IQ or EQ? — a Talking Points lesson plan for English reading and speaking

Introduction

What is the difference between IQ and EQ?

Which is better for someone’s life?

Do you have a high IQ? Or a high EQ?

Can you have both?

IQ or EQ?

Read Paul’s account below:

I’ve spent many years studying IQ and EQ, even earning a PhD in this interesting field.

Over time, we’ve learned that EQ, or emotional intelligence, is very important for people and society.

Firstly, humans are social creatures. We live and work with others, so having high EQ helps us get along with people better.

It means we can control our emotions and have better relationships.

Also, having a good EQ can make us better leaders.

To be a great leader, you need to know how to talk to people and understand them. High EQ can help you do that, which is important in jobs.

In the past, people thought a high IQ, or intelligence, was most important for leaders, but that’s not true anymore. Having a high EQ can also help you make good decisions, which is very important today.

We have many choices to make, like choosing a job, buying a house, or running a business.

A strong EQ can guide you in making the right decisions.

One great thing about EQ is that you can improve it throughout your life. You can practice mindfulness and meditation to do this. Having a well-developed EQ can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life. A high IQ doesn’t guarantee that.

When you have a high EQ, you can connect with people on a deeper level, and that’s often more helpful in life than having a high IQ. Plus, you can learn how to improve your EQ by doing things every day.

So, who wouldn’t want to make their life better by developing their EQ?

Reading Comprehension Questions

What is the article primarily about?

What are IQ and EQ, and why are they important?

How can having a high EQ benefit our relationships with others?

In what ways can a good EQ help someone become a better leader?

What was the common belief about the importance of IQ in leadership in the past?

According to Paul, the man talking in the article, what role does EQ play in making good decisions?

What are some examples of important decisions mentioned in the article?

How can individuals improve their EQ throughout their lives?

What are two specific practices that Paul talks about that are good for enhancing EQ?

According to Paul, what can a well-developed EQ lead to in life?

What is the difference between having a high EQ and a high IQ, as mentioned by Paul?

How can having a high EQ help you connect with people on a deeper level?

What does Paul suggest is more helpful in life, a high EQ or a high IQ? Why?

What can individuals do every day to work on improving their EQ?

Why does Paul believe that having a high IQ doesn’t guarantee a happier life?

What is the main advantage of connecting with people on a deeper level that Paul talks about?

According to Paul, what are some examples of choices we have to make in life where EQ can be valuable?

What are two ways mentioned in the article to develop EQ?

Why is understanding and talking to people considered important for leaders, according to Paul?

In your own words, explain why Paul thinks developing EQ is a good idea.

True or False?

Take a look at all the statements below.

Some of them are true. Some are false.

Go through all the sentences and say which ones are true or false.

You can check all your answers at the end of the lesson!

High EQ helps people get along with others better.

EQ stands for “Environmental Quotient.”

Emotional intelligence is not important for society.

EQ can be beneficial for leadership.

A high IQ is always more important than EQ for leaders.

EQ can assist in making good decisions.

People cannot improve their EQ throughout their life.

Mindfulness and meditation can help develop EQ.

A high IQ guarantees a happy and fulfilling life.

Connecting with people on a deeper level is not as helpful as having a high IQ.

Developing EQ requires daily practice.

 

Essential Vocabulary

Exercise

Write down all the words and phrases in your vocabulary notebook. Look in your dictionary and find the meaning of each word. Write the definition next to each word.

Then make up your own sentences using each word or phrase.

For example:

Mindfulness — The practice of maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment, often used as a therapeutic technique to reduce stress and enhance well-being.

Decision-Making — The process of selecting or choosing among different options or courses of action, often involving the consideration of available information, preferences, and potential consequences, to reach a specific conclusion or outcome.

Then write a sentence of your own that uses the new word or phrase correctly.

Sarah practised mindfulness by taking a few minutes each morning to meditate and focus on her breathing, which helped her start the day with a clear and calm mind.

After carefully considering all the job offers, James made his decision-making process easier by creating a list of pros and cons for each opportunity.

Do this with all the vocabulary and, over time, this will help improve all your English skills — reading, writing, speaking and listening.

What is the Correct Synonym?

Synonyms are words of similar meaning.

Look at the table below.

Match the words on the left with the correct synonym on the right.

You can find all the correct answers at the end of the lesson plan.

What Is The Correct Antonym?

Antonyms are words of opposite meaning.

Look at the table below.

Match the words on the left with the correct antonyms on the right.

You can find all the correct answers at the end of the lesson plan!

Match the Words with Their Meanings

Match the following words with their correct meanings. Choose the appropriate meaning for each word from the options provided.

You can find all the correct answers at the end of the lesson plan!

Words

Meanings

To ensure or promise with certainty.

The practice of being aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the present moment.

Individuals who guide or direct a group or organization.

Significance or the state of being important.

Choices or selections made after careful consideration.

Commercial or entrepreneurial activities.

To manage or regulate.

Feeling more joy or contentment.

A mental exercise or technique that involves focusing one’s mind to achieve a calm and relaxed state.

Engaging in a regular activity or exercise to improve a skill or quality.

Form a bond or establish a relationship.

Connections or bonds between individuals.

The ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and the emotions of others.

Refers to humans as beings who thrive in social environments.

Make better or enhance.

Selections or options available for decision-making.

The process of choosing between options or alternatives.

A more profound or intense level.

Employment or work-related activities.

Satisfying or making someone’s life meaningful and rewarding.

The ability to comprehend or grasp information or situations.

Individuals who guide or direct a group or organization.

Enhanced or cultivated.

Establish a connection or rapport with someone.

Discussion Questions

What is EQ, and why is it considered important for individuals and society?

How does having a high EQ benefit our interpersonal relationships?

In what ways can EQ contribute to someone’s leadership skills?

Why do you think some people used to believe that a high IQ was more important for leaders than a high EQ?

Do you agree that having a well-developed EQ can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life? Why or why not?

How does a high EQ enable people to connect with others on a deeper level?

Why do you think the article suggests that a high EQ can be more helpful in life than a high IQ?

Are you interested in developing your EQ, and if so, what steps could you take to do so?

How do you think your IQ and EQ impact your academic performance and interactions with classmates and teachers?

Can you share an example from your life when a high EQ helped you in a social or personal situation?

In your opinion, which is more important for success in school: IQ or EQ? Why?

How might a high EQ benefit you in your future career or job?

Are there any specific challenges you face related to your EQ, and how do you plan to address them?

Do you believe that people with high IQs are always successful in life? Why or why not?

Can you think of a famous person who is known for their high EQ, and what impact has that had on their career or reputation?

How might mindfulness and meditation practices be useful for students in improving their EQ?

What strategies do you use to manage your emotions effectively in challenging situations?

If you had to choose between having a high IQ and a high EQ, which would you prefer, and why?

Debate Exercise: IQ vs. EQ

This is a debate activity.

Objective: In this debate activity, you are going to discuss and debate the advantages — and disadvantages — of IQ and EQ.

Instructions

Team Formation

Divide the class into two teams: Team IQ and Team EQ.

Each team should choose a team leader who will present the main arguments. But everyone should try to speak at least once during the debate.

And choose a debate chairperson. This person should ensure there is order during the debate. And that everyone gets an opportunity to speak.

Preparation

In your teams, present and organise your main arguments.

Try to think of real-life examples or statistics to support your claims.

Rebuttal Preparation

In your teams, you should also try to think about how the opposing team will argue their points.

You need to think of rebuttals to their arguments.

How can you oppose their beliefs and ideas?

Debate Format

Each team will take turns presenting their arguments and rebuttals.

The debate will consist of three main rounds:

Round 1: Team IQ presents their arguments, followed by Team EQ.

Round 2: Rebuttals—Team EQ responds to Team IQ’s arguments and vice versa.

Round 3: Closing Statements—Team IQ and Team EQ each deliver a brief closing statement summarizing their main points.

Debate Rules

Be respectful and polite during the debate.

Stick to the time limits (e.g., 2-3 minutes for each argument, 1-2 minutes for rebuttals, and 1 minute for closing statements).

Avoid using offensive or disrespectful language.

Support your arguments with facts and examples.

Evaluation

After the debate, the class and the teacher will evaluate each team’s performance based on their arguments, rebuttals, and presentation skills.

Consider the strength of the arguments, use of evidence, and persuasiveness.

Discussion

After the debate, engage in a class discussion about the advantages of both IQ and EQ.

Share their thoughts and insights gained from the exercise.

When you are ready, begin the debate!

IQ vs EQ Quiz

This is a quiz activity.

Choose your best answer (A, B, C, or D) for each question.

1. What does IQ stand for?

A) Intelligent Quotient

B) Emotional Quotient

C) Intelligence Question

D) Emotional Question

2. Which one is a component of emotional intelligence (EQ)?

A) Problem-solving skills

B) Arithmetic ability

C) Logical reasoning

D) Spelling accuracy

3. When someone has a high IQ, it means they:

A) Are very emotionally sensitive

B) Excel in intellectual and cognitive tasks

C) Have excellent communication skills

D) Are extremely sociable

4. Which of the following is more associated with EQ?

A) Solving complex maths problems

B) Understanding and managing emotions

C) Memorizing historical dates

D) Learning a new language quickly

5. What is a key aspect of IQ?

A) Empathy

B) Critical thinking

C) Empowerment

D) Adaptability

6. Which type of intelligence helps you navigate social situations and understand others better?

A) Logical intelligence

B) Linguistic intelligence

C) Emotional intelligence

D) Musical intelligence

7. If you are skilled at understanding how people feel and responding appropriately, you are likely high in:

A) IQ

B) EQ

C) Both IQ and EQ

D) Neither IQ nor EQ

8. Problem-solving and decision-making are primarily related to:

A) IQ

B) EQ

C) Physical fitness

D) Creativity

9. Which type of intelligence involves the ability to understand and control one’s own emotions?

A) Linguistic intelligence

B) Spatial intelligence

C) Interpersonal intelligence

D) Intrapersonal intelligence

10. When faced with a challenging situation, if you tend to analyse the facts and make rational decisions, you are using your:

A) EQ

B) IQ

C) Both EQ and IQ

D) Neither EQ nor IQ

Appraisal

Now, let’s see how you did!

If most of your answers were A, it suggests you may need to review the concepts of IQ and EQ to understand them better.

If most of your answers were B, you have a good grasp of IQ and EQ and their differences.

If most of your answers were C, you have a strong understanding of both IQ and EQ and their respective importance.

If most of your answers were D, you may want to revisit the material on IQ and EQ to improve your understanding.

Remember that both IQ and EQ are important in different aspects of life, and a balance between them can be beneficial for personal and professional growth.

Writing

This is a writing exercise.

Title: Do You Even EQ?

Introduction

This is a writing exercise aimed to help you express your thoughts and ideas about EQ.

Use some of the vocabulary you have studied in the lesson plan up to now. And some of the ideas that you may have discussed in the speaking exercises.

Instructions

Step 1: Understanding Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Begin by researching and understanding what Emotional Intelligence (EQ) means. You can use the internet or any available resources to gather information about EQ. Make notes on its definition, importance, and how it influences our personal and professional lives.

Step 2: Brainstorming

Now, think about your own experiences and observations regarding EQ. Consider questions like:

Have you encountered people with high or low EQ in your life?

How does EQ affect relationships, teamwork, and communication?

Can you identify situations where EQ played a crucial role in resolving conflicts or making decisions?

Jot down your thoughts and examples related to these questions.

Step 3: Organizing Your Ideas

Create an outline for your essay.

You should try to have an introduction and a conclusion.

Plus the relevant points you wish to make in each supporting paragraph in the main body of your article.

Step 4: Writing Your Essay

Now, use your outline to write an essay about Emotional Intelligence.

Aim for approximately 250-300 words.

Step 5: Sharing Your Work

When you have finished writing your article, you can read it out loud in front of your classmates.

Or give it to your teacher for review.