A moment that changed me: my teacher went totally off script – and opened a door for my life to flow through
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.
To drill (something) into (someone)
15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.
1. How did Colin describe the Leaving Cert exam, and what does he think about the Irish education system?
2. What did Colin say about being a young lad?
3. How did Colin describe the moment that changed his life?
4. What was the analogy with the cave?
5. How has Colin applied his teacher’s advice to his life?
6. What would be your advice to school leavers?
7. Do you remember having very stressful exams at school?
8. What mistakes did you make when you were younger?
9. Do you remember ‘first loves, first time getting drunk, [and] all that feverish giddy hormonal magic’?
10. Do you think that inspirational speeches can change people’s lives and change the world?
11. Do you agree with the cave metaphor, and do you try to apply it to your life?
12. Would you describe yourself as a curious person?
13. How do you try to teach your kids to be curious?
14. Were you feeling very optimistic and ambitious when you left school?
15. What was your ‘moment that changed you’?