B2 – Upper Intermediate
Stress is often seen as something to avoid, but it can serve a useful purpose in certain situations. Rather than simply being harmful, stress can enhance focus and performance when faced with challenges like interviews or presentations. By understanding how stress can work to our advantage, we can begin to view it as a tool for success, rather than just a source of anxiety.
Listen to the audio and read the transcript to learn how to turn stress into a tool for better performance.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “free pass” mean? “No one gets a free pass when it comes to stress.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
- What does “butterflies in the stomach” mean? “Ever felt clammy palms or butterflies in your stomach? In the moments before you walk into a job interview, ask someone out on a date, or step up to a podium to speak to a crowd, your stress response can kick in and create these physical sensations.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
- Explain the “fight-or-flight response”. “Humans have long faced threats from predators, and our fight-or-flight response evolved to help us survive these dangers.” Create a sentence with this term.
Discussion Questions:
- What are your thoughts on the article? Do you agree or disagree with the points made? Why?
- Share your thoughts on this, “Your stress response can be your body’s way of preparing to rise to a challenge.“.
- How do you think stress affects your performance in challenging situations?
- Can you share a personal experience where stress helped you succeed?
- What strategies do you use to manage stress when faced with pressure?