How To Write a Business Plan

How To Write a Business Plan

by | Sep 22, 2020 | Uncategorised

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How To Write a Business Plan
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THE BLUE TREE

Business English

CEF B1

CEFR B1

Intermediate

warm up

Answer the questions below. Listen to some model answers and read the transcript.

Have you ever considered building your own business?
TRANSCRIPT

Yes, I’ve definitely thought about starting my own business. I like the idea of having more independence and being responsible for my own decisions. Running a business seems challenging, but also very rewarding. Of course, it involves risk and uncertainty, but I believe that with a clear vision and solid planning, it’s possible to build something meaningful. For me, the freedom to create and grow is very attractive.

If you already have one, how did you come up with the idea?
TRANSCRIPT

If I were to start a business, I think the idea would come from a real problem I’ve noticed. Many successful companies begin because someone sees a gap in the market. I would probably analyse everyday frustrations and ask myself how they could be solved better. Brainstorming, researching trends, and talking to potential customers would also help me shape the concept into something practical and viable.

What factors can determine if a new business is going to be successful?
TRANSCRIPT

In my opinion, several factors determine whether a business succeeds or fails. First of all, there must be real demand for the product or service. Secondly, the entrepreneur needs a clear strategy and measurable goals. Understanding the market and customers is crucial as well. Finally, persistence plays a major role. Even strong ideas can fail without consistency, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions.

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 happens to 90% of businesses in the first 5 years?
  • What are some reasons why businesses fail?
  • What is the advantage of writing your vision down?
  • What is the second step of a business plan?
  • What kind of goals and indicators should we consider?

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 a Unique Selling Proposition?
  • What is the purpose of finding your USP?
  • How well should you know your market?
  • How can you get to know your customers?
  • What’s the most basic rule of demand and supply?

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 are marketing goals?
  • What information does a marketing strategy contain?
  • What is the last step of a successful business plan?

POLL

Coming Soon
Which element of a business plan would you find the hardest to do?
Total Votes : 5

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LESSON GLOSSARY

Business plan

How to build a resilient future using ancient wisdom

How to build a resilient future using ancient wisdom

by | Sep 20, 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 > Science stuff >

How to build a resilient future using ancient wisdom
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THE BLUE TREE

Science Stuff

CEF B1

CEFR B2

Upper
Intermediate

warm up

Answer the questions below. Listen to the sample answers.

What do you like learning about new technologies?
TRANSCRIPT

I really enjoy learning about how different technologies can solve everyday problems and make life easier. It’s fascinating to see how something as simple as an invention or process can have such a big impact. I’m especially interested in how technology can improve sustainability and help us live more efficiently without harming the environment. The way we innovate always inspires me.

Do you believe that technological innovation is going to help us save the planet from climate change?
TRANSCRIPT

I do believe that technological innovation can help us fight climate change, but it can’t be the only solution. We need to combine technology with changes in behavior, policy, and global cooperation. Technologies like renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable agriculture are promising, but they need to be implemented on a large scale. The real challenge is making sure they’re accessible and adopted quickly enough.

Can you think of any ancient technology that people are still using?
TRANSCRIPT

One ancient technology that’s still used today is the qanat system in Iran. It’s an underground channel that brings water from mountains to dry areas. It’s a smart way to use gravity to transport water over long distances without losing much to evaporation. Even though it’s been around for centuries, it’s still effective and shows how ancient innovations can address modern problems like water scarcity.

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 does Julia study?
  • How did the Khasi people overcome the problem of frequent flooding?
  • How old is this tradition and how many livingroot bridges are there?
  • How long can these root bridges exist?

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 use do the Madan people found for reed that grows around them?
  • How quickly can they build their houses?
  • What else can make from this plant?
  • How solid are these floating island?

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 solution does Calcutta use to clean its water?
  • What is the added advantage of these ponds?
  • How long does the purifying process take?
  • Where is this sytem being replicated to?

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.

  • What does “Ganvie” mean?
  • What did the Tofinu tribe build?
  • What can you find on the square of this unusual city?
  • How important is this place for the people that live around this lake?
  • How were some parts of Australia’s forests saved from the raging fire?
  • What does she find fascinating about these technologies?
  • What is Julia imploring us to do?

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

Coming Soon
Julia Watson mentions some locations in her speech. Where would you like to go, if you could visit one of them?
Total Votes : 1
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DISCUSSION

DIALOGUE

Alita and Pete are standing near a living root bridge in a lush forest in India. The sound of rushing water fills the air as they admire the structure.

Read or role-play their dialogue.

Alita:
Wow, Pete, this bridge is unbelievable! It looks like something out of a fantasy movie — but it’s real and alive!

Pete:
I know! The idea that people here trained the roots of trees to grow into bridges over rivers — that’s just mind-blowing. It’s the perfect example of using nature instead of fighting against it.

Alita:
Exactly. It makes me think of other ancient technologies that worked with the environment. For example, the reed islands in Iraq. The Madan people still build their floating homes from plants that grow around them.

Pete:
Oh, I saw that too! It’s amazing how sustainable it is — no waste, no pollution, and everything can return to nature. I think we could learn a lot from them about resilience and adaptation.

Alita:
Totally. And don’t forget about the water-purifying ponds in Kolkata. They clean the city’s wastewater naturally. It’s incredible that something so simple can be so effective.

Pete:
It really shows that sometimes the smartest innovations aren’t new at all — they’re just rediscovered ancient wisdom.

Alita:
Maybe that’s the real message of this lesson: to move forward, we first need to look back.

OVER TO YOU

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

BulletWhich example of ancient technology from the lesson impressed you the most? Why do you think it has survived until today?
BulletIn what ways can modern engineers or architects learn from ancient solutions like living root bridges or floating villages?
BulletDo you think modern society relies too much on technology instead of working with nature? Can you give an example?
BulletIf your city faced frequent flooding or drought, what traditional or nature-based ideas could help people adapt?
BulletWhy do you think the idea of “resilience” is so important when we talk about the future of our planet? How can individuals be more resilient in their daily lives?

lesson glossary

How to build a resilient future using ancient wisdom

The best place to be a woman?

The best place to be a woman?

by | Sep 17, 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 > Man and Society >

The best place to be a woman?
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THE BLUE TREE

Man & Society

CEF B1

CEFR B2

Upper
Intermediate

warm up

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

Should men and women be paid equally for the same type of work?
TRANSCRIPT

Absolutely, men and women should be paid equally for the same type of work. It’s a matter of fairness and equality. If two people are doing the same job with the same level of skill, experience, and responsibility, there’s no reason why their gender should affect their pay. Equal pay ensures that everyone gets what they deserve based on their work, not on outdated biases.

Why is this an issue in so many countries?
TRANSCRIPT

This is still an issue in many countries because of deep-rooted cultural norms and stereotypes. For years, men were seen as the primary breadwinners, and women’s work was often undervalued, especially in jobs traditionally held by women. Even today, many industries still reflect these old ideas. Plus, unconscious bias plays a role, with employers sometimes unknowingly favoring men when it comes to promotions and salaries.

What do you think governments should do to tackle this problem?
TRANSCRIPT

Governments should introduce stronger policies that enforce transparency in pay, like Iceland has done. Pay gap legislation is a good start, but governments also need to promote gender-neutral education and shared parental leave, so men and women both have opportunities to contribute at home and at work. It’s also important to raise awareness and address unconscious biases through education and workplace training.

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 are the three areas of inequality between men and women?
  • Which country is bridging these gaps successfully?
  • What is their secret?
  • How are kindergartens organised on Iceland?
  • What do these special schools aim at?
  • What do they teach girls and boys?
  • Does this bring positive results?

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 are men encouraged to do in Iceland?
  • What is a Daddy Quota and how does it work?
  • Do other countries have a similar scheme?
  • How is this creating more equal field on the labour market?

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 legislation was passed in Iceland?
  • What do companies have to prove from now on?
  • How does this pay calculator work?
  • What did the featured company find out?

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

Coming Soon
Is gender inequality a serious issue?
Total Votes : 9

lesson glossary

The best place to be a woman

COMMENTS

How do you feel the issue of gender inequality should be fixed?

Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck

Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck

by | Sep 15, 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  > How to learn >

Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck
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THE BLUE TREE

How to Learn

CEF B1

CEFR B1

Intermediate

warm up

Answer these questions. Listen to Alita’s answers and report back what she said.

How do you feel about doing something difficult?
TRANSCRIPT

Doing something difficult? Well, I think it’s like trying to climb a really steep hill. Sometimes I look up and think, “Wow, that’s going to be tough.” But I also get a bit excited, you know? Like, what if I actually make it to the top? That would be amazing. So, yeah, it’s hard, and sometimes I want to give up, but I keep telling myself to push a bit more. After all, reaching the top could feel awesome.

Remember the time at school when you failed a test or an exam. How did it feel? What did you do about it?
TRANSCRIPT

Oh, failing a test? That takes me back. I remember feeling pretty down about it, like I let myself down. It wasn’t just about the grades, you know? It was more like, “I could have done better if I’d tried harder.” So, what did I do? First, I probably spent a bit too much time feeling sorry for myself. But then, I got this idea to not let it beat me. I talked to my teacher, asked for advice on what to focus on, and then I hit the books again. Harder this time. I made a plan, tried to stick to it, and learned how to manage my time better. It was a bit of a wake-up call, really. Made me realize that if I want something, I’ve got to work for it.

Do you think people are born with a fixed intelligence or is intelligence something we can develop?
TRANSCRIPT

I reckon it’s a bit of both, you know? Sure, some people seem to be born with a knack for certain things. Like, some are really good with numbers or art right from the start. But I truly believe that we can all get better at things if we really put our minds to it. It’s like learning Italian for me. I wasn’t born speaking it, but with practice, I’m getting there. I think our brains are like muscles in a way. The more you use them, the stronger they get. So, yeah, we might start with certain talents, but there’s always room to grow and get smarter in different areas. It’s all about not giving up and keeping on learning.

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 does Carol say about the word ‘yet’?
  • How is this word helping children learn better?
  • What did she ask children to do and how did some of them react?
  • What did these children understand?
  • What are the two ways of raising our children?
  • What do some business owners complain about?

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 the first thing we can do as parents to help our kids develop Growth Mindset?
  • What should we praise them for?
  • What shouldn’t we praise them for?
  • What is Brain Points about? How does it develop Growth Mindset?
  • What does research say about the phrase: “not yet”?
  • What does Carol teach children and how did it help those who learnt this lesson?

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 do the examples Carol mentioned illustrate?
  • What did all the schools she talked about have in common?
  • How does Growth Mindset affect the meaning of effort and difficulty?
  • What did the 13 year old boy write in his letter to Carol Dweck?
  • What kind of environment does Carol urge us to create?

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll below. Compare your answer to the answers of other students.

Coming Soon
What do you think of the idea of Growth Mindset?
Total Votes : 4

lesson glossary

Check out the language from this lesson.

Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck

Be Professional! Never say this at work!

Be Professional! Never say this at work!

by | Aug 1, 2020 | Uncategorised

back to HOME > Learning English > Business English >

Be Professional! Never say this at work!
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Business English

CEF B1

CEFR A2

Pre-Intermediate

warm up

Answer the questions below.

How often do you need to speak English at work?
TRANSCRIPT

I have to speak English quite often at work, especially when we have meetings with international clients or colleagues from other countries. Sometimes it’s just a short conversation or a quick update, but other times I need to explain something more complicated. At first, it was a bit stressful, but now I’m getting used to it, and I even enjoy the challenge.

What do you have to do more: speak or write?
TRANSCRIPT

In my job, I do more writing than speaking. I send emails every day, write short reports, and sometimes prepare documents in English. Speaking happens less often, maybe once or twice a week during online meetings. I feel more confident when I write because I have more time to think, check the vocabulary, and correct mistakes before sending anything.

How do you feel when you have to speak English?
TRANSCRIPT

It depends on the situation. If it’s a one-on-one conversation, I usually feel okay. But when I have to speak in front of a group, especially with native speakers, I get nervous. I worry about my grammar or pronunciation. But at the same time, I know that making mistakes is part of learning, so I try not to be too hard on myself. Every time I speak, I feel like I improve a little.

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.

  • How important is it to know what to say in a given situation in English?
  • What is the first scenario about?
  • Why shouldn’t we say: “I don’t know”?
  • What can we say instead? Open the toggle below to see the ideas from the video.
What to say when you don't know the answer
  • I’m not sure, but I can find out.
  • I’ll find out for you.
  • Let me come back to you on that.

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 wrong with “I’ll try”?
  • How should we answer a specific yes/no question?
  • What can you say in this situation?
  • What is the best thing to say when you don’t think you can manage the deadline?
What to say when somebody asks you to do something by a specific time
  • I can get it done by 2pm.
  • Sure! I can have it done by 2pm.
  • I don’t think I can manage it by 2, but I can have it done by 4!
  • Actually, I don’t think I can manage it by 2, but I can definitely have it done by 4.
  • I don’t think I can manage it by Thursday, but I can definitely have it done by Friday. Would that be OK?

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 is the third situation about?
  • How do some people react in situations like these?
  • What two words can make things a little better?
  • What else can you say?
  • Why should we use ‘we’ instead of ‘I’?
What to say when somebody is angry about something
  • I understand.
  • I understand. Let’s see what we can do.
  • I’m sorry, I understand. Let’s see what we can do about this.
  • I understand that you came all this way and it’s not ready. Let’s see what we can do.

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.

  • What is the fourth situation about?
  • What is the worst thing to say in such a situation? Why?
  • What can you say instead?
What to say when you keep somebody waiting
  • I’ll be with you in a moment.
  • Sorry to keep you waiting, I’ll be right there.
  • Sorry to keep you waiting, I’ll be there with you in just a moment.

part five

KEY LANGUAGE

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

VIDEO

Watch the fifth part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

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

  • What is the fifth situation about?
  • What shouldn’t you say?
  • What are the alternatives?
What to say when you didn't understand
  • I’m sorry, I missed that.
  • I’m sorry, I missed that. Could you say it again, please?
  • Sorry, would you mind just repeating that?
  • Sorry, would you mind just repeating that for me? I missed it.

LESSON GLOSSARY

Never say this at work