Talk Show Topic Pack One

Does this picture remind you of any idioms?

First think, then open the tab below to see the idiom.

It is very important for everyone to gain experience about different things in life. But everyone was once a rookie. Rookies usually make funny mistakes.

Tell your friends about a rookie’s gaffe you’ve made in the past.

How did people react to it?

  1. To be green

    • Meaning: Inexperienced or new to a particular job or situation.

    • Example: “He’s a bit green for such a high-stakes negotiation, but he’s eager to learn.”

  2. A steep learning curve

    • Meaning: A situation where a lot must be learned very quickly, often with initial difficulty.

    • Example: “Switching careers to software engineering involved a very steep learning curve.”

  3. To shadow someone

    • Meaning: To follow and closely observe a person at work to learn how to do their job.

    • Example: “New hires shadow a senior colleague for their first week to understand our processes.”

  4. A reality check

    • Meaning: An event that makes you see a situation as it truly is, often less ideal than you thought.

    • Example: “Failing my first major assignment was a harsh reality check about university standards.”

  5. To find your feet

    • Meaning: To become confident and comfortable in a new situation.

    • Example: “It took me a few months to find my feet after moving to the marketing department.”

  6. Callow

    • Meaning: (Adj.) Lacking experience, maturity, or sophistication.

    • Example: “Looking back, my callow response to the criticism was unprofessional.”

  7. To hone a skill

    • Meaning: To refine, perfect, or sharpen a skill through practice.

    • Example: “This role is the perfect opportunity to hone your project management skills.”

  8. Out of one’s depth

    • Meaning: In a situation that is too difficult to handle due to a lack of ability or experience.

    • Example: “When they started discussing quantum physics, I felt completely out of my depth.”

  9. A baptism of fire

    • Meaning: A very difficult first experience that tests someone immediately.

    • Example: “His baptism of fire was having to present to the board on his second day.”

  10. Growing pains

    • Meaning: The temporary problems or difficulties experienced during a period of rapid growth or development.

    • Example: “The startup’s early logistical issues were just typical growing pains.”

 

  1. Why is experience valued in the workplace?

  2. How can we help young people who are just starting their careers?

  3. Do you think people learn more from success or failure?

Take someone under your wing! 

Does this picture remind you of any idioms?

First think, then tab the button below to see the idiom.

Have you ever been supported by someone else in a way that you felt like they had taken you under their wing?

Has the opposite ever happened?

1. To lead by example

  • Meaning: To teach or guide others through your own actions and behavior, not just your words.

  • Example: For the question on parental mentorship, you could say: “A parent can lead by example by demonstrating honesty and hard work, which is more powerful than just lecturing about it.”

2. Constructive criticism

  • Meaning: Advice that is intended to help someone improve, delivered in a helpful, positive way rather than a purely negative one.

  • Example: On the “strict mentor” question: “I disagree that strictness is best. What’s more valuable is a mentor who offers constructive criticism—pointing out errors while also showing how to fix them.”

3. To foster independence

  • Meaning: To encourage and support someone’s ability to think and act on their own.

  • Example: On parental mentorship: “A crucial mentor quality is the wisdom to foster independence in their child, preparing them for the world rather than keeping them sheltered.”

4. A sounding board

  • Meaning: A person you discuss your ideas with to test them and get thoughtful feedback before acting.

  • Example: On why parents aren’t always the best mentors: “A young person often needs an impartial sounding board—someone outside the family who can give unbiased advice on a career dilemma.”

5. To instill confidence / values

  • Meaning: To gradually but firmly establish a feeling, principle, or quality in someone.

  • Example: On essential mentor qualities: “Patience is essential because it takes time to instill confidence in a shy or inexperienced person.”

6. Intrinsic motivation

  • Meaning: A drive to do something that comes from personal satisfaction or internal reward, not from external pressure or reward.

  • Example: On what motivates a mentor: “Often, the motivation is intrinsic—a genuine personal satisfaction from helping another person grow and succeed.”

7. A legacy

  • Meaning: Something passed on or left behind by a predecessor; in mentorship, the knowledge, values, or impact you leave with others.

  • Example: On a mentor’s motivation: “Some are driven by a desire to leave a legacy, ensuring their skills and experience live on through their protégés.”

8. To navigate (challenges / a field)

  • Meaning: To find your way through and successfully deal with a complex or difficult situation.

  • Example: On a mentor’s role: “A good mentor helps a young person navigate the challenges of a new industry, which can be overwhelming alone.”

9. Objectivity

  • Meaning: The ability to judge something based on observable facts, unbiased by personal feelings or opinions.

  • Example: On parental mentorship: “A teacher or coach can sometimes offer greater objectivity about a child’s abilities than a parent, who may be overly critical or protective.”

10. To pay it forward

  • Meaning: To repay a kindness you received by being kind to someone else, creating a chain of good deeds.

  • Example: On a mentor’s motivation: “A very common reason is simply to pay it forward—because they themselves were once taken under someone’s wing.”

  1. What personal qualities are essential for someone who is effectively guiding a younger person?
  2. Some people say the best mentors are those who are very strict. Do you agree?
    What motivates a person to take on a mentoring role?
  3. Do you think parents are always the best mentors for their own children? Why or why not?

 

Does this picture remind you of any idioms?

First think, then open the tab below to see the idiom.

Idioms are great!

grit your teeth

keep your determination and resolve in difficult situations.

See the idiom

The title of this video is Grit: the Power of Passion and Perseverance. Before you watch the video, what do you think about this title? Do you think the speaker compares grit with other factors such as IQ? What do you think her position is?

Now, watch the video. What does she say about growth mindset?

  1. demanding /dɪˈmændɪŋ/
    Requiring a lot of skill, effort, or time.
    Example: She moved from a demanding career in law to an even more demanding one in medicine.

  2. stratospheric /ˌstrætəˈsferɪk/
    Extremely high; in this context, it refers metaphorically to a very high IQ score.
    Example: The company’s profits reached stratospheric levels after the product launch.

  3. parallelogram /ˌpærəˈleləɡræm/
    A four-sided plane figure with opposite sides parallel.
    Example: To find the area, remember that a rectangle is also a type of parallelogram.

  4. perspective /pərˈspektɪv/
    A particular attitude or way of regarding something; a point of view.
    Example: Studying history gives us a valuable perspective on current events.

  5. characteristic /ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/
    A typical feature or quality distinguishing a person or thing.
    Example: Attention to detail is a key characteristic of a successful editor.

  6. stamina /ˈstæmɪnə/
    The ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort; endurance.
    Example: Marathon runners need incredible stamina to complete the race.

  7. inversely /ɪnˈvɜːrsli/
    In an opposite manner; so that when one thing increases, the other decreases.
    Example: In many cases, price and demand are inversely related.

  8. mindset /ˈmaɪndset/
    A fixed mental attitude or disposition that predetermines responses.
    Example: Adopting a growth mindset can help you overcome challenges more effectively.

  9. intuitions /ˌɪntjuːˈɪʃənz/
    The ability to understand something instinctively, without conscious reasoning.
    Example: Sometimes, you have to trust your intuitions when making a difficult decision.

  10. gritty /ˈɡrɪti/
    Showing courage, resolve, and perseverance; possessing grit.
    Example: The team’s gritty performance in the final minutes secured their victory.

  1. Think about a long-term goal you are currently working toward or have achieved in the past. What specific qualities or habits, besides natural talent, were most important in helping you make progress? How did you maintain your motivation when you faced obstacles or setbacks?

  2. Imagine you are responsible for teaching a young person (a child, a sibling, a student) the value of hard work and perseverance. What is one concrete activity, lesson, or piece of advice you would use to encourage them to keep trying when something is difficult? Avoid simply telling them to “work harder.”

  3. Some people argue that the idea of “grit” or relentless perseverance can sometimes lead to burnout, unnecessary struggle, or refusing to quit a path that is no longer right. Can you describe a time when you decided not to persevere—when you changed your goal, quit a project, or pivoted in a new direction? How did you know it was the right decision?


 Does this picture remind you of any idioms?

First think, then open the tab below to see the idiom.

let the grass grow under one’s foot

to wait before doing something or to do something slowly —used in negative statements

Mary never lets grass grow under her feet. She’s always busy.

    1. In what areas of your life are you most likely to “let the grass grow under your feet,” and why? What usually makes you hesitate or move slowly? Conversely, can you think of a time when you didn’t let the grass grow and acted immediately—what was the result?



    1. In your culture or in your field of work/study, is this “no grass growing” attitude always seen as positive? Can you think of situations where acting too quickly, without letting any “grass grow,” might be a bad thing? (e.g., making a big decision, giving feedback, implementing a new policy).



  1. Do you think governments or large organizations are often guilty of “letting the grass grow under their feet” when facing new challenges? Why might this happen? Can you give a real or hypothetical example where this delay had significant consequences?

1. Hesitate /ˈhez.ɪ.teɪt/

  • Meaning: To pause before doing or saying something, often due to uncertainty or nervousness.

  • Example: “I tend to hesitate when making big financial decisions, which is sometimes a form of letting the grass grow.”

2. Initiative /ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.tɪv/

  • Meaning: The ability to assess and act on things independently; the first step in an undertaking.

  • Example: “The positive result came because I took the initiative and didn’t wait for permission.”

3. Impulsive /ɪmˈpʌl.sɪv/

  • Meaning: Acting or done suddenly without careful thought.

  • Example: “Being too impulsive can be just as bad as letting grass grow; you might make a rash purchase.”

4. Bureaucracy /bjʊəˈrɒk.rə.si/

  • Meaning: A system of administration with complex rules and procedures that often causes delay.

  • Example: “Government bureaucracy is a classic reason why organizations let the grass grow on urgent issues.”

5. Momentum /məˈmen.təm/

  • Meaning: The force or speed of movement that makes continuing development easier once it has begun.

  • Example: “Once I started the course, I gained momentum and didn’t let the grass grow under my feet.”

6. Repercussion /ˌriː.pəˈkʌʃ.ən/

  • Meaning: (Usually negative) An unintended consequence of an event or action.

  • Example: “The repercussions of letting the grass grow on climate policy are now very clear.”

7. Pragmatic /præɡˈmæt.ɪk/

  • Meaning: Dealing with things sensibly and realistically, based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

  • Example: “In my culture, a pragmatic, steady approach is valued more than constant, frantic action.”

8. Accountability /əˌkaʊn.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/

  • Meaning: The state of being responsible or answerable for something.

  • Example: “A lack of clear accountability often lets leaders in large companies get away with letting the grass grow.”

9. Stagnation /stæɡˈneɪ.ʃən/

  • Meaning: The state of not developing, advancing, or being active.

  • Connection: This is the noun form of the earlier suggestion, perfect for describing the result.

  • Example: “The stagnation in my career was a direct result of me letting the grass grow for too long.”

10. Prioritize /praɪˈɒr.ə.taɪz/

  • Meaning: To arrange or deal with tasks in order of their importance.

  • Example: “I don’t let grass grow on my health; I prioritize exercise even when I’m busy.”

  1. Think about a long-term goal you are currently working toward or have achieved in the past. What specific qualities or habits, besides natural talent, were most important in helping you make progress? How did you maintain your motivation when you faced obstacles or setbacks?

  2. Imagine you are responsible for teaching a young person (a child, a sibling, a student) the value of hard work and perseverance. What is one concrete activity, lesson, or piece of advice you would use to encourage them to keep trying when something is difficult? Avoid simply telling them to “work harder.”

  3. Some people argue that the idea of “grit” or relentless perseverance can sometimes lead to burnout, unnecessary struggle, or refusing to quit a path that is no longer right. Can you describe a time when you decided not to persevere—when you changed your goal, quit a project, or pivoted in a new direction? How did you know it was the right decision?

Does this picture remind you of any proverb/ saying?

First think, then open the tab below to see the idiom.

“Evil thrives when good people do nothing.”

What do you think it means?

 

Let’s learn these words before you listen to a talk.

bystander effect (n) /ˈbaɪˌstændə ɪˌfekt/ (C1)
a social phenomenon in which people are less likely to help someone when others are present

social psychological (adj) /ˌsəʊʃl ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkl/ (C1)
relating to how society influences individual thoughts and behaviour

theory (n) /ˈθɪəri/ (B2)
a formal explanation based on research and evidence

individuals (n) /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlz/ (B2)
people considered separately rather than as a group

less likely (to) (adj phr) /les ˈlaɪkli (tə)/ (B2)
having a lower chance or probability of something happening

offer help (v phr) /ˈɒfə help/ (B2)
to provide assistance voluntarily

victim (n) /ˈvɪktɪm/ (B2)
a person who is harmed or in need of help

proposed (v) /prəˈpəʊzd/ (C1)
put forward as an idea or explanation for consideration

based on (prep phr) /beɪst ɒn/ (B2)
using something as evidence or a foundation

observations (n) /ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃənz/ (B2)
careful watching and recording of events or behaviour

primary factors (n phr) /ˈpraɪməri ˈfæktəz/ (C1)
the main causes or reasons for something

diffusion of responsibility (n phr) /dɪˈfjuːʒən əv rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ (C1)
a situation in which responsibility is shared, reducing individual obligation to act

take action (v phr) /teɪk ˈækʃən/ (B2)
to do something in response to a situation

personal responsibility (n phr) /ˈpɜːsənl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ (C1)
an individual’s sense of duty to act

social influence (n phr) /ˈsəʊʃl ˈɪnfluəns/ (C1)
the effect other people have on one’s behaviour

cues (n) /kjuːz/ (C1)
signals or signs that guide how someone behaves

ambiguous (adj) /æmˈbɪɡjuəs/ (C1)
unclear or open to more than one interpretation

interpret (v) /ɪnˈtɜːprɪt/ (B2)
to understand or explain the meaning of something

refrain from (v phr) /rɪˈfreɪn frɒm/ (C1)
to deliberately avoid doing something

intervene (v) /ˌɪntəˈviːn/ (C1)
to step in to stop or improve a situation

dispute (v) /dɪˈspjuːt/ (C1)
to question or challenge the truth of a claim

likelihood (n) /ˈlaɪklɪhʊd/ (C1)
the probability that something will happen

assistance (n) /əˈsɪstəns/ (B2)
help or support

 

    • Have you ever witnessed a situation where people hesitated to help? What factors played a role?

    • How can education or public campaigns reduce the bystander effect?

    • Should individuals be morally or legally responsible for not helping in emergencies?

    • How might social media and smartphones change bystander behaviour today?

    • In emergencies, is it better to wait for professionals or act immediately?

 

Does this picture remind you of any idioms?

First think, then open the tab below to see the idiom.

grit your teeth

keep your determination and resolve in difficult situations

The title of this video is Grit: the Power of Passion and Perseverance. Before you watch the video, what do you think about this title? Do you think the speaker compares grit with other factors such as IQ? What do you think her position is?

Now, watch the video. What does she say about growth mindset?

  1. demanding /dɪˈmændɪŋ/
    Requiring a lot of skill, effort, or time.
    Example: She moved from a demanding career in law to an even more demanding one in medicine.

  2. stratospheric /ˌstrætəˈsferɪk/
    Extremely high; in this context, it refers metaphorically to a very high IQ score.
    Example: The company’s profits reached stratospheric levels after the product launch.

  3. parallelogram /ˌpærəˈleləɡræm/
    A four-sided plane figure with opposite sides parallel.
    Example: To find the area, remember that a rectangle is also a type of parallelogram.

  4. perspective /pərˈspektɪv/
    A particular attitude or way of regarding something; a point of view.
    Example: Studying history gives us a valuable perspective on current events.

  5. characteristic /ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/
    A typical feature or quality distinguishing a person or thing.
    Example: Attention to detail is a key characteristic of a successful editor.

  6. stamina /ˈstæmɪnə/
    The ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort; endurance.
    Example: Marathon runners need incredible stamina to complete the race.

  7. inversely /ɪnˈvɜːrsli/
    In an opposite manner; so that when one thing increases, the other decreases.
    Example: In many cases, price and demand are inversely related.

  8. mindset /ˈmaɪndset/
    A fixed mental attitude or disposition that predetermines responses.
    Example: Adopting a growth mindset can help you overcome challenges more effectively.

  9. intuitions /ˌɪntjuːˈɪʃənz/
    The ability to understand something instinctively, without conscious reasoning.
    Example: Sometimes, you have to trust your intuitions when making a difficult decision.

  10. gritty /ˈɡrɪti/
    Showing courage, resolve, and perseverance; possessing grit.
    Example: The team’s gritty performance in the final minutes secured their victory.

  1. Think about a long-term goal you are currently working toward or have achieved in the past. What specific qualities or habits, besides natural talent, were most important in helping you make progress? How did you maintain your motivation when you faced obstacles or setbacks?

  2. Imagine you are responsible for teaching a young person (a child, a sibling, a student) the value of hard work and perseverance. What is one concrete activity, lesson, or piece of advice you would use to encourage them to keep trying when something is difficult? Avoid simply telling them to “work harder.”

  3. Some people argue that the idea of “grit” or relentless perseverance can sometimes lead to burnout, unnecessary struggle, or refusing to quit a path that is no longer right. Can you describe a time when you decided not to persevere—when you changed your goal, quit a project, or pivoted in a new direction? How did you know it was the right decision?

 

Does this picture remind you of any idioms?

First think, then open the tab below to see the idiom.

grit your teeth

keep your determination and resolve in difficult situations

The title of this video is Grit: the Power of Passion and Perseverance. Before you watch the video, what do you think about this title? Do you think the speaker compares grit with other factors such as IQ? What do you think her position is?

Now, watch the video. What does she say about growth mindset?

  1. demanding /dɪˈmændɪŋ/
    Requiring a lot of skill, effort, or time.
    Example: She moved from a demanding career in law to an even more demanding one in medicine.

  2. stratospheric /ˌstrætəˈsferɪk/
    Extremely high; in this context, it refers metaphorically to a very high IQ score.
    Example: The company’s profits reached stratospheric levels after the product launch.

  3. parallelogram /ˌpærəˈleləɡræm/
    A four-sided plane figure with opposite sides parallel.
    Example: To find the area, remember that a rectangle is also a type of parallelogram.

  4. perspective /pərˈspektɪv/
    A particular attitude or way of regarding something; a point of view.
    Example: Studying history gives us a valuable perspective on current events.

  5. characteristic /ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/
    A typical feature or quality distinguishing a person or thing.
    Example: Attention to detail is a key characteristic of a successful editor.

  6. stamina /ˈstæmɪnə/
    The ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort; endurance.
    Example: Marathon runners need incredible stamina to complete the race.

  7. inversely /ɪnˈvɜːrsli/
    In an opposite manner; so that when one thing increases, the other decreases.
    Example: In many cases, price and demand are inversely related.

  8. mindset /ˈmaɪndset/
    A fixed mental attitude or disposition that predetermines responses.
    Example: Adopting a growth mindset can help you overcome challenges more effectively.

  9. intuitions /ˌɪntjuːˈɪʃənz/
    The ability to understand something instinctively, without conscious reasoning.
    Example: Sometimes, you have to trust your intuitions when making a difficult decision.

  10. gritty /ˈɡrɪti/
    Showing courage, resolve, and perseverance; possessing grit.
    Example: The team’s gritty performance in the final minutes secured their victory.

  1. Think about a long-term goal you are currently working toward or have achieved in the past. What specific qualities or habits, besides natural talent, were most important in helping you make progress? How did you maintain your motivation when you faced obstacles or setbacks?

  2. Imagine you are responsible for teaching a young person (a child, a sibling, a student) the value of hard work and perseverance. What is one concrete activity, lesson, or piece of advice you would use to encourage them to keep trying when something is difficult? Avoid simply telling them to “work harder.”

  3. Some people argue that the idea of “grit” or relentless perseverance can sometimes lead to burnout, unnecessary struggle, or refusing to quit a path that is no longer right. Can you describe a time when you decided not to persevere—when you changed your goal, quit a project, or pivoted in a new direction? How did you know it was the right decision?

 

Does this picture remind you of any idioms?

First think, then open the tab below to see the idiom.

grit your teeth

keep your determination and resolve in difficult situations

The title of this video is Grit: the Power of Passion and Perseverance. Before you watch the video, what do you think about this title? Do you think the speaker compares grit with other factors such as IQ? What do you think her position is?

Now, watch the video. What does she say about growth mindset?

  1. demanding /dɪˈmændɪŋ/
    Requiring a lot of skill, effort, or time.
    Example: She moved from a demanding career in law to an even more demanding one in medicine.

  2. stratospheric /ˌstrætəˈsferɪk/
    Extremely high; in this context, it refers metaphorically to a very high IQ score.
    Example: The company’s profits reached stratospheric levels after the product launch.

  3. parallelogram /ˌpærəˈleləɡræm/
    A four-sided plane figure with opposite sides parallel.
    Example: To find the area, remember that a rectangle is also a type of parallelogram.

  4. perspective /pərˈspektɪv/
    A particular attitude or way of regarding something; a point of view.
    Example: Studying history gives us a valuable perspective on current events.

  5. characteristic /ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk/
    A typical feature or quality distinguishing a person or thing.
    Example: Attention to detail is a key characteristic of a successful editor.

  6. stamina /ˈstæmɪnə/
    The ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort; endurance.
    Example: Marathon runners need incredible stamina to complete the race.

  7. inversely /ɪnˈvɜːrsli/
    In an opposite manner; so that when one thing increases, the other decreases.
    Example: In many cases, price and demand are inversely related.

  8. mindset /ˈmaɪndset/
    A fixed mental attitude or disposition that predetermines responses.
    Example: Adopting a growth mindset can help you overcome challenges more effectively.

  9. intuitions /ˌɪntjuːˈɪʃənz/
    The ability to understand something instinctively, without conscious reasoning.
    Example: Sometimes, you have to trust your intuitions when making a difficult decision.

  10. gritty /ˈɡrɪti/
    Showing courage, resolve, and perseverance; possessing grit.
    Example: The team’s gritty performance in the final minutes secured their victory.

  1. Think about a long-term goal you are currently working toward or have achieved in the past. What specific qualities or habits, besides natural talent, were most important in helping you make progress? How did you maintain your motivation when you faced obstacles or setbacks?

  2. Imagine you are responsible for teaching a young person (a child, a sibling, a student) the value of hard work and perseverance. What is one concrete activity, lesson, or piece of advice you would use to encourage them to keep trying when something is difficult? Avoid simply telling them to “work harder.”

  3. Some people argue that the idea of “grit” or relentless perseverance can sometimes lead to burnout, unnecessary struggle, or refusing to quit a path that is no longer right. Can you describe a time when you decided not to persevere—when you changed your goal, quit a project, or pivoted in a new direction? How did you know it was the right decision?