understand or solve something.
It took me years to figure out what my true talent was.
He finally figured out the best way to practice his skills.
pursue
/pərˈsuː/
To try to achieve or follow something (such as a goal, career, or talent).
She wants to pursue a career in music.
He pursued his dream of becoming a famous artist.
destine
/ˈdes.tɪn/
To determine or decide that something will happen in the future, often used in passive (be destined) to mean something is certain to happen.
She felt she was destined to become a great dancer.
His talent destined him for success.
Make up your own sentences using the words.
Part 3
Reading comprehension
Read the article and answer questions.
Teacher helps student correct their pronunciation.
TALENT
Are we born with it?
What were you born to do? Was this a choice you made, or was this decision written in the stars?
Some people seem to be born with a gift. Mothers claim that their daughters were born very good at talking or their sons were destined to fill their father’s shoes. Specific types of talents seem to run in certain families.
Many athletes are trained at such a young age that it seems their parents are responsible for their success. Some resent their parents for pushing them to focus on only one thing. Others credit their parents for their talent and success.
These days, many people get their lucky break on reality TV. Others have their dreams crushed in these talent contests. Is there anything worse than hearing you don’t have talent from a celebrity who does?
Getting paid to do what you love is a dream come true for many young artists. Others prefer to keep their work and dreams separate and only pursue their talents as hobbies.
Lots of people are very good at two or more things. They can’t decide which dream to pursue. Have you figured out what your calling is?
Check your understanding
What is the reading mainly about?
According to the article, who is often responsible for an athlete’s success?
What do young artists often wish for?
Why does the reading mention reality TV?
How does the reading end?
Sample answer
1. What is the reading mainly about?
=> This reading is mainly about talent and how people fulfill their callings.
2. According to the article, who is often responsible for an athlete’s success?
=> Athletes’ parents are often responsible for the success of their children.
3. What do young artists often wish for?
=> Young artists often wish they could get paid for doing what they love
4. Why does the reading mention reality TV?
=> Reality TV is mentioned to show how modern talent contests can make or break people.
5. How does the reading end?
=> The reading ends with a direct question for the reader asking if he/she has figured out his/her calling (what one is supposedly born to do).
Part 4
Discussion
Let’s use the vocabulary you’ve learned during the lesson and talk about the following topics/questions freely!
Teacher helps student expand and correct the answers
Do you watch talent shows on TV? Why or why not?
Do you believe that talent is something people are born with, or can it be developed through hard work and practice?
Should parents have dreams for their children? Why or why not?
Are talented people happier than those who have not found their calling yet? Explain your opinion?
Can a person become successful without any natural talent? Why or why not?
Have you ever wanted to pursue a talent as a career but chose not to? What influenced your decision?
Do you think media and society put too much pressure on people to be talented or special?
What role do luck and opportunity play in achieving success with one’s talent?
Review
Let’s review the lesson with teacher
5 words and phrases in the lesson
Reading
Discussing various aspects of talent
See you next lesson
Homework
Do homework
Prepare a 1 to 2-minute talk about whether you think talent or hard work is more important for success.
Then record it and send to teacher.
