Challenges

This is an advanced (CEFR C1, IELTS 7.0) EFL Speaking class about challenges. Students first discuss challenges at different stages of life and how to respond to challenges. Target language (health problems, financial challenges, challenges at work, harassment/bullying, bereavement, relationships) is introduced using pictures. Students then read a sentence describing one of the problems, after which they match the challenge to the sentence. Another discussion about these challenges follows. Students then look at a picture of a person holding a mask in front of their face. Teachers should be aware that the article is about imposter syndrome before eliciting students’ ideas. Key vocabulary in the article (objective, psychology, doubt, therapy, fraud) is learned. An article about a student suffering from imposter syndrome follows, after which students demonstrate their understanding by answering comprehension questions. Students then complete a short speaking activity followed by an agree/disagree activity.