11 September
The Person You Are
How have your strengths helped you to succeed?
What personal qualities do you like the most about yourself?
What personal qualities would you like to improve?
What is something new you have learned about yourself recently?
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
How do you handle failure or disappointment?
What motivates you to work hard?
What is your biggest fear in life?
How do you usually deal with stress and pressure?
What do you think is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Bonus Question:
If you had to choose between these three situations, which would you choose and why?
A) You’ll be very successful and rich, yet alone.
B) You’ll be loved and not alone, but not successful at all.
C) You’ll be very successful, and you won’t be alone.
Related Words: personality, identity, character, self-awareness, confidence, strengths, weaknesses, growth, mindset, values, beliefs, motivation, resilience, discipline, ambition, goals, success, failure, reflection, improvement, development, self-esteem, courage, determination, balance, authenticity, purpose, mindset, behavior, attitude
Watch the video above and discuss what you learned from it during your Spoken Cafe session
The Tragic Legend of Una and the McDermott Castle
The McDermott clan, once the powerful ruling family of Boyle, Ireland, had dominion over the region from the 10th to the 16th century. Their stronghold, a castle situated on an island, dates back to the 12th century. In 1586, the McDermotts lost control of the island, and the castle we see today was built much later, in the late 1700s, by the King family. Originally constructed as a summer residence, the castle tragically burned down during the Second World War.
However, beyond the castle’s history lies a poignant legend tied to the island. The story is that of Una, the daughter of the McDermott family. Una fell deeply in love with a young man from the lower classes, a love her father, the powerful McDermott patriarch, vehemently opposed. Determined to keep his daughter within the confines of the island, he forbade her from leaving.
Una’s lover, however, was undeterred by the obstacles. He secretly swam to the island to meet her, defying the rules set by her father. Tragically, one day, as he swam across to see Una, he drowned. The grief-stricken Una, devastated by the loss of her true love, soon died of heartbreak. The couple was buried together on the island, beneath two trees that grew over their final resting place, a testament to their undying love.
Today, visitors to the island can rent a rowing boat in the summer and row out to the picturesque location. The legend of Una and her lover still lingers in the air, making the island not only a beautiful place but a place steeped in emotion and history.
Watch the video above and discuss what you learned from it during your Spoken Cafe session
READ/SPEAK
Have you ever been to a historical castle or palace? Do you know stories of those historical buildings?
Have you ever visited a place with a legend or ghost story?
Do you know any similar love stories from your country?
What is the most interesting legend you have ever heard?
very rarely
“he comes round once in a blue moon”
LEARN THE IDIOM AND SPEAK
What are some things that you haven’t done for a very long time and want to do?