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Conversation Intermediate · Module 12 · Unit 56

Overcoming Challenges

B1 Intermediate Upper

Learning Objectives

In this lesson, you will discuss overcoming challenges and learn practical vocabulary for daily communication.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your home or work life?
  2. How do you usually handle unexpected problems?
  3. Do you prefer to tackle challenges alone or with help?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Obstacle

    noun

    /ˈɒbstəkəl/

    Meaning:A thing that blocks one’s way or prevents progress.

    Finding a reliable contractor was the biggest obstacle in our renovation.

    Real Life Tip:

    Commonly used in both professional and personal goal-setting.

  • Resilience

    noun

    /rɪˈzɪliəns/

    Meaning:The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

    She showed incredible resilience throughout the health scare.

    Real Life Tip:

    Highly valued as a character strength in American culture.

  • Get through

    phrasal verb

    /ɡet θruː/

    Meaning:To survive or finish a difficult situation.

    We knew we would get through the renovation eventually.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used to describe persevering through hard times.

  • Light at the end of the tunnel

    idiom

    /laɪt æt ðə ɛnd ɒv ðə ˈtʌnəl/

    Meaning:The sign of improvement in a difficult situation.

    The painting is done, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!

    Real Life Tip:

    A very popular idiom for project completion.

  • Grind

    slang

    /ɡraɪnd/

    Meaning:Hard, repetitive work or the effort to succeed.

    The renovation process is a real grind, but worth it.

    Real Life Tip:

    Emphasizes the struggle required to achieve a result.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
Daniel and Rachel are dealing with a difficult home renovation project that has gone over budget.
  • Daniel
    This home renovation is becoming such a grind.
  • Rachel
    I know. The budget is our biggest obstacle right now.
  • Daniel
    We need some resilience to handle these constant delays.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. What is the main problem with the renovation?
  2. What are Daniel and Rachel trying to maintain?
  3. When does Daniel see the light at the end of the tunnel?

Exercise

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

  1. What is an obstacle?

  2. What is resilience?

  3. We will ____ this together.

  4. The work is a daily ____.

  5. end / light / the / tunnel / the / of / is / at

  6. through / we / get / will / it

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. How do you build resilience when facing obstacles?
  2. When was the last time you saw the 'light at the end of the tunnel'?
  3. Do you find the 'grind' of daily life energizing or exhausting?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. How do I stay positive during the 'grind'?
  2. What are some ways to develop more resilience?
  3. When is it okay to give up instead of pushing through an obstacle?
  4. How do I communicate with others when I am struggling?
  5. Why do some people handle obstacles better than others?
  6. How do I know if I am making progress?
  7. What if I cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel?
  8. How do I help a friend who is facing a huge obstacle?
  9. Is resilience something you are born with?
  10. How can I make my daily tasks feel less like a grind?
Rachel
You are right. We will get through this, even if it takes time.
  • Daniel
    At least the kitchen is almost done. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
  • Rachel
    True, once that is done, the rest should be easier.
  • Daniel
    Let us just focus on one task at a time.
  • Rachel
    Agreed. One step at a time.