Goal Setting (Conversation 1)
Updated: Sep 14
Goal setting
I. Vocabulary:
- Match the word with its definition:
Group A:
1. To break the ice A. (Idiom) To have a lot of important work to finish.
2. Excited B. Feeling very happy and energetic.
3. Overwhelmed C. (Idiom) To start a conversation with a stranger.
4. To have a lot on one’s plate D. Feeling sudden strong emotion.
Group B:
5. To set a goal E. (Idiom) easy.
6. To achieve F. To decide what you want to accomplish and
make a plan to achieve it.
7. A piece of cake G. To succeed in finishing something or reaching a goal.
8. To exert / Put in H. To use hard work to make something happen.
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Group C:
9. Efforts I. An abbreviation consisting of the first letters of each
word in the name of something, pronounced as a word.
10. Acronym J. Something that you can measure to know its exact size
or amount.
11. Specific K. Physical or mental activity needed to achieve something.
12. Measurable L. Clear and exact; particular.
Group D:
13. Achievable M. Something that is possible to happen especially after
some hard work.
14. Improve N. To make something more in number or quantity.
15. Increase O. To make something better.
16. Relevant: P. Connected, appropriate, or important to what is being done or
considered.
17. Realistic Q. Having or showing a practical awareness of things as they
are
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II. Conversation:
- Read and practise the following conversation:
First day in an ESL class. A conversation between Mike and Cathy. Mike is trying to break the ice.
Mike: Good morning. My name is Mike. Nice to meet you.
Cathy: Nice to meet you too. You can call me Cathy. Are you excited about learning English?
Mike: I’m not sure. I feel a bit overwhelmed.
Cathy: Why do you feel that way?
Mike: I don’t know. I guess because I want to learn a lot in a short time. You see, I want to improve my grammar, my pronunciation, and my writing skills. I also want to increase my vocabulary. I need to find a job as soon as possible.
Cathy: Wow! I see that you have a lot on your plate. I think that you should set a goal and make a plan to achieve it.
Mike: A goal and a plan? That sounds like a lot of work.
Cathy: Well, learning a new language is not a piece of cake. You need to be patient and put in some effort. Most importantly, you must have a “SMART” goal.
Mike: “SMART”? What do you mean?
Cathy: It’s an acronym. “S” means “Specific”. “M” means “Measurable”. “A” means “Achievable”. “R” means “Relevant” or "Realistic". “T” means “Time-framed”.
Mike: I don’t get it. Can you explain more, please?
Cathy: Let’s talk after class. The teacher is here.
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III. Comprehension:
- Answer the following questions:
1. How did Mike break the ice?
_______________________________________________
2. How does Mike feel about learning English?
_______________________________________________3. Does Mike have a lot on his plate? Explain.
__________________________________________________________________________
4. Why do you think Mike feels overwhelmed?
__________________________________________________________________________5. What did Cathy suggest for him to do?
__________________________________________________________________________6. Why isn't learning English a piece of cake?
__________________________________________________________________________7. What advice does Cathy give Mike about learning English?
__________________________________________________________________________8. What does “SMART” stand for?
__________________________________________________________________________
IV. Which of the following sentences are true and which ones are false? Correct the false ones:
1. Mike and Cathy have known each other for a long time. True False
2. Mike is very excited about learning English. True False
3. Cathy feels overwhelmed because she has a lot to do. True False
4. You don’t have to set a goal or make a plan to learn English. True False
5. You can learn any language quickly and without any effort. True False
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V. Fill in the blanks with the correct word(s) from the vocabulary list:
1. Jack is very busy at work. He has _______________________________________.
2. ESL is an ________________________. It stands for English as a Second Language.
3. Can you be more _____________________ about where exactly you feel the pain?
4. Employees should have _____________________ and ________________________ targets if a company wants them to accomplish their goals.
5. I’m sure that moving to a new country is not a __________________________.
6. Children are _________________________ about watching a new movie.
7. Lolita moved to another city, went back to school, and worked a part-time job in a very short time. She feels so _____________________________.
8. You can’t lose 10 kg in a week. You have to be __________________________.
9. Hannah is an extrovert. She can ___________________________ in a minute.
10. Before starting a new project, you need to __________ and make an action plan.
11. To _____________a goal, one needs to ______________ a lot of ______________.
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Grammar Focus: Conditional Realities & Complex Goal-Setting
This lesson focuses on First Conditionals with Advanced Time Clauses and Gerunds/Infinitives as Objects of Complex Verbs to express strategy, trade-offs, and professional planning.
1. First Conditional with Advanced Time Connectors
Rather than relying solely on basic "If... then...". To frame plans, utilize varied time/condition conjunctions (as soon as, unless, once, provided that).
Structure:
As soon as + Present, Future Immediate sequence / Urgency
Example: I’ll start applying for positions as soon as I refine my resume.
Once + Present, Future Completed prerequisite
Example: Once you establish a baseline, you will track your progress easily.
Unless + Present, Future Negative condition
Example: You won't hit your target unless you allocate daily study hours.
Provided that + Present, Future Stipulation / Formal agreement
Example: You will reach your benchmark provided that you stick to the plan.
I. Combine the two ideas into a single complex sentence using the conjunction in parentheses. Adjust verb tenses or word order where necessary.
Mike will complete his level assessment. He will immediately apply for customer service positions. (as soon as)
You must break your long-term language target into weekly milestones. Otherwise, you will feel overwhelmed. (unless)
Cathy will pass her benchmark exam. She needs to maintain her current daily study routine. (provided that)
The instructor will review your SMART goal sheet. You can start working on your portfolio right after. (once)
You will not see significant progress in your writing skills. You must practice draft revisions consistently. (unless)
Mike will update his resume. He plans to send it to hiring managers without delay. (as soon as)
Your vocabulary will expand rapidly. You must read professional industry articles every day. (provided that)
Complex Verb Patterns (Gerund vs. Infinitive) in Strategy
Focus on the slight difference in verb complementation when discussing goals and multi-step processes.
Commit to + Gerund (-ing): "Mike needs to commit to practicing pronunciation daily."
Aim + Infinitive (to + verb): "Cathy aims to complete her level 6 benchmark this term."
Prioritize + Gerund (-ing): "You should prioritize building professional vocabulary."
Involve + Gerund (-ing): "Achieving this goal involves balancing work and study."
Complete each sentence using the correct form of the verb in parentheses (Infinitive: to + verb OR Gerund: verb + -ing).
To avoid feeling overwhelmed, Mike should avoid ___________________ (cram) too many grammar topics into a single week.
The instructor strongly recommended ___________________ (break) large long-term goals down into daily manageable tasks.
Cathy succeeds in her course by prioritizing ___________________ (apply) new vocabulary in real-world workplace settings.
Mike aims ___________________ (find) permanent employment within three months of completing the ESL program.
Setting a SMART goal involves ___________________ (measure) your progress on a weekly basis.
Learners who commit to ___________________ (practice) speaking every day build confidence much faster.
Before signing up for extra classes, you should consider ___________________ (evaluate) your current daily schedule.
Mike managed ___________________ (arrange) a follow-up meeting with the instructor after class.
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