Hibiscus Teach · Cartoons
Coco
Ambition, Memories and Support
Explain an ambition, acknowledge a family concern and invite a memory without pressure.
Created by Denis M., British English teacher.
Music or the family plan?
In this story, the selected scene focuses on music or the family plan?.
Watch for: What does Miguel want to do, and what does his family expect tonight?
Clip A quiz · 6 questions
Answer about this clip only. Choose one answer for each question.
1–2 minGrammar in a minuteB1 · Time reference in a later report
“Tonight is about family”
Clip 1, quotation excerpt
A report made the next day usually shifts tonight to that night and is to was. The time expression must still identify the same family evening.
Useful English
This matters to me because…
I understand your concern, but…
Keep talking · 3 questions
Say your answer before opening the support. Take turns with a partner, or speak aloud on your own.
Why can a hobby matter so much to someone?
Support and one possible answer
It helps them…
A hobby can help someone express ideas and meet people with similar interests.
What is a respectful way to explain a different ambition?
Support and one possible answer
I understand… My goal is…
I understand that you want a secure plan. My goal is to develop this skill step by step.
What support would help a beginner?
Support and one possible answer
One useful kind of support is…
One useful kind of support is time to practise without being laughed at.
A memory and a worried family
Miguel urgently wants to speak to Mamá Coco about her father. His family is worried about Miguel, and his father reassures him when they are reunited.
Watch for: Which memories and concerns do the family members express?
Clip B quiz · 6 questions
Answer about this clip only. Choose one answer for each question.
1–2 minGrammar in a minuteB1 · An earlier repeated activity
“He used to play it to you?”
Clip 2, quotation excerpt
Used to play asks about an earlier habit. Be used to playing would ask whether someone is accustomed to the activity, a different meaning.
Useful English
Original practice phrases.
I am sorry I worried you. Let me explain what happened.
Acknowledge a concern before explaining.
Would you like to tell me about that memory?
Invite a memory without insisting on a response.
Keep talking · 3 questions
Say your answer aloud before opening the support. With a partner, take turns and ask a follow-up question.
What connects Miguel's ambition with the family's concerns?
Support and one possible answer
In A…; in B…
In A he wants to pursue music while his family has other expectations. In B the family wants him safe and close. Both perspectives need to be acknowledged.
How can you invite a family memory without demanding a response?
Support and one possible answer
You can ask… and allow…
You can ask an open question and allow the person to choose whether to continue.
Explain a fictional ambition while acknowledging a relative's concern.
Support and one possible answer
State the ambition, acknowledge the concern and propose one practical step.
I want to join the music club, and I understand that you worry about my study time. Could we agree one rehearsal each week and review how it goes?
Mastery: use your English
Use language from both clips in new situations.
Mastery · 6 questions
Use language from both clips in a new situation.
Put it all together — speaking
Use English from both clips. For the last conversation, take a role each. On your own, practise both roles.
What connects Miguel's ambition with the family's concerns?
Support and one possible answer
In A…; in B…
In A he wants to pursue music while his family has other expectations. In B the family wants him safe and close. Both perspectives need to be acknowledged.
How can you invite a family memory without demanding a response?
Support and one possible answer
You can ask… and allow…
You can ask an open question and allow the person to choose whether to continue.
Explain a fictional ambition while acknowledging a relative's concern.
Role A
You want to join a music club. Explain your ambition, acknowledge a family concern and propose a limited trial.
Role B
Explain one practical concern, ask how the trial would work and agree a realistic review date.
Support
State the ambition, acknowledge the concern and propose one practical step.
Check your conversation
- Use target language from both clips.
- Ask a clear question and respond to the answer.
- End with a specific next step, while acknowledging any uncertainty.
One possible conversation, after your attempt
I want to join the music club, and I understand that you worry about my study time. Could we agree one rehearsal each week and review how it goes?
Try again: Repeat once. Improve one question and one response.
1–2 minGrammar masteryB2 · Requirement or a deduction?
“You have to have talent to be in a talent show”
Clip 1, quotation excerpt
Have to have talent states a requirement. Must have had talent would instead draw a conclusion about the past.