Close-up p 15. Ambitions, Challenges and Motivation. Speaking

1. What poses a major challenge in our society?
2. Are you a great one for starting a 'get fit' plan but then give up after a few days or weeks? 
3. Do you agree with the statement "Appearances can often be deceptive"?
4. Are you a huge fan of running? Do you have a burning ambition to exercise more? 
5. Have you ever had to rise to the challenge of braving the elements to do something? 
6. What lifelong ambition have you secretly harboured?
7. Where do you get your inspiration from when you lack motivation and you need to strengthen it?
8.  Have you seen any films recently that you would describe as an outstanding achievement?
9.  Can you think of a situation that was doomed to dismal failure from the start? What could have been done to prevent a total debacle?
10. Can you think of an occasion that met with roaring success?
Add two more to ask a partner:
11. __________
12. __________

Useful language to discuss the topic: 

1. Challenges
 
It posed a challenge (to create a challenge that has to be dealt with)
It was a major challenge
I had to confront a big problem
I was a little apprehensive /ˌæprɪˈhensɪv/(worried or frightened) about the effects of what I had done
I felt a bit tense (nervous or worried)at first
He was always on edge (nervous) before an interview
This year for my New Year’s resolution I decided I had to listen to others better.
In the past few years, I fell into the occasional bad habit of not listening closely enough to family and friends. I was aware of this, and I wanted to do my best to listen better. It became a major challenge at first but now, a couple of months later I must say I don’t have to make an effort any more and I am actually enjoying it.
Last year I decided to complete my master’s degree. Now, a year later, I believe I rose to the challenge, and it has given me the confidence to embark on the next stage in my career
(If someone rises to the challenge, they act in response to a difficult situation which is new to them and are successful).
It was a challenge and it was daunting (intimidating) but at least I tried

I anticipated myself making some major changes in my life. This would be the year that I would finally attain some of the goals that would be personal achievements.

For the first time in my life, I knew what I wanted to do and I intended to go for it. That was something that I felt was right, with every bone in my body. Everything just fell into place naturally. It is funny how everything becomes brighter and clearer when you have a vision for it.  

2. Ambitions
 
My main ambition was…
I had always pursued my greatest ambition
To pursue his personal ambition, he decided to leave everything behind and go on an around the world trip.
I wanted to realize my secret ambition as soon as possible.
He has a burning ambition to travel around the world
I have not fulfilled all my ambitions yet 
The lifelong ambition I have secretly harboured is to become a ballet dancer. 
 
3. Motivation

I had to strengthen my motivation
A lot has been said about how to increase students’ motivation.
High school students lack motivation in the classroom for various reasons. Sometimes students lack role models. They don’t have relatives who they can look up to. And on top of that they are constantly targeted by non-academic celebrities or negative role models through the media.


4. Failure

It was doomed to failure from the start
It was a dismal failure
I was close to tears.
I was feeling weepy (sad)
I was reluctant to resign to failure.
I started a small business thinking it would be a shining moment in my life but, without proper planning, after a few months it was a dismal failure.  
debacle: /deɪˈbɑːkl/ /dɪˈbɑːkl/
an event or a situation that is a complete failure and causes embarrassment. E.g. He should take responsibility for the debacle and resign. Let’s hope this is the end of the debacle over player transfer fees. It's a total debacle 
 
5. Success
 
It was an overnight success
It was a resounding success (very great)
It was a roaring success (tremendous)
I was assured of success
It was an outstanding achievement
It was a remarkable achievement at first
To achieve success, a film should…
The book met with success in Great Britain, but at first no one in the United States wanted to publish it.
A book’s popularity doesn’t always guarantee its movie’s success.
The song was a resounding success. It became a Christmas hit that year, which was the beginning of a triumphal march around the world. 
I was delighted that he could do it
I was elated /iˈleɪtɪd/(very happy) by the prospect of the new job ahead
She was thrilled to bits (= extremely pleased) that he’d been offered the job
He was overjoyed (extremely happy) at my success
The English Department is astounded, amazed, taken aback, rocked back on its heels, flabbergasted, dumbfounded, stunned, shocked, astonished, bowled over and staggered that we have such wonderful students...

set (or rock) someone back on their heels: astonish or disconcert someone. E.g. she said something that rocked me back on my heels