A moment that changed me: I sought out rejection. Instead, strangers met me with profound generosity

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.

On purpose
Definition: Intentionally; deliberately.
Example: I didn’t break the vase on purpose.
To wonder
Definition: To think about something and be curious about it.
Example: I wonder what time the train will arrive.
Astonishing
Definition: Extremely surprising or impressive.
Example: The magician performed an astonishing trick.
To cope (with something)
Definition: To deal successfully with a difficult situation or problem.
Example: She found it difficult to cope with the stress.
To run out (of something)
Definition: To use all of something so that none is left.
Example: We ran out of milk this morning.
To reassure (someone)
Definition: To make someone feel less worried or frightened.
Example: The doctor reassured me that everything was fine.
To hold (someone/something) back
Definition: To prevent someone or something from progressing or succeeding.
Example: Fear of failure was holding him back.
To hesitate
Definition: To pause before doing or saying something because you are uncertain.
Example: She hesitated before answering the question.
Packed
Definition: Very full of people or things.
Example: The train was packed with passengers.
Reward
Definition: Something given in recognition of good work or achievement.
Example: The winner received a cash reward.
To be in the spotlight
Definition: To receive a lot of public attention.
Example: The actor has been in the spotlight since the film was released.
Overwhelmingly
Definition: To a very great degree; by a very large majority.
Example: The proposal was overwhelmingly supported by the committee.
To give someone the benefit of the doubt
Definition: To believe someone is telling the truth when there is uncertainty.
Example: I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he forgot.
To be riddled (with something)
Definition: To contain a large number of something, usually something negative or undesirable.
Example: The old building was riddled with cracks.
The chance to shine
Definition: An opportunity to show your abilities or talents.
Example: The competition gave her the chance to shine.
To pluck up the courage (to do something)
Definition: To find the courage to do something that feels difficult or frightening.
Example: He finally plucked up the courage to ask her for a job.
Apron
Definition: A piece of clothing worn over your clothes to protect them while cooking or working.
Example: She put on an apron before she started baking.
To take the reins
Definition: To take control or responsibility for something.
Example: After the manager left, Sarah took the reins.
Wonky
Definition: Not straight, level, stable, or working properly.
Example: The shelf is a bit wonky.
Robust
Definition: Strong, healthy, and able to withstand difficult conditions.
Example: The company has a robust financial system.
To strike up
Definition: To begin something, especially a conversation, friendship, or relationship.
Example: He struck up a conversation with the person sitting next to him.
Heartening
Definition: Making you feel more positive, hopeful, or encouraged.
Example: It was heartening to see so many people helping their neighbours.
To put yourself out there
Definition: To make yourself open to new experiences, opportunities, or possible rejection.
Example: You have to put yourself out there if you want to meet new people.
To make a point of doing something
Definition: To make a special effort to do something regularly or deliberately.
Example: I make a point of calling my parents every Sunday.
Outlandish
Definition: Very unusual, strange, or difficult to believe.
Example: He was wearing an outlandish costume at the party.

15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.

1.       What was the background to Sophie starting the challenge?

2.       What was the challenge that Sophie embarked on?

3.       How did her first rejection challenge go?

4.       What did she do when she ran out of ideas?

5.       How has Sophie changed since this experiment, and what did she learn?

6.       Can we learn anything from Sophie, or do you think she has just lost her mind?

7.       If Sophie were a man, do you think her experience would have been different?

8.       What are the benefits of having no fear of rejection?

9.       What are the benefits of having a fear of rejection?

10.     When was a time in your career you felt rejection?

11.     Have you ever felt rejected in a sports/ hobby related context?

12.     Do you know a story of someone who felt rejected in a romantic context?

13.     If your kid fell in love with someone who they thought was ‘out of their league’, what would your advice be?

14.     In your current job is there something that you could ask for, but you don’t for fear of rejection?

15.     Are you a good negotiator?