Be respectful to your coworkers

Be respectful to your coworkers

by | Aug 18, 2025 | darmowa lekcja

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

Learn from TED

CEF B1

CEFR B2

Upper
Intermediate

Practise speaking by describing this image

warm up

Answer these questions. Use the model answers to practice listening and reading.

We spend much of the day with people at work. How important is it for you to have a good rapport with them?
TRANSCRIPT

Having a good rapport with my coworkers is really important to me. It makes the workday more enjoyable and helps us solve problems together more easily. When we understand and trust each other, there’s less stress and more teamwork. Even small things like saying hello or asking how someone is can improve the atmosphere and make work feel more positive.

In any team there are people who can be a bit annoying. How do you deal with such people?
TRANSCRIPT

I try to stay calm and professional. If someone annoys me, I remind myself that we’re all different and that I probably irritate others sometimes too! I focus on our common goals and try to talk to the person politely if the problem continues. Often, just being kind and respectful helps improve the situation without creating more conflict.

What are the benefits of being on good terms with your workmates?
TRANSCRIPT

There are many benefits. When you get on well with your colleagues, you can work faster because you help each other more. You also feel more relaxed, which is great for your mental health. It’s easier to ask for help, share ideas, and even enjoy a few laughs. Being friendly doesn’t mean you have to be best friends, but it really makes a difference.

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.

  • ⌚ 0:22 How do you answer the question: “Who do you want to be?”
  • ⌚ 0:33 How important is the way we treat people?
  • ⌚ 0:42 What does it mean to lift people up?
  • ⌚ 0:51 What does it mean to hold people down?

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.

  • ⌚ 1:14 What kind of behaviour does incivility include?
  • ⌚ 1:26 What does the example of texting while others are talking illustrate?
  • ⌚ 2:10 Why did her father end up in hospital?

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.

  • ⌚ 2:33 How did her colleagues treat her?
  • ⌚ 2:38 What did she decide to do about this situation?
  • ⌚ 2:43 What theory does Christine Pearson have on this topic?
  • ⌚ 2:57 Does incivility affect the bottom line?
  • ⌚ 3:31 What were some answers they got for their survey on incivility?
  • ⌚ 3:44 Explain what this date mean: 66%, 80%, 12%
  • ⌚ 4:02 How much money was Cisco losing due to incivility?
  • ⌚4:32 What did they find as regards people who experience incivility?

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.

  • ⌚ 5:20 What happened to the performance of witnesses of incivility?
  • ⌚ 5:33 Why does Christine say that incivility is like a bug?
  • ⌚ 5:44 Where can we catch this ‘bug’?
  • ⌚ 5:55 Do you remember the areas that incivility affect us?
  • ⌚ 6:26 What are some words that can trigger rudeness?
  • ⌚ 6:41 How did seeing “rude” words affect the participants of this study?
  • ⌚ 7:41 What happened when a doctor shouted at his team?

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.

  • ⌚ 8:22 What is the number one reason for incivility?
  • ⌚ 8:31 What is the second reason for lack of civility?
  • ⌚8:53 Do ‘jerks’ get ahead in the long run?
  • ⌚ 9:08 What is the main factor behind executive failure according to research?
  • ⌚ 9:34 Does civility pay?
  • ⌚ 9:53 What does it mean to be truly civil?
  • ⌚ 10:04 What is “radical candour”?
  • ⌚ 10:23 How do people view others who are civil towards them?
  • ⌚ 10:35 What are the two characteristics of a civil person?

part six

KEY LANGUAGE

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

VIDEO

Watch the sixth part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

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

  • ⌚ 11:11 What do people want from their leaders?
  • ⌚ 11:31 Explain this data: 56%, 92%, 1.1x, 55%
  • ⌚ 11:58 How can we make people feel more respected?
  • ⌚ 12:15 What is the 10-5 way?
  • ⌚ 13:16 How does Doug’s story illustrate the fact that civility can improve company performance?
  • ⌚ 13:37 What kind of leader was Doug?
  • ⌚ 14:06 How did Doug show his employees that he valued them?
  • ⌚ 15:22 What does Christine Porath encourage us to do in the end?

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

Coming Soon
In your opinion, does Christine Porath make a compelling argument for civility?
Total Votes : 7
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DISCUSSION

Dialogue

Alita and Pete are having lunch together in the office kitchen. Earlier that morning, a colleague snapped at someone during a team meeting. This leads them into a discussion about civility and respect in the workplace.

Alita:
Did you notice what happened in the meeting today? I felt bad for Marta. She didn’t deserve that reaction.

Pete:
Yeah, I saw it too. It was completely uncalled for. Even if someone’s having a bad day, that’s no excuse to be rude.

Alita:
Exactly. A little kindness goes a long way. We all have our own stress, but we still need to treat each other with respect.

Pete:
And it affects the whole atmosphere. After that moment, the mood in the room totally changed.

Alita:
True. People became quiet and less engaged. It shows how one negative comment can impact the entire team.

Pete:
I think we sometimes underestimate the power of small, respectful actions. Saying “thank you,” or even just smiling, can change how people feel at work.

Alita:
Absolutely. Civility is more than just being polite—it builds trust and makes collaboration easier.

Pete:
And the best part? It doesn’t cost a thing.

Alita:
Right! It’s free and makes everyone’s day better. We should all be more mindful of how we speak to each other.

OVER TO YOU

Discuss these questions.

BulletWhy do you think some people behave rudely at work?
BulletWhat are some small things we can do each day to show respect to our coworkers?
BulletDo you think people are more or less respectful today than they were in the past? Why?
BulletHave you ever witnessed or experienced a situation where someone’s kindness changed the atmosphere? What happened?
BulletDo you agree with the idea that civility improves teamwork? Why or why not?

MIND-MAP

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

Be respectful to your co-workers

lesson glossary

COMMENTS

Share your views and experience here.

How to talk about stress

How to talk about stress

by | Aug 7, 2025 | darmowa lekcja

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

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

Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂

Zespół The Blue Tree

back to HOME > Learning English > Everyday English > Talking about progress

Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Everyday English

CEF B1

CEFR B1

Intermediate

warm up

Answer the questions below.

What is your best method to manage stress? Can you describe a situation when it helped you?
TRANSCRIPT

When I feel stressed, I usually go for a long walk in the park. It helps me clear my head and calm down. Last month, I had a big presentation at work, and I was very nervous. I went for a walk the evening before, and it really helped me sleep better and feel more confident the next day.

Do you think people are more or less stressed than in the past?
TRANSCRIPT

I think people are more stressed now than in the past. Life is faster, and we are connected to work almost all the time through our phones. In the past, people could leave their work in the office. Now, many of us get emails and messages in the evening or at weekends, so it’s harder to relax and take a real break.

What stresses you out the most?
TRANSCRIPT

What stresses me out the most is having too much on my plate at the same time. When deadlines come close and everyone expects me to do things quickly, I start to feel under pressure. I try to manage my time well, but sometimes it’s just too much. That’s when I feel burnt out and need to slow down for a while.

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 makes people stressed?
  • What verbs does “stressed” collocate with?
  • What should we remember about as regards the way we say “stressed”?
  • What does it mean when somebody stresses you out?

LISTEN & REPEAT

Practice listening and speaking. Listen to the example below. Repeat them.

  • I always eat when I’m feeling stressed.
  • He was feeling very stressed and tired.
  • She felt overly stressed and needed to calm down.
  • Stressed out? Take a break and have some coffee.

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 it mean to be “burnt out“?
  • What do you say when you are mentally tired and can’t focus?
  • What does it mean when you have too much on your plate?
  • When are you under pressure?
  • Who is putting you under pressure? 🙂
  • When do we use “to be under the pump“?
  • What does “to burn the candle at both ends” mean?

LISTEN & REPEAT

Practice listening and speaking. Listen to the example below. Repeat them.

  • I’m feeling burnt-out at work—I need a holiday.
  • Many teachers are suffering from burnout.
  • John is a bit absent-minded. He has a lot on his mind lately.
  • The team performs well under pressure.
  • The director is under increasing pressure to resign.
  • At the end of the school year, I am under the pump to get good grades.
  • I am burning the candle at both ends with this new project I am involved in.

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.

  • When do we run ourselves into the ground?
  • What is so interesting about this expression?
  • How do you feel when you reach a breaking point?
  • How can you remember the idiom come apart at the seams?
  • What does it mean to “snap“?
  • What is the strongest expression Emma teaches us in this video?

LISTEN & REPEAT

Practice listening and speaking. Listen to the example below. Repeat them.

  • We lost the game despite my players running themselves into the ground.
  • After months of lockdown many people were reaching their breaking point.
  • With all the workload I have these days I’m close to coming apart at the seams.
  • Something inside him snapped, and he hit her.
  • My parents would always bite my head off just because I was the oldest one.
w

DISCUSSION

VENTING OVER LUNCH

Read (role-play) this dialogue. 

Dialogue: Talking About Stress (Over Lunch)

Setting: Alita and Pete are having lunch together in the office kitchen.

Alita: Sighs I feel like I’m burning the candle at both ends lately. This week has been insane.

Pete: I hear you. You look like you’ve got a lot on your plate. What’s going on?

Alita: Oh, it’s everything at once. Reports, emails, meetings… I’m completely overloaded. And to top it off, my kids have exams, so home is not much calmer.

Pete: Wow. That would stress me out too. I’ve been under a lot of pressure as well. My manager keeps reminding me about deadlines. It’s like I’m under the pump all the time.

Alita: That’s the worst. It’s not even the amount of work—it’s the constant feeling that someone is watching and expecting more.

Pete: Exactly. And when I finally get home, I can’t relax. I keep thinking about what I didn’t finish. I’m afraid I’m heading for burnout.

Alita: That’s serious, Pete. You need to take a break before you crash. When I felt like that last year, I booked a weekend away. No laptop, no emails. Just nature and sleep.

Pete: Sounds like heaven. Maybe I should try that. Or at least take one day off and switch off completely.

Alita: Do it. Even one day can help you recharge. We need to learn to manage stress before it manages us.

Pete: True. Thanks, Alita. Talking about it already makes me feel a bit better.

Alita: Anytime. That’s what lunch breaks are for—refueling and venting!

OVER TO YOU 

Discuss these questions. Find ways to use the language you were learning in this lesson.

BulletHave you ever felt like you were burning the candle at both ends? What were you doing at the time?
BulletWhat helps you when you feel completely stressed out at work or school?
BulletDo you sometimes have too much on your plate? How do you deal with it?
BulletHave you ever felt under pressure to do something quickly or perfectly? How did you manage it?
BulletWhat do you usually do when you feel close to burnout? Do you take action or try to push through?

MIND-MAP

Use the mind-map to revise and remember the expressions for stress from this lesson.

LESSON GLOSSARY

How to talk about stress

COMMENTS

What is your best way to let go of the stresses and strains of life?

Building a dream car

Building a dream car

by | Aug 5, 2025 | darmowa lekcja

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 > Surprise me >

Building a dream car
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Surprise Me

CEF B1

CEFR B1

Intermediate

warm up

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

Do you have a favourite car?
TRANSCRIPT

My favorite car is probably a Tesla Model S. I love the idea of electric cars and how they are shaping the future of driving. The sleek design and technology really appeal to me. Plus, I’ve always been drawn to innovative things, so driving a Tesla would be amazing.

How difficult it is to build a car?
TRANSCRIPT

Building a car sounds incredibly difficult to me. There are so many technical aspects involved, from designing the parts to assembling everything correctly. I admire people who have the patience and knowledge to do something like that. It’s not just about mechanics; it’s a huge commitment of time and skill.

Do you prefer to buy things or make them yourself, if you knew how to do it?
TRANSCRIPT

I think it depends on the item. If it’s something small and creative, I love making things myself, like crafting or baking. But when it comes to bigger things, like electronics or furniture, I usually prefer to buy them. Knowing how to make something from scratch is rewarding, but sometimes it’s more convenient to purchase.

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.

  • Why did he decide to build this car?
  • Where did he find the main part?
  • How similar is it to the original?
  • Which part is different?

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 happened when he was working in Italy?
  • What was his role in building Delorean?
  • What does his family feel about his passion for race cars?
  • How do people react when they see his car?

At the end of the video he says that even if somebody offered him the original car, he would still prefer his own. What does it say about him? How do you feel about buying things as opposed to doing things yourself?

POLL

Cast a vote in the poll below.

Coming Soon
Would you like to drive this car?
Total Votes : 13

part three

Play this flashcard game about parts of a car.

w

DISCUSSION

DIALOGUE

Read or role-play this dialogue between Alita and Pete.

Alita:
That was amazing, wasn’t it? I never expected to enjoy a car museum so much!

Pete:
I know! I used to think cars were just machines, but seeing all those old models really made me appreciate the design and history.

Alita:
Yes, especially the classic ones from the 1950s and 60s. There’s something so elegant and simple about them.

Pete:
Exactly. They didn’t have all the tech we have now, but they had style—and soul.
Did you see that silver BMW 507? It reminded me of that video we watched about the guy who built his own Testarossa.

Alita:
Oh yes! He was so passionate. I liked how he said he just wanted to feel what his heroes felt when they drove those cars.

Pete:
And I respect that. I mean, some people said his car was fake, but he used real Ferrari parts and put in so much effort.

Alita:
True. It’s not always about owning the original—it’s about the experience. If I had the skills, I’d love to build something too.

Pete:
Same here. Maybe not a Ferrari, but an old VW camper van would be cool. We could travel around Europe in it.

Alita:
That’s a dream! Do you think today’s cars will ever be as iconic as the old ones?

Pete:
Good question. Maybe some electric models will become classics in the future—but it won’t be the same. The sound, the smell, the feeling—it’s different.

Alita:
Still, it’s nice to see that people are keeping the history alive. Some passions never go out of style.

Pete:
Definitely. Visiting that museum just made me want to learn more about car design and maybe even take a road trip in something vintage.

Alita:
Let’s add that to our bucket list!

OVER TO YOU

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

BulletDo you enjoy driving? Why or why not?
BulletWhat was the first car you ever drove or owned? Do you remember how it felt?
BulletHow important is owning a car in your daily life? Could you live without one?
BulletDo you think public transport is a good alternative to driving? Why or why not?
BulletWhat are some recent changes in car technology that you find interesting?

lesson glossary

COMMENTS

What do you think of the ideas from this class? Share your views and opinion below.

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet

by | Aug 5, 2025 | darmowa lekcja

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 >

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Travel & Nature

CEF B1

CEFR B1

Intermediate

warm up

Answer the questions below. Use the model answers to practice listening and reading.

There is an ongoing debate on the causes of climate change. Where do you stand on this?
TRANSCRIPT

I believe climate change is mostly caused by human activity. We burn too many fossil fuels, cut down forests, and produce too much waste. Some people still argue about it, but the science is quite clear. I think we can already see the effects in floods, fires, and rising temperatures. We can’t just wait and hope – we have to act.

If climate change is the result of human activity, what do you think we should do to better manage it?
TRANSCRIPT

If it’s really our fault, we should change the way we live. For example, we can use public transport, eat less meat, and recycle more. But the biggest changes must come from governments and companies. They need to invest in clean energy and protect nature. Each person can do something, but the problem is too big for just individuals to fix.

How much hope do you have in humanity’s ability to prevent the collapse of the climate in the future?
TRANSCRIPT

Honestly, I still have some hope. Humans are very creative and have solved many big problems in the past. If we work together and take climate change seriously, I think we can slow it down or even stop it. But we need to stop arguing and start acting fast. If we wait too long, the damage could be impossible to reverse.

part one

KEY LANGUAGE

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

VIDEO

Watch a trailer to a movie on Netflix: A life on Our Planet.

COMPREHENSION

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

  • How old is David Attenborough in this trailer?
  • Why was his life extraordinary?
  • What does David Attenborough think about human influence on the planet?
  • Why is this film particularly important for him?
  • Does he believe we can make things right as regards the environment?
  • What is he going to tell us in this film?

POLL

Coming Soon
Would you like to see this film?
Total Votes : 13

part two

THE INTERVIEW

In the second part of the lesson we will listen to an interview with David Attenborough. It comes from BBC Radio 4 and was recorded more than 20 years ago. What were David’s observations at that time?

Here is the introduction.

„David Attenborough knows the world better than most people. He’s spent much of the last seven years globe-trotting for his hugely successful television programmes Life on Earth and The Living Planet.

But his next series might well be named The End of Life on the Dying Planet. David Attenborough is very gloomy about much of what he’s seen.”

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

listening

Listen to the interview below.

COMPREHENSION

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

  • Why are forests cut down in the Himalayas?
  • “The trees were umbrellas”. What does this mean?
  • What happens to soil without trees?
  • What causes floods in Bangladesh?
  • What is the ‘devastating statistic’ about the desert in the Sudan?
  • Why does David Attenborough call it a ‘heart-breaking’ statistic?
  • Why did he not believe at first that the Amazon jungle could disappear?
  • How are statistics about the disappearing jungle made?
  • How much jungle is being destroyed each year?
  • Why are plants in tropical rain forests important?

POLL

Cast your vote in the poll.

Coming Soon
Are things really so serious or is David Attenbourough exaggerating?
Total Votes : 11
w

DISCUSSION

DIALOGUE

Alita and Pete meet at a park after watching David Attenborough’s documentary. Inspired by the message, they talk about nature, the planet, and the future.

Alita: That documentary was extraordinary, wasn’t it? I had no idea things had declined so quickly.

Pete: Yeah, I agree. I really appreciate how Attenborough used his own story to show what we’ve lost over time.

Alita: And the images of the forests and oceans were so spectacular—yet it made me feel a bit gloomy, seeing how much damage we’ve inflicted.

Pete: Same here. I didn’t know that felling trees on such a massive scale could lead to clogged rivers and poor soil.

Alita: Right! Trees work like a sponge, helping to keep the soil fertile and absorb water. Without them, everything suffers.

Pete: And it’s not just trees. Overusing land for wheat or other crops can cause fungus or moulds to spread and make the area unusable.

Alita: It’s terrifying. And what we build often isn’t insulated properly, so we use more energy and threaten the environment even more.

Pete: True. But I also felt hopeful. If we all do our part—planting trees, saving energy, using less firewood—it could amount to something meaningful.

Alita: I agree. Some people think it’s an exaggeration, but I’d say it’s not. I insist we have to change the way we live before it’s too late.

Pete: Then let’s head for that tree-planting event next weekend. Small steps can multiply into big results.

Alita: Deal! I don’t want to feel deprived of a healthy planet. Let’s help tame this damage while we still can.

OVER TO YOU

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

BulletHave you ever watched a documentary that made you appreciate nature more? What was it about?
BulletIn your opinion, is climate change a real threat to our planet? Why or why not?
BulletDo you think people today are deprived of natural beauty compared to the past? Why?
BulletWhat does a spectacular natural place look like to you? Can you describe one you’ve seen?
BulletSome say it’s an exaggeration to say humans are destroying the planet. Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

What can we do

Conside the ideas on the mind-map below. Discuss what can a regular person living in a city can realistically do to protect the environment.

What can we do to protect the environment

lesson glossary

David Attenborough

COMMENTS

What do you think of the ideas from this class? Share your views and opinion below. 

Talking Picture – Books and Reading

Talking Picture – Books and Reading

by | Jul 29, 2025 | darmowa lekcja

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

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

Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂

Zespół The Blue Tree

back to HOME > Learning English > Everyday English >

Talking Picture – Books and Reading
Learn more words

THE BLUE TREE

Everyday English

CEF B1

CEFR B1

Intermediate

TALKING PICTURE

Answer the questions. Move your mouse over the icons to see the questions.

model answers

QUESTION #1

Do you like reading books? Has it changed over time?

I didn’t always enjoy reading—when I was a teenager, I only picked up books because I had to. But that changed a few years ago when a friend recommended The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I couldn’t put it down. Since then, I’ve started reading more regularly. I really enjoy books that make me think, like Atomic Habits or Tuesdays with Morrie. These days, I try to read a little every evening. It helps me wind down and keep my mind sharp. So yes, my feelings about reading have changed a lot over time.

wziąć się za coś, zacząć coś

zrelaksować się, rozluźnić się

ćwiczyć umysł

QUESTION 2

Do you think there is a difference between reading paper books and digital e-books?

Yes, I definitely think there’s a difference. Personally, I prefer paper books because they feel more real and I find it easier to concentrate. There’s something special about turning the pages, underlining interesting quotes, or just enjoying the smell of a new book. Reading a printed book helps me slow down and really absorb the content. When I read on a screen, I sometimes get distracted or tempted to check notifications. I’ve also heard that people tend to remember more when they read on paper, which makes sense to me.

That said, e-books have their advantages too. They’re super convenient when you’re travelling—you can carry dozens of books in one small device. I also like that you can adjust the font size or read in the dark without needing a lamp. I still stick to printed books when I want to relax at home, but I rely on e-books when I’m on the go. In the end, I think both formats have their place, and it really depends on the situation and your personal habits.

podkreślenie, zaznaczenie

przyswajać (treść) / wchłaniać informacje

rozpraszać się / tracić koncentrację

wygodny / praktyczny

dostosować (rozmiar czcionki) / zmienić ustawienia

mieć swoje miejsce

Question #3

Do you have a favourite character from a book, somebody you were looking up to, or who inspired you somehow in life?

Yes, one character who really inspired me is Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I first read the book in school, and it really stayed with me. Atticus is a quiet, wise man who believes in doing the right thing, even when the whole world seems to be against him. He doesn’t care about popularity or money—he just follows his conscience. I really look up to him for the way he stands up for justice and treats everyone with respect, no matter who they are. That kind of moral strength is rare these days.

Reading about Atticus made me think more deeply about how I behave and what I believe in. Of course, I’m not a lawyer like him, but I try to follow his example in small ways—by listening before judging, speaking up when I see something wrong, and trying to be fair, even when it’s hard. He’s not just a character in a book; for me, he became a kind of role model. His story showed me that you don’t need to shout to be strong—you just need to stay true to your values.

podziwiać kogoś / brać z kogoś przykład

stanąć w obronie czegoś/kogoś

zabierać głos / wypowiadać się otwarcie

 pozostać wiernym swoim wartościom

QUESTION #4

Many books were turned into films. Do you think it is a good idea? Do you have your favourite book adaptation?

Yes, I think turning books into films can be a great idea, but only if it’s done well. Sometimes filmmakers cut out too many important scenes or change the story, and that really takes away from the original message. But when it’s done properly, it can bring the story to life and reach people who wouldn’t normally pick up a book. A good adaptation helps you visualise the characters, settings, and emotions in a totally new way. It’s also fun to compare the film and the book to see what was kept in and what was left out.

One of my favourite book adaptations is The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The books are quite long and full of details, so I was curious how they would translate to the screen. In my opinion, Peter Jackson did an amazing job. The films stayed true to the spirit of the books, and the visuals were breathtaking. I especially loved the music and how the characters were portrayed. Of course, some parts were skipped or shortened, but overall, the movies captured the main ideas and feelings. Watching them made me want to dive back into that world.

psuć coś / umniejszać wartość czegoś / odbierać coś (czemuś wartość)

ożywić historię / tchnąć życie w historię

sięgnąć po książkę

pozostać wiernym (czemuś)

ponownie zanurzyć się w (coś) / wrócić z zaangażowaniem do (czegoś)

Question #5

Do you think books will exist in a hundred years? Will people still acquire knowledge mainly by reading?

I believe books will still exist in some form, but the way we read and learn might be completely different. Paper books might become more of a collector’s item or something people enjoy for pleasure and nostalgia. Digital formats and audiobooks are already becoming more popular, especially with younger generations. Still, there’s something timeless about holding a real book and flipping through the pages. I don’t think books will disappear completely—they’ll just adapt to new technology and habits.

When it comes to gaining knowledge, reading will probably still play a role, but maybe not the main one. People are already learning a lot through podcasts, videos, and interactive apps. Some students prefer to look things up on YouTube or ChatGPT instead of reading a long article. It’s faster and more visual. But in the end, reading helps you deepen your understanding and develop your thinking skills, so I hope it won’t be replaced entirely. Maybe in the future, we’ll mix all methods—reading, listening, watching—to learn in a more balanced way.

przekładać kartki (książki) / kartkować książkę

zdobywanie wiedzy

wyszukiwać informacje / sprawdzać coś (np. w internecie)

pogłębić zrozumienie

zrównoważony sposób

FREE PRACTICE

Choose one question from the Talking Picture and write your own answer to it. Paste your answer in the comments section or send it to your teacher.

Alita is listening to a podcast and making notes

COMMENTS

Paste your upgraded answers here.

The Puzzle of Motivation by Daniel Pink

The Puzzle of Motivation by Daniel Pink

by | Jul 28, 2025 | darmowa lekcja

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

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

Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂

Zespół The Blue Tree

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THE BLUE TREE

Man & Society

CEF B1

CEFR C1

Advanced

Practise speaking by describing this image

warm up

Answer the questions below. Listen to same people answering these questions. Report back or read the transcript to practise speaking.

What motivates you to do your best work or study? Is it money, praise, passion – or something else?
TRANSCRIPT

I think passion is what motivates me the most. When I’m interested in a topic, I want to learn more and do my best without anyone pushing me. Money is nice, but it doesn’t keep me going for long. I need to feel that my work has meaning.

Do you work better when someone tells you exactly what to do, or when you have the freedom to decide how to do it? Why?
TRANSCRIPT

I definitely work better when I have the freedom to decide how to do things. I like being creative and choosing my own methods. When someone tells me exactly what to do, I feel less motivated. I prefer having clear goals but also space to find my own way to reach them.

How much freedom or autonomy do you have in your job or studies? Would more autonomy help you do better?
TRANSCRIPT

Right now, I don’t have much autonomy – most things are planned for me. I think more freedom would help me focus and be more responsible. When I can choose how and when to work, I feel more trusted, and that motivates me a lot.

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.

  • ⌚ 0:40 What is Daniel Pink ashamed to share?
  • ⌚ 0:56 Was he good at law at the university?
  • ⌚ 1:35 Why does he want to dust off his legal skills?
  • ⌚ 1:46 What is this case about?
  • ⌚ 2:12 What are the elements you get in the Candle Problem?
  • ⌚ 2:20 What’s the task?
  • ⌚ 2:50 What do people need to overcome to solve the Candle Problem? 

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.

DISCUSSION

Now do the same with the next ten rules for life by Daniel Pink.

  • ⌚ 3:12 What does the second experiment show?
  • ⌚ 3:48 How were the groups divided in this experiment?
  • ⌚ 3:59 How long did it take the incentivized group to solve this task?
  • ⌚ 4:13 Why is Daniel Pink surprised by this result?
  • ⌚ 4:34 What does this incentive do to thinking and creativity?
  • ⌚ 4:40 Has this experiment been replicated?
  • ⌚ 5:04 What does it mean that this result is ‘robust’ but ‘ignored’?
  • ⌚ 5:22 What is this mismatch about?
  • ⌚ 5:37 What are many business’s operating systems build around?

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.

  • ⌚ 6:16 How was the second version of the experiment different? What were the results?
  • ⌚ 6:32 What sort of tasks do if-then rewards work?
  • ⌚ 6:45 What don’t rewards work well on?
  • ⌚ 7:01 What kind of problems are “candle problems”?

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

Asnwer these questions using the information from the film.

  • ⌚ 7:20 What kind of work do white-collar workers do in many parts of the world?
  • ⌚ 7:50 How much of your own work is “candle problem” kind of work?
  • ⌚ 8:28 What does he stress as regards the if-then rewards?

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

Asnwer these questions using the information from the film.

  • ⌚ 8:54 Why does Daniel stresses that it is not a feeling or a philosophy, but a fact?
  • ⌚ 9:45 What did Dan Ariely find out about the relation between rewards and mechanical skills?
  • ⌚ 9:56 What about cognitive skills?
  • ⌚ 10:28 What were the results of their experiments in India?
  • ⌚ 11:30 What did the London School of Economics find out?
  • ⌚ 12:00 What worries Daniel?

part six

KEY LANGUAGE

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

VIDEO

Watch the sixth part of the video.

COMPREHENSION

Asnwer these questions using the information from the film.

  • ⌚ 12:40 What are the three elements of the new approach to running a business?
  • ⌚ 12:53 How does Pink describe each of these elements?
  • ⌚ 13:11 Why is management more like a TV set, not like a tree?
  • ⌚ 13:22 What are traditional notions of management good for?
  • ⌚ 13:25 What works better is you need engagement?
  • ⌚ 13:41 What is the important assumption Daniel makes about money?
  • ⌚ 14:34 How does Atlassian embrace autonomy?
  • ⌚ 15:13 How effective is this autonomy in Google?
  • ⌚ 15:42 What are the rules in ROWE approach?
  • ⌚ 15:57 How efective is it?
  • ⌚ 17:21 What does the example of Encarta vs Wikipedia illustrate?
w

DISCUSSION

MOTIVATION THAT WORKS

Context: Alita and Pete have just watched Daniel Pink’s TED Talk in a professional development session at work.

Read their dialogue. Whose views do you lean towards?

Alita: That talk really made me think. I’ve always believed that money is a good motivator, but now I’m not so sure.

Pete: Yeah, the part about rewards actually dulling creative thinking was surprising. I mean, I thought offering bonuses would incentivize people to do better.

Alita: Me too. But it makes sense. If I’m under pressure to get a reward, I focus too much on the goal and not on the process. I lose curiosity.

Pete: Right. I liked how he talked about autonomy. Having the freedom to decide how to do my work really makes a difference for me.

Alita: Same here. When I worked in a place where everything was micromanaged, I felt no energy. But now, with more self-direction, I feel much more engaged.

Pete: And don’t forget purpose. When you know your work matters, you want to do it well—even without extra rewards.

Alita: Absolutely. I’ve also felt that when we have the chance to come up with ideas ourselves, we’re more committed.

Pete: True. I think more companies should get rid of those outdated, carrot-and-stick approaches and focus on intrinsic motivation.

Alita: Agreed. It’s not about becoming soft or touchy-feely. It’s about creating an environment where people can actually perform better.

OVER TO YOU

Discuss these questions.

BulletWhat motivates you more: external rewards (like money or praise), or internal satisfaction? Why?
BulletHave you ever had a job or project where you had real autonomy? How did it affect your performance?
BulletWhat kind of work gives you a sense of purpose?
BulletWhy do you think traditional carrot-and-stick methods are still used if they often don’t work?
BulletIf you could redesign your workplace, what changes would you make to increase motivation?

MIND-MAP

Use the mind-map to have a more in-depth discussion on this topic or to better remember that main points.

lesson glossary

COMMENTS

What do you think of the ideas presented in this lesson?

Share your views and experience here.