Audio Script: 

What makes certain people able to overcome obstacles and succeed while others simply give up? Often, we see very successful people as simply very lucky. But, what qualities do successful people have pushing them forward, even when their goal seems unlikely? Success is most often the result of strong will, determination and, of course, a responsible preparation for the future.

Each person is faced with challenges, unfortunate events and tough decisions in life when things do not go according to plan. How they face those challenges and events has a major impact on success. A powerful inner drive---to not give up and to have the courage to continue growing and learning---is the essential secret to success. To inspire ourselves, we can look toward those people that have successfully overcome difficult circumstances and challenging situations. Hearing their ideas and stories can fill us with confidence and courage.

1. Directions: You will listen to someone talking about keys to success. After listening, complete the exercises in “What did you hear?” and “How would you respond?”

 (1) What did you hear?

Choose the best answer to the following questions based on the information you have heard. Remember you may have more than one choice.

① What makes people successful according to the talk?

A) Unbelievably good luck.

B) Strong will and determination.

C) A responsible preparation for the future.

② Why should we look toward those people who have successfully overcome challenging situations?

    A) To ask those people for some good advice.

B) To learn how luck contributed to their success.

C) To get inspired from the success stories of those people.

 (2): How would you respond?

① The following is a list of elements for success. Rank the elements according to their importance to you, with 1 meaning the most important and 5 the least important.

Elements for success	Rank of importance
Determination
Full preparation
Good luck
Action
Money

 

② Share with your partner which element is the most important to you and which one is the least important.

Key for reference

(1) B & C, C

(2) I think determination plays the most important role in one’s success. Our experiences tell us that we all still have to face challenges, unfortunate events and tough decisions in life, however carefully we have planned. It is the strong will to not give up that makes us keep going forward and succeed in the end. Among the five factors given, money is probably the least important factor. Money can certainly make one’s life easier, but it does not necessarily make one successful. Indeed, many famous people became successful not because they were wealthy, but because they were determined to face the challenges in their life.