Unit 8 | Session 3

The key to less stress

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: make a podcast on ways to reduce stress
 Unit 8 | Session 3
The key to less stress
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: make a podcast on ways to reduce stress

Lesson Overview
1. GET STARTED: Life’s stressors
2. DISCUSS: Top stressors
3. DECIDE: Simple actions
4. PREPARE: Make a podcast
5. PRESENT: Perform your podcast
6. UNIT 8 PROGRESS CHECK
7. UNIT 9 PREVIEW
GET STARTED
Life’s stressors
How stressed are you right now?
Would you say most of your stress is
caused by one or two big things or a
number of small things?

I’m pretty stressed right now because

I’m really busy all the time working and
studying. And then there are all the little
things, like housework — dishes,
laundry, vacuuming. Some days are fine,
but when I have a lot of homework, it
gets really stressful!
DISCUSS
Top stressors
Work in small groups. Rate the stressors
below from smallest to biggest. Then
share your top stressors with the class.
 being late for an appointment
 doing household chores
 driving in traffic
 fighting with a loved one
 getting married
 finishing work tasks on time
 paying bills
 taking a test
DECIDE
Simple actions
Work in groups. Think about the stressors the class brainstormed. Which ones can be
reduced by taking simple actions? Discuss the actions below and your own ideas.
Then choose your top three actions for your podcast.
Simple Actions to Reduce Stress USEFUL LANGUAGE
Delete it. One/Another thing you/we can do is . . .
Don’t need it. It never hurts to . . .
Don’t reply. . . . is always worth considering.
Make to-do lists.
. . . is a good way to approach it.
Do it right away.
Get up earlier.
Go to bed later. So, when you’re stressed from sitting in
Say “No!” traffic, one thing you can do is get up earlier
so you beat the morning rush.
Discuss the problem.
PREPARE
Make a podcast
Plan your podcast. Use your worksheet to make notes
for (1) the introduction, (2) your actions and the
reasons why they’re effective, and (3) the conclusion.
USEFUL LANGUAGE
If you do this, you’re bound to / sure to . . .
You’re going to . . .
You might . . .
You’ll be + verb + -ing . . .

One simple action is to just say “No.” If you do this, you’re bound
to feel like you have a bit more control over your own life. For
example, let’s say your coworker needs some help, but . . .
PRESENT
Perform your podcast
Listen to the podcasts. Then rate them using the criteria below. As a class, choose the
one that had the best ideas and was well presented.
Group: 5 4 3 2 1

The group’s ideas are interesting and

original.

The ideas are well organized.

The actions are explained with details and

examples.
The presentation is clear and easy to
understand.

The presenters are entertaining and fun.

PROGRESS CHECK
Unit 8
Now I can . . . Prove it!
 describe neatness and Write sentences using each of these expressions: put something
messiness. in alphabetical order, arrange something neatly, be jumbled up.
 use modal expressions with be. Complete the sentences.
We’re supposed to ______________.
Don’t worry. He’s bound to ______________.
 talk about progress. Complete the sentences.
These days, ______________ is going smoothly.
I ______________ with difficulty.
 use future forms. Write two predictions and two plans about your future.
 suggest and show interest in Write your response to a friend’s suggestion to have a pool party
ideas. this weekend. Then offer an alternative suggestion.
 make complaints and show Look at these statements: That’s horrible!, I’m terribly sorry, What
understanding. a nightmare!, I sincerely apologize. Which two are informal?
UNIT 9 PREVIEW
Things happen
Unit 9 Objectives

• talk about how your life might be different

• talk about mistakes
• reassure someone about a problem
• write an article giving tips
• talk about key events in your life
UNIT 9 PREVIEW
Things happen
Do you believe in chance? Or are the best
things that happen to us always planned?
Discuss some examples.

I don’t really believe in chance.

Successful people are people who
work hard. Success doesn’t happen
by accident.

I see your point, but I also think

success comes down to luck as well.
Sometimes you’re in the right place
at the right time, and good things
happen. One time I . . .
 Unit 8 | Session 3
The key to less stress
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: make a podcast on ways to reduce stress

Thank you!