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Conversation Advance · Module 24 · Unit 117

Overcoming Challenges

C2 Proficient Upper

Learning Objectives

Today, you will learn about learning from mistakes and discover useful words and expressions for everyday situations.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. What is one mistake that taught you a great lesson?
  2. Do you tend to dwell on your past mistakes?
  3. How can we turn a failure into an opportunity?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Misstep

    noun

    /ˈmɪsstep/

    Meaning:An unfortunate action or mistake.

    That was a costly misstep.

    Real Life Tip:

    A softer way to say mistake.

  • Insight

    noun

    /ˈɪnsaɪt/

    Meaning:A deep understanding of a person or thing.

    He gained great insight from that error.

    Real Life Tip:

    Highly valued in personal growth.

  • Own up to

    phrasal verb

    /oʊn ʌp tu/

    Meaning:To admit to a mistake or wrongdoing.

    It is important to own up to your errors.

    Real Life Tip:

    Seen as a sign of integrity.

  • Back to the drawing board

    idiom

    /bæk tu ðə ˈdrɔːɪŋ bɔːrd/

    Meaning:To start over because a previous attempt failed.

    Our plan failed, so back to the drawing board.

    Real Life Tip:

    Very common in work and design.

  • Glitch

    slang

    /ɡlɪtʃ/

    Meaning:A minor malfunction or error.

    It was just a small glitch in our plans.

    Real Life Tip:

    Commonly used for technology or small mistakes.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
Kevin and Jennifer are discussing a financial mistake they made with their apartment budget.
  • Kevin
    I think we made a big misstep with our budget.
  • Jennifer
    I know. It was more than just a small glitch.
  • Kevin
    We need to own up to it and fix it.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. What did they make a misstep with?
  2. What does Jennifer suggest they do?
  3. How do they feel about the future?

Exercise

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

  1. What is a misstep?

  2. What is insight?

  3. You must own ____ to it.

  4. It was a technical ____.

  5. to / drawing / the / back / board

  6. insight / we / gained / great

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. How do you feel about owning up to mistakes?
  2. What is the best way to get insight from failure?
  3. When is it time to go back to the drawing board?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. How do I stop dwelling on past mistakes?
  2. Why is it so hard to own up to things?
  3. How do I find insight in a bad situation?
  4. Should I fear a misstep?
  5. How do I start back to the drawing board?
  6. Are mistakes always bad?
  7. How can I learn from others" mistakes?
  8. What if I keep making the same mistake?
  9. How do I explain my mistake to others?
  10. How do I forgive myself?
Jennifer
You are right. Back to the drawing board.
  • Kevin
    At least we have more insight now.
  • Jennifer
    Yes, we will not repeat this error.
  • Kevin
    I feel better talking it out.
  • Jennifer
    Me too. We will get it right next time.