What Makes People Happy?

Слайд 1. What Makes People Happy?

Class 11 · English · Discussion, reflection and writing

Слайд 2. Happiness is more than a good mood

Happiness is a complex feeling that can include joy, calmness, satisfaction and a sense of connection. Different people build happiness from different ingredients. Today we will explore fifteen possible aspects, compare our opinions and use them as ideas for speaking and writing.

Слайд 3. The foundations of happiness

1. Strong family ties — крепкие семейные узы

2. Fulfilling career — работа, приносящая удовлетворение

3. Good physical and mental health — физическое и психическое здоровье

4. Financial stability — финансовая стабильность

5. Close friendships — близкая дружба

Слайд 4. Growth, creativity and everyday joy

6. Personal achievements — личные достижения

7. Hobbies and creative activities — хобби и творчество

8. Time spent in nature — время на природе

9. Sense of purpose or meaning in life — цель или смысл жизни

10. Moments of joy in everyday life — моменты радости в повседневности

Слайд 5. Recognition, comfort and contribution

11. Feeling appreciated and valued — ощущение, что тебя ценят

12. Opportunities for learning and growth — обучение и личностный рост

13. A comfortable and cozy living space — уютное жилое пространство

14. Freedom to make personal choices — свобода личного выбора

15. Contributing to something bigger — вклад в общее дело: волонтёрство и помощь другим

Слайд 6. Discussion: what matters most?

Which of the 15 aspects are absolutely essential for happiness, and which could you live without? Explain your choice.

Compare financial stability and freedom to make personal choices. Which contributes more to long-term happiness? Give an example.

Are strong family ties more important than close friendships? Justify your stance.

Has recognition from someone ever boosted your mood? Describe the situation.

Can a cozy living space affect mental well-being? Explain how your environment influences your mood.

How do everyday joys compare with big achievements in emotional impact?

Слайд 7. Discussion: purpose, learning and creativity

How can a person find a sense of purpose if their current job feels meaningless? Suggest one or two practical steps.

Have opportunities for learning ever made you happier, even when the process was challenging? Tell about a specific case.

How can hobbies and creative activities relieve stress? Mention a familiar hobby and explain its calming effect.

Слайд 8. Discussion: deeper reflection

Is helping others a reliable source of happiness, or can it be emotionally draining? Discuss both sides.

How might time in nature change a person’s view of daily problems? Give a hypothetical scenario.

Imagine someone with financial stability and a fulfilling career who feels unappreciated at work. How might this affect their happiness?

Can personal achievements lose value over time? Reflect on a past success and add a 16th aspect to the list.

Слайд 9. Writing task: What happiness means to me

Write an essay of 180–220 words: “What happiness means to me: my top 3 factors and why they matter”.

Introduction: write 2–3 sentences; present happiness as complex and name your three factors.

Main body: write three paragraphs, one per factor. Explain its importance, give one concrete example and use at least one linking word in each paragraph: furthermore, on the other hand, as a result.

Conclusion: write 2–3 sentences. Summarise your ideas, reflect on what you can influence yourself and explain how your factors might change over time.

Слайд 10. Your personal definition of happiness

Happiness can combine relationships, health, purpose, freedom, comfort, growth and everyday joy.

There is no single formula: the most important aspects may change with age and life circumstances.

Use specific examples to support your opinions in discussion.

Choose three factors that matter to you and explain how they shape your idea of a happy life.