Business English Lesson: Characteristics of an Entrepreneur

This lesson introduces students to some of the qualities and accomplishments of entrepreneurs, after which they can practice coming up with ideas for a new business and talk about the discussion questions.

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7.1. Warm-up Questions 

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business?

2. What kind of business would you like to start?

3. What are the personal traits of an entrepreneur?

7.2a. Vocabulary 

Drive
Intuition
Determination
Ingenuity
Dynamism
Initiative
Dedication
Guts
Faith
Killer Instinct

7.2b. What is another adjective for each of the words above? 

Drive___________________________
Intuition____________________________
Guts____________________________
Determination___________________________
Faith___________________________
Dynamism________________________________
Ingenuity________________________
Killer Instinct_______________________________
Dedication_______________________
Initiative___________________________

7.3. Activity

Make a list of some entrepreneurs that you know. With a classmate or as a group, choose one person, use the vocabulary words to describe that person, and talk about their accomplishments. Present your entrepreneur to the class.

7.4. Extension Activity – Starting a Business

Think of a business that you would like to start. Fill in the following information about your idea and then pitch your idea to your classmates. As a class, vote on who has the best new business idea.

Business-_______________________________________________________________

Product-________________________________________________________________

Location-_______________________________________________________________

Number of Employees Needed-_____________________________________

Target Customers-____________________________________________________

Advertising Scheme-____________________________________________________________

Start-up Cost-___________________________________________________________

7.5. Discussion Questions 

1. What types of new businesses would be successful in your area?

2. Do you think getting a loan to start a new business is a good idea? Why or why not?

3. Do you think investors are the best way to fund a new business? Why or why not?

4. What are the advantages of doing business on the Internet?

5. What are the disadvantages of doing business on the Internet?

6. Why do you need a business plan to start a new business?

7. Do you think advertising is necessary? Why or why not?

8. What does ‘word of mouth’ mean?

9. Why are some people always leaders while others are always followers?

10. Would you ever sell a product that you didn’t believe in? Why or why not?

11. What are the advantages and disadvantages of going into business with a partner?

12. What are some ways to get the money you need to start a new business?

13. What are the best ways to help your business grow?

14. Would you hire family members to help you run your business? Why or why not?

15. What are the advantages