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Suggested terms: Khan Academy
Click one for hint, twice for full word
hit a wall
Meaning: To suddenly be unable to continue due to obstacles or exhaustion.
Example: After hours of studying, she hit a wall and needed a break.
take agency
Meaning: To assume control and responsibility for one’s own actions.
Example: He took agency over his career by starting his own business.
branded in your DNA
Meaning: A metaphor suggesting something is permanently fixed or innate.
Example: Creativity isn’t branded in your DNA — it can be developed with practice.
grit
Meaning: Courage and determination to persevere despite challenges.
Example: She showed grit by finishing the marathon despite the rain.
perseverance
Meaning: Steady persistence in a course of action despite difficulties.
Example: His perseverance helped him master the piano after years of practice.
shepherd together
Meaning: To guide or move a group collectively in the same direction.
Example: The manager shepherded the team together to finish the project on time.
collapse
Meaning: To fall down or fail suddenly.
Example: The plan collapsed when funding was withdrawn.
tap into
Meaning: To access or make use of a resource or potential.
Example: She tapped into her creativity to design a new product.
Note: Phrasal verb — often used with “potential” or “resources.”
lost potential
Meaning: Opportunities or abilities that were not realized.
Example: The lack of support led to lost potential among talented students.
invert the pyramid
Meaning: To radically change a hierarchy or structure by flipping it upside down.
Example: The company tried to invert the pyramid by empowering frontline workers.
mastery learning
IPA: /ˈmæs.tər.i ˈlɜː.nɪŋ/ (UK), /ˈmæs.tər.i ˈlɝː.nɪŋ/ (US)
Meaning: An educational approach where students must fully understand and master a concept before moving on.
Meaning: An educational approach where students must fully understand and master a concept before moving on.
Example: Mastery learning ensures students don’t build advanced knowledge on shaky foundations.
growth mindset
IPA: /ɡroʊθ ˈmaɪnd.set/ (UK & US)
Meaning: The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, perseverance, and learning.
Meaning: The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, perseverance, and learning.
Example: Students with a growth mindset view mistakes as opportunities to learn rather than signs of failure.
adaptive exercises
IPA: /əˈdæp.tɪv ˈek.sə.saɪzɪz/ (UK & US)
Meaning: Practice activities that adjust difficulty based on a learner’s performance to personalize learning.
Meaning: Practice activities that adjust difficulty based on a learner’s performance to personalize learning.
Example: Adaptive exercises provide tailored practice, helping students master concepts at their own pace.
Other Listening Exercises
Let's teach for mastery, not test scores
In progressB1 · 10:49