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Hibiscus Teach · Cartoons

Antz

Being Part of a Team: and Still Being You

Express dissatisfaction precisely and offer support without dismissing someone’s contribution.

B2 English target60-minute lesson target

Ages 13+ target; exact footage must pass screening.

Created by , British English teacher.

You Are Insignificant

Z explains why his assigned role in the colony leaves him dissatisfied.

Watch for: Does the listener respond in the way Z needs?

Original source

Clip A quiz: 6 questions

Answer about this clip. Replay when you need to. Choose one answer for each question.

1. Which part of life does Z find unrewarding?
2. What physical comparison does he make?
3. Whose needs does he think receive too little attention?
4. What word does he use for how the system makes him feel?
5. How does the listener initially evaluate that statement?
6. What makes the response ironic?

Useful English

I want my contribution to matter.

You say: Explain that you want a useful role in a group.

One possible response

I want a role where my contribution matters.

Could you explain what is not working for you?

You say: Ask a partner which part of the arrangement is difficult.

One possible response

Could you explain which part is not working for you?

Keep talking: 3 questions

Speak before opening the help or example. With a partner, ask a follow-up. On your own, say your answer aloud.

  1. What kind of response would better clarify Z’s concern?

    Help me start

    A question about…

    Show an example

    A question about which part of the work feels pointless.

  2. Can routine work still feel meaningful?

    Help me start

    It can when…

    Show an example

    It can when people understand how their contribution helps others.

  3. State a work concern without dismissing the whole team.

    Help me start

    I value… but…

    Show an example

    I value the team, but I would like a task where I can use my design skills.

Weaver Fills In for Z

Weaver temporarily does Z’s work and discovers that he enjoys parts of the job.

Watch for: How does a difficult encounter lead to an offer of support?

Original source

Clip B quiz: 6 questions

Answer about this clip. Replay when you need to. Choose one answer for each question.

1. Why is Weaver doing this work?
2. What does he enjoy about digging?
3. What does the supervisor emphasise?
4. Who asks the supervisor to be patient with the newcomer?
5. What punishment is threatened after the challenge?
6. What supportive offer follows?

Useful English

I’m filling in while she is away.

You say: Explain that you are covering a colleague’s shift.

One possible response

I’m filling in while my colleague is away.

He is new; could you give him a chance?

You say: Ask a supervisor to explain the task to a new worker.

One possible response

She is new; could you give her a chance and explain the task?

Keep talking: 3 questions

Speak before opening the help or example. With a partner, ask a follow-up. On your own, say your answer aloud.

  1. Why does Weaver see the same job differently from Z?

    Help me start

    He brings…

    Show an example

    He brings different interests and enjoys the physical activity.

  2. What helps someone covering a job for one day?

    Help me start

    They need…

    Show an example

    They need clear priorities and permission to ask questions.

  3. Support a newcomer and clarify an expectation.

    Help me start

    She is new…; which…?

    Show an example

    She is new to the system. Which task should she finish first?

Mastery: use your English

Apply language and ideas from both clips in new situations.

Mastery: 6 questions

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

1. Describe a concern without rejecting every aspect of a role.
2. Explain temporary cover.
3. Invite detail instead of dismissing dissatisfaction.
4. Support a newcomer while acknowledging the deadline.
5. Complete: She ___ her colleague when the criticism became unfair.
6. Offer a specific resource after a setback.

Put it all together: speaking

Use English from both clips. Start with the two short questions, then take a private role each. On your own, practise both roles.

  1. How do the clips complicate the idea of one perfect role?

    Help me start

    The same work…

    Show an example

    The same work can suit people differently.

  2. What two questions should a temporary worker ask?

    Help me start

    Ask about priorities and…

    Show an example

    Ask about priorities and who can answer questions.

  3. Can you reach a workable outcome together using the two private role cards?

    Private Role A

    You coordinate an exhibition. A helper is covering one afternoon and enjoys practical tasks. Labels must be checked before moving objects. You need thirty labels by four o’clock.

    Private Role B

    You are covering the shift. You can move light objects and use the computer, but cannot read the tiny printed labels well. Explain your strengths and ask for an arrangement that lets you contribute.

    Open only your own role card. Share its information by speaking, without showing the card.

    Help me start

    Discover the missing information; explain your constraint; respond to your partner; agree on a practical next step. Use language from both clips.

    Check your conversation

    • Complete the practical goal on both role cards.
    • Use at least three target items naturally, including language from each clip.
    • Ask a relevant follow-up and respond to information you did not know.
    • End with a clear agreement, next step or summary.
    Show an example

    A: Thank you for filling in. We need thirty labels checked. B: I can use the computer, but the print is difficult to read. Could you enlarge it? A: Yes. Then I can check the originals while you prepare the display. B: That lets us both contribute.

    Try again: Only twenty labels are ready. Agree which work can safely continue and who checks the remainder.

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