The luck factor
1 READING
The luck factor
A Read the text. What’s Dr Wiseman’s message?
Is it true that some people are lucky and some people are unlucky? Psychologists say: No, it isn’t! No one knows what will happen in the future, and things aren’t always easy. But it’s your attitude that is the most important thing.
The psychologist Dr Richard Wiseman believes that we can all learn to be happier – if we have a positive attitude. Dr Wiseman and his team interviewed more than a thousand ‘lucky’ and ‘unlucky’ people. They found that ‘unlucky’ people often have a pessimistic attitude to life. ‘Lucky’ people usually have an optimistic attitude.
Everyone makes mistakes, and things go wrong sometimes. ‘That’s life!’ But, with the right attitude, we can be happier and more successful. Dr Wiseman calls this ‘the luck factor’, and he says that everyone can learn how to use it.
[latex]\bigstar[/latex] Don’t be afraid to say you’re wrong.
[latex]\bigstar[/latex] Learn from your mistakes.
[latex]\bigstar[/latex] Be ready to change.
[latex]\bigstar[/latex] Be happy to try new things.
Dr Wiseman believes that this is the key to a better life!
B Read the text again and complete the pairs of adjectives.
C How can we be happier? What does Dr Wiseman suggest? Do you think he’s right? Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Share your ideas with the class.
2 PRESENTATION
You’ll love it!
A Look at the messages for Mel’s article.
B Listen to the messages and follow in your book. Who is optimistic and who is pessimistic?
C Imagine you’re talking to a new student. Which messages are true for your school? Say the sentences.
3 GRAMMAR
will/won’t
A Which words show that the sentences are about the future?
B Complete the explanation.
4 PRACTICE
A Complete the sentences with ’ll or won’t.
B Imagine your favourite star in 50 years’ time. What will he/she be like? Make at least three sentences and share your ideas.
He’ll be 75 years old.
He won’t be …
He’ll have …
He’ll probably …
C Match the sentences with the pictures. Then work with a partner and practise the four conversations.
5 WRITING
My predictions
Use what you know
Write at least three things for a friend who is starting at your school next term. Be positive!
You’ll probably be nervous at first, but don’t worry.