A job that changed me: I was teaching in a juvenile detention centre when a repeat offender’s poetry moved me to tears

This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.

Might

Used to express possibility; something could happen.

Example: It might rain later, so bring a jacket.

Eventually

In the end; after a period of time.

Example: Eventually, the noise died down and the crowd went home.

Beyond

Further than; outside the limits of something.

Example: The village lies beyond the river.

Struggle

To find something difficult; to fight or work hard against a challenge.

Example: He struggled to finish the project on time.

Violent

Using or involving physical force that can hurt people.

Example: The protest turned violent after sunset.

Due to

Because of; caused by.

Example: The match was cancelled due to heavy rain.

Cunt

A very offensive insult for a person; extremely rude and vulgar.

Example: He lost his temper and shouted a word he immediately regretted.

Alongside

Next to; together with.

Example: She worked alongside her mentor for two years.

Passion

A strong feeling of enthusiasm or love for something.

Example: His passion for history shaped his whole career.

A threat

Something or someone that could cause harm or danger.

Example: The rising river was a serious threat to the village.

To stab

To push a knife or sharp object into someone or something.

Example: The knight stabbed the target during training.

To be moved

To feel strong emotion, often sadness or admiration.

Example: She was moved by the speech about the fallen soldiers.

Mainstream

Accepted by most people; common or conventional.

Example: The band became mainstream after their third album.

Keep it together

To stay calm and in control during stress.

Example: He tried to keep it together during the interview.

To click

To suddenly understand or connect with something or someone.

Example: The lesson finally clicked when the teacher used a diagram.

I wish I’d done it sooner

This expression uses the “I wish + past perfect” structure to express regret about something you didn’t do earlier. Grammar formula: I wish + subject + had + past participle

Example: I wish I’d done it sooner — I regret not doing it earlier. New example: I wish I’d learned Spanish when I was younger.

Hefty

Large, heavy, or powerful (often about size, cost, or impact).

Example: The repair bill came with a hefty price tag.

To cater to

To provide what a particular group needs or wants.

Example: The museum caters to families with interactive exhibits.

A putdown

A remark meant to insult or belittle someone.

Example: His joke sounded more like a putdown than friendly teasing.

To go belly up

To fail completely; to collapse (often about businesses).

Example: The company went belly up after just one year.

Had it been successful, I never would have entered a classroom again.

This is an example of an inverted third conditional, used to talk about an unreal past situation and its imagined result. Instead of saying “If it had been successful…”, the if is removed and the auxiliary verb had moves to the front. Grammar formula: Had + subject + past participle, subject + would have + past participle

Example: Had it been successful, I never would have entered a classroom again — If it had succeeded, my life would have taken a different path. New example: Had she known the truth, she would have acted differently.

To pinch yourself

To check if something amazing is real; to feel disbelief.

Example: Standing on stage, he had to pinch himself.

To pull up a chair

To sit down and join a conversation or group.

Example: Pull up a chair — we’re just getting started.

Irredeemable

Impossible to fix, save, or improve.

Example: The damage to the manuscript was irredeemable.

Adept

Skilled or good at doing something.

Example: She’s adept at explaining complex ideas clearly.

15 Conversation-provoking questions related to the article.

1.       How did Ralph get involved with teaching?

2.       How was his first day?

3.       What do you know about Jimmy?

4.       How does he reflect on his career now?

5.       Do you think you would be able to manage the behaviour of a secondary school class?

6.       Have you ever thought about becoming a teacher?

7.       Do your children enjoy school?

8.       Who was your most memorable teacher?

9.       What is your biggest career regret?

10.     What was your best career decision?

11.     What are your earliest memories of reading?

12.     How was your first day in the current/ most recent job?

13.     What were the worst types of behaviour that occurred in your school?

14.     Who do you know who has their dream job?

15.     Are you moved by poetry?