Rich and Poor

Rich and Poor

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

Rich and Poor
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Learn Words

CEF B1

CEFR B1

Intermediate

warm up

Answer the question below.

  • What’s your attitude to money?
  • Are you good with money? Can you manage your money well?
  • How would your life change if you were filthy rich?
Rich and poor

STUDY SECTION

Study the words and expressions for talking about wealth and poverty. 

WORDS MEANING RICH
  • wealthy
    She comes from a wealthy family, who own houses in London and Paris.
  • prosperous
    After the war, Germany became one of Europe’s most prosperous countries.
  • well-to-do
    He wants to find a husband from a well-to-do background for his daughter.
  • comfortably off
    When the children were small we never had much money, but now we seem to be comfortably off.
  • affluent
    As people become more affluent, so their standard and style of living improves.
EXTREMELY RICH
  • be loaded
    Did you know Peter has three houses? He must be loaded.
  • be rolling in it
    Don’t worry about him. He’s rolling in it. Clearly, he can afford to pay for it.
  • stinking rich
    This gorgeous woman walked in, beautifully dressed and obviously stinking rich.
  • filthy rich
    Gregory is filthy rich but he never gives a penny to charity.
  • be worth a fortune
    The Chief Executive started her career as a secretary, and now she’s worth millions.
  • have money to burn
    Every time I see her she’s wearing something new. She must have money to burn.
PERSON WHO IS RICH
  • fat cat
    A very rich and powerful person, usually in business or politics
    Why should those fat cats get rich at our expense?
  • new money
    People who have recently become rich
    He’s not quite sure who the Joyces are, because they are new money.
  • tycoon
    A rich and powerful person who is involved in business or industry
    Tapie, business tycoon and football club owner, was appointed Minister for Cities.
  • be born with a silver spoon in the mouth
    To be rich because you come from a rich family
    You can hardly know what it means to be poor as you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth. 
  • to live in the lap of luxury
    To live in very comfortable and expensive conditions
    After winning the reward for the best salesperson, we spent two weeks in the hotel living in the lap of luxury.
TO BECOME RICH
  • make good
    He’s a local boy made good.
  • marry into money
    Sue married into money when she found the Sheik. 
  • go from rags to riches
    America is full of stories of people who went from rags to riches. 
  • be set up for life
    After winning the lottery, Rob is set up for life. Provided, he manages his money well. 
  • to strike it rich
    Jack has struck it rich when he launched the social media site. 
OTHER MEANINGS OF RICH
  • large amount
    Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C.
  • full of interest
    The area has a very rich history.
  • food that has a lot of taste
    The sauce was very rich.
  • colours that are bright and vivid
    A rich dark brown colour.
HAVING LITTLE MONEY
  • poor
    She was born in a poor district of Chicago in 1925.
  • badly off
    She was quite badly off for a while after her husband died.
  • impoverished
    His family became so impoverished they were forced to sell the farm.
  • destitute
    The rest of her family all died in a smallpox epidemic, leaving her destitute.
NOT HAVE MONEY AT THE MOMENT
  • hard up
    I’m a little hard up just now – can I pay you back next week?
  • broke
    We’re always broke at the end of the month.
  • skint
    I’m really skint – you couldn’t lend me a few quid could you?
  • be down-on-your-luck
    In the film, Williams plays a down-on-his-luck salesman whose wife has left him.
FEWER LIFE OPPORTUNITIES
  • disadvantaged
    Quinn argued that an increase in the minimum wage would help the most disadvantaged Americans.
  • deprived
    Children growing up in deprived areas are far more likely to turn to crime and drug abuse.

PRACTICE

Complete the flashcard exercise below. Decide if the word on the card describes somebody who is rich or poor. Flip the card to see an example sentence. 

TEST

Let’s see how well you remember these words and expressions for rich and poor. Complete these sentences with the words from the example you read and listened to.

Score more than 80% and get a beautiful certificate!

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

Answer the question below. Try using vocabulary from the lesson.

  • Are there more pros or cons in being prosperous?
  • Should well-off people pay more taxes?
  • If you had money to burn, what would you spend it on?
  • Does money change people? What happens to people when they become rich in a relatively short time?
  • Is it possible to be happy on little money?
  • Have you ever heard anybody who was rich but lost their fortune? What happened?

LESSON GLOSSARY

Rich or Poor

COMMENTS

Build some sentences to illustrate the meanings of words which were new from this lesson. 

Money and happiness

Money and happiness

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

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

Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂

Zespół The Blue Tree

Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Opinions

CEF B1

CEFR B2

Upper
Intermediate

Practise speaking by describing this image

warm up

Talking about money

Answer these questions. Listen to Warren, a man from the US, answer these questions. Report back what you heard.

TRANSCRIPT

Can money buy happiness? Well, in my opinion, money can make life easier but it can’t buy true happiness. Sure, it’s good to have enough to pay bills and have some savings. It’s nice to not worry about money all the time. But real happiness comes from things you can’t buy, like spending time with family and friends, enjoying hobbies, or helping others. Those things make me truly happy, not just having money.

How much money would you like to have? Same as now, a little more, much more?
TRANSCRIPT

How much money would I like to have? I’d say a little more than I have today would be nice. It’s always good to have a bit extra for unexpected things or to enjoy some small luxuries. But, honestly, I wouldn’t mind having less money! Just kidding, of course. I know being really rich can have its own problems. Sometimes, more money means more worries. I’m happy with having enough without all the extra stress that too much money can bring.

TRANSCRIPT

What does being rich mean to me? To me, being rich isn’t just about the amount of money you have. It’s more about feeling secure and being able to enjoy life without constant worry about finances. Being rich means having enough to take care of my needs, help out others when I can, and having some left for enjoying life’s little pleasures. It’s also about being rich in non-material things, like having good relationships, health, and happiness. Those are priceless and make me feel truly wealthy.

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.

100:08What did turn out as regards their budget?
200:10How does he want to spend this extra money?
300:17What will be the focus of this episode?
400:20What do many people believe about money and happiness?
500:22What does he mean when he says: “Sort of”?

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.

100:28What did the studies find out about people living in poverty?
200:35How much money does one need to earn for his happiness to flatten out?
300:42Does making 200 000 a year make you twice as happy as when you earn 80 000?
400:55If having money doesn’t make us happy, what does?

part three

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.

101:01What is Dr Waldinger a director of?
201:12What’s special about this study?
301:35What was the surprising finding from this research?
401:49What was the strongest predictor of one’s health and happiness in the old age?
502:17In what way are relationships like doing physical exercises?

part four

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.

102:42What were these two researchers studying?
202:48Why is studying spending so interesting?
303:15What is the first finding from this research?
403:35Giving somebody $5 might not make them like us. What might?
503:47What do we get when we spend money on doing things with others?

part five

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.

103:151What should we spend more money on?
204:01What did the researchers at Cornell find out?
304:23How does the graph of happiness develop when we buy something for ourselves?
404:44What happens to happiness chart when we buy experiences?

part six

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.

104:54What should we know about ourselves?
205:05What do our spending needs to be aligned with in order to make us happy?
305:14What can extroverts spend their money on to increase their satisfaction?
405:20How can introverts increase their happiness using money?
505:26What does it mean that we should do an audit of our spending?
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DISCUSSION

DIALOGUE

Alita and Pete are sitting in a quiet café after work. They recently watched a video about the relationship between money and happiness. The video presented three main conclusions: use money to build social relationships, choose experiences over things, and know yourself. 

Read or role-play their dialogue.

Alita: I’ve been thinking about that video we watched. The idea that we should use money to build relationships really stood out to me.

Pete: Same here. It makes sense when you think about it. Taking a friend out for dinner creates a shared memory. Buying another gadget doesn’t.

Alita: Exactly. And I loved the point about choosing experiences over things. I remember trips I took years ago, but I can’t even recall what phone I had back then.

Pete: That’s a good example. Experiences become part of who we are. Things just… sit there.

Alita: But what about the third point — knowing yourself? That one feels harder to apply.

Pete: I think it means your spending should be aligned with your values. If you love music, maybe concert tickets make you happier than a new watch.

Alita: So it’s not about spending less, but spending smarter?

Pete: Right. The research suggests we’d be better off doing a little audit of where our money goes.

Alita: That’s actually a helpful way to look at it. Small shifts, not big sacrifices.

Pete: Exactly. And if I were to recap — spend on people, choose memories, and know what truly matters to you.

OVER TO YOU

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

BulletWhy do many people believe that buying things will make them happy?
BulletWhat makes experiences more memorable than material possessions?
BulletHow can spending money on others strengthen relationships?
BulletWhy is it important to understand your own values before making spending decisions?
BulletWhat prevents people from changing their spending habits even when they know what would make them happier?

DIVE DEEPER WITH A MIND-MAP

Study this mind-map to dive deeper into this topic and remember more from this lesson.

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll below.

1️⃣ What usually makes you happier when you spend money?
2️⃣ How often do you think about whether your spending matches your values?
3️⃣ Which of the three takeaways from the video do you find most useful?
1 vote

×

lesson glossary

Go through the main vocabulary items from this lesson using this practical glossary.

Expression Phonetic Translation Example
it turns out/ɪt tɜːnz aʊt/okazuje sięIt turns out that money alone doesn't make people happy.
figure out/ˈfɪɡə aʊt/zrozumieć, rozgryźćI'm trying to figure out why some people are happier than others.
sort of/sɔːt əv/poniekąd, w pewnym sensieMoney can sort of buy happiness, but only if you spend it wisely.
poverty/ˈpɒvəti/ubóstwo, biedaMany people living in poverty struggle to meet their basic needs.
flatten out/ˈflætn aʊt/wyrównać się, ustabilizować sięAfter a certain income level, happiness tends to flatten out.
to make (number) a year/meɪk ... ə jɪə/zarabiać (kwotę) rocznieShe makes around 80,000 dollars a year working as a consultant.
necessarily/ˌnesəˈserəli/koniecznie, niekoniecznie (w przeczeniach)Having more money doesn't necessarily mean you'll be happier.
to conduct a study/kənˈdʌkt ə ˈstʌdi/przeprowadzić badanieResearchers conducted a study on the relationship between money and happiness.
predict/prɪˈdɪkt/przewidywaćIt's difficult to predict how people will react to sudden wealth.
abuse alcohol/əˈbjuːz ˈælkəhɒl/nadużywać alkoholuSome people abuse alcohol when they feel unhappy or stressed.
marital satisfaction/ˈmærɪtl ˌsætɪsˈfækʃn/zadowolenie z małżeństwaThe study found that marital satisfaction was more important than income.
by far/baɪ fɑː/zdecydowanie, bez wątpieniaGood relationships are by far the most important factor in happiness.
the strongest predictor/ðə ˈstrɒŋɡɪst prɪˈdɪktə/najsilniejszy wskaźnik/predyktorSocial connections are the strongest predictor of long-term wellbeing.
to get at causation/ɡet æt kɔːˈzeɪʃn/dotrzeć do przyczyny, ustalić związek przyczynowyScientists try to get at causation, not just correlation.
to tend to something/tend tuː/dbać o coś, zajmować się czymśWe should tend to our relationships if we want to be happy.
wither away/ˈwɪðər əˈweɪ/zanikać, obumieraćFriendships can wither away if we don't invest time in them.
to affect/əˈfekt/wpływać naHow we spend money can affect our level of happiness.
ubiquitous/juːˈbɪkwɪtəs/wszechobecnyThe desire for more money is ubiquitous in modern society.
methodology/ˌmeθəˈdɒlədʒi/metodologiaThe study used a careful methodology to track happiness over time.
findings/ˈfaɪndɪŋz/wyniki, wnioski (z badań)The findings suggest that experiences bring more joy than things.
to boil down/bɔɪl daʊn/sprowadzać się doHappiness often boils down to the quality of our relationships.
takeaway/ˈteɪkəweɪ/wnioski, najważniejsze przesłanieThe main takeaway from this research is to invest in experiences.
reciprocity/ˌresɪˈprɒsəti/wzajemnośćStrong friendships are built on reciprocity and trust.
give back and forth/ɡɪv bæk ənd fɔːθ/dawać i brać, wymieniać się wzajemnieHealthy relationships involve giving back and forth over time.
on average/ɒn ˈævərɪdʒ/średnio, przeciętnieOn average, people who spend money on experiences are happier.
spike in happiness/spaɪk ɪn ˈhæpinəs/nagły wzrost szczęściaBuying a new car gives you a spike in happiness, but it doesn't last.
to some extent/tə sʌm ɪkˈstent/do pewnego stopniaMoney can buy happiness, but only to some extent.
regret/rɪˈɡret/żałować, żalPeople rarely regret spending money on meaningful experiences.
whereas/weərˈæz/podczas gdy, natomiastExperiences bring lasting joy, whereas material things lose their appeal.
anticipated/ænˈtɪsɪpeɪtɪd/oczekiwany, wyczekiwanyThe anticipated holiday brought her more joy than the trip itself.
look forward to/lʊk ˈfɔːwəd tuː/nie móc się doczekać, cieszyć się naI always look forward to spending time with my friends.
every once in a while/ˈevri wʌns ɪn ə waɪl/od czasu do czasuEvery once in a while, it's good to treat yourself to something special.
aligned with/əˈlaɪnd wɪð/zgodny z, dopasowany doYour spending should be aligned with your personal values.
to be better off/bi ˈbetər ɒf/być w lepszej sytuacjiYou'd be better off spending money on experiences than on things.
me time/miː taɪm/czas dla siebieEveryone needs some me time to relax and recharge.
it's up to you/ɪts ʌp tə juː/to zależy od ciebieHow you spend your money is up to you.
to shift/ʃɪft/przesunąć, zmienićTry to shift your focus from buying things to creating memories.
to recap/riːˈkæp/podsumowaćLet me recap the three main points from the research.
first off/fɜːst ɒf/po pierwsze, na początekFirst off, let's talk about how money affects happiness.
put an emphasis on/pʊt ən ˈemfəsɪs ɒn/kłaść nacisk naThe study puts an emphasis on the quality of relationships.
if I were to/ɪf aɪ wɜː tuː/gdybym miał/miałaIf I were to give you one piece of advice, it would be to invest in experiences.
to get the best return/ɡet ðə best rɪˈtɜːn/uzyskać najlepszy zwrot/efektTo get the best return on your money, spend it on others.
for the purposes of/fə ðə ˈpɜːpəsɪz əv/na potrzeby, w celuFor the purposes of this study, happiness was measured through surveys.
what are we looking at?/wɒt ɑː wiː ˈlʊkɪŋ æt/co my tam mamy? (idiom)So, what are we looking at here? Three key findings about spending.
Olive Garden/ˈɒlɪv ˈɡɑːdn/Olive Garden (amerykańska sieć restauracji włoskich)Taking a friend to Olive Garden can bring more happiness than buying a new gadget.
ExpressionPhoneticTranslationExample

COMMENTS

Can money buy happiness? Write your answer to this question. Use the languge and information presented in this lesson and your own experience.

How to disagree productively by Julia Dhar

How to disagree productively by Julia Dhar

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

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

Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂

Zespół The Blue Tree

Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Better
Communicator

CEF B1

CEFR C2

Proficiency

Practise speaking by describing this image

warm up

Answer the questions below.

TRANSCRIPT

People argue because they feel strongly about their beliefs or perspectives and want to be heard. Sometimes it’s about proving a point, but other times it’s about defending what matters to them. Arguments can come from misunderstandings or differences in values, but they’re not always a bad thing. If handled the right way, disagreements can lead to better understanding and growth.

TRANSCRIPT

I don’t really think about arguments in terms of winning or losing. I guess it depends on the situation. Sometimes I feel like I’ve made my point clearly, but other times I realize that I’ve misunderstood the other person’s perspective. I try to focus more on finding common ground instead of just trying to ‘win’ the argument. That way, it feels like a win for both sides, not just one person.

Would the world be a better place if people knew how to argue productively?
TRANSCRIPT

Definitely! If people knew how to argue productively, the world would be a much better place. Arguments wouldn’t be about tearing each other down, but about genuinely trying to understand different viewpoints. We could solve problems more effectively and create stronger communities. Productive disagreement helps people see that it’s okay to have different ideas and still work together toward solutions.

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 the state of public discourse?
  • How do many arguments finish?
  • What is Julia’s life mission?

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.

  • Why did Julia’s parents send her to a debating club?
  • How does formal debating work?
  • How did Julia’s first attempt at debating go?
  • How good did she become eventually?
  • What are the three elements of a productive debate?

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 a rebuttal and why is it so important for debating?
  • What was Julia’s initial thought on successful debaters?
  • What is the first step to a productive disagreement?
  • Why is it more beneficial to debate face to face?

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 second step towards a productive disagreement?
  • What is the best strategy to win a debate?
  • How can this principle be used in public discourse?

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 third key to a productive disagreement?
  • What are the benefits of practising intellectual humility?
  • What question does Julia recommend we all ask ourselves?

Julia Dhar

What is it that you have changed your mind about? And why?

follow up

Julia describes at length how Fred Rogers convinced Senator Pastore to change his mind about funding public television. 

Would you like to see a short clip about this hearing? Here it is, and I cannot recommend it enough 🙂

watch the video

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

Coming Soon
Julia Dhar believes we should all do three things to make our disagreements more productive. Which of these three things, do you think, is the most difficult to put to practice?
Total Votes : 6
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DISCUSSION

JULIA’S IDEAS IN PRACTICE

Alita and Pete are discussing Julia’s ideas and how they helped them find a compromise in the past. 

Read or role-play this dialogue.

Alita:
Did you watch Julia Dhar’s TED Talk about disagreeing productively?

Pete:
Yeah, I saw it last week. Honestly, I wish more people followed her ideas—especially during election season. The way politicians and even regular people argue these days is just depressing.

Alita:
Exactly. It’s like nobody listens anymore. Everyone’s shouting, but no one is really having a conversation. Dhar’s idea of shared reality really stuck with me. Imagine if candidates started with common ground instead of personal attacks.

Pete:
That would change everything. I remember last year I had a huge argument with my uncle about immigration policy. We both got emotional and defensive. But then I remembered Julia’s advice—separate identity from the idea. So I said, “Can we agree that we both want people to feel safe and be treated fairly?” That shifted the whole tone.

Alita:
That’s a great example. Something similar happened at work. We were debating whether to let people work fully remote. It got tense, but I asked everyone to write their opinions anonymously, like Julia suggested. When we discussed the proposals without knowing who wrote them, people were more open-minded. And we found a hybrid solution that worked for everyone.

Pete:
I love that. It’s proof her method works. But how do we bring that mindset into national conversations? Right now, candidates act like changing your mind is a weakness.

Alita:
That’s another point she made: the humility of uncertainty. I’d respect a leader more if they said, “I’ve changed my mind because I learned something new.” It shows they care more about truth than ego.

Pete:
Totally agree. We need more Mister Rogers and Senator Pastores, like she said. Thoughtful people on both sides, willing to listen and rethink. Maybe it starts with us—at home, work, even on social media.

Alita:
Yes, I believe small changes in how we talk to each other can lead to bigger changes in society. I just hope more people hear her message before the next election.

Pete:
Same here. Let’s keep practicing it—and maybe inspire a few others along the way.

OVER TO YOU

Discuss these questions. Refer to the information from the lesson and your own experience.

BulletWhy is it so hard for people to admit they might be wrong in an argument? What helps you stay open-minded?
BulletHow could we apply the idea of anonymous contributions, like Julia did in her project, to improve discussions at school or work?
BulletJulia Dhar said we should ask each other: “What have you changed your mind about, and why?” — how would you answer that question?
BulletWhat does intellectual humility mean to you? Do you think it’s a strength or a weakness in today’s world? Why?
BulletHow do people usually react when their opinions are challenged? What makes someone more open or more defensive in those situations?

lesson glossary

Disagreeing Productivity

Giving suggestions and recommendations

Giving suggestions and recommendations

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

Giving suggestions and recommendations
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Everyday English

CEF B1

CEFR B1

Intermediate

warm up

Discuss these questions.

TRANSCRIPT

Oh, getting lost? Not my favourite, but it happens, right? Honestly, I’m a bit on the fence about asking for directions. I mean, yeah, I’ll ask if I really need to, but there’s just something about trying to figure it out on my own first. You know, like a mini adventure in the middle of London. But don’t get me wrong, if I’m really scratching my head, I’ll swallow my pride and ask someone. Most people are proper helpful, anyway.

TRANSCRIPT

Ah, being told what to do? Not really my cup of tea, to be honest. I get that sometimes people are just trying to be helpful, and I appreciate that, really. But, you know, I like to figure things out on my own, make my own decisions. It’s kinda important for me to feel like I’m in charge of my own life, you know? If someone’s advice comes from a good place, I’ll listen, maybe take it on board. But at the end of the day, I prefer to call my own shots.

TRANSCRIPT

Yeah, I like to think I’m pretty decent at giving advice and suggestions. You know, I’ve been around the block a few times, had my share of ups and downs. So, when friends come to me with something they’re going through, I feel good being able to share what I’ve learned, maybe help them see things from a different angle. I try to listen first, really understand where they’re coming from. Then, I’ll share my thoughts, but I always make it clear it’s just my perspective. At the end of the day, it’s their call. I just hope I can help them feel a bit more sorted about whatever it is they’re dealing with.

part one

Suggesting in speech

Study the ways of giving suggestions and recommendations.

Notice the form of verbs that follow ‘suggestion’ words.

1. I recommend … (doing)

General English: I recommend visiting the new art exhibition downtown; it’s really impressive.
Business English: I recommend scheduling the meeting for Friday afternoon when everyone is available.

2. I suggest … (doing)

General English: I suggest trying the Italian restaurant on Maple Street; their pasta is amazing.
Business English: I suggest reviewing the quarterly sales report in detail before making any major decisions.

3. If I were you, I would … (do)

General English: If I were you, I would take a few days off to rest and recharge.
Business English: If I were you, I would prioritize the most critical tasks first to ensure they are completed on time.

4. My advice would be to … (do)

General English: My advice would be to start your assignments early to avoid last-minute stress.
Business English: My advice would be to consult with the finance department before finalizing the budget.

5. Have you thought of … (doing)

General English: Have you thought of joining the local gym to stay fit and healthy?
Business English: Have you thought of using project management software to streamline our workflow?

6. Why don’t you … (do)

General English: Why don’t you take a walk in the park to clear your mind?
Business English: Why don’t you draft a preliminary proposal for the client to review?

7. How about … (somebody do)

General English: How about we watch a movie tonight?
Business English: How about we schedule a brainstorming session to generate new ideas?

8. It might be a good idea to … (do)

General English: It might be a good idea to save some money for unexpected expenses.
Business English: It might be a good idea to schedule a meeting with the team to discuss the project timeline.

8. You’d be better off if you … (did)

General English: You’d be better off if you focused on your studies instead of partying all the time.
Business English: You’d be better off if you addressed these issues directly with the client to avoid misunderstandings.

9. On no account … (inversion, ex. On no account should you do …)

General English: On no account should you leave your belongings unattended in a public place.
Business English: On no account should you share confidential information with unauthorized personnel.

10. You would do well … (to do)

General English: You would do well to listen to their advice and learn from their experience.
Business English: You would do well to prepare a detailed report before presenting your findings to the board.

11. Perhaps we could … (do)

General English: Perhaps we could invite some friends over for dinner this weekend.
Business English: Perhaps we could collaborate with the marketing team to develop a comprehensive campaign.

12. Shall we … (do)

General English: Shall we go for a coffee after work?
Business English: Shall we review the contract together to ensure we haven’t missed anything?

VERB PATTERNS

Play this Multidecker flashcard game. Decide what should be the verb pattern of the verbs and expressions on the cards.

part two

Suggesting in WRITING

Study the ways of giving suggestions and recommendations in business reports and emails.

Notice the form of verbs that follow ‘suggestion’ words.

SAMPLE EMAILS

email 1

Subject: Advice on Improving Client Retention Strategy

Dear Marta,

Thanks for sharing your draft plan to improve client retention. I’ve looked through your proposal, and I think you’re on the right track. I’d like to offer a few suggestions for further improvement:

  • You might want to consider segmenting your clients based on their value and engagement level. This could help us tailor our approach more effectively.

  • It might be a good idea to send personalized follow-up emails after each project is completed.

  • I suggest involving the sales team earlier in the onboarding process to build stronger initial relationships.

Let me know what you think. I’m happy to discuss this in more detail.

Best regards,
Tomasz

email 2

📧 Email 2 – Formal Tone (to a client or senior manager)

Subject: Strategic Input on Your Expansion Plan

Dear Mr. Kowalski,

Thank you for sharing your outline regarding the potential expansion into the Baltic region. I have reviewed your proposal and would like to offer several recommendations for your consideration:

  • You may wish to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment focused on local regulatory frameworks. This would ensure full compliance before any commitments are made.

  • It would be advisable to initiate preliminary discussions with local partners to gauge market interest and potential synergies.

  • Might I suggest arranging a workshop with our regional specialists to explore logistical challenges and customer behavior trends?

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss any of these points in more detail.

Kind regards,
Anna Nowak
Business Strategy Consultant

email 3

📧 Email 3 – Informal/Neutral Tone (between colleagues)

Subject: Quick Thoughts on the Marketing Campaign

Hey Kasia,

Just had a look at your draft for the new campaign — great work! It’s shaping up nicely. I do have a few suggestions that might help fine-tune things:

  • Why don’t we run a short A/B test first to see which message performs better?

  • Have you thought of reaching out to the social media team? They might have fresh data on recent engagement trends.

  • You could also try simplifying the call to action — right now it’s a bit wordy, and a snappier version might get more clicks.

Let me know what you think. Happy to chat later this week if you want to brainstorm!

Cheers,
Ola

SAMPLE REPORTS

REPORT 1

📊 Example Report – Making Recommendations to Management

Title: Recommendations for Enhancing Internal Communication

To: Senior Management
From: Internal Communications Consultant
Date: April 9, 2025
Subject: Internal Communication Strategy – Recommendations


Executive Summary:

This report outlines several recommendations to improve internal communication within our organization. These suggestions are based on employee feedback collected during the Q1 engagement survey.


Recommendations:

  1. I recommend implementing a bi-weekly internal newsletter, summarizing key updates, upcoming events, and team highlights. This would increase transparency and foster a stronger sense of inclusion.

  2. My advice would be to create a digital “suggestion box”, allowing employees to submit ideas or concerns anonymously.

  3. You would do well to introduce regular all-hands meetings where leadership shares updates and answers employee questions live.

  4. It might be a good idea to assign communication champions in each department to ensure important messages are delivered consistently.


Conclusion:

Adopting these measures can enhance transparency, improve morale, and increase alignment across teams. I’m available to support the implementation process if needed.

REPORT 2

📊 Report Fragment 2 – Formal Style

Section Title: Recommendations for Optimizing Remote Work Policy

Based on our findings, the following actions are recommended to enhance the effectiveness of the remote work policy:

  • It is recommended that management introduce a structured feedback system, allowing employees to regularly report on their remote work experiences and challenges.

  • We advise establishing clear performance metrics tailored specifically to remote roles to ensure accountability and fairness.

  • Consider providing additional training on digital collaboration tools, as survey results indicate uneven usage across departments.

Implementing these measures could lead to increased productivity, clearer communication, and improved employee satisfaction.

REPORT 3

📊 Report Fragment 3 – Less Formal but Professional

Section Title: Suggestions for Improving Team Onboarding

After reviewing recent onboarding feedback, a few practical ideas came up that might help improve the process:

  • You might want to think about assigning a buddy to each new hire, at least for their first month. It would help them settle in faster and feel more supported.

  • It could also be helpful to shorten the initial training sessions and spread them out over the first two weeks — people often feel overwhelmed with too much information at once.

  • Another suggestion is to include a short welcome video from the CEO, which could add a personal touch and make new employees feel more connected to the company’s values.

These simple changes could make the onboarding experience smoother and more engaging for new team members.

‘SUGGESTING’ QUIZ

Do this quiz to learn and memorize the verb pattern with ‘suggesting’words.

1) I recommend ...
2) If I were you, I would ...
3) How about ...
4) You could ...
5) It might be a good idea to ...
6) You’d be better off if you ...

7) I suggest ...
8) Why don’t you ...
9) Perhaps we could ...
10) My advice would be to ...


Well done! You're almost there!

11) You would do well ...
12) On no account ...

FREE PRACTICE

IF I WERE YOU

What advice would you give to your friend in these ten situations?

I come from a family of doctors. Everyone expects me to be a doctor too. I don’t want to become a doctor. I want to be a teacher. 

I am sharing my office with a guy who has a terrible allergy. He keeps using all my tissues and never brings his own. 

I have been invited to a job interview. It will take place in some fancy restaurant. I don’t have the right clothes for the occasion and I’m hard-up at the moment.

The clerk at the convenience store gave me too much change last night. I have discovered it this morning. 

I let a friend use my flat while I was gone on holiday. When I returned the flat was a mess. 

I am putting on weight. It begins to bug me. What should I do to lose some weight?

I have been working for the same company for almost ten years. My salary hasn’t changed much since my first day at this firm. What should I do? Stay at this job, ask for a raise or just move?

My boyfriend loves watching horror movies. I hate such kind of films, honestly. We often argue what to do on a Friday evening. Any advice?

It takes me more than two hours to get to and from work every day. I feel that I am wasting all that time.

One of my colleagues keeps swearing at work. I think this is highly inappropriate, but I don’t know if I should do anything about it.

ADVICE IN BUSINESS WRITING

Write an email or a fragment of a report using the prompts below. 

You are the marketing coordinator at a mid-sized technology company.

Your colleague, Katarzyna, is preparing her first solo presentation for a major client meeting next week. She sent you a draft of her slides and asked for your opinion.

You have reviewed the presentation and think it has potential, but there are a few areas that could be improved, especially the structure, clarity of visuals, and use of key messages. You want to encourage her, but also offer clear and constructive advice.


Your Task:

Write an email to Katarzyna (100–150 words), giving her advice on how to improve her presentation. Use polite and professional language. Include at least three different ways of giving advice or making suggestions.

✉️ Email Writing Scenario 2 – Staff Conflict Resolution

You are a team leader in the HR department.

One of your colleagues, Michał, is having ongoing communication issues with another team member. He’s frustrated and recently sent you a message asking for advice on how to handle the situation professionally. You know both individuals well and believe the conflict is mainly due to misunderstandings and unclear task responsibilities.


Your Task:

Write an email (100–150 words) to Michał offering your advice on how he can address the situation constructively. Be supportive, diplomatic, and suggest at least three possible actions he could take. Use different expressions for giving advice.

✉️ Email Writing Scenario 3 – Time Management Problems

You are a senior consultant in a busy consulting firm.

Your junior colleague, Aneta, recently started managing her first client project and is struggling with time management. She has missed two internal deadlines and asked you for tips on how to stay on track. You want to give her practical and encouraging advice to help her succeed.


Your Task:

Write an email (100–150 words) to Aneta with clear, practical suggestions to help her manage her time more effectively. Be supportive and professional. Use a variety of phrases to express recommendations and advice.

📊 Report Writing Scenario 1 – Improving Customer Satisfaction

You work as a customer experience analyst at a retail company.

You have been asked to prepare a short internal report for the Operations Manager based on the results of a recent customer satisfaction survey. The survey revealed issues with delivery delays, unhelpful customer service, and lack of follow-up communication.


Your Task:

Write the Recommendations section of the report (120–180 words). Include at least three specific recommendations for improving customer satisfaction. Use formal, business-like language and a range of phrases for giving advice and making suggestions.

📊 Report Writing Scenario 2 – Reducing Office Costs

You are part of the finance team in a medium-sized law firm.

Management has asked you to prepare a short report suggesting how the company can reduce day-to-day office expenses without affecting employee productivity. Areas to consider include printing, energy use, travel, and subscriptions.


Your Task:

Write a report fragment (120–180 words) including practical recommendations for cost reduction. Use formal and diplomatic language and include at least three different expressions for giving advice or making suggestions.

📊 Report Writing Scenario 3 – Enhancing Team Collaboration

You are a project manager at a tech startup.

Following several delays in recent projects, your CEO asked you to write a short report on how to improve collaboration among cross-functional teams. Your observations show that poor communication, unclear roles, and lack of shared tools are major problems.


Your Task:

Write the Recommendations section of the report (120–180 words). Offer three or more concrete suggestions to enhance collaboration. Use a professional tone and varied structures for giving advice.

DOWNLOAD

Download the mind-map below. Note that this mind-map includes expressions for accepting, accepting reluctanty, and rejecting a suggestion.

PRODUCT CATEGORY - Mind maps

download a mind-map

Learning is more effective when you use mind-maps!

Grit: the power of passion and perseverance

Grit: the power of passion and perseverance

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

Grit: the power of passion and perseverance
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

How to Learn

CEF B1

CEFR B2

Upper
Intermediate

Practise speaking by describing this image.

key language

Read this extract from an English dictionary about the word ‘grit’. What does it mean?

warm up

Answer the questions below. Listen to sample answers. Report back what you heard.

Think of something you’ve always wanted to learn — maybe skiing, riding a bike, or coding a website Did you ever think of quitting?
TRANSCRIPT

I remember when I was learning to ride a bike as a kid. It wasn’t easy! I fell so many times, and there were moments when I thought, ‘Maybe I’ll never get it.’ But I kept trying because I really wanted that sense of freedom. I didn’t quit, and eventually, I got the hang of it. That feeling of accomplishment made all the falls worth it.

You want to learn something new. You have a choice. You can choose to be talented or to have 100% grit. What would you choose and why?
TRANSCRIPT

If I had the choice between being naturally talented and having 100% grit, I’d pick grit every time. Talent can give you a head start, but grit pushes you through the hard times. I believe that perseverance gets you further in life, especially when things get tough. Grit keeps you moving forward when talent alone might give up.

How important is it to be passionate about something you want to be good at? Is it possible to make oneself passionate about a topic?
TRANSCRIPT

Passion is incredibly important when you want to be good at something. It drives you to keep learning and improving, even when things get difficult. I think it’s possible to develop passion, especially if you see progress and find meaning in what you’re doing. Sometimes, the more you invest in something, the more passionate you become about it.

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 do we learn about Angela’s career?
  • What did she find surprising about her work at school?
  • Why did she quit her teaching job?
  • What question did she want to answer through her research?
  • What do you think is the answer she has found?

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.

  • How does Angela define grit?
  • What effect does grit have?
  • Does science know how to build grit?
  • What is the relationship between grit and talent?
  • What does Angela think we need to do to better understand how grit works?
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DISCUSSION

DIALOGUE

Alita, and Pete are discussing the topic of grit. Read their conversation. 

Scene: A cozy cafe, afternoon light filtering through the windows. Alita and Pete sit across from each other, steaming mugs of coffee in front of them.

Alita: You know, Pete, I’ve been thinking about that book you mentioned – “Grit” by Angela Duckworth. I just can’t wrap my head around the idea that talent isn’t a significant factor in success. I mean, look around – we see prodigies and naturally talented people excelling everywhere!

Pete: I get where you’re coming from, Alita. It’s a common notion that talent plays a significant role in success. But Duckworth’s research suggests otherwise. She’s not saying talent doesn’t matter; she’s emphasizing that it’s not the only or even the most critical factor.

Alita: But surely someone with natural talent in, say, music would have an edge over someone who doesn’t, right?

Pete: Initially, yes. Talent can provide a head start. But Duckworth found that in the long run, those with grit – passion and perseverance for long-term goals – outperformed their talented counterparts. It’s because they stick with things, work hard, and don’t give up, even when the going gets tough.

Alita: So you’re saying someone with less talent but more grit would eventually surpass the talented one?

Pete: Exactly. Think of it this way: talent is like having a fast car, but grit is the fuel that keeps it going. A fast car without fuel won’t get you far. Duckworth found that when you combine talent with grit, that’s when you see some truly explosive results. But if you had to choose one, grit would take you further.

Alita: But what about people who are passionate about something but don’t necessarily have the talent for it? Should they just give up?

Pete: Not at all. That’s the beauty of Duckworth’s findings. She believes that with enough grit, passion, and perseverance, you can develop and refine your skills over time. Talent might make the initial stages easier, but grit determines how far you’ll go and how much you’ll grow.

Alita: I guess I never thought of it that way. It’s a bit empowering to think that sheer determination can outweigh innate ability.

Pete: Absolutely! It’s a testament to the human spirit. Success isn’t just about the cards you’re dealt but how you play them. And as Duckworth emphasizes, grit can be developed and nurtured, no matter where you start.

Alita: You’ve given me a lot to think about, Pete. Maybe I should give that book a read after all.

Pete: I think you’ll find it enlightening. It’s a game-changer in how we perceive success and potential.

They sip their coffee, lost in thought, letting the concepts of grit and perseverance linger in the air.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Now, discuss these questions. Refer to the things you learnt in this lesson and your own experience.

  • Can you recall a time when you had to rely on your determination and persistence (grit) rather than your natural talent? How did it make you feel and what was the outcome?

  • Do you believe that anyone can develop grit? Why or why not? Share any personal experiences or observations you might have.

  • How do you think schools and teachers can help students develop more grit? Are there specific activities or approaches you think would be effective?

  • Have you ever been inspired by someone who showed tremendous grit in the face of challenges? Share their story and what you learned from it.

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll below.

Coming Soon
Which of these factors is the strongest predictor of success in your opinion?
Total Votes : 9

lesson glossary

Revise the language from the lesson using this practical glossary.

Grit

COMMENTS

Share your views and experience here.