Anne with an E · Please Get to Know Me First.

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Hibiscus Teach · Series

Anne with an E

Please Get to Know Me First.

Clarify a mistaken expectation and explain what you can contribute.

B1+/B2 English60-minute tutor lesson

Created by , British English teacher.

Meeting at the station

In this programme, the selected scene focuses on meeting at the station.

Watch for: What does Anne believe is about to happen?

Original source

Clip A quiz · 6 questions

Answer about this clip only. Choose one answer for each question.

1. Whom does Anne recognise?
2. What had she worried about?
3. Where had she imagined staying overnight?
4. Why does she keep carrying her bag?
5. What does she believe the Cuthberts are offering?
6. How does Anne describe herself?

Useful English

Thank you for making me feel welcome.

I’d like you to know a little about me.

Keep talking · 3 questions

Say your answer before opening the support. Take turns with a partner, or speak aloud on your own.

  1. Why is it useful to ask what a newcomer expects?

    Support and one possible answer

    Their expectations may…

    Their expectations may differ from the role or invitation we had in mind.

  2. What helps someone feel they belong?

    Support and one possible answer

    Being included in…

    Being included in ordinary conversations and being asked for their ideas can help.

  3. Give a short introduction that includes a strength.

    Support and one possible answer

    I enjoy… and I can…

    I enjoy practical work and I can organise information carefully.

Could I do the work?

In this programme, the selected scene focuses on could i do the work?.

Watch for: How does Anne answer the claim that she could not help on the farm?

Original source

Clip B quiz · 6 questions

Answer about this clip only. Choose one answer for each question.

1. What does Marilla say about a girl's usefulness?
2. What does Anne ask about doing farm chores?
3. How does Marilla respond to Anne's offer?
4. What does Anne say about her strength?
5. Where does Anne say she prefers to work?
6. What does she ask Marilla to do?

Useful English

Could you consider what I can contribute?

I don’t mean any disrespect, but…

Keep talking · 3 questions

Say your answer before opening the support. Take turns with a partner, or speak aloud on your own.

  1. How can you challenge an assumption without insulting the person?

    Support and one possible answer

    Ask about the task and…

    Ask about the task and offer evidence of what you can do.

  2. Why is capability better checked through a task than a label?

    Support and one possible answer

    A task shows…

    A task shows relevant ability rather than relying on a broad expectation.

  3. Ask for a chance to demonstrate a skill.

    Support and one possible answer

    Could I show you…?

    Could I show you a short example before you decide?

Mastery: use your English

Apply language from both clips to new situations.

Mastery · 6 questions

Use the English in new situations. Choose one answer for each question.

1. Clarify an expectation.
2. Offer a relevant contribution.
3. Challenge a view politely.
4. Ask for fair consideration.
5. Belonging means…
6. Clear up a misunderstanding.

Put it all together — speaking

Use English from both clips. For the last conversation, take a role each. On your own, practise both roles.

  1. What expectations collide across the two scenes?

    Support and one possible answer

    Anne expects… The family expects…

    Anne expects a family relationship, while the family has a practical arrangement in mind.

  2. What should someone know before joining a group?

    Support and one possible answer

    Purpose, expectations and…

    They should know the purpose, expectations and how their contribution will be assessed.

  1. Can a newcomer clarify a role and ask for a fair chance?

    Role A

    You are new to a volunteer group and want to help organise an outdoor event. You have experience with schedules, though the organiser has not met you.

    Role B

    You assumed the newcomer would prefer indoor paperwork. Ask about their skills and agree a short trial task.

    Support

    Introduce strengths; check the task; challenge one assumption; offer a trial.

    Check your conversation

    • Complete the communication goal on both role cards.
    • Use language from both clips naturally, with at least three target items overall.
    • Ask a relevant question and respond to your partner, rather than delivering two unrelated speeches.
    • Finish with a clear decision, next step or summary; repeat one part after feedback.
    One possible conversation, after your attempt

    A: I would like you to know that I have organised two school events. B: I had assumed you wanted indoor work. A: I prefer being outdoors. Could I show you my plan for the entrance area? B: Yes, let us consider that task.

    I understand you need someone experienced. Could I show you a sample so you can assess my skills?

    Try again: After feedback, repeat the most difficult exchange. Improve one language point and one communication point; do not memorise the example.

Original teaching activities: Hibiscus Teach. Film and television clips belong to their respective owners.