“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 8: Money and Finance
Story 05: Winning the Lottery
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Apprehension
- Drastic
- Burdened
- Peace of mind
- Newfound
- Diversified portfolio
- Financial future
- Life-changing event
- Joy
- Means
Read or Listen to the following passage:
If I won the lottery, it would be a life-changing event for me. I would feel a mix of excitement and apprehension, knowing that my life was about to take a drastic turn.
The first thing I would do is pay off any outstanding debts or bills that I owe. This would provide me with a sense of security and peace of mind, knowing that I was no longer burdened by financial obligations.
Next, I would take a long vacation to a tropical destination. I’ve always dreamed of lying on a beautiful beach and soaking up the sun, and winning the lottery would finally give me the means to do so.
After my vacation, I would start to think about how I could use my newfound wealth to help others. I would donate a portion of my winnings to various charities and causes that are important to me, such as education, healthcare, and the environment.
Finally, I would invest the rest of my winnings in a diversified portfolio, so that I could continue to grow my wealth and ensure a secure financial future for myself and my loved ones.
While winning the lottery would certainly be a life-changing event, I know that money can’t buy happiness. Ultimately, it’s the people in my life and the experiences I have that bring me the most joy.
Comprehension Questions:
- How would winning the lottery change the narrator’s life?
- What would be the first thing the narrator would do with their winnings?
- Where would the narrator go on vacation with their winnings?
- How would the narrator use their winnings to help others?
- What is more important to the narrator than money?
Conversations Starters:
- What would you do if you won the lottery? How would your life change?
- Do you think winning the lottery would make you happier? Why or why not?
- How would winning the lottery affect your relationships with friends and family?
- What are some of the potential downsides to winning the lottery?
- If you could have one wish granted, what would it be and why?
- Have you ever had a dream or goal that you thought was impossible? Did you end up achieving it?
- How important is it to have goals and aspirations in life? What are some of your current goals?
- What is something you’ve always wanted to learn or try, but haven’t had the chance to yet?
- Have you ever taken a big risk in order to pursue a dream or goal? How did it turn out?
- What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to pursue their dreams?
