Target Level: Intermediate
Skill Focus: Vocabulary, Reading, Listening, Speaking/Conversation
INTRO:
Today, we’ll explore a topic deeply connected to our personal growth and our relationships with others: Vulnerability. Have you ever shared something deeply personal with a friend? How did it feel? Did it change your relationship? Vulnerability is about being open and authentic, showing our true selves, even when it’s scary. It’s a cornerstone of deep and meaningful connections. Let’s dive into this emotional topic, understand its importance, and learn how to express our own vulnerability in English.
Vocabulary:
-
Vulnerability – The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
-
Authenticity – The quality of being genuine or real.
-
Empathy – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
-
Courage – The ability to do something that frightens one; bravery.
-
Trust – Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.
-
Connection – A relationship in which a person or thing is linked or associated with something else.
-
Resilience – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
-
Intimacy – Close familiarity or friendship; closeness.
-
Boundaries – A line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line.
-
Self-awareness – Conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires.
Example: Opening up about our fears requires a lot of courage and vulnerability, but it can lead to greater intimacy in our relationships.
Grammar: Modal Verbs for Advising (should, ought to, must)
Modal verbs can express advice, recommendations, or obligations. In the context of discussing vulnerability, they are useful for suggesting how people might approach sensitive conversations.
-
Should and ought to have similar uses, indicating advice or recommendations.
Example: You should try to be more open about your feelings.
-
Must indicates a strong obligation or necessity.
Example: We must respect the boundaries others set in conversations.
Practice Activity: Rewrite the sentences using a different modal verb of advising. Begin with the first example: "You ought to trust your friends with your feelings."
Reading:
Title: "The Bridge of Trust"
Once there was a person who always kept his feelings hidden, fearing judgment and rejection. One day, he met someone whose openness and authenticity intrigued him. This person shared stories of fears, failures, and dreams without hesitation, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
As their friendship grew, the man found the courage to share his own vulnerabilities. To his surprise, he was met with empathy and support, not judgment. This experience taught him the power of vulnerability in building deep, meaningful connections. It was like building a bridge of trust, one heartfelt conversation at a time.
Comprehension Questions:
- Why did the man initially hide his feelings?
- What effect did his friend’s openness have on him?
- What did the man learn from this experience?
Listening:
Script:
Speaker 1: "I’ve always found it hard to talk about my struggles. I thought people would see me as weak."
Speaker 2: "I get that. It took me a while to realize that being open about our challenges can actually strengthen our connections with others. It’s about being authentic and true to ourselves."
Speaker 1: "True, but how do you overcome the fear of being judged?"
Speaker 2: "It starts with small steps. Sharing something small and seeing how the other person responds. With time, it gets easier."
Listening Questions:
- Why did Speaker 1 find it hard to talk about struggles?
- According to Speaker 2, what can strengthen our connections with others?
- What advice does Speaker 2 give for overcoming the fear of being judged?
Speaking/Conversation:
Discussion Prompts:
- Share a time when being vulnerable led to a positive outcome in a relationship.
- Discuss how cultural perceptions of vulnerability differ and how that impacts personal openness.
- In pairs, practice expressing a small vulnerability to your partner. Reflect on how it felt.
Writing:
Task: Write a reflective essay on the statement: "Vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength in building relationships." Include personal experiences or observations, and use the vocabulary and grammar structures discussed.
Structure:
-
Introduction: Present your viewpoint on the statement.
-
Body Paragraphs:
- Paragraph 1: Share a personal experience of vulnerability.
- Paragraph 2: Reflect on the outcomes and lessons learned.
- Paragraph 3: Discuss how these insights can apply more broadly to relationships.
-
Conclusion: Summarize your thoughts and reaffirm your stance on vulnerability.
OUTRO:
Today, we’ve explored the complex yet rewarding topic of vulnerability, learning not just the vocabulary but also understanding its profound impact on our relationships. By embracing authenticity and openness, we can foster deeper connections with those around us. As an extension activity, consider keeping a journal this week where you note moments of vulnerability and the outcomes. Reflect on how these moments influence your relationships and personal growth.
