Theranos scandal: Who is Elizabeth Holmes and why was she on trial?
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 stare (at something/ someone)
To end up (doing) something/ To end up (somewhere)
To regret (doing/ not doing) something
To accuse (someone of (doing) something)
A drop-out/ To drop out (of university/ school etc.)
To take (something) into account
To expose (someone/ something)
To cling (to something/ someone)
15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.
1. Who is Elizabeth Holmes and why was she on trial?
2. What do you know about Elizabeth’s childhood and her family?
3. What did Elizabeth accuse her ex-boyfriend of doing?
4. How and why did Elizabeth have a ‘meteoric rise’?
5. When did things turn bad for Elizabeth?
6. ‘I don’t admire any businessmen/women. They’re all horrible, greedy, dishonest people just like Elizabeth Holmes.’ Do you agree?
7. ‘We can’t really blame people for the crimes they commit. Usually, criminals have just had a bad upbringing.’ Do you agree?
8. ‘Parents should put a lot of pressure on their kids to be successful, even if the kids find this stressful.’ Do you agree?
9. ‘People should be allowed to sell whatever they want, to whoever they want.’ Do you agree?
10. ‘Educating a child should be the number one priority for any parent.’ Do you agree?
11. ‘I trust big companies and corporations.’ Is this true for you?
12. ‘Famous businessmen/women are happy people.’ Do you agree?
13. ‘The fact that the world’s richest people want to fly to Mars is an excellent thing.’ Do you agree?
14. ‘I would love to watch all of the documentaries, series and movies about Elizabeth.’ Is this true for you?
15. ‘It’s more difficult for women to succeed in business than men.’ Do you agree?