EnglishClub

Pre-listening vocabulary

• attribute: to give someone credit for creating something
• general: a high-ranking military commander
• strategy: a way of achieving a goal
• warfare: the process of fighting against an enemy
• influence: to have an effect on something or someone
• advise: to give someone suggestions about what to do

Listening activity

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Gapfill exercise

The Art of War is an text attributed to a Chinese general named Sun Tzu. It is made up of 13 that provide strategies for success in warfare. The book was most likely written between 500 and 200 B.C. However, know very little about Sun Tzu’s life. Some historians don’t think he existed at all, believing that the book’s advice may have been gathered from many generations of Chinese military strategists. Throughout history, many have been influenced by Sun Tzu’s ideas. Although the book was originally meant to advise leaders in warfare, people use its strategies even today to succeed in business and .

Comprehension questions

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Discussion/essay questions

1. Why do you think that military strategies can be applied to so many different situations?

Transcript

The Art of War is an ancient text attributed to a Chinese general named Sun Tzu. It is made up of 13 chapters that provide strategies for success in warfare. The book was most likely written between 500 and 200 B.C. However, historians know very little about Sun Tzu’s life. Some historians don’t think he existed at all, believing that the book’s advice may have been gathered from many generations of Chinese military strategists. Throughout history, many leaders have been influenced by Sun Tzu’s ideas. Although the book was originally meant to advise leaders in warfare, people use its strategies even today to succeed in business and politics.