English Language Study Notes: Successful People and Amazing Deeds
Hello! Welcome to your study notes for the topic "Successful People and Amazing Deeds". This is a really inspiring topic from the "Wonderful Things" module. We'll explore the stories of incredible individuals and their achievements. Why is this important? Because by learning about them, you'll not only get motivated but also master essential English skills for your HKDSE exam. We'll cover vocabulary, reading, grammar, speaking, and writing – all connected to this exciting theme. Let's get started!
Section 1: The Language of Success - Key Vocabulary
To talk and write about successful people, you need the right words! Building your vocabulary is the first step to expressing your ideas clearly and impressively.
Key Character Traits (Adjectives)
These words describe the personality of a successful person. Try to use them in your speaking and writing!
Perseverant (adjective): Someone who keeps trying to do something and does not give up, even when it is difficult.
Example: Despite many failures, the perseverant scientist continued her research.
Resilient (adjective): Able to become strong, happy, or successful again after something difficult or bad has happened.
Example: She is a resilient athlete who recovered from her injury to win the championship.
Innovative (adjective): Using new methods or ideas.
Example: The company's success is due to its innovative approach to marketing.
Compassionate (adjective): Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.
Example: The compassionate doctor spent her free time volunteering at the local clinic.
Determined (adjective): Having a strong desire to do something, so that you will not let anyone stop you.
Example: He was determined to pass the exam, so he studied every night.
Quick Tip: Build Word Families!
Understanding word families helps you expand your vocabulary quickly. Notice how the form of a word changes depending on its function in a sentence.
- Verb: persevere
- Noun: perseverance
- Adjective: perseverant
- Verb: innovate
- Noun: innovation
- Adjective: innovative
Actions and Achievements (Nouns & Verbs)
These words help you describe what successful people do and the challenges they face.
Obstacle / Setback (noun): A problem or difficulty that you have to overcome.
To overcome (verb): To successfully deal with a problem.
Breakthrough (noun): An important discovery or development that helps solve a problem.
To pioneer (verb): To be one of the first people to do something.
To inspire (verb): To make someone feel that they want to do something and can do it.
Philanthropist (noun): A person who helps the poor, especially by giving money.
Key Takeaway for Section 1
Your goal is to build a "word bank" about success. When you read about an amazing person, write down the adjectives that describe them and the verbs that describe their actions. This will make your own writing and speaking much richer!
Section 2: Reading about Greatness - Understanding Biographies
One of the best ways to learn about successful people is by reading their life stories. These texts, like biographies and feature articles, are common in exams.
What is a Biography?
A biography is the story of a person's life written by someone else. They are usually written in chronological order (in time order).
- Introduction: Introduces the person and why they are famous.
- Early Life: Describes their childhood and background.
- Challenges & Struggles: Explains the obstacles they faced.
- Major Achievements: Details their great accomplishments and successes.
- Conclusion: Summarises their legacy or impact on the world.
Reading Skill Focus: Making Inferences
Sometimes, a text doesn't tell you everything directly. You have to be a detective and use clues to figure things out. This is called making an inference. It's like "reading between the lines".
How to Make an Inference:
Step 1: Read the text for facts and direct information.
Step 2: Use your own knowledge of the world.
Step 3: Combine them to make a logical conclusion that is not directly stated.
Example Text: "Lee never missed a day of practice. Even on holidays, while his friends were relaxing, he could be found on the basketball court, practising his shots for hours."
Direct Fact: Lee practised every day, even on holidays.
Inference: You can infer that Lee is extremely determined and disciplined. The text doesn't use these words, but his actions show it.
Watch Out! Common Mistake
Don't confuse an inference with a fact that is already written in the text. An inference is something you figure out based on evidence, not something you are told directly.
Key Takeaway for Section 2
When you read about a successful person, don't just look for facts. Think about what their actions tell you about their personality and values. Practising inference will help you understand texts on a much deeper level.
Section 3: Grammar in Action - Telling Their Stories
To tell a story about someone's life, you need to be comfortable with past tenses. Using them correctly shows that you can control your language and communicate clearly.
The Storyteller's Toolkit: Past Tenses
Think of past tenses as different tools for telling a story that happened in the past.
Simple Past
Use: For completed actions in the past. This is the most common tense for telling stories.
Example: "Marie Curie discovered radium in 1898."
Example: "Nelson Mandela became president in 1994."
Past Continuous
Use: For a background action that was in progress when another action happened.
Example: "He was studying at university when he came up with the brilliant idea."
Example: "While she was working as a librarian, she wrote her first novel."
Past Perfect
Use: For an action that happened *before* another action in the past. Don't worry, this is easier than it sounds! It helps you make the order of events very clear.
Imagine a timeline: ---[Action 1 happened first]--->---[Action 2 happened second]---> NOW
The Past Perfect (had + past participle) is for Action 1.
Example: "By the time he turned 30, he had already started three successful companies."
(Starting the companies happened *before* he turned 30).
Example: "She succeeded because she had learned from her previous mistakes."
(Learning from mistakes happened *before* she succeeded).
Connecting Ideas: Cause and Effect
Successful stories are full of cause and effect. Using these words makes your writing more logical.
Because of his hard work, he achieved his dream.
He faced many obstacles; as a result, he became more resilient.
Due to a lack of funding, the project almost failed.
Key Takeaway for Section 3
When writing or speaking about a person's life, use a mix of past tenses to make the sequence of events clear. Use the Past Perfect (had done) to show what happened earlier. Use connecting words to explain the reasons for their success.
Section 4: Talking about Success - Listening and Speaking
Discussing inspiring people is a great way to practise your speaking skills. You might listen to an interview or a documentary and then share your ideas.
Listening to Inspiring Voices
When listening to a talk, interview, or documentary about a successful person, focus on:
- The Main Idea: What is the most important message?
- Key Details: Listen for names, dates, and major achievements.
- The Speaker's Attitude: Do they sound passionate, serious, or humorous? Their tone of voice tells you a lot.
Speaking with Confidence: Sharing Your Views
In group discussions, you can share your opinion about a successful person or an amazing deed. Here are some useful phrases to help you:
Starting your point:
"In my opinion, the most important quality for success is..."
"What I find most inspiring about him/her is..."
Agreeing with others:
"I agree with you. His/Her determination was incredible."
"That's a great point. I'd also like to add that..."
Disagreeing politely:
"I see your point, but I think his/her compassion was more important."
"I have a slightly different perspective. I feel that..."
Did you know?
Many successful people, like Steve Jobs and Barack Obama, were famous for their public speaking skills. Being able to communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively is a powerful tool for success!
Key Takeaway for Section 4
Be an active listener and a confident speaker. Use the key vocabulary and sentence patterns you've learned to express your ideas about what makes a person successful. Practice makes perfect!
Section 5: Writing a Tribute - Your Turn to Inspire
Now it's time to put everything together! Writing a profile of a successful person is a common task that allows you to show off your vocabulary, grammar, and organisation skills.
How to Write a Profile of a Successful Person
Follow a simple three-step process: Plan, Write, and Check.
Step 1: Pre-writing (PLAN)
Choose a person you admire. It can be anyone – an athlete, an artist, a scientist, a community leader, or even a family member. Brainstorm ideas using a mind map. Ask yourself:
- Who are they?
- What are their key achievements?
- What obstacles did they overcome?
- Why are they inspiring?
Step 2: Drafting (WRITE)
Organise your ideas into a clear structure.
- Introduction (1 paragraph): Introduce the person and briefly state why they are remarkable. This is your 'hook' to get the reader interested.
- Body (2-3 paragraphs): Tell their story. Use one paragraph for their background and the challenges they faced. Use another paragraph to describe their major successes and achievements. Remember to use your past tenses and cause-and-effect language here!
- Conclusion (1 paragraph): Summarise their impact on the world. End by explaining what we can learn from their life and why they are an inspiration to you.
Step 3: Revising (CHECK)
Read through your draft. Check for:
- Ideas: Is your message clear? Have you explained why the person is successful?
- Language: Have you used strong vocabulary (e.g., resilient, innovative)?
- Grammar: Are your past tenses correct? Check for spelling and punctuation errors.
Quick Review: Profile Writing Checklist
[ ] Catchy introduction
[ ] Clear details about challenges and achievements
[ ] Correct use of past tenses (Simple Past, Past Perfect)
[ ] Good vocabulary for character and actions
[ ] An inspiring conclusion
You've reached the end of the notes! Learning about successful people not only builds your English skills but can also give you great ideas and motivation for your own life. Keep reading, keep listening, and keep getting inspired!