Would you like to be famous

Would you like to be famous

by | Dec 24, 2020 | 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

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Would you like to be famous
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Opinions

CEF B1

CEFR B1

Intermediate

warm up

Answer the questions below.

  • Would you like to be famous? Explain your answer.
  • What are the pros and cons of being famous?
  • Does being famous guarantee a happy life?

key language

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

watch the video

Watch the video below.

COMPREHENSION

  • What question does Will’s niece ask him?
  • How does he feel about being famous?
  • Was it easy for him to become famous?
  • When did he first feel the impact of fame?
  • What are some of the downsides of being famous according to Will Smith?

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

What would you like to be famous for?

CAST YOUR VOTE
×

lesson glossary

CONTRIBUTE

What is it about fame that so many people want to have it? Why are people drawn to the idea of being famous? Is it really such a desireable thing? Express your views here.

The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin

The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin

by | Nov 13, 2020 | 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

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The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

How to Learn

CEF B1

CEFR B2

Upper
Intermediate

Practise speaking by describing this image

warm up

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

Do you like learning new things?
TRANSCRIPT

I absolutely love learning new things! For me, it’s all about growth and discovery. Whether it’s mastering a new skill, picking up a hobby, or exploring a new subject, it keeps life interesting. I love the feeling of progress and the knowledge that there’s always more to uncover. Learning helps me stay curious and open-minded, and it’s a great way to keep challenging myself every day.

What have you learnt recently?
TRANSCRIPT

Recently, I’ve been learning to cook. It’s been a lot of fun experimenting in the kitchen and trying out new recipes. I used to think cooking was just about following instructions, but now I’m realizing how much creativity is involved. I’ve learned a lot about different ingredients and techniques, and it’s been a rewarding experience to prepare meals that I’m proud of. Plus, it’s a skill I get to use every day!

What do you like most about the process of learning?
TRANSCRIPT

What I enjoy most about learning is the challenge and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. I like when I have to struggle a bit at first, and then something clicks, and I finally understand it. It’s those ‘aha’ moments that make the whole process worth it. Plus, learning helps me stay mentally sharp, and I appreciate how it encourages me to keep pushing my limits, no matter what the subject or skill is.

DOWNLOAD

Buy or download (for VIP access holders) this mind map before you do this lesson.

Buy or download this mind map from the store

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.

  • What two disciplines does Josh Waitzkin excel in?
  • What has he managed to achieve in chess and Tai Chi push hands?
  • What helped Josh become so good at these disciplines?

part two

FEEL THE FUNDAMENTALS

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.

  • What is the first universal learning principle?
  • How did Josh’s teacher teach him chess?
  • What do you have to develop to be really good at something?
  • How can you develop the feel for fundamentals?
  • Why is feeling the fundamentals like building a brick wall?

part three

STAY TRUE TO YOUR STYLE

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.

  • What is the second universal learning principle?
  • What is the wrong way of mastering a skill?
  • How does Josh’s story illustrate the need to be true to your style?
  • How can you find your style?

part four

INVEST IN LOSS

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.

  • What is the third universal learning principle?
  • What happened in the summer of 1994?
  • How did he feel about the situation?
  • What did he learn from it?
  • How did this insight help him win the Thai Chi fight?
  • What are the benefits of putting yourself on the line?

Respond to heartbreak with hard work

– Josh Waitzkin

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

Coming Soon
Which universal learning principle appeals to you the most?
Total Votes : 3

lesson glossary

The Art of Learning

The Power of Stories

The Power of Stories

by | Nov 9, 2020 | 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 > Personal Development > Better Communicator >

The Power of Stories
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Better
Communicator

CEF B1

CEFR B1

Intermediate

warm up

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

Are you reading any book at the moment?
TRANSCRIPT

Yes, I’m currently reading a book called The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. It’s about a woman who gets to explore all the different lives she could have lived, and it really makes you think about the choices we make. The story is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, and I love how it explores themes of regret and possibility.

What is your favourite book or story?
TRANSCRIPT

My favorite book is probably 1984 by George Orwell. I know it’s a heavy read, but it’s fascinating how Orwell’s vision of a dystopian future feels relevant even today. The story just pulls you in, and it’s incredible how it makes you question government control, privacy, and freedom. It’s definitely a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.

What makes stories for popular?
TRANSCRIPT

I think stories are so popular because they connect us on a deeper level. Whether we’re reading fiction or hearing someone’s personal experience, stories have a way of making us feel empathy and understanding. They help us see the world from different perspectives, and that’s something we all need. Plus, a good story is entertaining and can be a great escape from reality.

key language

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

watch the video

Watch the video below.

COMPREHENSION

Answer the questions below. Try to throw some of the newly learned words and phrases into your answer.

  • How do you understand the proverb; “The one who tells the story rules the world”?
  • What is “assimilation” and have you ever assimilated any qualities of a fictional character?
  • What is “transportation” and what is the best book or story that does that to you?
  • How does “identification” work and who is your favourite hero?
  • What does brain research tell us about the action of reading?
  • What are mirror neurons?
  • How can reading help beat loneliness?
  • What book will you read next? 🙂

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

Coming Soon
How powerful are stories?
Total Votes : 4

lesson glossary

COMMENTS

Practise writing short stories and using narrative tenses. Post your story here.

Why Does Europe Have Zero Euro Banknotes

Why Does Europe Have Zero Euro Banknotes

by | Nov 9, 2020 | 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 >

Why Does Europe Have Zero Euro Banknotes
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Travel & Nature

CEF B1

CEFR A2

Pre-Intermediate

Practise speaking by describing this image

warm up

Answer the questions below.

Have you ever bought a souvenir while traveling? What was it?
TRANSCRIPT

Yes, I usually buy small magnets when I travel. I like putting them on my fridge because they remind me of my trips and make my kitchen more colorful.

Do you collect anything? Why or why not?
TRANSCRIPT

I don’t really collect anything myself, but my brother collects coins from different countries. He has a small album where he keeps them. He says it’s fun to find rare ones, especially from places he has visited. He also likes learning about the history behind each coin — like who or what is on it and when it was made. I think it’s an interesting hobby, just not for me.

Do you think it’s a good idea to visit places just to say you’ve been there?
TRANSCRIPT

Not really. I think it’s better to spend more time in one place and really enjoy it. Some people just take a photo and leave, but they don’t learn anything about the place. I prefer to walk around, try local food, and talk to people. For me, it’s more interesting than just ticking a place off a list.

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.

  • What is a zero euro banknote?
  • Why are European banknotes dull?
  • How many zero euro are there in the world?
  • How can you get a zero euro?
  • Which French landmarks are depicted on zero euro notes?
  • Why is the Marineland zero euro the rarest note?

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.

  • What is Monaco famous for?
  • Which Barcelona landmarks are depicted on the notes?
  • Where is the Belem Tower?
  • Which landmark did the Belem Tower replace on the back of the zero euro note?
  • Are there many zero euro in the UK?
  • What is the Titanic famous for?
  • Are there many notes in Northern Ireland?
  • Do countries that don’t use euro have zero euro notes?
  • What is Chris’s favourite design?

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.

  • What does the only note from Sweden show?
  • Where can you buy a zero euro note with Santa Claus?
  • What are the names of the two buildings on the zero euro note from Moscow?
  • What happened to the house of the Blackheads which is shown on the note from Latvia?
  • What is so special about the notes from Poland?
  • Where is Hallstatt and what is it famous for?
  • Who was born in Salzburg?
  • Are there euro zero notes from countries outside of the EU?

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

Coming Soon
Would you like to have a collection of zero euro notes?
Total Votes : 4
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DISCUSSION

DIALOGUE

Alita and Pete are taking a coffee break at work. They recently saw a souvenir “zero euro” note in a shop and are curious about it.

Read or role-play this dialogue.

Alita: Hey Pete, did you see that strange note in the gift shop? It said “zero euro”! What kind of money is that?

Pete: Yeah, I saw it too. It’s not real money. It’s a souvenir. But it features famous places or people, like landmarks or castles.

Alita: Oh, so it’s not genuine? I thought maybe it was used for something special.

Pete: No, not really. But it’s quite popular. Some designs are very sought after by collectors.

Alita: That’s funny. A banknote with zero value! Why do people buy it?

Pete: It’s to commemorate something—like a special event or a place. And it can serve as a cool memory from a trip.

Alita: I guess that makes sense. Some of them look really nice. They even have a watermark and security design.

Pete: Yes, and as far as I can tell, they try to look real to feel like a true note, even though they are not used to pay for anything.

Alita: I read that France was the first country to issue a note like that. And now they’re in many countries, right?

Pete: That’s right. There’s even an exhaustive list of all the designs online. I checked it yesterday.

Alita: Cool! So it’s not a scam or counterfeit, just something fun to collect.

Pete: Exactly. And for tourists, it’s something different. Despite having no real value, they are quite beautiful and picturesque.

Alita: I think I’ll buy one with a medieval castle on it. It will look great in my scrapbook.

Pete: Good idea! Just don’t try to use it in a vending machine!

(Both laugh.)

OVER TO YOU

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

BulletHave you ever bought something just to commemorate a trip or event? What was it?
BulletDo you think souvenir banknotes like the zero euro note are interesting or dull? Why?
BulletDo you enjoy collecting things that are unique or sought after? What do you collect?
BulletHave you ever seen or visited a medieval building or landmark? What was it like?
BulletWhat do you think about the idea of issuing a note with no real value? Is it a clever idea or just marketing?

lesson glossary

Why Does Europe Have Zero Euro Banknotes

How to talk about choice and choosing

How to talk about choice and choosing

by | Oct 27, 2020 | 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 > Learning English > Learn more words >

How to talk about choice and choosing
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Learn Words

CEF B1

CEFR B2

Upper
Intermediate

Practise speaking by describing this image

warm up

Answer the questions below.

You want to buy a present for a friend. How easy or difficult is it for you to pick something for them?
TRANSCRIPT

It really depends on the person. If I know them well, I can usually pick something out quite easily because I know what they like. But if it’s someone I don’t know that well, I find it really hard to decide on the right thing. I tend to shop around for ages, comparing different options, and I often end up going for something safe like a gift card. I wish I were more creative with gifts.

Some people take ages choosing their food in a restaurant. How is it with you?
TRANSCRIPT

I’m actually one of those people, unfortunately. When there are too many things to choose from, I just can’t settle on anything quickly. I read the whole menu, go back to the beginning, and then change my mind at the last moment. My friends find it amusing, but it can be a bit embarrassing. I think the problem is that I’m too fussy — I always worry I’ll pick the wrong dish.

When making a decision about buying something expensive, how do you approach it?
TRANSCRIPT

I’m quite particular about how I spend my money, especially on bigger purchases. I usually shop around first and compare prices, reviews, and features before I opt for anything. I never buy the first thing I see. Sometimes I take so long that the thing I wanted is no longer available, which is annoying. But I’d rather take my time and select something I’m happy with than rush into a decision I’ll regret.

part one

LANGUAGE OF CHOICE AND CHOOSING

Study the language of choice and choosing using the mind-map below. 

Make sure to check the comments and note down any new words and expressions.

PRACTICE DIALOGUES

Read or role play these short dialogues. They present the language from the mind-map in some context.

Two friends shopping for a jacket

Kate: You’ve been trying things on for an hour. Just pick one!

Liam: I can’t decide. I keep going back and forth between the black one and the navy one.

Kate: They look almost the same. Just go for the black — it goes with everything.

Liam: You’re right. I’ll go for the black. I’m way too fussy about these things.

Two colleagues deciding on a venue for a team event

Sophie: Have you had a chance to look at the options for the Christmas party?

Dan: Yeah, I’ve narrowed it down to three places. I think we should settle on something soon — they’re getting booked up fast.

Sophie: What about that Italian place on King Street? A few people have already said they’d opt for that one.

Dan: Works for me. Let’s go with it before someone else takes the last Friday slot.

A married couple choosing a holiday destination

Anna: So, have you decided where you want to go this summer?

Tom: Not yet. There’s so much to choose from — Portugal, Croatia, Greece… I can’t make up my mind.

Anna: You always take forever. Just pick somewhere and book it before the prices go up.

Tom: Fine. Let’s go for Greece. But I’m going to be very particular about the hotel. Last year’s place was awful.

Anna: Deal. You choose the hotel, I’ll sort out the flights.

A manager and an employee discussing a promotion

Rachel: We need to appoint a new team leader by the end of the month. Have you looked at the candidates?

Mark: I have. Three people have been shortlisted — Davies, Kowalski, and Chen. They’re all strong.

Rachel: Chen was singled out by two department heads as the most experienced. That says a lot.

Mark: True. I think we should go with Chen. Shall I set up a meeting to confirm?

A parent and a teenage daughter choosing a university course

Mum: Have you decided on a course yet? The deadline is next week.

Lily: Not really. I’ve been going back and forth between psychology and marketing.

Mum: Well, you need to select your top three choices on the application. You can’t keep putting it off.

Lily: I know, I know. I think I’ll go for psychology as my first choice. I just had to take my time — it’s a big decision.

Mum: I’m glad you’ve finally settled on something. Now let’s pick out the other two.

Two co-founders discussing a design agency for their startup

Nadia: We’ve been looking at design agencies for weeks now. I think it’s time we narrowed it down and made a decision.

Jake: I know, I know. I’ve been dragging my feet on this one. It’s just that every agency we’ve seen has something different to offer.

Nadia: True, but we can’t keep putting it off. What about GreenLine Studio? They came hand-picked by our investor — that has to count for something.

Jake: Actually, yeah. Their portfolio was impressive. Let’s go with them.

part two

FILL IN THE GAPS

Complete these activities below.

Three people are describing how they made an important choice. Read their stories and complete each text by dragging the missing expressions into the correct gaps.

PART 1

Buying a car (Jake)

I'd been thinking about getting a new car for months, but I kept putting off the decision. There were so many models to that I felt completely overwhelmed. I spent weeks , visiting different dealerships and reading reviews online. At first I was quite about the colour and the interior, but in the end I realised I was overcomplicating things. I finally a silver Škoda — nothing flashy, but reliable and within my budget. I'm glad I something practical rather than trying to impress anyone.

PART 2

Choosing a holiday (Maria)

Every year it's the same story — my husband and I can never agree on where to go on holiday. He always wants to a beach resort, while I prefer city breaks with museums and good food. This year we decided to approach it differently. We each three destinations and then tried to find one that appeared on both lists. Surprisingly, we both had Lisbon. It didn't take long to the dates after that. I think the trick is not to be too every little detail — sometimes you just have to compromise.

PART 3

Picking a subject to study (Daniel)

When I was seventeen, I had no idea what I wanted to study at university. My parents thought I should law because it leads to a stable career, but I wasn't convinced. I spent months going back and forth between different options, trying to something that felt right. A career adviser at school my strong results in economics and suggested I look into that. In the end, I business and economics, and it turned out to be a great choice. I'm glad I didn't just the first thing other people recommended.

PART 4

Starting a business (Nadia)

When my partner and I decided to open a café, we had to make hundreds of decisions in a very short time. Some were — like choosing the name — but others took much longer. Picking a location was the hardest part. We couldn't stop between two streets on opposite sides of town. My partner kept , so in the end I just a last-minute offer on a corner unit near the station. Sometimes you just have to stop overthinking and commit.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUIZ

Complete the quiz below.

HOW TO TALK ABOUT CHOICES AND CHOOSING

Choose the correct word or expression to complete each sentence.

1.

There were over 200 dishes on the menu. It was impossible to ______ with so many options.

2.

After visiting six different shops, we finally ______ a sofa that we both liked.

3.

I couldn't decide between the two jackets, so in the end I just ______ the cheaper one.

4.

The board needs to ______ a new director before the end of the quarter.

5.

My sister is incredibly ______ about food. She won't eat anything unless she knows exactly what's in it.

6.

We've ______ three candidates for the marketing manager position. Interviews are next week.

7.

Don't buy the first laptop you see — it's always worth ______ to compare prices.

8.

Out of all the applicants, the panel ______ two people for their exceptional leadership skills.

9.

Take your time and ______ the option that works best for your team.

10.

We looked at five different venues, but in the end we ______ the one closest to the office.

11.

She's very ______ about the brand of coffee she drinks — it has to be freshly ground.

12.

There are three colours to ______ — black, navy, and grey. Which do you prefer?


Well done! You're almost there!

13.

He was ______ as the best candidate by both the HR team and the department head.

14.

I've been going back and forth all week, but I've finally ______ economics as my first choice.

15.

There are four flavours available, so just ______ — whichever one you like.

LEADERBOARD

Check how your score compares with other players.

RankUserCorrect Score
1None93
2None86
3None73
4Łukasz Nowiński66
5Mariusz13
6Mariusz13
7Mariusz13

DISCUSSION

Answer the questions below using the vocabulary you just learned.

BulletWhy do some people find it so difficult to settle on just one option? What makes choosing hard?
BulletDo you think having more options to choose from makes life better, or does it just make decisions more stressful?
BulletSome people are very particular about what they eat, wear, or buy. Is being fussy a positive or a negative trait?
BulletWhen companies need to appoint someone to an important position, what do you think matters more — experience, personality, or connections?
BulletIn what situations is it better to shop around and compare, and when is it smarter to just go for the first good option you find?

MY ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Add new and interesting words from this lesson to your English dictionary.

Store your words and expressions in this handy dictionary. You can create groups and play games based on your entries. There is also a practical importing feature.

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