Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of career advice and following your passion. Please consider the following:
- What are some common pieces of advice you’ve received about choosing a career or finding a job?
- Have you ever been told to “follow your passion” when it comes to career choices? What do you think about this advice?
- Can you think of a time when you were really passionate about something, but it didn’t necessarily lead to success or happiness? What did you learn from that experience?
- How do you think the job market and the concept of “dream jobs” influence our career choices and expectations?
- What do you hope to achieve in your career, and how do you plan to get there?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Look at the featured image provided at the top of this page. What do you see in the image? What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Please discuss your thoughts and predictions with a partner or in a small group.
Introduction:
Read the introduction to the activity, which discusses the concept of “following your passion” and its potential drawbacks. Consider the author’s perspective and how it relates to your own experiences and thoughts on career advice.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video “Don’t Follow Your Passion | 5 Minute Video” available at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/dont-follow-your-passion-5-minute-video/. As you watch, pause the video at the following points to discuss the questions with a partner or in a small group:
- Pause at 1:00 – What is the main argument presented in the video so far? Do you agree or disagree, and why?
- Pause at 2:30 – How does the video challenge the common advice to “follow your passion”? What are your thoughts on this challenge?
- Pause at 4:00 – What alternative approach to career choice is presented in the video? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this approach?
Vocabulary and Grammar Focus:
Review the key vocabulary and grammar focus sections. Complete the vocabulary quiz and grammar quiz to assess your understanding of the terminology and concepts presented in the activity.
Vocabulary Quiz:
- What does the phrase “dirty truth” refer to in the context of career advice?
- A) A proven fact about career development
- B) A common myth about following one’s passion
- C) Someone’s opinion on what works in career choices
- D) A guaranteed method for success
- According to the text, what is a potential issue with the advice to “follow your passion”?
- A) It leads to immediate success and happiness
- B) It guarantees a job in your chosen field
- C) It may not consider whether you are skilled in that area
- D) It is only given by unsuccessful people
- What is suggested as an alternative to following your passion?
- A) Only pursuing jobs that are highly paid
- B) Exploring different careers to find one that offers meaningful work
- C) Never changing your career path once it’s chosen
- D) Always following the advice of successful people
- What is described as characterizing the current job market?
- A) A surplus of skilled workers for every job
- B) A significant skills gap with many unfilled jobs
- C) A lack of passion among workers for their jobs
- D) An abundance of dream jobs available
- What is the final “dirty truth” presented about following your passion?
- A) You should always prioritize passion over skill
- B) You should never consider the job market when choosing a career
- C) You should bring your passion with you but also consider reality and opportunities
- D) You should only follow your passion if you are guaranteed success
Grammar Quiz:
- According to the text, what can be said with absolute certainty when it comes to career advice?
- A) That following your passion will lead to success
- B) That you should always listen to successful people
- C) Congratulations and good luck
- D) That having a degree guarantees a dream job
- The author suggests that instead of following your passion, you should ____________________.
- A) immediately quit your job to pursue your dreams
- B) explore different careers and find one that offers meaningful work
- C) only consider jobs that are directly related to your field of study
- D) never change your career path once you’ve started
- The phrase “it’s essential to explore different careers” implies that you must ____________________.
- A) follow your passion no matter what
- B) consider the reality of the job market and your strengths
- C) ignore the skills gap in the current job market
- D) only pursue careers that are in high demand
- The author believes that opportunity and passion are not ____________________, meaning you can find a career that combines both.
- A) mutually exclusive
- B) equally important
- C) directly related
- D) completely opposite
- The final dirty truth is that you should ____________________.
- A) always follow your passion without considering other factors
- B) never bring your passion with you when exploring new opportunities
- C) be open to new experiences and mindful of your strengths and weaknesses
- D) only consider careers that are guaranteed to be successful
