Hibiscus Teach · Cartoons
Big Hero 6
Can a Robot Be a Good Friend?
Describe a helpful invention and offer support with clear limits.
Created by Denis M., British English teacher.
Content note: Medical language and a recording of a loved one who has died.
Meet Baymax
Tadashi shows Hiro a robot he has made.
Watch for: What kind of help is Baymax designed to give?
Clip A quiz · 6 questions
Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers, then read the feedback.
1–2 minGrammar in a minuteB1 · Recent work with a present result
“this is what I've been working on”
Clip 1, quotation excerpt
Have been working focuses on the activity leading up to the demonstration. A simple perfect such as have built would instead emphasise a completed product.
Useful English
Original practice phrases.
Its main function is to help people with this task.
Explain what an invention does.
Could you tell me what the problem is?
Ask for useful information.
Keep talking · 3 questions
Say your answer aloud before opening the support. With a partner, take turns and ask a follow-up question.
What everyday task could a robot help you with?
Support and one possible answer
It could…
It could remind me to take a break when I work for a long time.
Why should a useful invention be easy to understand?
Support and one possible answer
People need to…
People need to understand what it does and how to stop it.
Explain one function of an imaginary robot.
Support and one possible answer
Its main function…
Its main function is to help people find things they have misplaced.
More than a quick answer
Baymax uses a recording to help Hiro remember his brother.
Watch for: What does Hiro learn from watching the attempts?
Clip B quiz · 6 questions
Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers, then read the feedback.
1–2 minGrammar in a minuteB1 · A prediction grounded in the demonstration
“You're going to help so many people”
Clip 2, quotation excerpt
Going to presents a prediction based on the robot’s demonstrated success. It is not simply an appointment already arranged with all those people.
Useful English
Original practice phrases.
Would it help to look at this together?
Offer shared support without assuming.
You do not have to deal with this on your own.
Offer companionship.
Keep talking · 3 questions
Say your answer aloud before opening the support. With a partner, take turns and ask a follow-up question.
What can a recording show that a finished product cannot?
Support and one possible answer
It can show…
It can show failed attempts and the work needed to improve.
What are the limits of a machine that offers support?
Support and one possible answer
It should not…
It should not pretend that it can solve every emotional problem.
Offer to help someone with a difficult project.
Support and one possible answer
Would it help…?
Would it help to look at your notes together? You do not have to solve this alone.
Mastery quiz
Use language from both clips in new situations.
Mastery · 6 questions
Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers, then read the feedback.
Put it all together — speaking
Speak first, then use the support if you need it. For the final conversation, take a role each or practise both roles alone.
How does Baymax provide different kinds of help in the two clips?
Support and one possible answer
In A… In B…
He demonstrates practical care in A and helps Hiro connect with a meaningful memory in B.
What should a helpful robot explain about its limits?
Support and one possible answer
It should explain…
It should explain what it can check and when a human needs to help.
Can you design and introduce a helpful robot responsibly?
Support and one possible answer
Describe two functions, ask about a need and state one limit.
Our robot gives reminders and helps organise recordings. Could you tell me what you need? It can support routines, but it cannot replace a trusted person or professional care.
Role A
You want a robot to help organise everyday tasks. Ask about its functions and one limitation.
Role B
Explain two practical functions, ask about the user's needs and state a clear limit without promising medical or emotional cures.
Check your conversation
- Explain two functions clearly.
- Ask a needs question and offer help politely.
- State a limit and use three target items.
Try again: Repeat the final interaction once. Improve one expression and one response to your partner.
1–2 minGrammar masteryB2 · An emotional reaction and a new logical deduction
“I can't believe it!”
Clip 2, quotation excerpt
Can’t believe it expresses amazement in the clip. A new can’t have + past participle statement can express a deduction about an earlier event instead.