Don’t bite off more than you can chew! In this lesson, learners will uncover the challenges of starting and owning a business. The lesson features a video about starting a business and why young people are choosing not to do so. Students will learn and practice vocabulary and idioms relating to the topic. The lesson includes plenty of lively speaking activities and practical worksheets that are suitable for both adults and teens.

Lesson Objectives

Listening: Students will listen to an explanation of a survey about young people's attitudes towards starting a business. The speaker discusses the reasons behind the declining interest in entrepreneurship among youth, highlighting challenges such as social anxiety, fear of failure, and the reality of business ownership. This listening activity will enhance students' ability to comprehend detailed explanations and discussions in English, focusing on vocabulary and concepts related to entrepreneurship and business challenges.

Speaking: The conversation activities will encourage students to express their views on the challenges and rewards of starting and owning a business, using newly learned vocabulary and idioms.

Vocabulary: Key terms and idioms related to business startups, such as "wantrepreneur," "fledgling business," and "overnight success," will be introduced and practiced.

Homework: The tasks include answering true or false questions related to business concepts, filling in blanks with correct prepositions in business-related sentences, and using specific words to complete sentences that discuss business dynamics. These exercises aim to reinforce the lesson's vocabulary and concepts, helping students better understand the intricacies of starting and running a business.

Video Transcript

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

bite off more than one can chew [idiom]: take on a task or responsibility that is too challenging or overwhelming

entrepreneur [noun]: a person who starts and runs a business, taking on financial risks in the pursuit of profit

back to the drawing board [idiom]: starting over or changing plans due to unexpected problems

entrepreneurial attitude [noun phrase]: a way of behaving and thinking that is focused on creating or running a business

fledgling [noun]: a new company with little experience

trait [noun]: characteristic or quality that distinguishes an individual, feature, or attribute

wantrepreneur [noun]: a person who aspires to set up a business but never gets started

inner strength [noun phrase]: the mental, emotional, and resilient qualities that enable an individual to face challenges and adversity with confidence and determination

lose sight of something [phrasal verb]: no longer see or understand a goal, purpose, or perspective, often due to distractions or loss of focus

pull oneself together [idiom]: regain control of one’s emotions or composure, often in the face of difficulty or stress

eye-opening [adjective]: surprising, enlightening, or revealing; providing a new perspective or understanding

not for the faint of heart [idiom]: indicates that something is intense, challenging, or requires courage and resilience to endure or experience

on call [adjective]: being available for work or assistance, especially outside regular hours

behind-the-scenes [adjective]: used to describe activities or processes that happen out of the public eye, typically in the production or organization of an event, performance, or project

get out of hand [idiom]: a situation or behavior is no longer under control and is becoming disorderly or chaotic

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