[A] Positive Situation

LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐

groundbreaking

[ 'ground-brey-king ]

adjective

- innovative or pioneering; introducing new and original ideas or methods.

The scientist's groundbreaking research on renewable energy is expected to revolutionize the industry.

mundane

[ muhn-'deyn ]

adjective

- very ordinary and therefore not interesting.

Although his job involved mundane tasks like filing paperwork, he found satisfaction in the stability it provided.

charisma

[ kuh-'riz-muh ]

noun

- a special power that some people have naturally that makes them able to influence other people and attract their attention and admiration

They were asked to rate the speaker's charisma, credibility and intelligence.

prestigious

[ pre-'stee-juhs ]

adjective

- very much respected and admired, usually because of being important.

He knew his parents were more than willing to make it possible for him to go to one of the nation's most prestigious institutions.

hurdle

[ 'hur-dl ]

noun

- a problem that you have to deal with before you can make progress

Securing funding for the new project was the biggest hurdle they faced before they could begin.

LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚

Direction: Read and understand the different idiomatic expressions below.

A. dead keen to (do) something

extremely eager or enthusiastic about doing something.

2024_Positive Situation A

Dialogue

Icon_Elsa

Elsa

Are you sure you want to join the hiking group?

Icon_Anna

Anna

Absolutely! I’m dead keen to explore the trails and meet new people.

Icon_Elsa

Elsa

That’s the spirit! You’ll have a great time.

B. work to one’s advantage

to benefit someone or to be favorable in a particular situation.

2024_Positive Situation B

Dialogue

Icon_Elsa

Elsa

You were so calm during the interview.

Icon_Anna

Anna

Yes, I think my confidence worked to my advantage—it helped me connect with the panel.

Icon_Elsa

Elsa

That’s fantastic. Good luck with the outcome!

C. take great delight in

to thoroughly enjoy or find pleasure in something.

2024_Positive Situation C

Dialogue

Icon_Elsa

Elsa

Why do you always choose to bake when you’re stressed?

Icon_Anna

Anna

I take great delight in creating new recipes—it’s therapeutic for me.

Icon_Elsa

Elsa

That explains why your desserts always taste so amazing!

D. derive something from

to gain or obtain something, such as satisfaction, from a particular source.

2024_Positive Situation D

Dialogue

Icon_Elsa

Elsa

How do you stay so committed to volunteering?

Icon_Anna

Anna

I derive immense satisfaction from knowing I’ve made a positive impact on people’s lives.

Icon_Elsa

Elsa

That’s truly inspiring.

E. get the recognition one deserves

to receive proper acknowledgment or credit for one’s achievements or contributions.

2024_Positive Situation E

Dialogue

Icon_Elsa

Elsa

Did you hear about Sarah winning that award?

Icon_Anna

Anna

Finally! She’s getting the recognition she deserves for all her hard work.

Icon_Elsa

Elsa

It’s long overdue, but so well-deserved.

F. cautiously optimistic

hopeful about a situation but prepared for possible difficulties.

2024_Positive Situation F

Dialogue

Icon_Elsa

Elsa

Do you think your proposal will be approved?

Icon_Anna

Anna

I’m cautiously optimistic. The initial feedback was positive, but I know there’s still room for revisions.

Icon_Elsa

Elsa

That’s a good mindset to have—balanced and realistic.

LET'S PRACTICE! 📝

Part I

Direction: Choose the appropriate expressions to complete each of the sentences.

get the recognition one deserves	cautiously optimistic
work to one’s advantage	dead keen to something
derive something from	take great delight in

The investors remain about the venture, recognizing its potential but acknowledging the inherent risks.
It took decades of underappreciated effort, but the scientist finally began to for his groundbreaking discoveries.
Philosophers argue that we sense of purpose and fulfillment meaningful relationships and achievements.
While others viewed it as a mundane task, he seemed to uncovering even the smallest errors in the report.
Her natural charisma and ability to connect with people could as she navigates the complexities of political campaigning.
He was take on the challenge, but his inexperience made others question his readiness.

Part II

Direction: Listen as your mentor reads the statements twice. Then, repeat after your mentor.

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Part III

Direction: Paraphrase the following sentences. Make sure to paraphrase the underlined idiomatic expressions.

The artist took great delight in blending vibrant colors and unexpected textures to evoke powerful emotions in her audience.
The team was cautiously optimistic about the trial results, aware of both the promising data and the potential hurdles ahead.