ESL Speaking Exercise: Battle of the Isms

Instructions: Match the definition with the correct term. 

Communism or Capitalism 

A. a theory or system of social organization in which all property is owned by the community and each person contributes and receives according to their ability and needs 

B. an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than the state

Idealism or Pragmatism 

A. the unrealistic belief in or pursuit of perfection  

B. An approach that evaluates theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application 

Realism vs Romanticism 

A. a movement in the arts and literature emphasizing inspiration, subjectivity and the primacy of the individual 

B. the quality or fact of representing a person or thing in a way that is accurate and true to life 

ESL Vocabulary: Pragmatism

ESL Vocabulary (Pragmatism )

1. Expedient - noun/adjective - doing something convenient and practical although possibly improper and immoral 

2. Calculated - adjective - doing something with the full awareness of the likely consequences 

3. Hindrance - noun - a thing that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or someone

4. Cajole - verb - persuade someone to do something by sustained flattery 

5. Ruthless - adjective - having or showing no pity or compassion for others 

6. Pragmatic - adjective - dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical  

ESL Conversation Questions: Pragmatism

1. What is pragmatism? 

2. Can you think of an example of pragmatic thinking? 

3. What are some of the benefits of thinking pragmatically? 

4. "Idealism without pragmatism is impotent. Pragmatism without idealism is meaningless. The key to effective leadership is pragmatic idealism." Do you agree with this quote? 

5. What are some negatives of pragmatism in business?

6. In general, would you describe yourself as a pragmatist? 

ESL Vocabulary: Fair Trade

ESL Vocabulary (Fair Trade)

1. Activism - noun - the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change 

2. Adequate - adjective - satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity 

3. Boost - verb/noun - help or encourage something to increase or improve 

4. Middleman- noun - a person who buys goods from producers and sells them to retailers or consumers 

5. Cynicism - noun - an inclination to believe that people are motivated purely by self-interest; skepticism

6. Stir - verb/noun - to arouse strong feeling in someone; move or excite  

 

ESL Expressions: Conflict

Instructions: Match the expression with the correct definition

1. Bad blood 

2. To have a chip on your shoulder 

3. Stab someone in the back 

4. Let bygones be bygones 

5. Witch hunt 

6. Stick it to someone 

A. to harshly criticize, punish or retaliate against someone 

B. to betray someone 

C. unpleasant feelings or animosity between people because of a past argument 

D. a campaign against a person or group with very different views from the rest of society

E. to have a combative attitude because of past mistreatment 

F. To reconcile or forgive past offenses or reasons of conflict 

ESL Conversation Questions: Fair Trade

1. What is a fair trade business? 

2. What are some fair trade products you personally buy or often see in stores? 

3.What are the advantages of operating a business within fair trade standards? 

4. " I pity the man who wants a coat so cheap that the man or woman who produces the cloth will starve in the process." - Benjamin Harrison. Do you think most people would agree with this quote? 

5. What do you think would happen if all businesses were forced to operate under fair trade standards? 

6. If you started a fair trade business what product would you want to sell?  

Idiom Of The Day: Thick-Skinned

 

Idiom of the Day: 

thick-skinned 

Example: You must be thick skinned to run for president, because many people will criticize your words and decisions. 

Definition: not easily upset by criticism or unpleasantness