Speak Out Intermediate Units 6-10 PDF

# The Secret of Success ## Speaking - Write the names of three very successful people. - Answer the questions: - How and why did these people become successful? - Do you think they have a special talent, or have they just been lucky? - What advice would you give to someone who wants to...

# The Secret of Success ## Speaking - Write the names of three very successful people. - Answer the questions: - How and why did these people become successful? - Do you think they have a special talent, or have they just been lucky? - What advice would you give to someone who wants to be as successful as these people? - Work in pairs and read the quotes. What do they tell you about success? Do you agree or disagree? - *“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”* - Thomas Edison - *“Success doesn’t come to you…you go to it.”* - Marva Collins - *“The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.”* - Benjamin Disraeli - Can you recognise any of the people in the photos? Do you know why they are famous? ## Listening - Read the introduction to an article about success. What do you think the secret of success is? --- **What is The Secret of Success?** *BBC Focus Magazine Investigates* What makes the most successful people on the planet different from the rest of us If we were more like Albert Einstein or John Lennon, surely we could enjoy the same level of success. In his new book, Malcolm Gladwell reveals that there is one factor- so obvious that it’s right under our noses - that all successful people share. - Listen to the radio programme and complete the summary: - In this new book, Outliers, Gladwell argues that Beethoven, The Beatles and Bill Gates all have one thing in ______. They _______ what they do, and they practised a lot. In fact, Gladwell discovered that in order to be truly ______ in anything, it is necessary to practise for more than _______ hours. These people have done that, which is why he believes they have been so _______. - Are the statements true (T) or false (F)? 1. If we want to learn from Bill Gates’ achievements, we need to look at where he came from and the opportunities he had. 2. If you’re going to be world-class at something, you need to have parents who are high achievers. 3. The Beatles played all-night concerts in Hamburg, and this helped them to master their craft. 4. To become a successful tennis player, you need a very talented teacher, and enough money to pay for your tuition. - Listen again to check. - Discuss. Do you agree that if you practise something enough, you can become world-class at it, or do you think you need to have a natural talent for it? ## Vocabulary - Complete sentences 1-8 with the phrases in the box: * work hard (at something) * be a high achiever * have a natural talent for * focus on * have the opportunity (to do something) * believe in yourself * master (a skill / a craft) * (be) world-class (at something). 1. You will never achieve anything, if you don’t _____ at it. 2. I don’t _____ languages. I find them difficult to learn. If you _____ and your abilities, then you can achieve anything. 3. It’s amazing what children can achieve if they _____ any skill, you have to practise it regularly. 4. If you want to ______, you have to try different skills. 5. I’m sure she will ______ to do well at everything. She is determined. 6. When I really want something, I try to ______ my goal. 7. She’ll beat all the women in the world this year. She’s a _______ gymnast. 8. Be sure about your ideas/abilities. - Find phrases above to match meanings 1-6. 1. be sure about your ideas/abilities 2. only think about one objective 3. become very skilled at something 4. have the chance to do something 5. be ambitious and successful in your work or studies 6. to be one of the best in the world - Choose two of the phrases and make sentences which are true for you. Compare your ideas with a partner.