Talking about dreams, hopes, ambitions and plans
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Everyday English

CEFR B1
Intermediate
warm up
Answer these questions. Listen to Pete give his answers. Report back what he said.
| How have your dreams or ambitions changed since you were younger? |
TRANSCRIPT
When I was younger, I dreamed of having a well-paid office job in a big company and a stable lifestyle. I didn’t really think about the daily tasks or the pressure. Today, my ambitions are more specific. I’d like to work in a role where I can use my skills, learn continuously, and see clear results. I hope to feel satisfied with my work, not just busy or stressed.
| Is there something you still hope to achieve, even though it may take many years? |
TRANSCRIPT
Yes, I have a long-term goal that will probably take many years. I’d like to become very skilled in my job and feel confident in what I do every day. I hope to build a stable career step by step, even if progress is slow. I know I’ll make mistakes, but I see them as part of learning. For me, real success comes from patience and regular effort.
| Do you think it’s important to have clear ambitions, or is it better to stay flexible? |
TRANSCRIPT
I think having ambitions is important, but being too rigid can be risky. Life often changes in ways we don’t expect, and sometimes new opportunities appear by accident. I prefer to have a general direction rather than a fixed plan. This way, I still know what I’m aiming for, but I’m also open to adjusting my goals when my situation, priorities, or values change.
part one
TALKING ABOUT DREAMS, HOPES AND AMBITIONS
Read about people talking about their dreams, hopes and ambitions.
1️⃣ Marta
Well, right now I’m finishing my studies, so my main goal is to find a job that actually fits me. Not just any job. I’d like to work with people, maybe in HR or training. I hope I won’t rush into something just because I’m scared. I want to give myself a bit of time to figure things out.
2️⃣ Daniel
To be honest, my biggest ambition is to slow down a little. I’ve been working non-stop for years, always chasing the next promotion. Now I’m trying to get some balance back. I’d love to work fewer hours and focus more on my health. It’s not a dramatic dream, but it feels important right now.
3️⃣ Anna
I’ve always wanted to start my own small business. Nothing huge. Just something of my own. I’m still thinking it through, though. I can’t do it immediately because of my family and responsibilities, but I’m going to start preparing next year. I hope I won’t talk myself out of it like I did before.
4️⃣Tamara
Honestly, I’m still not sure what I want to do. And that worries me sometimes. But I hope to travel a bit before I settle down. Meet new people, see how others live. I think that once I get out of my comfort zone, things might become clearer. At least, that’s what I’m hoping for.
5️⃣ Ewa
I’m going to retire soon, so my dreams look a bit different now. I’m really looking forward to having more time for myself. I want to stay active, do some volunteering, maybe finally learn Italian. I don’t feel like life is slowing down — it’s just changing direction, that’s all.
6️⃣ Michał
My ambition is connected to my kids, actually. I hope I can give them a sense of security and good values. Career matters too, of course, but it’s not everything anymore. I’m aiming for stability rather than constant growth. I want to be present, not just busy all the time.

“Who Said This?” – Matching Task
Read the six interview answers again. Match each statement (A–J) with the person who said it.
part two
Grammar Overview
Study the grammar points below.
1️⃣ WANT / WOULD LIKE / WOULD LOVE
Use this language to talk about what you want in the future.
We use want when the desire is strong and direct. Would like sounds more polite and realistic, especially in conversation. Would love is used for big dreams or ambitions, often long-term and not guaranteed. These forms are common when people talk about personal goals, career plans, and life dreams.
Form
want + to + verb
would like + to + verb
would love + to + verb
Use
want → strong, direct desire
would like → polite, realistic aim
would love → strong dream, often long-term
Examples (general)
I want to change my career.
I’d like to work abroad one day.
I’d love to start my own business.
Examples (business)
I want to develop my leadership skills.
I’d like to take part in an international project.
I’d love to manage a team in the future.
2️⃣ TO BE GOING TO
Use this form to talk about plans you have already decided on.
When you say I’m going to…, it means the decision is made in your head. It is more concrete than a dream or a wish. We often use this form when we talk about near or medium-term plans, especially when we have already taken the first steps.
Form
be + going to + verb
Use
The decision is made. It’s more than a dream.
Examples (general)
I’m going to move to a bigger city next year.
She’s going to start a new course in September.
Examples (business)
We’re going to launch a new service soon.
I’m going to apply for a promotion this year.
3️⃣ PRESENT CONTINUOUS FOR FUTURE
Use this form for plans that are already arranged.
We usually mention a time or place, or another person. This form shows that the plan is fixed and organised, not just an idea. It is very common when talking about meetings, trips, and appointments.
Use
The plan is fixed, often with time and place.
Examples (general)
I’m meeting a friend tonight.
We’re travelling next weekend.
Examples (business)
I’m meeting the client on Friday.
We’re discussing the budget tomorrow.
4️⃣ HOPE
Use hope to talk about things you want to happen but cannot fully control.
Hope is often about the future, results, or other people’s decisions. We can hope for something positive, but we are not sure it will happen. This verb is often used when talking about work results, exams, health, or life changes.
Forms
hope + to + verb
hope (that) + present / will
❌ NOT: hope + going to
Examples (general)
I hope to find a better work-life balance.
I hope everything works out.
Examples (business)
We hope to increase sales next year.
I hope the project will be successful.
5️⃣ LOOKING FORWARD TO
Use this expression to show positive feelings about the future.
It focuses more on emotions than plans. We use it when something is already planned or expected and we feel happy or excited about it. Remember that the verb after to is always in the -ing form.
Form
look forward to + noun / verb-ing
Examples (general)
I’m looking forward to travelling again.
She’s looking forward to starting her new job.
Examples (business)
I’m looking forward to working with the new team.
We’re looking forward to meeting you in person.
6️⃣ CAN / CAN’T
Use can and can’t to talk about what is possible at the moment.
They help explain why a plan can happen or why it must wait. This language is useful when people talk about limits, responsibilities, money, time, or personal situation.
Use
Explains why plans are possible or not.
Examples
I can change jobs next year.
I can’t move abroad right now.
We can’t expand yet because of the budget.
7️⃣ LIKE / ENJOY
Use like and enjoy to talk about general preferences and activities you find pleasant.
We usually use these verbs to describe things we do regularly or things we feel positive about in general, not specific future plans. After like and enjoy, we use the -ing form. This structure helps show the difference between habits and one-time plans.
Helpful contrast
I like working with people. (general preference)
I’d like to work with you on this project. (specific plan or wish)
General context
I like learning new languages in my free time.
- She likes reading before going to bed.
He enjoys travelling, even if it’s sometimes tiring.
Work / business context
I like working in a structured environment.
She enjoys solving problems and finding solutions.
We like collaborating with international teams.
vocabulary booster
Go through some useful language related to dreams, hopes, ambitions and plans.
QUICK OVERVIEW
Study this useful mind-map of grammar and language points from this lesson.
part three
multiple choice quiz
Do the quiz below.
Discussion & Speaking Questions
Discuss these questions
OVER TO YOU
Prepare and present your own answer to the question the interviewer asked the people at the beginning of the lesson.
Hofstede – The Culture Factor
Bardzo mi przykro, ale lekcje na platformie The Blue Tree działają jedynie na komputerze lub tablecie.
Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂
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THE BLUE TREE
Culture

CEFR B2
Upper
Intermediate
warm up
Answer the questions below. Then listen to some model answers.
| Which cultural differences do you notice most quickly when you meet new people? |
TRANSCRIPT
I usually notice differences in communication style and attitudes toward authority first. Some people speak very openly and question ideas freely, while others are more careful and respectful of hierarchy. I also pay attention to how comfortable people are with uncertainty and change. These small signals often reveal deeper cultural patterns and help me understand how to interact more effectively with others.
| Why do cultural differences sometimes lead to misunderstandings, even when people have good intentions? |
TRANSCRIPT
Cultural differences often lead to misunderstandings because people interpret behaviour through their own norms and expectations. What seems polite, honest, or normal in one culture may appear rude or strange in another. Even when intentions are positive, different communication styles, attitudes toward authority, or views on emotions can create confusion. Understanding that these differences exist helps reduce unnecessary tension and encourages more patient and open communication.
| Do you think learning about cultural differences is more important today than in the past? Why or why not? |
TRANSCRIPT
Yes, I think learning about cultural differences is more important today than ever before. People work, study, and communicate internationally on a daily basis, often online. Without cultural awareness, small misunderstandings can quickly grow into bigger problems. Learning how cultures differ helps people cooperate better, avoid conflict, and build trust in both professional and personal relationships.
part one
READING
Read a short article about diversity and tolerance and discuss the questions that follow.
🌍 Who Was Geert Hofstede?
Geert Hofstede was a Dutch psychologist and researcher who was interested in one big question:
Why do people from different countries think and behave differently?
In the 1970s, he worked with thousands of employees from one international company in many countries. He noticed that people from different cultures reacted differently to the same situations at work. This gave him the idea to study culture in a systematic way.
Thanks to his work, today we can compare national cultures in a simple and clear way.
🌍 What Is the Culture Factor Research?
The research is often called the Hofstede Cultural Dimensions Model and is published today by Hofstede Insights.
This model explains culture using six simple areas, called dimensions. These dimensions show how societies differ in things like:
- power and authority
- individual freedom
- ambition and competition
- dealing with rules and uncertainty
- thinking about the future
- enjoying life
Each country gets a score in every category. These scores help us understand:
- why people work differently
- why communication styles are different
- why some countries prefer rules and others prefer freedom
🎓 Why Is This Research Useful?
Hofstede’s research helps us:
- understand people from other countries
- avoid misunderstandings in international work and travel
- communicate more politely and effectively
- see that “different” does not mean “wrong”
It shows us that behind language, there is also culture — and culture strongly influences how we think, speak, work, and live.
✅ In One Simple Sentence:
Hofstede’s research helps us understand how national culture shapes people’s behavior, values, and communication.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions about the article.
part two
power distance
Read about the six dimensions of the Culture Factor.
This dimension shows how people feel about power and authority.
Do people accept big differences between the boss and the employee?

🔴 High Power Distance
(example: Malaysia)
People:
- accept that some people have much more power
- rarely question the boss
- expect clear hierarchy
- show respect through titles and formality
✅ In simple words:
“The boss decides, and we follow.”
🟢 Low Power Distance
(example: Denmark)
People:
- believe in equal treatment
- feel comfortable sharing opinions at work
- expect to be consulted
- are less formal with the boss
✅ In simple words:
“We all have a voice.”
Individualism vs. Collectivism
Dimension #2
This dimension shows how strong people’s connection is to groups and family.
Is identity based on “I” or “we”?

🟠 Individualist Culture
(example: Australia)
People:
- focus on personal goals
- value independence
- take care mainly of themselves and close family
- say what they think directly
✅ In simple words:
🔵 Collectivist Culture
(example: China)
People:
- strongly value family and group
- show loyalty to the group
- avoid open conflict
- think first about what is good for everyone
✅ In simple words:
“We are responsible for each other.”
MOTIVATION TOWARDS ACHIEVEMENT AND SUCCESS
Dimension #3
This dimension shows what people find more important in life:
success and competition or cooperation and balance.

🔴 Masculine Culture
(example: Japan)
People:
- focus on achievement and success
- like competition
- respect strong leaders
- value money and career
✅ In simple words:
“Winning and success matter most.”
🟢 Feminine Culture
(example: Sweden)
People:
- care about quality of life
- value cooperation
- support equality
- care for others and weak people
✅ In simple words:
“Life balance and people matter most.”
UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE
Dimension #4
This dimension shows how people deal with the unknown and surprises.
Do they like strict rules, or are they more relaxed about change?

🔴 High Uncertainty Avoidance
(example: Greece)
People:
- feel uncomfortable with uncertainty
- like clear rules and plans
- avoid risks
- feel safer when everything is organized
✅ In simple words:
“We need rules to feel safe.”
🟢 Low Uncertainty Avoidance
(example: Singapore)
People:
- accept change easily
- are okay with new situations
- take risks more easily
- focus on what works in practice
✅ In simple words:
“Let’s see what happens — we can adapt.”
LONG-TERM VS SHORT-TERM ORIENTATION
Dimension #5
This dimension shows how people think about time:
Do they focus more on the future, or on the present and the past?

🟢 Long-Term Orientation
(example countries: South Korea, Germany)
People with a long-term way of thinking:
- care a lot about the future
- like to save money
- work patiently for long-term success
- accept that change is normal
- believe that effort today brings rewards later
✅ In simple words:
“Let’s think ahead and prepare for the future.”
🔵 Short-Term Orientation
(example countries: Nigeria, USA)
People with a short-term way of thinking:
- focus more on the present and the past
- strongly respect traditions
- feel proud of their nation and values
- want quick results
- care about social rules and expectations
✅ In simple words:
“Let’s respect tradition and focus on today.”
Indulgence vs Restraint
Dimension #6
This dimension shows how much people allow themselves to enjoy life.
Is it okay to have fun — or should desires be controlled?

🟢 Indulgent Culture
(example: Mexico)
People:
- enjoy free time and fun
- spend money on pleasure
- show emotions openly
- believe life should be enjoyed
✅ In simple words:
“Enjoy life while you can.”
🔵 Restrained Culture
(example: Russia)
People:
- control their desires
- feel that life is about duty
- limit fun and pleasure
- believe strict rules are important
✅ In simple words:
“Duty comes before pleasure.”
part three
your personal cuture factor
Do this poll below.
LISTENINIG
Listen to some people commenting on their profile.
| Alita’s profile |
TRANSCRIPT
When I read my cultural profile, I felt that it described me quite accurately. I especially agreed with the idea that I value cooperation and long-term thinking more than competition or quick results. That really fits how I work with people and make decisions.
However, I had some doubts about the point on hierarchy. The profile suggests that I’m quite comfortable with structure and authority, but I think this depends a lot on the situation. I respect expertise, but I also need space to question and discuss decisions. Overall, though, the assessment helped me reflect on my cultural preferences in a meaningful way.
| Pete’s profile |
TRANSCRIPT
I found the cultural profile interesting and mostly accurate. It made sense to me that I’m described as someone who prefers flexibility and doesn’t feel stressed by uncertainty. I also agreed with the focus on relationships and shared responsibility, which I see as important in both work and private life.
The only part I’m not fully convinced about is the suggestion that I enjoy indulgence and pleasure quite strongly. I think I value balance more than enjoyment itself. Still, the profile helped me see patterns in how I approach decisions and interact with others.
| Bradford’s profile |
TRANSCRIPT
Overall, I felt that the profile captured my way of thinking quite well. I agreed with the idea that I’m more future-oriented and patient, especially when it comes to long-term goals. I also recognized myself in the description of being cooperative rather than competitive.
That said, I was a bit surprised by the low score on uncertainty avoidance. I do like flexibility, but in important matters I still need some structure and clear rules. Even so, reading the profile encouraged me to reflect more deeply on how culture shapes my behaviour.
YOUR OWN PROFILE
Create your own profile. Use the language from the model answers.
part four
Play this game based on The Culture Factor Dimensions.
COMMENTS
Share your views and experience here.
Lessons from the Life of Marie Skłodowska Curie
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Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂
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THE BLUE TREE
Opinions

CEFR B2
Upper
Intermediate
part one
Poland under Russian Tzar
What did those times require to maintain our national identity?
Is there a lesson for us these days?

Losing their mother
What effect can a loss of a parent have on children?
How can such an event affect relationships among siblings?

As a governess in Sztuki
What example did Marie set for us when it comes to having a service-oriented attitude?
Have you ever considered getting involved in voluntary work or a non-profit organisation?

First year at the Sorbonne
Think of something that caught your attention so completely that you couldn’t stop thinking about it or doing it. What was it?
How can staying in the flow state be harmful, and what can one do to maintain balance?

Meeting Pierre
Do you believe in love at first sight? Is love more powerful than reason?
What makes relationships stronger: complementing each other or having a lot in common?

Working together
What challenges lie in working closely with your partner?
How important is it for you to take credit for the work you have done?

Shabby laboratory
What qualities do you think they needed to develop to persist in their project?
What is more important in achieving success: talent or grit?

First lecture as a lecturer at Sorbonne
In Marie’s time, it was particularly hard for women to have the same influence as men. Have things changed?
Why do you think it is so difficult for us to put merit above status?

Hiking with Einstein
What effect can meeting or learning about famous or great people have on young people?
Did you look up to anybody when you were younger?

LITTLE CURIES
What prompts people to sacrifice so much in times of hardship or adversity?
What does it teach us?
How can we prepare ourselves in the time of peace and abundance to better handle difficult times?


Visiting America
How should one handle fame? Why do so many people fail to maintain balance when they become famous?
Curies believed in being less curious about people and more curious about ideas. Do you subscribe to this idea? Why or why not?


Marie’s affair with Paul Langevin
Why are people so quick to judge others, even if they don’t know all the facts?
What does it mean to think critically? How important is it to know how to think critically these days?


Enjoyable summers at L’Arcouest “Sorbonne Plage”
What’s the value of making sure you get enough rest and relaxation?
Do you agree that people have a problem with resting these days?


The Laboratory Director
How do you feel about passing on the knowledge and experience you have accumulated to the new generation?
Is it important to you that someone will continue the work you are doing?
part two
What a great woman!
Read or role play this dialogue.
Alita:
You know, the more I read about Marie Curie, the more I feel… quietly impressed. Not in a dramatic way, but in this deep, steady way.
Pete:
Same here. What gets me is how much she endured without turning bitter. Losing her mother so young, growing up under Russian rule in Poland — that alone could have broken someone.
Alita:
Exactly. And yet, instead of giving up, she worked as a governess to support her sister’s education. That sense of duty really stands out to me. She postponed her own dreams so someone else could move forward.
Pete:
That’s true. For me, though, the moment that really defines her is when she arrived in Paris and started studying at the Sorbonne. Imagine being poor, often hungry, struggling with the language — and still staying completely focused on learning.
Alita:
Yes, and she didn’t just study. She threw herself into her work so deeply that she sometimes forgot about her own health. It’s inspiring, but also a little worrying, don’t you think?
Pete:
Definitely. It shows passion, but also the cost of it. Another thing I admire is how she worked with Pierre. Their partnership feels very balanced — no competition, no ego, just shared purpose.
Alita:
And after Pierre’s death, she didn’t retreat into the background. Giving her first lecture at the Sorbonne as a woman must have taken incredible courage. I can’t imagine the pressure.
Pete:
What amazes me is that even fame didn’t seem to change her. When she visited America and became a global celebrity, she still believed science should focus on ideas, not people.
Alita:
Yes — and yet she also knew how to rest. Those summers in L’Arcouest, walking, swimming, spending time with other scientists… that side of her feels very human to me.
Pete:
So, in a way, she mastered both extremes: total dedication and quiet withdrawal. That balance might be her greatest lesson.
Alita:
I agree. Her life shows that greatness isn’t about one heroic moment — it’s about a series of choices, made consistently, even when no one is watching.
Pete:
And maybe that’s why her story still resonates. It doesn’t feel unreachable. It feels… demanding, but possible.
OVER TO YOU
Discuss these questions.
COMMENTS
Which story from Marie’s life touched you the most?
Share your composition here.
National Differences
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
THE BLUE TREE
Culture

CEFR B2
Upper
Intermediate
warm up
Answer the questions below. Then listen to some model answers.
| Have you ever experienced a cultural stereotype? How accurate was it? |
TRANSCRIPT
Yes, I have. When I first worked with a team in Germany, people expected them to be extremely serious and strict about rules. In reality, they were very friendly and had a great sense of humour. They were organised, yes, but not cold at all. It taught me that stereotypes may contain a small truth, but they never describe the whole person.
| What strategies can help us show respect and tolerance when working with colleagues from different cultures? |
TRANSCRIPT
For me, the key is curiosity. I try to ask questions instead of making assumptions. I also observe how people communicate—some are direct, while others are more diplomatic. Listening carefully and not interrupting helps a lot. And finally, I always check my tone, because what feels normal in one culture may sound rude in another. Small adjustments can make cooperation much smoother.
| Should people adapt their behaviour when working abroad, or stay true to their usual style? Why? |
TRANSCRIPT
I think we should find a balance. When we work abroad, it’s respectful to adjust to local expectations—things like punctuality, communication style, or meeting etiquette. But we shouldn’t pretend to be someone else. If we adapt too much, we lose our authenticity, which is also important in business. So for me, it’s about being flexible but still keeping your own values and personality.
part one
READING
Read a short article about diversity and tolerance and discuss the questions that follow.
Diversity and Tolerance in International Business
When people talk about cultural differences, they often use simple examples: “Americans are outgoing and informal,” or “British people are reserved.” Many of us feel that there is a grain of truth in these ideas. But as soon as we say them aloud, we immediately remember that reality is far more complicated. Age, personal background, education, family values, region, and personality can all influence how someone behaves.
So what’s the real point?
The main message is that our way is not the only way. Other cultures may communicate, plan, negotiate, or make decisions differently. It doesn’t mean they are wrong. It simply means that people learn different habits and expectations from the society around them.
In an international business environment, this awareness becomes extremely useful. When we meet colleagues or clients from other countries, the first step is to observe and listen. Notice how they speak—do they get straight to the point, or do they build a bit of small talk first? Do they prefer written communication, or do they like a quick call? Do they expect clear decisions from the leader, or do they want every voice to be heard?
We do not have to change who we are. Nobody expects us to throw away our personality or forget our customs. But it does help to be flexible. For example:
- If your colleague comes from a culture with strict punctuality, be on time—even five minutes early.
- If your client prefers indirect communication, avoid being too blunt.
- If your team values open discussion, speak up and share your ideas.
- If your partner prefers a relationship-based style, invest time in getting to know them—maybe over coffee or a longer lunch.
These small adjustments are not about pretending or “putting on a mask.” They show that we understand differences and that we care about cooperation. In return, we also have the right to expect the same respect from others.
In short, successful international business depends on both tolerance and curiosity. When we stay open-minded and willing to learn, we build trust more easily. And trust, as many leaders will tell you, is the real foundation of effective teamwork across cultures.
towarzyski, otwarty
powściągliwy, skryty
ziarnko prawdy
świadomość
przechodzić prosto do sedna
bezpośredni do granic, obcesowy, zbyt szczery
odezwać się, zabrać głos, mówić otwarcie
chętny, gotowy (coś zrobić)
DISCUSSION
Answer these questions about the article and your own experience.
NATIONAL IDIOSYNCRACIES
Listen to some people talking about times when they experienced some quirk traditions and customs on their travel or business trips.
For each person, answer these questions:
1. Which nationality are they talking about?
2. What’s the quirk about?





part two
GET TO KNOW YOURSELF
Do the poll below. Learn about your preferences in 18 different cultural dimentions.
PEOPLE AROUND US
Use the poll above to describe some people you interact with. How similar or different are they to you?
COMMENTS
Share your views and experience here.









COMMENTS
Submit your views and opinions below.