WEEK 6

PERSONAL
GROWTH AND
FUTURE PLANNING
 KEY VOCABULARY

1. Ambition – A strong desire to achieve something. 6. Commitment – The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity.
2. Goal – The object of a person's ambition or effort. 7. Accomplishment – The fulfillment or realization of a goal or task through
3. Dream – A cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal. effort and determination.
4. Vision – A mental image of what the future could be. 8. Prospects – The possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring.
5. Motivation – The reason or reasons one has for acting or 9. Resilience – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
behaving in a particular way. 10. Plan – A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.

READING PASSAGE

Reading Passage
Everyone has hopes and ambitions for the future. These might include personal
achievements, such as learning a new skill, or bigger goals like starting a career. Comprehension Questions:
Setting clear goals helps people imagine what they want and take steps toward it. 1. Why are hopes and ambitions
It’s important to stay committed and focused to achieve these goals, even when it important for achieving future goals?
feels challenging. 2. How can problem-solving help
someone overcome challenges?
On the way to success, many people face challenges and difficult situations. 3. Why is it important to stay committed
However, being strong and thinking of creative ways to solve problems can help and focused when working toward goals?
them overcome these difficulties. By looking back at both successes and failures,
people can learn important lessons that help them grow and improve for the
future.

CONVERSATION PRACTICE
1. What are your biggest hopes and ambitions for the future? 11. What role do friends and family play in your ambitions?
2. What is one dream you have always wanted to pursue? 12. What challenges do you anticipate in reaching your ambitions?
3. How do you envision your life in five years? 13. How do you handle setbacks in your plans?
4. How do you plan to achieve your goals? 14. What impact does personal resilience have on achieving goals?
5. How important is it to set short-term vs. long-term goals? 15. How do you deal with negative influences on your aspirations?
6. How do you prioritize your goals? 16. Can you share a personal story about an achievement you are proud
7. What motivates you to pursue your dreams? of?
8. What skills do you think are essential for achieving your 17. How do you celebrate your achievements?
dreams? 18. How do you define success?
9. What strategies do you use to maintain motivation? 19. What advice would you give to someone afraid of failure?
10. How do you stay committed to your goals? 20. What advice would you give someone struggling to find their
ambition?

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 GRAMMAR FOCUS: INFINITIVES TO EXPRESS INTENTIONS
Grammar Rules and Examples:
Infinitives (the base form of a verb preceded by "to") are used to express intentions or plans. When we talk about something we
intend to do, we often use the infinitive form to show our purpose or future action.
Examples: Structure:
I plan to visit my grandparents this weekend. Subject + Verb + Infinitive (to + base form of the verb)
She intends to study abroad next year. Common verbs that are followed by infinitives include:
They hope to have a picnic in the park. Plan to, Intend to, Hope to, Aim to, Expect to
We aim to finish the project by Friday.
He expects to attend the meeting tomorrow.

Choose from the provided options and complete each sentence with an
infinitive phrase.
Options: to make new friends, to buy groceries, to avoid being late, to
improve my communication skills, to attend the concert.
PRACTICE EXERCISE 1. I study English ____________________.
2. She bought a ticket ____________________.
3. They went to the store ____________________.
4. He joined a club ____________________.
5. I wake up early ____________________.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Goal Setting:
Task: Write down two short-term and two long-term goals. For each goal, list at least three specific action steps you will take to
achieve them.

Motivation Reflection:
Task: Write a 50-75 word reflection on what drives you to achieve your goals.
Guide Questions:
What motivates you to pursue your goals (e.g., personal passion, family support, career aspirations)?
How does this motivation affect your daily actions or decisions?
What specific actions will you take to stay on track (e.g., setting goals, time management, seeking guidance)?

Example: "I am motivated by my family's encouragement and my desire to help others. This drives me to focus on my studies
and seek opportunities for growth. To stay on track, I will set weekly goals, stay organized, and remind myself of the impact I
want to make in the future." (50 words)

AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT (5 POINTS)

Task: Future Planning Project
Prepare a 2-3 minute speech on a skill or trait you want to develop. In your speech, describe the specific actions you will take to
improve in this area, the tools or resources you will use, and any obstacles you might face. Focus on personal development and
strategies for overcoming challenges.

Example: "I want to become more confident in public speaking. To improve, I will practice speaking in front of a mirror daily and
record my speeches to track my progress. I will also attend a local speaking club for additional practice. One challenge I expect is
feeling nervous during presentations, so I will use breathing exercises and visualization techniques to manage my anxiety and stay
calm."

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 KEY VOCABULARY
1. Obstacle – A thing that blocks one's way or prevents or 6. Support System – A network of people who provide an individual
hinders progress. with practical or emotional support.
2. Strategy – A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term 7. Resourcefulness – The ability to find quick and clever ways to
goal. overcome difficulties.
3. Setback – A reversal or check in progress. 8. Coping Mechanism – A strategy used to manage stress or adversity.
4. Solution – A means of solving a problem. 9. Perseverance – Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or
5. Advice – Guidance or recommendations concerning prudent delay in achieving success.
future action. 10. Flexibility – The quality of being adaptable or variable.

READING PASSAGE

Reading Passage
Challenges are a normal part of life, and our responses to them significantly impact our
personal growth. Identifying obstacles and creating strategies to overcome them are crucial Comprehension Questions:
skills for success. When we encounter setbacks, it is essential to maintain a positive outlook 1. What are some common challenges that
and focus on solutions that can help us move forward. Seeking advice from others and people might encounter in life?
building a strong support system can further assist individuals in navigating difficult 2. How can perseverance help someone
situations. overcome obstacles?
3. Why is having a support system
Resourcefulness and flexibility are vital traits that enable people to cope with challenges
effectively. By developing strong coping mechanisms and demonstrating perseverance, we
important when facing difficulties?
can handle adversity and continue progressing toward our goals. Ultimately, facing
challenges with a proactive mindset not only fosters resilience but also contributes
to our overall development.

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

1. What challenges have you encountered in your personal or 11. How do you adjust when plans change unexpectedly?
professional life? 12. What resources do you turn to for support?
2. How do you typically respond to setbacks? 13. Describe your approach to problem-solving.
3. What strategies do you employ to navigate challenges over time? 14. What advice would you offer to someone facing a major
4. Can you share a story about a significant challenge you challenge?
successfully overcame? 15. How can you turn a setback into a chance for personal
5. When is it essential to seek help, and how do you go about asking growth?
for it? 16. In what ways do challenges promote personal development?
6. How does guidance from others assist you in solving problems? 17. What daily habits help you build resilience?
7. What motivates you to stay focused during difficult times? 18. What specific challenge do you aim to overcome this year?
8. Which coping strategies do you find most effective? 19. How do you assess your progress during difficult times?
9. How do you define resilience in challenging situations? 20. What role does self-reflection play in overcoming obstacles?
10. What common academic obstacles do students face?

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 GRAMMAR FOCUS: IMPERATIVE VERBS IN PROBLEM-SOLVING STRATEGIES

Grammar Rules and Examples:

Imperative verbs are essential when giving clear instructions, advice, or solutions in problem-solving scenarios. These verbs help
guide someone to take specific actions or make decisions, making them useful in both personal and professional situations. When
using the imperative, the subject ("you") is often implied, and the verb directly expresses the action needed.

In problem-solving, imperative verbs can be used to: Examples:

Give commands: Directly instruct someone to take Command: "Identify the root of the problem before jumping to
action. solutions."
Make suggestions: Offer advice on how to address a Suggestion: "Try brainstorming different solutions before making
challenge or situation. a decision."
Provide guidance: Explain step-by-step procedures or Advice: "Take a step back and reassess the situation if you feel
strategies to solve problems. stuck."
Guidance: "Follow these three steps to resolve the issue quickly."
Instruction: "Divide the task into smaller parts to make it more
manageable."

Complete the following sentences by filling in the blanks with

appropriate imperative verbs from the choices provided below.
Choices: Delegate, Analyze, Review, Prioritize, Communicate.
PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. _________ the root cause of the problem before making decisions.
2. _________ tasks according to their urgency to manage time
effectively.
3. _________ with your team to ensure everyone is aligned on the
solution.
4. _________ the results to check for any overlooked errors.
5. _________ responsibilities to team members based on their strengths.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Challenge Reflection:
Task: Write a reflection about a personal challenge you faced and the steps you took to overcome it. Include specific strategies
that helped you succeed.

Example: "Last year, I struggled with time management while balancing school and activities. To overcome this, I created a weekly
schedule to prioritize tasks, which helped me manage my time better and reduce stress."

AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT (5 POINTS)

Task: Challenge Solution Plan
Read the scenario below about a challenge and create a cohesive plan to overcome it using clear action steps with imperative
verbs.

Scenario: "You are nervous about an upcoming class presentation and are worried about forgetting important information."

Sample Answers:
Practice your speech multiple times.
Take deep breaths before you start to calm your nerves.

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 KEY VOCABULARY
1. Reflection – Serious thought or consideration. 6. Self-Assessment – Evaluation of one's own performance.
2. Achievement – A thing done successfully, typically by effort. 7. Milestone – A significant stage or event in the development of
3. Failure – Lack of success in achieving something. something.
4. Growth – The process of developing or maturing. 8. Mindset – The established set of attitudes held by someone.
5. Learning Experience – An experience that teaches you 9. Adaptability – The ability to adjust to new conditions.
something. 10. Overcoming – Succeeding in dealing with a problem or difficulty.

READING PASSAGE

Reading Passage
Reflecting on both personal achievements and failures is crucial for growth.
Achievements foster pride and motivation, while failures provide important
lessons. By thoughtfully considering both, individuals can learn to adapt and Comprehension Questions:
improve as they move forward. 1. Why is reflection important for personal
growth?
Self-assessment enables individuals to evaluate their performance, set new goals, 2. How can failures serve as learning
and recognize key milestones. A positive mindset is essential for learning from experiences?
both successes and challenges, helping people become more adaptable and 3. What is the significance of having a
resilient in their personal and professional lives. growth mindset?

CONVERSATION PRACTICE
1. What is one achievement you are proud of, and why? 11. How do you typically reflect on your experiences?
2. What milestones have you reached in your life? 12. What strategies do you use for self-assessment?
3. How have your achievements influenced your future goals? 13. How do you distinguish between a healthy and unhealthy
4. What impact do achievements have on your motivation? reflection process?
5. How do you celebrate your successes? 14. How can reflecting on failures lead to improvement?
6. What have been some significant learning experiences for you? 15. What role does adaptability play in your personal growth?
7. Can you share a failure that taught you an important lesson? 16. How do you set new goals based on your reflections?
8. How do you overcome the fear of failure? 17. How can you measure your progress over time?
9. How do you maintain a positive mindset after setbacks? 18. What advice would you give someone struggling with self-
10. How does your mindset affect your approach to challenges? reflection?
19. How do you encourage others to reflect on their experiences?
20. What is one personal growth goal you have for the future?

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 GRAMMAR FOCUS: PRESENT PERFECT TENSE
Grammar Rules and Examples:
The present perfect tense expresses actions or experiences that occurred at an unspecified time in the past and are relevant to
the present. It is formed using "have" or "has" followed by the past participle of the verb. The negative form is created by adding
"not" after "have" or "has."

Examples:
1. Experiences:
Positive: "I have traveled to five different countries, which has broadened my understanding of diverse cultures."
Negative: "I have not traveled to any countries this year, so I feel like I've missed out on new experiences."
2. Achievements:
Positive: "She has studied various languages, enabling her to communicate with people from different backgrounds."
Negative: "He has not completed his thesis yet, which is causing him some stress as the deadline approaches."

Complete the sentences using the present perfect tense.

Positive Form:
1. I (achieve) _______ my goal of learning a new language.
PRACTICE EXERCISE 2. She (overcome) _______ many challenges in her career.
3. We (experience) _______ significant growth in our skills.
Negative Form:
1. They (reflect) _______ on their past mistakes.
2. He (reach) _______ a major milestone in his education.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Achievement Timeline: Failure Analysis:
Task: Create a timeline that highlights your personal Task: Reflect on a personal failure you have encountered. Describe
achievements and significant milestones. Include at least the situation, your emotional response, and the key lessons you
five key events, specifying the year and a brief description learned from it. Write a brief analysis in three to four sentences.
of each achievement.
Example: "I missed an important project deadline in college, which
Example: caused stress and disappointment. This experience taught me the
2020: I graduated from university with honors. importance of better time management and planning ahead. Since
2021: I started my first job as a marketing assistant. then, I have started using a planner to organize my tasks and
2022: I completed a professional certification course. prioritize my responsibilities more effectively."
2023: I was promoted to team leader.
2024: I began volunteering for a local charity.

AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT (5 POINTS)

Task: Personal Growth Portfolio
Based on the scenario, reflect on the person’s failure and identify a goal for future achievement.

Scenario: "Alex worked hard on a research paper but missed the deadline because he didn’t manage his time well. As a result, he
received a zero, which impacted his overall grade."
Example Reflection: "Alex's experience illustrates how failure in time management can lead to missed opportunities. Recognizing
this failure is the first step toward learning and growth."
Example Goal: "To turn this failure into an achievement, Alex will create a detailed schedule for assignments to improve his time
management and ensure he submits all future work on time."

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Your Turn!
Scenario: "Sarah often stayed up late using her phone, causing her to oversleep the next morning. As a result, she was consistently
late to class, which affected her punctuality and classroom participation."

Reflection:

Goal:

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 KEY VOCABULARY
1. Relationship – The way in which two or more people are 6. Trust – Firm belief in the reliability or truth of someone.
connected. 7. Empathy – The ability to understand and share the feelings of
2. Connection – A relationship in which a person is linked to another.
someone or something. 8. Collaboration – The action of working with someone to produce
3. Networking – The action or process of interacting with others to or create something.
exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. 9. Boundaries – Limits that a person establishes to protect their
4. Support – To give assistance to. well-being.
5. Communication – The imparting or exchanging of information. 10. Conflict Resolution – A way of resolving disputes or
disagreements.

READING PASSAGE

Reading Passage
Healthy relationships play a key role in both personal and professional development. By
building connections through effective communication and trust, individuals can strengthen Comprehension Questions:
their networks. Empathy and support are critical to maintaining these relationships, fostering 1. Why are healthy relationships important
a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. for personal growth?
2. How does networking benefit professional
Networking not only fosters collaboration and the exchange of ideas but also enhances
creativity and problem-solving. At the same time, setting clear boundaries is essential for
development?
maintaining positive and respectful relationships. Additionally, strong conflict resolution skills 3. What are some effective strategies for
allow individuals to navigate disagreements constructively, leading to healthier interactions conflict resolution?
and deeper connections.

CONVERSATION PRACTICE
1. How do you define a healthy relationship? 11. How do you handle misunderstandings?
2. What qualities do you value in friends? 12. What impact does social media have on relationships?
3. Can you share a time you resolved a conflict? 13. How do you encourage collaboration in groups?
4. How do you connect in professional settings? 14. What relationship do you value most and why?
5. What role does empathy play in relationships? 15. How do you approach networking at events?
6. How do you maintain boundaries with friends? 16. What are the benefits of a diverse social network?
7. What strategies do you use for effective communication? 17. How do you deal with toxic relationships?
8. How can trust be built in relationships? 18. How do you express gratitude in relationships?
9. How do you support friends during tough times? 19. What is your conflict resolution approach?
10. What challenges arise in maintaining relationships? 20. How do you balance personal and professional relationships?

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 GRAMMAR FOCUS: RELATIVE CLAUSES
Grammar Rules and Examples:
Relative clauses are dependent clauses that provide additional information about a noun in the main clause. They often begin with
relative pronouns such as "who," "whom," "whose," "that," and "which." In the context of discussing relationships and social
networks, relative clauses can be used to add detail and depth to descriptions of people, connections, and experiences.

Examples:
1. Defining Relative Clauses: Defining relative clauses give essential information about the noun they modify. They help identify
exactly which person or thing we are referring to. Without this information, the sentence would lose important context.
"The friend who always supports me is invaluable."
"I met someone who shares my interests in art."
2. Non-Defining Relative Clauses: Non-defining relative clauses provide additional information about the noun but are not
essential to understand who or what is being referred to. The main clause would still make sense if the non-defining clause
were removed.
"My best friend, who I met in college, understands me perfectly."
"Sarah, who is a great listener, helps me through tough times."

Complete the following sentences using appropriate relative clauses. Use

"who," "whom," "whose," "that," or "which" as necessary.
1. I have a colleague __________ always brings a positive attitude to the
team.
2. The community center __________ we volunteer at has many programs
PRACTICE EXERCISE for youth.
3. My friend, __________ family has lived here for generations, is an
excellent historian.
4. She spoke to the mentor __________ helped her get her first job.
5. The event __________ I attended last week was very inspiring.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Relationship Reflection: Personal Analysis of Empathy:
Task: Talk about a significant relationship in your life, detailing Task: Write a personal analysis discussing the importance of
its impact on your personal growth and what you learned empathy in relationships. Include examples from your own
from it. experiences that demonstrate how empathy has affected your
Example: "My friendship with Sarah has been a crucial part of connections with others.
my life. Through our shared experiences and support for each Example: "In my experience, showing empathy during difficult
other, I have learned the value of trust and open times has strengthened my friendships, as I learned to listen and
communication, which has helped me navigate challenges support others without judgment."
and build stronger connections with others."

AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT (5 POINTS)

Task: Support Circle
Draw a circle in the middle of a page with your name in it. Around it, write the names of five people who form your support circle.
Next to each name, note how they help you.

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 KEY VOCABULARY
1. Contemplation – Deep and thoughtful consideration. 6. Development – The process of improving or expanding skills,
2. Drive – A strong motivation or determination to accomplish knowledge, or maturity.
something. 7. Encouragement – Words or actions that inspire someone to take
3. Challenge – A task or situation that tests someone's abilities. action or keep going.
4. Perseverance – The ability to keep going despite challenges or 8. Perspective – A particular attitude toward something; a point of
difficulties. view.
5. Connection – The bond or association between people or 9. Interaction – Communication or exchange of ideas with others for
groups. mutual benefit.
10. Success – The accomplishment of an aim or purpose.

READING PASSAGE

Reading Passage
Personal growth is shaped by the challenges we encounter, the drive we pursue, and the
connections we cultivate throughout life. Contemplating these experiences is crucial for
understanding our development and identifying areas for improvement. Challenges, though
difficult, offer opportunities for learning and perseverance-building. Meanwhile, drive motivates
Comprehension
us to step out of our comfort zones and strive toward meaningful goals. Whether in personal or Questions:
professional contexts, development comes from our ability to contemplate these experiences 1. What role does contemplation
and adjust our actions accordingly. play in personal growth?
2. How do strong connections help
Strong connections play a pivotal role in helping us achieve our goals and overcome challenges. overcome challenges?
They provide encouragement, support, and diverse interactions that foster personal growth. 3. Why is building a network
Building networks not only strengthens these connections but also creates opportunities for important for success?
future success. Together, contemplation, drive, and strong connections form the foundation for
personal growth, shaping our path and leading us toward long-term fulfillment.

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

1. What does success mean to you, and how do you measure it? 11. How important is reflection in your daily life?
2. What have been some of your biggest personal challenges? 12. How do you balance your ambitions with maintaining healthy
3. How do you approach challenges at work or in personal life? relationships?
4. How do you reflect on your experiences to improve yourself? 13. What steps do you take when setting goals?
5. What role do mentors play in your personal and professional life? 14. How do you stay motivated to pursue your goals?
6. How do strong relationships help you overcome challenges? 15. How has networking helped you find new opportunities?
7. How do you develop resilience in the face of adversity? 16. In what ways do you support others in their personal growth?
8. Can you describe a time when resilience helped you in a difficult 17. What challenges have helped you grow the most?
situation? 18. How do you celebrate your achievements?
9. How do different perspectives influence your decision-making? 19. What are the benefits of having a clear sense of ambition?
10. What are your current ambitions, and how do you plan to 20. How does networking influence your professional growth?
achieve them?

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 GRAMMAR FOCUS: FORMAL ARGUMENT STRUCTURES

Grammar Rules and Examples:

Formal argument structures help present ideas logically in debates, essays, or discussions by introducing an argument, supporting
it, addressing counter arguments, and concluding.
Introduce Main Argument: Refute Counterarguments:
Use: Firstly, To begin with, Use: Nevertheless, Despite this,
Example: "Firstly, I will explain why renewable energy is Example: "Nevertheless, long-term savings outweigh the
vital." costs."

Provide Evidence: Conclude the Argument:

Use: For example, According to research, Use: In conclusion, To sum up,
Example: "For example, renewable energy reduces carbon Example: "In conclusion, renewable energy is the future of
emissions." sustainability."

Acknowledge Counterarguments:
Use: However, On the other hand,
Example: "However, some argue that renewable energy is
expensive."

1. Write a sentence using a formal argument structure starting with "Firstly."

2. Use "Secondly" to introduce a counterargument in a sentence.
3. Combine two arguments into a formal structure using "Firstly" and "In
PRACTICE EXERCISE conclusion."
4. Create a sentence outlining the main argument of a debate.
5. Rewrite a sentence to include both an argument and a conclusion using
formal structure.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Speaking Reflection:
Task: Think about a recent challenge you faced, whether in your personal life or at work. For this speech, focus on three key points:
describing the challenge, explaining how you handled it, and sharing what you learned from the experience. Aim to keep your
speech concise and engaging, lasting about 2-3 minutes.
1. The Challenge: Briefly describe what made the situation challenging.
2. Your Actions: Summarize the steps you took to address it.
3. Your Lesson: Conclude with a takeaway or lesson you gained from the experience.

AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT (5 POINTS)

Task: English Learning Journey
Write a short reflection about your English learning journey. Include the challenges you faced, the people who helped you, and
how your goals motivated your progress. Use formal argument structures to organize your reflection clearly. End by sharing your
future language goals and how your experiences will guide you.

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