Queen Elizabeth II: her reign in numbers

Queen Elizabeth II: her reign in numbers

by | Sep 8, 2022 | Uncategorised

Sorry, but lessons on The Blue Tree work only on a computer or a tablet.

Bardzo mi przykro, ale lekcje na platformie The Blue Tree działają jedynie na komputerze lub tablecie.

Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂

Zespół The Blue Tree

back to HOME > General Interest > Culture >

Queen Elizabeth II: her reign in numbers
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Culture

CEF B1

CEFR B1

Intermediate

Practise speaking by describing this image

warm up

Answer the questions below. Then listen to the model answers and think about how you could improve yours.

Do you like learning about the lives of famous people?
TRANSCRIPT

I do enjoy learning about the lives of famous people, especially when they’ve had a significant impact on history or culture. It’s fascinating to see how their experiences shaped their decisions and legacy. With someone like Queen Elizabeth, her life tells the story of so many global changes during her reign.

Do you think life of a monarch, like Queen Elizabeth, is easy or difficult?
TRANSCRIPT

I think being a monarch like Queen Elizabeth is incredibly difficult. While it might look glamorous from the outside, there’s immense pressure to always be perfect, to represent your country, and to constantly make decisions under scrutiny. There’s also little room for personal freedom or privacy.

What would you like/hate the most about being a monarch yourself?
TRANSCRIPT

If I were a monarch, I’d love the ability to bring positive change and unite people. However, I’d hate the lack of privacy the most. Every decision, word, and action would be watched and judged. The idea of never being truly off-duty or having a private moment sounds overwhelming.

THE BLUE TREE - Polecany Nauczyciel Angielskiego - Queen Elizabeth II: her reign in numbers

part one

KEY LANGUAGE

Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.

VIDEO

Watch the first part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.

  • ⌚ 0:14 How long did Queen Elizabeth rule?
  • ⌚ 0:19 How did the world change during her reign?
  • ⌚ 0:30 What did she do as the first person in the UK?
  • ⌚ 0:50 How satisfied were the people in the UK with her reign?

part two

KEY LANGUAGE

Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.

VIDEO

Watch the second part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.

  • ⌚ 1:07 When was she coronated?
  • ⌚ 1:14 How old was she at that time?
  • ⌚ 1:16 How did the population of Britain change over her reign?
  • ⌚ 1:50 How many women were in the labour force in 1950s and 2021?
  • ⌚ 2:11 What are some of the topics people changed their views about in this time?
  • ⌚ 3:04 What proves that she was working very hard as a monarch?
  • ⌚ 3:23 What is the Red Box?

part three

KEY LANGUAGE

Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.

VIDEO

Watch the third part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.

  • ⌚ 3:56 How did the empire change in her lifetime?
  • ⌚ 4:26 What is Commonwealth and what facts about it do you remember?
  • ⌚ 4:54 What was the first thing she did when she became the Queen?
  • ⌚ 5:05 How long was her epic world tour? How many countries did she visit?
  • ⌚ 5:19 Why was her visit to Ghana dangerous?

part four

KEY LANGUAGE

Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.

VIDEO

Watch the fourth part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.

  • ⌚ 5:57 How many countries did she visit in her life?
  • ⌚ 6:03 How many US presidents and Popes did she meet?
  • ⌚ 6:21 What was the most reproduced photo of her placed on?
  • ⌚ 6:36 How many films and shows was she portrayed in? Have you seen any of them?
  • ⌚ 6:48 How many times was she listed as the world’s most admired woman?
  • ⌚ 7:02 Who was the only European monarch to have reigned longer than Queen Elizabeth II?
  • ⌚ 7:21 What is her most important legacy?

POLL

How would you feel if you became a monarch overnight?

How would you feel if you became a monarch overnight?

CAST YOUR VOTE
×

lesson glossary

UPS! Ta sekcja jest dostępna tylko dla moich uczniów. Zapraszam na wyjątkowe lekcje angielskiego online lub na Mokotowie w Warszawie. Napisz do mnie na hi@thebluetree i umów się na darmową lekcję próbną.
Pinkcast. The Drucker Memo

Pinkcast. The Drucker Memo

by | Sep 7, 2022 | Uncategorised

back to HOME > Personal Development > Personal Productivity >

Pinkcast. The Drucker Memo
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Personal
Productivity

CEF B1

CEFR B2

Upper
Intermediate

Practise speaking by describing this image

warm up

Answer the questions below.

Do you think people generally learn from history?
TRANSCRIPT

I think people can learn from history, but sometimes we get stuck in the same patterns and repeat mistakes. It depends on whether we’re open to reflecting on the past and actually applying those lessons. Personally, I try to take a step back and think about what went right or wrong before moving forward, but it’s easier said than done!

How much can we learn by analyzing our own past choices?
TRANSCRIPT

I believe we can learn a lot by analyzing our own past choices. I’ve found that reflecting on my experiences, both good and bad, helps me make better decisions in the future. It’s like that idea of self-awareness—once you recognize where you’ve gone off track, you can avoid making the same mistake again. I’ve also learned that it’s important not to be too hard on myself when things don’t go as planned.

What helps you make better decisions?
TRANSCRIPT

What helps me make better decisions is having a clear system in place and staying grounded in my goals. I find it useful to break down big decisions into smaller parts, and I always try to think through both the pros and cons. I also believe in being flexible, because sometimes things don’t go as expected, and you have to adjust. Taking care of my health and keeping my mind clear also plays a big role in making good decisions.

key language

Go through the flashcards below. Memorize as many words and their definitions are you can.

reading

PINKCAST 4.26

Here’s Peter Drucker’s simple method for improving your performance.

In the last 20 years of writing about business, I’ve often dealt with a major annoyance: I’ll come up with what I’m convinced is a mind-shattering, era-defining idea — only to discover that Peter Drucker had the idea a few decades ago.

Drucker was consistently astute about the present and prescient about the future. A true legend.

Among other breakthroughs, he pioneered the concept of “managing oneself” — which was as novel in the 1980’s as it is commonplace in the 2020’s. And perhaps my favorite Drucker self-management technique is “feedback analysis,” which involves writing down your expectations today to improve your performance tomorrow.

It’s all explained in the latest Pinkcast. You can watch the 174-second video by clicking the link below. After you’ve seen the video, come back here and answer the questions below. 

zaniedbywać

znajdować złoty środek

dążyć do, pretendować, mieć aspiracje

zabiegać o, ubiegać się (o coś)

odpuścić, porzucić

ostatecznie, w końcu

zadania, przydział (pracy)

wykupić (czas na coś)

zakres (obowiązków)

watch the video

COMPREHENSION



UPS! Sorki, ale ta sekcja jest dostępna tylko dla moich uczniów. Chcesz w pełni skorzystać z lekcji na The Blue Tree to zapraszam na moje wyjątkowe lekcje angielskiego. Napisz do mnie na: hi@thebluetree.pl

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

How practical do you find the Drucker Memo technique?

CAST YOUR VOTE
×

COMMENTS

What do you think of the Drucker Memo technique? How effective can it be in improving our performance or decisions? What would you write about if were to try it out?

Share your views and experience here.

Don’t chase happiness. Become antifragile.

Don’t chase happiness. Become antifragile.

by | Sep 6, 2022 | Uncategorised

Sorry, but lessons on The Blue Tree work only on a computer or a tablet.

Bardzo mi przykro, ale lekcje na platformie The Blue Tree działają jedynie na komputerze lub tablecie.

Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂

Zespół The Blue Tree

back to HOME > General Interest > Man and Society >

Don’t chase happiness. Become antifragile.
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Man & Society

CEF B1

CEFR B2

Upper
Intermediate

Practise speaking by describing this image

warm up

Answer the questions below. Then listen to the model answers and think about how you could improve yours.

How important is the pursuit of happiness for you?
TRANSCRIPT

The pursuit of happiness is really important to me, but I’ve learned that it’s not always about being happy all the time. I think it’s about finding balance and meaning in life, even when things are tough. For me, it’s about making choices that lead to long-term satisfaction, not just quick moments of joy. Happiness is something I actively work on, but I know it’s not a constant state.

What can tough times teach us? Is there any advantage in going through hardships?
TRANSCRIPT

Tough times can be some of the best teachers. Going through hardships makes you stronger, more understanding, and better equipped to handle future challenges. It’s like when you exercise and your muscles get stronger after being pushed to their limits. In the same way, when life pushes you, you grow, learn, and develop resilience. There’s definitely an advantage in going through tough times because they show you what you’re capable of.

How can we become more resilient to painful emotions and events?
TRANSCRIPT

To become more resilient to painful emotions and events, I think it’s important to first acknowledge and accept those feelings, rather than trying to avoid them. Learning to manage emotions through mindfulness, talking with others, or even just giving yourself time can make a big difference. Building strong relationships and focusing on personal growth also helps. It’s about recognizing that challenges are part of life and using them to grow rather than break.

part one

KEY LANGUAGE

Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.

VIDEO

Watch the first part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.

  • ⌚ 0:09 What two kinds of people do not experience emotions?
  • ⌚ 0:19 What false expectation do many people have in relation to happiness?
  • ⌚ 0:26 What do we need to learn to do with painful emotions?
  • ⌚ 1:12 What is Resilience 1.0 system about?
  • ⌚ 1:23 How is Resilience 2.0 different from 1.0?

part two

KEY LANGUAGE

Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.

VIDEO

Watch the second part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.

  • ⌚ 1:42 What example from our bodies illustrate the antifragile system?
  • ⌚ 2:02 What is PTG and how is it different from PTSD?
  • ⌚ 2:15 What is the goal of happiness studies?
  • ⌚ 3:00 What paradox exists in the context of pursuing happiness?
  • ⌚ 3:09 How can we resolve this paradox?
  • ⌚ 3:50 How is it similar to looking at the sun?

part three

KEY LANGUAGE

Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.

VIDEO

Watch the third part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.

  • ⌚ 4:17 What does SPIRE stand for?
  • ⌚ 4:32 What is spirituality about?
  • ⌚ 4:42 What is one the most important component of the physical element of the rainbow?
  • ⌚ 4:58 What is the main problem related to stress?
  • ⌚ 5:27 How can we draw happiness from intellectual side of life?

part four

KEY LANGUAGE

Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.

VIDEO

Watch the fourth part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.

  • ⌚ 5:41 What is the number one predictor of well-being?
  • ⌚ 5:54 How important is the quality of our relationships?
  • ⌚ 6:01 What two kinds of emotions do we need to learn to embrace?
  • ⌚ 6:13 What did Cicero think about gratitude?
  • ⌚ 6:19 What is the benefit of showing more appreciation?
  • ⌚ 6:26 In what sense is happiness more than just pleasure?
w

DISCUSSION

  • What do you think of the idea of Antifragility / Resilience 2.0?
  • Would you add any more elements to the SPIRE Model? What would they be?
  • Why do you think people who pursue happiness directly are often unhappy?
  • Which element of the SPIRE Model brings most happiness to you?
  • Tal Ben-Shahar says that ‘happiness resides on a continuum’, that it is a journey. Do you agree with it?
  • At the end he says: “I do not think that things necessarily happen for the best. However, we can learn to make the best of things that happen”. What does it mean for you? 

POLL

Which element of the SPIRE plays the most important role in your happiness?

CAST YOUR VOTE
×

lesson glossary

Content of this section is only shown to VIP members of The Blue Tree. Do you want to become a member? Email us at hi@thebluetree.pl

COMMENTS

What do you think of the idea of antifragility? Does it make sense to you? What would your rainbow colours refer to? 

Share your views and experience here.

How to Get Along with Difficult Colleagues

How to Get Along with Difficult Colleagues

by | Sep 5, 2022 | Uncategorised

Sorry, but lessons on The Blue Tree work only on a computer or a tablet.

Bardzo mi przykro, ale lekcje na platformie The Blue Tree działają jedynie na komputerze lub tablecie.

Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂

Zespół The Blue Tree

Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Better
Communicator

CEF B1

CEFR B2

Upper
Intermediate

Practise speaking by describing this image

warm up

Answer the questions below. Then listen to the sample answers and report on what you’ve heard.

Who do you like/dislike the most at work?
TRANSCRIPT

There’s one colleague I really enjoy working with—she’s always supportive and willing to lend a hand when things get busy. As for disliking someone, I wouldn’t say I outright dislike anyone, but there are a couple of people who tend to focus too much on negativity. It can be draining when all the conversations revolve around complaints instead of solutions.

What traits should a good colleague have?
TRANSCRIPT

A good colleague, in my opinion, should be reliable and open to collaboration. I appreciate when someone is willing to share ideas and help out when needed but also respects boundaries. Honesty is also key. It’s important to feel like you can trust the people you’re working with. Lastly, someone with a good sense of humor can really lighten the atmosphere when things get stressful.

What annoys you the most about the behaviour of your workmates?
TRANSCRIPT

The thing that annoys me the most is when workmates don’t communicate properly. For example, if there’s an issue or something isn’t going as planned, but they don’t bring it up until the last minute. It just makes everything more stressful than it needs to be. I also find it frustrating when people aren’t accountable for their mistakes—it’s easier to work together if we can own up to things and move forward.

LISTENING

Listen to the article first. What is the main idea behind this management tip?

reading

How to Get Along with Difficult Colleagues

It’s easy to 1. get caught up in interpersonal conflict at work. But these negative dynamics can lead to mistakes, reduced creativity, and worse decision-making. Here are four ways to work more effectively with difficult colleagues.

Understand that your perspective is limited. It’s not realistic to expect everyone to agree with you all the time. When differences arise, ask yourself questions like: What if I’m wrong? How would I change my behavior? What 2. assumptions have I made?

View the conflict as a problem to be solved together. Understand what 3. outcome you’re aiming for. Do you want to get a project over the finish line? Build a healthy working relationship that will last into the future? Feel less angry or frustrated after your interactions? Decide on your goals before interacting with your colleague, and keep your eyes on the prize.

Avoid 4. venting and 5. gossip. Choose whom you talk to (and what you share) carefully. Look for people who are constructive, have your best interests at heart, will challenge your perspective when they disagree, and can be 6. discreet.

Experiment to find what works. Start by coming up with two or three methods you want to test out. For example, if you want to improve communications with a 7. grumpy colleague, decide that for two weeks you’re going to ignore their tone and focus on the 8. substance of their messages. Often small actions can have a big impact.

This tip is adapted from “How to Navigate Conflict with a Coworker,” by Amy Gallo

dać się złapać, wrobić

założenia

rezultat, wynik

dawać upust (emocjom)

plotki, pogłoski

dyskretny, rozważny

gderliwy, marudzący, zrzędliwy

merytoryczna wartość

COMPREHENSION

Answer the questions below. Try to throw some of the newly learned words into your answers.

  • How can arguments at work affect our performance?
  • How does it help to understand that our perspective is limited?
  • What questions can we ask ourselves at this point?
  • How can we view the conflict as a problem to be solved together?
  • What should we remember about when we decide to approach a difficult colleague?
  • Who can we talk to about this issue? Why?
  • What’s the forth tip about? Can you think of any other ‘experiments’?

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

Which piece of advice from this lesson sounds the most practical for you?

CAST YOUR VOTE
×

COMMENTS

How would you deal with a difficult colleague at work? Do you have any other tips you’d like to share with us?

WORDS IN THE NEWS – Receding Water Levels Unveil Ancient Remains

WORDS IN THE NEWS – Receding Water Levels Unveil Ancient Remains

by | Aug 26, 2022 | Uncategorised

Sorry, but lessons on The Blue Tree work only on a computer or a tablet.

Bardzo mi przykro, ale lekcje na platformie The Blue Tree działają jedynie na komputerze lub tablecie.

Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂

Zespół The Blue Tree

back to HOME > General Interest > Travel and Nature >

WORDS IN THE NEWS – Receding Water Levels Unveil Ancient Remains
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Travel & Nature

CEF B1

CEFR B1

Intermediate

Practise speaking by describing this image

warm up

Answer the questions below.

How important, do you think, is water for the global economy?
TRANSCRIPT

Water is extremely important for the global economy. It’s used in farming, energy production, and many industries. If we don’t have enough clean water, prices go up and production slows down. That’s why we need to take care of this resource.

How do you feel about the need for saving water? Do you have any routines in place to save it?
TRANSCRIPT

I think saving water is very important, especially with all the droughts we hear about. At home, we take short showers and collect rainwater for the garden. We also make sure not to leave the tap running when brushing our teeth. Small changes can make a big difference.

What should we do to make sure we do not run out of drinking water in the future?
TRANSCRIPT

“Oh, one really happy moment? There are quite a few, but let me think… Okay, got it! It was the day I got my dream job offer. I was at home, checking my emails, not expecting much. And there it was – the offer letter! I remember feeling this huge rush of excitement and I just started jumping around my living room. It was a job I really wanted, and I’d worked so hard for it. I felt so proud and, well, over the moon! It was like all my efforts had finally paid off. That day was just full of laughter and celebration with my friends and family. Definitely a memory I cherish!”

key language

Go through the flashcards below. Memorize as many words and thier translations as you can.

watch the video

Watch the video below.

COMPREHENSION

Answer the questions below. Try to throw some of the newly learned words into your answers..

  • ⌚ 00:19 What did people find at the bottom of the riverbed in Texas?
  • ⌚ 00:26 How old are these footprints?
  • ⌚ 00:42 What do scientist know about this dinosaur?
  • ⌚ 1:15 What has the water revealed in Spain?
  • ⌚ 1:29 What has become visible in a Chinese river?
  • ⌚ 1:50 What can people see now in the Danube river?
  • ⌚ 2:00 What did authorities discover at the bottom of lake Mead?
  • ⌚ 2:16 Why are some scientists excited about a low level of water in rivers?
  • ⌚2:28 What question are scientists asking now? Do you think, we will find the answer in time?

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

Which discovery was the most surprising for you?

CAST YOUR VOTE
×
w

DISCUSSION

DIALOGUE

Alita and Pete are on a nature walk near a dried-up riverbed. They’ve both been thinking about how nature can teach us lessons about time, change, and survival.

Read their dialogue.

Alita: Look at this place, Pete. The riverbed is completely dry. I didn’t expect that.

Pete: Yeah, it’s strange. It used to be full of water. I guess things just dry up during long summers. But it’s peaceful, in a way.

Alita: I love finding old footprints in the mud. Some of them are probably from deer or other herbivores.

Pete: Maybe. Or even something more ferocious—look at this one. Do you think it could be a claw mark?

Alita (laughs): That would be spooky. I hope it’s not something sinister!

Pete: You know, sometimes, after raging wildfires, animals have to retreat and leave behind everything. When the forests grow back, some signs of them resurface—bones, old nests, broken antlers.

Alita: Like the remnants of a bygone time. It’s kind of poetic, isn’t it?

Pete: It is. Nature has a way of reminding us not to take things for granted. Even something that looks extinct might come back in a different way.

Alita: True. Nature is so resilient. And look—on that rock-face—isn’t that a painting or some kind of carving?

Pete: You’re right. It’s stunning! Maybe people lived here a long time ago and left their marks too.

Alita: Just like us. We’re all trying to leave something behind. Hopefully something meaningful.

Pete: That’s a nice thought. Even if time makes things recede, some things still resurface—if they matter enough.

OVER TO YOU

Discuss these questions. Refer to the topic of the lesson and your own experience.

BulletHave you ever seen remnants of something from the past that made you think about history or nature?
BulletWhat do you think people today take for granted that might disappear in the future?
BulletCan you describe a place you visited where the riverbed or water dried up? What did it feel like?
BulletWhat’s something resilient you’ve seen in nature—or even in a person?
BulletHave you ever visited a stunning place that made you stop and admire its beauty? What made it so special?

lesson glossary

COMMENTS

Which discovery surprised you the most? Why?

Do you think humanity will face a water crisis in the future? What can we do today to prevent it from happening?

Share your thoughts and ideas below.