All mpec courses are based on Conversation, Communication and Interaction and our main goal is to give our students confidence to approach any topic or idea in English. Below, you can find the questions and vocabulary you need to speak about CHANGE in English.

Hey there, mpec People! This is your Conversation Club Handout!

PART 1: Warm Up

• Have you made any recent changes in your life?
• Do you think change is important?
• Do you ever get the urge to refurnish your whole house?

Useful Vocabulary:

PART 2: Big Picture

• Do you think that it is easy to mend our old ways?
• Do you think it is easy to keep up with the times?
• If you could change anything in your life, what would it be?

Useful Vocabulary: 5 IDIOMS about CHANGE

1. Turn over a new leaf

Meaning: To change the way you behave and become a better person. “Leaf” here is an old word meaning page of a book, so the idea is that you’re turning to a new, blank page in a notebook. In use: Suzanne decided to turn over a new leaf and stop eating sugar.

2. Take stock (of something)

Meaning: To think carefully about a situation so that you can decide what to do about it. “Stock” means supplies of something, so “taking stock” conjures up the idea of counting how much of something you have. In use: Ed spent the night before her birthday taking stock of all she had achieved so far.

3. Kick the habit

Meaning: To stop doing something harmful that you have done for a long time In use: Ludi has bitten his nails for years, but he really wants to kick the habit.

4. Take it one day at a time

Meaning: To deal with each day’s problems as they happen, and not worry too much about the distant future In use: Giving up meat can be tough, but take it one day at a time, and you’ll realise you can do it.

5. Make a fresh start 

Meaning: To take the opportunity to begin something again In use: I’m looking forward to making a fresh start this term, training harder, and getting back on the basketball team.

PART 3: Let’s Zoom In – Have you ever…?

• Have you ever dumped a boyfriend or girlfriend? Was the change difficult?
• Have you ever said no to a friend?
• Have you lost a pet, or has a person ever passed away on you?
• Have you ever quit your job?

All mpec students are welcome to join our Conversation Club Zoom Sessions which take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 1.30 pm from October to June. If you are not a part of the mpec community yet, please get in touch with us and we will partner with you to create the right course for your needs and goals. Live English Courses via Streaming

Self Study Suggestion:

We recommend that you watch this TED ED about Change: How can you change someone’s mind? (hint: facts aren’t always enough)