Can e-bikes transform our cities?
Bardzo mi przykro, ale lekcje na platformie The Blue Tree działają jedynie na komputerze lub tablecie.
Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂
Zespół The Blue Tree
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THE BLUE TREE
Travel & Nature

CEFR B1
Intermediate
warm up
Answer the questions below.
| What is your preferred means of transport when you are commuting around town? |
TRANSCRIPT
I usually ride my bike to work because it’s fast, cheap, and good for my health. I enjoy the freedom it gives me—I don’t have to sit in traffic or look for parking. On warmer days, it’s actually the best part of my routine. Of course, when the weather is bad or I have to carry something heavy, I take public transport. But in general, the bike is my favorite way to commute.
| Do you think there should be more infrastructure for bikes and pedestrians in your city? |
TRANSCRIPT
Definitely. In my city, cars still dominate, and there aren’t enough bike lanes or wide pavements for pedestrians. I often feel unsafe when cycling, especially near busy roads. I think if the city built more cycling infrastructure—like protected bike paths and proper bike parking—more people would leave their cars at home. It would also improve air quality and reduce traffic jams. Investing in pedestrian-friendly streets would make daily life easier and healthier for everyone.
| How will cities look like in the future? What will change, in your opinion? |
TRANSCRIPT
I think cities in the future will be designed for people, not cars. There will be more green areas, fewer private vehicles, and cleaner air. I believe e-bikes and electric buses will become the main way of getting around. Shopping and deliveries might be done by robots or drones. Also, streets could be quieter and safer, with more public spaces where people can walk, meet, and relax. Technology will help cities become more efficient and more human-friendly.
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.
- ⌚ 00:16 How popular are e-bikes these days?
- ⌚ 00:22 How big is the European market for e-bikes?
- ⌚ 00:54 How much has the sales of e-bikes risen since last year?
- ⌚ 01:04 Who is buying e-bikes?
- ⌚ 01:18 How expensive are e-bikes?
- ⌚ 01:38 What is Bosch famous for?
- ⌚ 02:04 What innovations sped the trend for electric bikes?
- ⌚ 02:16 What’s the possible range on an e-bike these days?
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.
- ⌚ 2:57 How many Germans own an e-bike?
- ⌚ 3:15 What makes a city of Vechta special?
- ⌚ 3:40 How are e-bikes changing the city infrastructure?
- ⌚ 3:52 What is Bremen famous for?
- ⌚ 4:17 What is Bremen building to make cycling safer?
- ⌚ 4:32 What caused an increase in the use of e-bikes in London?
- ⌚ 4:47 What is transforming the way people do their shopping?
- ⌚ 5:21 How are e-bikes replacing vans on the road?
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.
- ⌚ 5:44 How are delivery companies like FedEx taking advantage of e-bikes?
- ⌚ 5:59 What are the advantages of these vehicles?
- ⌚ 6:31 What have architects realized in the last decade?
- ⌚ 6:38 How popular were bikes in 1949?
- ⌚ 6:46 How did the situation change by 1974?
- ⌚ 7:04 How are cities around the world changing accoring to Peter Murray?
- ⌚ 7:11 How has the position of e-bikes changes as a mode of transport?
POLL
Cast your vote in the poll.
DISCUSSION
DIALOGUE
Alita and Pete are having coffee after work, chatting about how their city has changed lately.
Read or role-play their dialogue.
Alita: Have you noticed how many people are riding e-bikes these days?
Pete: Yeah, it’s hard to miss. I read that e-bike ownership has quadrupled in just a few years. It’s crazy!
Alita: It’s actually exciting. They’re perfect for a city like ours—with so much congestion, we really need a better way to get around.
Pete: True. I used to drive every day, but now I’ve started a trial period with an e-bike rental scheme. It’s cheaper, and it really helps me blend into the city traffic better.
Alita: That’s great! I think e-bikes really cater for people who want flexibility. Like, you can still ride without sweating too much and accelerate easily at lights.
Pete: Exactly. And I like that they don’t take up much space. Cars occupy so much of the road. If more people used e-bikes, I bet we’d see the roads shrink in car traffic.
Alita: Not to mention the broad range of people using them. From students to gig workers, they’re everywhere. It feels like e-bikes are finally going mainstream.
Pete: I think this is just the beginning. With the advent of better batteries and more bike lanes, they’ll soon outstrip cars for short city trips.
Alita: Totally agree. It’s a small shift, but it gives me hope. I just hope the city continues to tap into this trend and improves infrastructure.
Pete: Me too. If we want cleaner air and healthier lives, embracing e-bikes is a great step.
Alita: Let’s both stick with it. Maybe next week we ride to work together?
Pete: Deal! Let’s make it a habit.
OVER TO YOU
Discuss these questions. Refer to the topic of the lesson and your own experience.
lesson glossary
Managing up
THE BLUE TREE
Business English

CEFR B1
Intermediate
warm up
Answer the questions below. Listen to some people answering these questions. Report back or read the transcript to practise speaking.
| Think about a really good boss you have had. Why was he or she so good? |
TRANSCRIPT
I once had a boss named Joanna, and she was amazing. She always listened to our ideas and made us feel like we were part of the team. She was also very clear about what she expected, so we never felt lost or confused. I think what made her so good was that she trusted us, but she was also there when we needed help. She gave feedback in a kind way and really cared about our growth.
| Is it easy to manage people? What is the biggest challenge in managing other employees, in your opinion? |
TRANSCRIPT
No, I don’t think it’s easy to manage people. In my opinion, the biggest challenge is that everyone is different. Some people need more support, others like to work on their own. As a manager, you have to understand how each person works best. Also, if there is a problem or conflict in the team, it’s the manager who has to deal with it. That can be stressful.
| Would you like to be responsible for the work of other employees? What would you like the most and least about this position of authority? |
TRANSCRIPT
Yes, I would like that one day. I enjoy helping others and I think I’m good at organizing tasks. What I would like the most is seeing the team succeed and knowing I helped make that happen. But what I wouldn’t like is having to give negative feedback. I don’t enjoy telling people they made a mistake—it feels uncomfortable. Still, I think it’s part of growing as a leader.
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.
- 1. What’s the first rule of “Managing Up”?
- 2. What should we learn about our bosses as regards: communication?
- 3. What should we learn about our bosses as regards: amount of information?
- 4. What should we learn about our bosses as regards: personality?
- 5. What is the value of learning the answers to these questions?
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.
- 1. Why isn’t the office a place to be modest?
- 2. Is it about being arrogant?
- 3. Why should others know about your accomplishments?
- 4. What’s an “Accomplishments File”?
- 5. When should you send it to your boss?
- 6. Why shouldn’t you call those accomplishments but completions?
POLL
How well do you know your boss? How many questions can you answer in this poll?
How can knowing the answers to these questions help you manage up your boss?
DISCUSSION
MANAGING UP
Follow the conversation between three colleagues. They are talking about the idea on “managing up”.
Read (role play) their dialogue.
Anna: So… our new boss is starting next week. Are you two ready?
Mike: Not really. It feels strange not knowing anything about them.
Julia: I know what you mean. But I’ve been thinking about that video our English teacher showed us—Managing Up. I think we can use some of those tips.
Anna: Yeah, like the idea of learning about your boss. It sounds simple, but it’s actually smart.
Mike: Right. I wrote down some of the questions from the video. Like: What style of communication does my boss prefer? Do they like emails, calls, or face-to-face?
Julia: Good one. My last manager hated long emails. He always said, “Just give me the main point.”
Anna: That’s another question: How much information does my boss want from me? Should we prepare a lot of details, or just a short summary?
Mike: We’ll probably need to test and observe. Some managers want to be involved in every step, others just want results.
Julia: Also: Do they want me to bring a solution, or do they prefer to decide? It’s good to know if we should share ideas or just explain the problem.
Anna: Exactly. If we bring too much or too little, it can be a problem. We have to learn their style.
Mike: Another idea from the video was toot your own horn. I used to think it was a bad thing, but now I see it differently.
Julia: Same here. It’s not about showing off. It’s just letting your boss know what you and your team are doing well.
Anna: Yeah, like saying: “The report I worked on helped the client a lot,” or “The team finished the task early.”
Mike: I think we should also keep a list of our achievements. Then it’s easier to talk about them during meetings or reviews.
Julia: And we can send short updates, like once a week. It helps the boss know what’s going on and shows we’re reliable.
Anna: We can even ask the new boss directly: “Would you like weekly updates from us?” That way we don’t have to guess.
Mike: I like that. It shows respect and makes everything clear.
Julia: So we’re all agreed—we’ll try to manage up. Ask smart questions, learn how they work, and gently share our wins.
Anna: Yes! A new boss is a chance to grow. Let’s make the most of it.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discuss the questions below. Refer to the information from the video and your own life experience.
LESSON GLOSSARY
Check out the language from this lesson.
FREE PRACTICE
Describe the best boss you have ever had.
Write your answer in the comments below or send it to your teacher.
COMMENTS
Share your views and opinions here.
40 rules for life
Bardzo mi przykro, ale lekcje na platformie The Blue Tree działają jedynie na komputerze lub tablecie.
Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂
Zespół The Blue Tree
THE BLUE TREE
Man & Society

CEFR B2
Upper
Intermediate
warm up
Answer the questions below. Listen to same people answering these questions. Report back or read the transcript to practise speaking.
| Is it true that with age comes wisdom? Why or why not? |
TRANSCRIPT
I think it’s often true, but not always. Some people learn from their mistakes and become wiser, while others keep repeating the same problems. Experience helps, but reflection is what really makes someone wise. You can be old and still make poor decisions if you never stop to think. On the other hand, some young people are surprisingly wise because they read, observe, and stay curious.
| Imagine you are 85 years old and your grand-daughter asks you for some life advice. What do you think you could tell her? |
TRANSCRIPT
I’d probably tell her not to worry so much about what other people think. Most people are too busy thinking about themselves. I’d also tell her to take risks when she’s young—travel, try things, learn from failures. Life goes by quickly, and regrets often come from the things we didn’t do, not the ones we tried. So I would tell her to be kind, stay curious, and enjoy the journey.
| There are many books people use to improve their lives. Is there any book you like coming back to for advice on your life issues? |
TRANSCRIPT
Yes, for me it’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Every time I read it, I notice something new. It helps me think about what I can control and how to set better goals. I like how the book focuses on values, not just success. It reminds me that character is more important than reputation.
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.
DISCUSSION
How practical do you think these rules are? Select from 0 (useless) to 5 (useful). Explain your answers.
part two
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the first part of the video.
DISCUSSION
Now do the same with the next ten rules for life by Daniel Pink.
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.
DISCUSSION
Discuss the next ten rules for life.
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.
DISCUSSION
What about the final ten pieces of advice from Daniel Pink? What do you think of them?
DISCUSSION
🎙️ Life Truths That Stick
Context: Alita and Pete are having coffee after watching Daniel Pink’s video “40 Harsh Truths I Wish I Knew in My 20s.” They each share three truths they found especially useful and discuss how those ideas connect to their own lives.
Read their dialogue. Whose views do you lean towards?
Alita:
You know what? That Daniel Pink video really hit me. I kept nodding like, “Yep. Wish I’d heard that 15 years ago.”
Pete:
Only 15? I was nodding like I was listening to my future ghost trying to warn me.
Alita:
[Laughs] Okay, philosopher. So, which truths stood out to you?
Pete:
Number ten. Hofstadter’s Law. “Everything takes longer than you expect.” I felt personally attacked.
Remember the kitchen redecoration project?
Alita:
Oh, you mean the “it’ll take one weekend, tops” kitchen makeover that took five weekends, three arguments, and one call to your dad?
Pete:
Exactly. I budgeted three hours to put up the shelves. Took me five—plus one minor injury and a crooked spice rack.
Alita:
It’s still a little crooked, by the way. But charmingly so.
Pete:
It’s got character! Anyway, it taught me that even when you plan for delays, you’re still wrong. Hofstadter was right.
Alita:
Fair. For me, the one that really landed was “Don’t wait for permission.”
In my 20s, I kept waiting for someone to say “You’re ready.” Like I needed a permission slip to take chances.
Pete:
Totally. You didn’t even apply for that leadership role last year until I practically dared you.
Alita:
I know! And now I’m leading the whole team. I’m so glad I stopped asking people for approval and just… started asking myself.
Pete:
Which ties into another one I liked: “You’re always in sales.”
It’s not just selling a product, it’s convincing your team, your manager, even convincing yourself on a Monday morning that life is good.
Alita:
[Laughs] True. You totally sold me on that awful 7am Monday meeting this week. I still don’t know how you did it.
Pete:
Pure charm and the promise of post-meeting donuts. Which brings me to another favorite: “It doesn’t hurt to ask.”
If you want something—ask. Worst case, someone says no. Best case? You get a chocolate-filled croissant.
Alita:
A life lesson and breakfast strategy. Impressive.
Pete:
And your second?
Alita:
“Consistency beats intensity.” I’ve always thought doing something once really well was enough. But I’ve realized that small daily actions—like journaling, learning, even just stretching—are way more powerful.
Pete:
That’s why you’ve stuck with your morning yoga?
Alita:
Yep. Ten minutes a day. Even when the cat walks across my mat.
Pete:
I admire that. Meanwhile, I try to cram all my health into Saturday mornings.
Alita:
[Laughs] Yes, your “Weekend Warrior” phase.
Pete:
Hey, I’m learning. Slowly. Like the tortoise.
Alita:
Well, as long as I’m not the hare who takes a nap halfway through.
Pete:
Deal. So, what’s your third truth?
Alita:
“Happiness is a byproduct, not a goal.”
When I focus on learning, contributing, being with people I love—you, obviously—happiness shows up. Not always loud, but real.
Pete:
That’s my favorite one too. Especially the part about love being the most powerful force.
And I’m not just saying that because I’m married to you.
Alita:
Mm-hmm. But it helps.
They clink coffee cups and smile. Somewhere in the background, a timer goes off. Pete mutters something about “Hofstadter’s Law striking again.”
OVER TO YOU
Discuss these questions.
MIND-MAP
Use the mind-map to have a more in-depth discussion on these 40 rules.
lesson glossary
COMMENTS
What do you think of the ideas presented in this lesson?
Share your views and experience here.
40 rules for life
Bardzo mi przykro, ale lekcje na platformie The Blue Tree działają jedynie na komputerze lub tablecie.
Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂
Zespół The Blue Tree
THE BLUE TREE
Man & Society

CEFR B2
Upper
Intermediate
warm up
Answer the questions below. Listen to same people answering these questions. Report back or read the transcript to practise speaking.
| Is it true that with age comes wisdom? Why or why not? |
TRANSCRIPT
I think it’s often true, but not always. Some people learn from their mistakes and become wiser, while others keep repeating the same problems. Experience helps, but reflection is what really makes someone wise. You can be old and still make poor decisions if you never stop to think. On the other hand, some young people are surprisingly wise because they read, observe, and stay curious.
| Imagine you are 85 years old and your grand-daughter asks you for some life advice. What do you think you could tell her? |
TRANSCRIPT
I’d probably tell her not to worry so much about what other people think. Most people are too busy thinking about themselves. I’d also tell her to take risks when she’s young—travel, try things, learn from failures. Life goes by quickly, and regrets often come from the things we didn’t do, not the ones we tried. So I would tell her to be kind, stay curious, and enjoy the journey.
| There are many books people use to improve their lives. Is there any book you like coming back to for advice on your life issues? |
TRANSCRIPT
Yes, for me it’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Every time I read it, I notice something new. It helps me think about what I can control and how to set better goals. I like how the book focuses on values, not just success. It reminds me that character is more important than reputation.
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.
DISCUSSION
How practical do you think these rules are? Select from 0 (useless) to 5 (useful). Explain your answers.
part two
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the first part of the video.
DISCUSSION
Now do the same with the next ten rules for life by Daniel Pink.
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.
DISCUSSION
Discuss the next ten rules for life.
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.
DISCUSSION
What about the final ten pieces of advice from Daniel Pink? What do you think of them?
DISCUSSION
🎙️ Life Truths That Stick
Context: Alita and Pete are having coffee after watching Daniel Pink’s video “40 Harsh Truths I Wish I Knew in My 20s.” They each share three truths they found especially useful and discuss how those ideas connect to their own lives.
A cozy café near their office, Friday afternoon. Alita sips her oat milk cappuccino; Pete is halfway through a cinnamon bun.
Read their dialogue. Whose views do you lean towards?
Alita:
You know what? That Daniel Pink video really hit me. I kept nodding like, “Yep. Wish I’d heard that 15 years ago.”
Pete:
Only 15? I was nodding like I was listening to my future ghost trying to warn me.
Alita:
[Laughs] Okay, philosopher. So, which truths stood out to you?
Pete:
Number ten. Hofstadter’s Law. “Everything takes longer than you expect.” I felt personally attacked.
Remember the kitchen redecoration project?
Alita:
Oh, you mean the “it’ll take one weekend, tops” kitchen makeover that took five weekends, three arguments, and one call to your dad?
Pete:
Exactly. I budgeted three hours to put up the shelves. Took me five—plus one minor injury and a crooked spice rack.
Alita:
It’s still a little crooked, by the way. But charmingly so.
Pete:
It’s got character! Anyway, it taught me that even when you plan for delays, you’re still wrong. Hofstadter was right.
Alita:
Fair. For me, the one that really landed was “Don’t wait for permission.”
In my 20s, I kept waiting for someone to say “You’re ready.” Like I needed a permission slip to take chances.
Pete:
Totally. You didn’t even apply for that leadership role last year until I practically dared you.
Alita:
I know! And now I’m leading the whole team. I’m so glad I stopped asking people for approval and just… started asking myself.
Pete:
Which ties into another one I liked: “You’re always in sales.”
It’s not just selling a product, it’s convincing your team, your manager, even convincing yourself on a Monday morning that life is good.
Alita:
[Laughs] True. You totally sold me on that awful 7am Monday meeting this week. I still don’t know how you did it.
Pete:
Pure charm and the promise of post-meeting donuts. Which brings me to another favorite: “It doesn’t hurt to ask.”
If you want something—ask. Worst case, someone says no. Best case? You get a chocolate-filled croissant.
Alita:
A life lesson and breakfast strategy. Impressive.
Pete:
And your second?
Alita:
“Consistency beats intensity.” I’ve always thought doing something once really well was enough. But I’ve realized that small daily actions—like journaling, learning, even just stretching—are way more powerful.
Pete:
That’s why you’ve stuck with your morning yoga?
Alita:
Yep. Ten minutes a day. Even when the cat walks across my mat.
Pete:
I admire that. Meanwhile, I try to cram all my health into Saturday mornings.
Alita:
[Laughs] Yes, your “Weekend Warrior” phase.
Pete:
Hey, I’m learning. Slowly. Like the tortoise.
Alita:
Well, as long as I’m not the hare who takes a nap halfway through.
Pete:
Deal. So, what’s your third truth?
Alita:
“Happiness is a byproduct, not a goal.”
When I focus on learning, contributing, being with people I love—you, obviously—happiness shows up. Not always loud, but real.
Pete:
That’s my favorite one too. Especially the part about love being the most powerful force.
And I’m not just saying that because I’m married to you.
Alita:
Mm-hmm. But it helps.
[They clink coffee cups and smile. Somewhere in the background, a timer goes off. Pete mutters something about “Hofstadter’s Law striking again.”]
OVER TO YOU
Discuss these questions.
MIND-MAP
Use the mind-map to have a more in-depth discussion on these 40 rules.
lesson glossary
COMMENTS
What do you think of the ideas presented in this lesson?
Share your views and experience here.











COMMENTS
How do you feel about e-bikes? Do you think they will be the future of personal transport in cities?
Share your thoughts and ideas below.