Part 1 Questions
- Have you had any achievements recently?
- How do you feel when you are praised?
- When was the last time you praised someone?
- Do you think parents should often praise and encourage their children?
- Have you ever been praised or encouraged by your teacher?
Sample Response
Have you had any achievements recently?
"Yes, last month I completed an online course about digital marketing. It took me three months to finish. I got a certificate and I felt very proud. Now I can use these skills in my job."
Essential Vocabulary
Recent achievements
- hit a milestone - reached important goal
- personal best - best individual performance
- breakthrough moment - significant progress
- small wins - minor successes
- accomplished a goal - completed objective
- proud moment - time of pride
- tangible results - real, measurable outcomes
- incremental progress - gradual improvement
Feelings when praised
- on cloud nine - extremely happy
- confidence boost - increased self-assurance
- walking on air - feeling very happy
- validated - feelings confirmed as worthwhile
- motivated to do more - inspired to continue
- bit embarrassed - slightly uncomfortable
- sense of recognition - feeling acknowledged
- warm fuzzy feeling - pleasant emotional sensation
Praising others
- gave someone a pat on the back - praised someone
- sang their praises - spoke highly of someone
- acknowledged their effort - recognized their work
- complimented - said something nice
- showed appreciation - expressed gratitude
- positive feedback - constructive praise
- words of encouragement - supportive comments
- made their day - made someone very happy
Parental praise
- positive reinforcement - rewarding good behavior
- build self-esteem - develop confidence
- constructive feedback - helpful suggestions for improvement
- strike a balance - find the right middle ground
- empty praise - meaningless compliments
- encourage growth - help children believe they can improve
- natural motivation - internal drive to do well
- helicopter parenting - over-involved parenting style
Teacher praise/encouragement
- formative years - important development period
- lasting impact - long-term effect
- mentor figure - guide and role model
- academic confidence - belief in learning ability
- turned things around - changed situation positively
- turning point - crucial moment of change
- words stuck with me - remembered advice
- shaped my direction - influenced my path
Natural Spoken Phrases
- "I'm not one to blow my own trumpet, but..." modest achievement
- "It meant the world to me" very important
- "I try to make a point of..." deliberate effort
- "Looking back..." reflection
- "It goes a long way" has big impact
- "I'm a firm believer that..." strong opinion
- "Credit where credit's due" deserved praise
- "Made all the difference" very significant