Riassunti dei Ted Talks per l'esame di Lettorato Inglese

Unit 1

This TED Talk discusses an act of kindness performed by a volunteer firefighter who works as a manager in a non-profit organization in New York, called Robin Hood. He shares his first experience fighting a fire. He explains that a volunteer firefighter must run to the scene to receive an assignment. During his first experience, he arrived second, just 5 seconds after another volunteer firefighter.

The first volunteer was tasked with rescuing a dog, while he was asked to get a pair of shoes. He felt very jealous, but he completed the task, and a few weeks later, the homeowner sent a letter expressing gratitude for the kindness shown.

The main point he makes is that any act of kindness is important, and we shouldn’t wait to perform them. There are various acts of kindness we can do, such as being mentors and helping others to make a difference in their lives…

Unit 2

Derek presents a video in which he explains the steps to create a movement. He states that a leader (a nut) must have the courage to make himself appear ridiculous. However, the crucial role is played by the first follower, who shows others how to follow. The first follower represents the leadership and deserves the credit. This individual turns an isolated nut into a leader. When others join in, it becomes a movement.

He concludes by saying that if someone wants to create a movement, they must have the courage to follow and show others how to follow as well. If they find an isolated nut, they must have the courage to join them. In the end, people join in to avoid being different.

Message: He states that it would be useless if everyone were leaders because, in reality, it is the first follower who makes it public and turns it into a movement.

Unit 3

Jacqueline Novogratz is the founder of Acumen, a non-profit organization that funds projects to improve the lives of poor people. But what is poverty really? We tend to think in terms of money, but in many ways, what is little for us is wealth for others. Poverty is a condition about choice and the lack of freedom. To illustrate this, she shares her experience in Kenya, in the Mathare Valley slums, where she met Jane.

Jane had two dreams: becoming a doctor and having a husband to build a family. She focused on the second dream, but shortly afterward, she was left alone with two children, no income, and no skills. Her life changed when she learned about Jamii Bora, an organization that lends money as long as you match a commensurate amount in savings. She seized this opportunity, saved 50 dollars, and bought a sewing machine. She transformed second-hand ball gowns into beautiful dresses that she repurposes for Sweet 16s or first Holy Communions with frills and ribbons. And she does really good work.