Who Gets to Define Success?
Grammar: Reported Speech
A Level 4 English lesson exploring work.
What's in this lesson
A Level 4 (upper intermediate) ESL lesson on work, practising reported speech. The worksheet has a reading, target vocabulary, a grammar reference with practice and discussion questions.
From the reading: Who Gets to Define Success?
Something is shifting. Workers under 35 are redefining success. They are not chasing the corner office. They want meaningful work. They want work-life balance. They want to leave a legacy — not just a salary. A 2023 Gallup survey found that 76% of younger workers ranked fulfilment above pay when choosing a job. Their parents' generation found that hard to believe.
Vocabulary
- achieve a breakthrough
- go the extra mile
- set your sights on
- work-life balance
Grammar: Reported Speech
- Backshifting — core
- She said she wanted meaningful work. — present → past in reported speech
- Reporting verb
- He admitted making a mistake. She insisted that she was right. — verb choice shapes tone
Discussion questions
- What will 'a successful career' mean in ten years?
- Will the generation gap in attitudes to work grow or shrink?
- How will companies need to change to keep the next generation?
Who Gets to Define Success?
Grammar: Reported Speech
What's in this lesson:
Full lesson plan with reading, grammar, vocabulary, and discussion.
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