“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 5: Work and Career
Story 03: Interesting and Dangerous Jobs
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Unpredictable
- Harsh weather
- Braving
- High winds
- Rough waves
- Icy temperatures
- Contend
- Crew members
- Camaraderie
- Thrill of the catch
Read or Listen to the following passage:
As a king crab fisherman, I spend most of my time out at sea, braving the harsh weather and unpredictable waters of the Bering Sea. It’s a dangerous job, but one that can also be very rewarding.
Every day on the boat is a battle against the elements. High winds, rough waves, and icy temperatures are just some of the challenges we face. But we also have to contend with the dangers of working with heavy equipment, such as crab pots, and the risk of falling overboard.
Despite the risks, being a king crab fisherman has its benefits. It’s a job that offers good pay and the satisfaction of a hard day’s work. We also get to work alongside a tight-knit group of crew members, and the camaraderie on the boat is second to none.
But perhaps the greatest reward of all is the thrill of the catch. When we bring up a pot full of king crab, it’s a rush of excitement and accomplishment. It’s what keeps us going back out to sea, year after year.
Overall, being a king crab fisherman is a tough but fulfilling job. It’s not for everyone, but for those of us who love the thrill of the catch and the challenge of the sea, there’s nothing else like it.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is the main character’s job?
- What are some of the dangers of being a king crab fisherman?
- What are some of the benefits of the job?
- What does the main character find most rewarding about the job?
- Is being a king crab fisherman a job for everyone?
Conversations Starters:
- What do you think are some of the most dangerous jobs in the world?
- Have you ever had an interesting job? What made it interesting?
- Do you think people should pursue careers that are considered dangerous? Why or why not?
- What is the most physically demanding job you can think of?
- Have you ever had a job that required you to work with dangerous equipment? What precautions did you take to ensure your safety?
- Do you think it’s important for people to have a job that they find interesting and fulfilling? Why or why not?
- What are some jobs that require a lot of mental focus and concentration? How do you think people manage to stay focused for long periods of time?
- Have you ever worked in a job where you felt like you were making a difference in the world? What was the job, and how did it make you feel?
- What is your opinion on jobs that require people to work long hours or unconventional schedules?
- How do you think society should approach the issue of dangerous jobs, especially those that are essential to the functioning of society?ice would you give to someone who is experiencing workplace stress or burnout?
