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Conversation Advance · Module 8 · Unit 36

Causes of Stress

C1 Advanced

Learning Objectives

In this lesson, you will discuss coping mechanisms and learn practical vocabulary for daily communication.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. What do you do when you feel the first signs of stress?
  2. Is talking to someone a common coping mechanism for you?
  3. Have you ever tried to change your routine to better manage pressure?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Resilience

    noun

    /rɪˈzɪliəns/

    Meaning:The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

    Building resilience is key to managing long-term projects.

    Real Life Tip:

    A very popular term in psychology and business.

  • Adaptation

    noun

    /ˌædæpˈteɪʃən/

    Meaning:The process of changing to fit new conditions.

    Successful adaptation to the new schedule has helped us stay calm.

    Real Life Tip:

    Often used when discussing life changes.

  • Open up

    phrasal verb

    /ˈoʊpən ʌp/

    Meaning:To start talking about your thoughts or feelings.

    It is much easier to cope when you open up to your partner.

    Real Life Tip:

    Encourages emotional honesty.

  • Take it one day at a time

    idiom

    /teɪk ɪt wʌn deɪ æt ə taɪm/

    Meaning:To deal with things as they happen instead of worrying about the future.

    We decided to take it one day at a time until the renovation is finished.

    Real Life Tip:

    A very common expression for managing stress.

  • Vent

    slang

    /vɛnt/

    Meaning:To express strong emotions by talking.

    I just needed to vent about the delays so I could let it go.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used in casual social contexts.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
Daniel and Rachel are talking about healthy ways to cope with their current stress levels.
  • Daniel
    I think we need to work on our resilience instead of just worrying.
  • Rachel
    You are right. I have been trying to practice adaptation to the chaos.
  • Daniel
    It helps me when you open up to me about what is bothering you.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. What does Daniel suggest they work on?
  2. What does Rachel do to feel better when she is frustrated?
  3. What is their current plan for dealing with the project?

Exercise

Direction: Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence, then read it aloud. Each question gives you 5 Points.

  1. What is resilience?

  2. What does it mean to vent?

  3. I need to ____ up more about my feelings.

  4. We should ____ it one day at a time.

  5. day / at / one / take / time / a / it

  6. to / is / resilience / key / building

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. How do you define resilience in your own life?
  2. Why is it sometimes difficult to open up to others?
  3. When is it better to vent instead of keeping things inside?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. How can I build more resilience when I feel like giving up?
  2. Is there a wrong way to vent?
  3. How do I know when I am adapting or just avoiding the problem?
  4. Why does taking it one day at a time work for some people?
  5. How can I encourage my friends to open up more?
  6. Are there professional coping mechanisms?
  7. How do I balance venting with finding solutions?
  8. Does resilience change as we get older?
  9. What should I do if I cannot find a way to adapt?
  10. How do I recognize when I need outside help to cope?
Rachel
Thanks. Sometimes I just need to vent for five minutes, then I feel better.
  • Daniel
    And we should try to take it one day at a time instead of looking at the big picture.
  • Rachel
    That is exactly what we need. We have been planning too far ahead.
  • Daniel
    Exactly. Let us focus on just finishing the kitchen this week.
  • Rachel
    Agreed. Small steps.