Most Beautiful Places

Most Beautiful Places

by | Jan 29, 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 >

Most Beautiful Places
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Travel & Nature

CEF B1

CEFR B1

Intermediate

warm up

Answer these questions in the fullest possible way. 

What is the most beautiful place you have ever visited?
TRANSCRIPT

“The most beautiful place I have visited was Lake Bled in Slovenia. The water was so clear and blue, and the small island with a church in the middle looked magical. I went hiking around the lake and the views were breathtaking.”

If you had the time and money, which places would you like to see?
TRANSCRIPT

“If I had the time and money, I would love to see the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. I have seen pictures and videos of them, and they look so unique and powerful. I think it would be unforgettable to stand there and see them in real life.”

How should people protect such places of outstanding natural beauty?
TRANSCRIPT

“I think people should protect these places by following the rules, not leaving rubbish, and respecting the animals that live there. Governments should also limit the number of visitors and invest in keeping the area clean and safe. That way, future generations will also be able to enjoy them.”

key language

Go through this flashcard set and check some of the vocabulary from the video you are going to watch.

watch the video

Watch the video. Make notes about the places it mentions. 

COMPREHENSION

DO YOU REMEMBER

Answer the questions below. Use the information from the video.

1. 

Palawan Island is a busy holiday destination for tourists from all around the world.

Hint
2. 

Palawan Island is home to many aquatic animals which can only be found there.

Hint
3. 

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is fed by the water from a nearby lake.

Hint
4. 

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is easily accessible from a nearby road.

Hint
5. 

Plitvice Lakes National Park features 18 interconnecting lakes.

Hint
6. 

Plitvice lakes change colour thanks to minerals, organisms and the sun.

Hint
7. 

Algar de Benagil used to be a fishing place.

Hint
8. 

Algar de Benagil can only be accessed by a car and a long walk.

Hint
9. 

Cliff of Moher was built by Napoleon.

Hint
10. 

Cliff of Moher are home to many species of birds.

Hint
11. 

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's second largest structure made by a living organism.

Hint
12. 

The nearby beach has a special sand that does not get hot.

Hint


Well done! You are doing great! Keep up the good work!

13. 

Antelope Canyon was made by gold prospectors.

Hint
14. 

Antelope Canyon looks the best in the summer when there is the most sunlight.

Hint
15. 

Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall of this kind.

Hint
16. 

Iguazu Falls most spectacular part is called the Devil's Throat.

Hint
17. 

Moraine Lake is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains.

Hint
18. 

Moraine Lake was featured on the Canadian 50 dollar bill.

Hint


Well done! You're almost there!

19. 

Salar de Uyuni used to be a normal lake in pre-historic times.

Hint
20. 

Salar de Uyuni is interesting not only for it's beauty but also for rare minerals which can be found there.

Hint

Travel Brochures

Complete the fill-in-the gaps activity below.

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll below. Compare your answer with these submitted by other respondents. 

Which of the ten places shown in this lesson would you like to visit most?

CAST YOUR VOTE
×
w

DISCUSSION

DIALOGUE

In this conversation, Alita and Pete talk about stunning natural places they’ve visited or dream of visiting. Through their discussion, they reflect on what makes a place truly memorable.

Alita: Pete, have you ever seen a place so breathtaking that you just stopped and stared?

Pete: Absolutely. Last year I went hiking in the Alps, and the jagged rock formations with snow on top were just jaw-dropping.

Alita: That sounds amazing! I once discovered a hidden gem in northern Scotland—this tiny loch surrounded by majestic cliffs. There was no one around, just birds and silence. It felt almost… eerily perfect.

Pete: I love moments like that. I think nature has a way of making you feel both small and connected at the same time. The vast open spaces really help you reset.

Alita: I agree. And the colors—some places have such vivid tones. I remember a sunset in Morocco that looked like a painting.

Pete: Sounds glorious. I also think places that allow you to explore till your heart’s content are the most special. Whether it’s a long hike trail or a peaceful beach.

Alita: Exactly! It doesn’t even have to be a famous site. Sometimes the places that don’t feature on travel blogs are the best. I once snuck into an old castle ruin in Ireland—it had been mostly dismantled, but it felt magical.

Pete: You know, I used to chase places that got the lion’s share of attention on social media. But now I prefer those quiet, adorable spots that make me feel at peace.

Alita: So true. I think beauty is not just about the view, but how a place makes you feel.

Pete: Well said. I guess the real treasures are the ones that make us stop, breathe, and truly take in the moment.

OVER TO YOU

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

BulletHave you ever visited a place that you would describe as breathtaking? What made it special?
BulletDo you prefer popular tourist spots or hidden gems? Why?
BulletHave you walked a hike trail that left a lasting impression on you?
BulletWhich places in proximity to your home are worth exploring?
BulletHave you ever felt insignificant in nature, like when standing by the sea or looking at the stars? What was that experience like?

MIND-MAP

Check out (and download) this neat mind-map about these travel destinations. Use it to learn and remember what they are famous for.

lesson glossary

Check out the language from the lesson. You can download this table in many practical formats. 

Why don’t you add new words from this class to your Dictionary?

COMMENTS

Have you seen a place which should be on this list? Describe it here.

How Focus Music Hacks Your Brain

How Focus Music Hacks Your Brain

by | Jan 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 > Personal Development > How to learn >

How Focus Music Hacks Your Brain
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

How to Learn

CEF B1

CEFR B2

Upper
Intermediate

warm up

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

Do you listen to music when you study?
TRANSCRIPT

Yes, I do listen to music when I study! I find it helps me get into the zone, especially when I’m working on something that requires a lot of focus. I usually put on instrumental or classical music because it doesn’t have lyrics, so it doesn’t distract me. It just sort of fades into the background while I concentrate.

What kind of music helps you relax?
TRANSCRIPT

When I want to relax, I like to listen to soft jazz or acoustic music. There’s something about the calming rhythms and melodies that help me unwind after a long day. Sometimes, I’ll even listen to nature sounds or ambient music, which has this amazing way of making me feel peaceful and grounded.

Does music help you focus, or does it distract you?
TRANSCRIPT

Music can sometimes be distracting for me, especially if it’s a song I know really well or if it has lyrics. I tend to get caught up in the words or the beat. But when I need to focus, I go for ambient or lo-fi music. It’s simple enough to not grab my attention but still creates a nice environment that helps me stay on task.

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.

  • Does music affect our brain?
  • What is Brain Entrainment and how is it used in shops and offices?
  • Why is regular music not ideal for focusing?

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 Amplitude Modulation?
  • How can we know which rhythms are good for focus, rest and sleep?
  • What do you think of the idea of data-driven sound design?

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

Coming Soon
Would you like to try out these sounds to see if they work on you?
Total Votes : 5

lesson glossary

COMMENTS

How important is music for you?

Do you have a favourite type of music?

Does music affect how you feel?

Share your views and experience here.

Do schools kill creativity?

Do schools kill creativity?

by | Jan 21, 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 > Do schools kill creativity

Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

How to Learn

CEF B1

CEFR B2

Upper
Intermediate

warm up

Answer the questions below. Listen to the answers below.

Did you like going to school?
TRANSCRIPT

I had a mixed experience with school. I liked learning new things, especially when it came to subjects I was passionate about, like literature and art. But sometimes, the structure felt too rigid, and I didn’t always feel like there was enough room for creativity. There were parts of school that I enjoyed, but other times, it felt more like going through the motions rather than being truly engaged.

What are schools for?
TRANSCRIPT

I think schools are meant to teach kids the basics of knowledge, like reading, math, and critical thinking, but they should also be places that help students figure out who they are and what they want to do. It’s not just about academic subjects; schools should help young people develop life skills, creativity, and confidence. That way, they can find their passions and use them to contribute to society.

Do schools do a good job preparing young people for adult life?
TRANSCRIPT

I think schools could do a better job of preparing young people for adult life. They teach academic subjects, but they often don’t focus enough on practical life skills—things like managing finances, critical thinking, or emotional intelligence. Preparing students for adult life should go beyond textbooks and exams, helping them develop the adaptability and resilience they’ll need in the real world.

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 schools for according to Sir Ken Robinson?
  • What don’t we know and why is it a problem for education?
  • What does Sir Robinson think about creativity?

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 does the story of a little girl drawing God illustrate?
  • Who does the educational system favour?
  • Should schools put as much importance on dance as on languages?

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 it mean intelligence is:
    • diverse
    • dynamic
    • distinct?
  • Retell the story of Gillian Lynne.
  • What does her story illustrate?
  • Why is it critical that school do a better job of preparing children for the future?

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

Coming Soon
Do schools succeed in preparing children for the future?
Total Votes : 3

lesson glossary

Do schools kill creativity - Sir Ken Robinson

The new 5 second rule

The new 5 second rule

by | Jan 13, 2020 | Uncategorised

back to HOME > Personal Development > Better Communicator >

The new 5 second rule
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Better
Communicator

CEF B1

CEFR B2

Upper
Intermediate

warm up

Answer these questions. Then listen to Bella share her views. Report back what you heard.

How long do you think it takes to make a first impression?
TRANSCRIPT

I think it takes just a few seconds to make a first impression — maybe five or six. It happens almost instantly, before we even realise it. Our brain is wired to notice things like body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions right away. Of course, that impression can change later, but the first few seconds definitely set the tone for how we see someone.

They say, “You only have one chance to make the first impression.” What do you think about it?
TRANSCRIPT

I think that’s mostly true, but not completely. The first impression is powerful — people often decide whether they like or trust us within seconds. But I also believe we can change that impression over time, especially if we act consistently and show our real personality. Sometimes people just need to see us in a different context to realise who we truly are.

How much control do we have over what first impression we make on others?
TRANSCRIPT

I think we have some control, but not total control. We can choose how we dress, how we smile, or how confident we sound — that’s the part we manage. But people’s reactions also depend on their mood, experiences, or expectations, and that’s something we can’t influence. So, I’d say we can guide the impression, but we can’t fully control how others see us.

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 our brain do when you meet a new person?
  • What serves as a frame of reference when we make a first impression?
  • What happens when our first impression is wrong?
  • What does it mean “to see the other person”?

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 does the acronym STOP mean?
  • What is the advantage of the STOP approach?
  • What does Quita ask us to do when we meet a new person?

Quita Christison

The new 5 Second Rule

“Think of the respect you could give first instead of the apology later.”

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

Coming Soon
Does first impression matter?
Total Votes : 14
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DISCUSSION

Coming Home After the Company Reception

Read or role play this dialogue. 

Alita: That was quite a reception! I didn’t expect so many new people. My head is still spinning from all the names and faces.

Pete: Same here. At first, I felt completely out of place. But then I remembered the STOP idea — See The Other Person.

Alita: Oh yes! I tried to use it too. Instead of worrying how I looked, I focused on really seeing the person in front of me.

Pete: That’s what helped me start a real conversation. I stopped thinking about making a perfect impression and just listened. One guy from IT was shy at first, but once I noticed his badge said “photography club,” we clicked right away.

Alita: That’s such a great example. I used to think first impressions were all about control — what I wear, how I smile. But tonight I realised it’s more about presence than performance.

Pete: Exactly. When we truly see others, they feel it. And that changes everything.

Alita: I agree. It’s almost like pressing pause on our inner critic for five seconds, and giving space for the other person to be seen.

Pete: Right. And it’s amazing how a small shift in focus can make us feel more relaxed and authentic too.

Alita: So true. Next time we have an event like this, I’ll remind myself: “STOP — See The Other Person.”

Pete: Me too. Maybe that’s the real secret behind a good first impression.

OVER TO YOU

Discuss these questions.

BulletQuita says we often make snap judgments about people. Why do you think our brain does that so quickly?
BulletWhat does it mean to “See The Other Person”? How can this mindset change your first impression of someone?
BulletQuita suggests giving respect first instead of the apology later. Can you think of a situation where that advice would apply?
BulletWhen was the last time your first impression of someone turned out to be wrong? What made you change your mind?
BulletHow can you use the “STOP” idea in everyday situations — not just at receptions or meetings, but also at work, school, or home?

MIND-MAP

Use the mind-map below to have a more in-depth conversation about this topic.

STOP - See the Other Person

lesson glossary

Key to getting ahead

Key to getting ahead

by | Jan 12, 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 > Personal Productivity >

Key to getting ahead
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Personal
Productivity

CEF B1

CEFR C1

Advanced

warm up

Answer the questions below. Then listen to some model answers. Read the transcript.

Does your company offer career development opportunities? Are you taking advantage of them?
TRANSCRIPT

Absolutely, my company offers a ton of career development opportunities. I work at a bank, and they really invest in our growth. I’m 48 and have been with the company for over 20 years. I’ve taken advantage of various training programs, which have helped me stay updated with industry changes and new technologies. Plus, having a mentor has been invaluable. My mentor has guided me through some tough career decisions and helped me set and achieve my professional goals. Honestly, these programs have played a big part in my career progression.

Who can help you get ahead in your career the most?

TRANSCRIPT

In my experience, the person who can help you get ahead the most is a good mentor. My mentor at the bank has been crucial to my career growth. He’s provided guidance, shared his experiences, and connected me with the right people. Besides a mentor, having a supportive manager also makes a big difference. My manager encourages me to take on new challenges and supports my professional development. Building a strong network within the company is essential too. Colleagues can offer advice, share opportunities, and give feedback that helps you improve.

Is it useful to have a plan for one’s career? Do you have such a plan or a strategy?
TRANSCRIPT

Definitely, having a plan for your career is really useful. It gives you direction and helps you focus on your goals. I’ve always had a rough plan for where I wanted to go in my career. Over the years, I’ve adjusted it based on new opportunities and changes in the industry. Right now, my strategy includes continuing my education through the bank’s training programs, seeking out challenging projects, and regularly checking in with my mentor to stay on track. Having this plan has kept me motivated and on course, even when things get tough.

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.

100:35What is a “roundtable”?
200:48How were people divided during this kind of evaluative process?
300:54What was the consequence of being put in one of the buckets?
401:17What three roles of people at the roundtable did Carla mention?
501:40Why was Carla excited to be at this meeting for the first time?
601:58How do many companies advertise their culture?
702:05How does a meritocratic organisation work in theory?

part two

VIDEO

Watch the next part. 

COMPREHENSION

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

102:58How were Joe, Mary and Arnold assessed?
203:17What question came to Carla’s mind at that moment?
303:28What did she realize about the idea of a meritocratic organisation?
403:38What prevents the meritocratic process from being objective?
504:00What did she realize about her own situation?

part tHREE

KEY LANGUAGE

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

VIDEO

Watch the next part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

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

104:08What did Carla want to know about this person who should speak on her behalf?
204:30Why shouldn’t this person be called “a mentor”?
305:20What name did she finally come up with for this person?
405:32What questions came to her mind at that point?

part four

KEY LANGUAGE

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

VIDEO

Watch the next part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

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

105:45Why do we need a sponsor?
206:02Why is subjectivity an issue?
306:18What do we have to make sure as regards our sponsors?
406:45What is the ideal, if unrealistic, scenario of getting a sponsor?

part five

VIDEO

Watch the next part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

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

107:01What are the two types of currencies?  
207:11How do we earn performance currency?
307:52What are the three benefits of the performance currency?
408:05Why may sponsors be attracted to a person who earns performance currency?
508:19What kind of power can we exercise if we are looking for a sponsor?

part six

VIDEO

Watch the next part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

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

108:28What type of currency becomes most important at this point?
208:36How do we earn relationship currency?
309:06What can we invest and what should our goal be?

part sEVEN

KEY LANGUAGE

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

VIDEO

Watch the next part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

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

109:48What three characteristics should a good sponsor have?
210:28How can you approach your sponsor? What might we say?
311:18What are the three reasons they might say no to your request?
411:33Why is getting rejected by your sponsor valuable information for you?
511:54Why is it critical to have a sponsor in any organization?
612:01What question should we ask ourselves regularly?

part EIGHT

video

Watch the last part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

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

112:23Who does Carla address at the end?
212:34What reponsibility do people at the table have?
312:45What might these people worry about?
412:50What does Carla encourage them to do?
512:58What did she learn during her time on Wall Street?

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

1️⃣ What matters most for getting ahead in a large organisation?
2️⃣ If a “roundtable” discussion about you happened today, what would help you most?
3️⃣ How strategic are you about your career growth?
2 votes

Cast Your Vote
×

DISCUSSION

Dialogue

Friday evening. Sven and Pete are leaving the office. Sven has just found out he didn’t get the promotion he was hoping for.

Read or role-play this dialogue.

Sven:
I can’t believe it. I really thought this was my moment. I’ve worked so hard this year… and still nothing.

Pete:
I’m sorry, Sven. That must hurt. Did they give you any specific feedback?

Sven:
Not much. They said I’m reliable and solid, but they went with someone “more visible.” I don’t even know what that means.

Pete:
It probably means what Carla Harris talks about — performance currency isn’t enough. You also need relationship currency and visibility.

Sven:
So doing a good job isn’t enough?

Pete:
In theory it should be. In reality, someone has to speak for you in those roundtable meetings. If no one advocates for you, your name might not even come up strongly enough.

Sven:
That’s frustrating. I thought merit would speak for itself.

Pete:
That’s the myth. The real question is: who is going to speak on your behalf? Do you have a sponsor?

Sven:
Not really. I have a good relationship with my manager, but I’ve never asked anyone to support me strategically.

Pete:
Maybe that’s your next step. Identify someone influential. Show them your results. Ask for honest feedback. And make sure more people know what you’re working on.

Sven:
So I need to be more intentional?

Pete:
Exactly. Keep performing — that’s your foundation. But build relationships. Increase your visibility. And next time, don’t just hope you’ll be promoted. Prepare for the roundtable.

Sven:
You know what? That actually makes me feel better. At least now I have a strategy.

Pete:
That’s the spirit. This wasn’t the end of your story. It was just data.

OVER TO YOU

Discuss these questions.

BulletIn large organisations, what makes a person “visible” during promotion decisions?
BulletWhy might strong performance alone not guarantee career advancement?
BulletWhat role can a sponsor play in professional growth?
BulletHow can someone build relationship currency without seeming artificial or manipulative?
BulletHow can rejection from a promotion become useful information for future growth?

MIND-MAP

Use the mind-map below to have a more in-depth conversation about this topic.

Getting Ahead Carla Harris

lesson glossary

COMMENTS

What do you think of the idea of a sponsor? How do you feel about performance and relationship currencies? Has anybody played a role of a sponsor in your career?

Share your views and experience here.

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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