Hibiscus Teach · Series
Derry Girls
Whose Plan Are We Following?
Compare proposals, identify constraints and negotiate a feasible plan.
Created by Denis M., British English teacher.
The Paris trip announcement
In this programme, the selected scene focuses on the paris trip.
Watch for: What trip is announced, and where can pupils find more information?
Clip A quiz · 6 questions
Answer about this clip only. Choose one answer for each question.
1–2 minGrammar in a minuteC1 · A stance adverb and a stated reason
“Sadly, I am unable to come on this one as I despise the French.”
Clip 1, quotation excerpt
Sadly evaluates the whole statement about not coming, rather than describing the manner of travelling. As introduces the stated reason; the adverb’s scope does not certify that the reason is justified.
Useful English
Let’s separate what we want from what we can afford.
What would make this plan feasible?
Keep talking · 3 questions
Say your answer before opening the support. Take turns with a partner, or speak aloud on your own.
How can enthusiasm make a constraint easy to overlook?
Support and one possible answer
We focus on…
We focus on the attractive outcome and postpone the less exciting question of resources.
What information is needed before agreeing to a group trip?
Support and one possible answer
Total cost, deadline and…
Total cost, payment deadline, available time and what is included all matter.
Raise a budget concern without dismissing the idea.
Support and one possible answer
I like the idea, but…
I like the idea, but we need to know the full cost before committing.
How will they pay?
In this programme, the selected scene focuses on how will they pay?.
Watch for: Does their proposed shortcut solve the real problem?
Clip B quiz · 6 questions
Answer about this clip only. Choose one answer for each question.
1–2 minGrammar in a minuteC1 · Two linked increases and decreasing certainty
“the more I talk about it and the more I sober up, the less sure I am, really”
Clip 2, quotation excerpt
The more … the less links changes in degree. The coordinated first clauses describe increasing discussion and sobriety; the result is declining certainty, not declining sobriety.
Useful English
Which option fits our time as well as our budget?
A shortcut is not the same as a solution.
Keep talking · 3 questions
Say your answer before opening the support. Take turns with a partner, or speak aloud on your own.
What makes a fundraising idea realistic?
Support and one possible answer
Demand, time and…
Demand, time, permission and clear costs need to fit the expected return.
When does a shortcut create more work?
Support and one possible answer
When it skips…
When it skips a necessary check or creates a problem someone must later repair.
Compare two ways to fund a small project.
Support and one possible answer
Option one… whereas…
A sale could raise money quickly, whereas extra paid work may be more predictable but take longer.
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.
Put it all together — speaking
Use English from both clips. For the last conversation, take a role each. On your own, practise both roles.
How does the problem shift from desire to practical planning?
Support and one possible answer
The destination attracts them, but…
The destination attracts them, but the money question requires a workable plan.
What would improve their decision-making process?
Support and one possible answer
Agree criteria before…
Agree criteria before defending a favourite option: cost, time, permission and likely results.
Can your group fund an event without an unrealistic shortcut?
Role A
Your group needs £120 for a local event. Propose a small sale but account for £30 of supplies and limited preparation time.
Role B
Propose extra paid work instead. Compare timing and certainty, then agree a lawful, realistic option or small trial.
Support
Compare two options; identify a trade-off; choose a trial; assign tasks.
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: The sale could work, but supplies cost thirty pounds. B: Extra shifts may be more predictable, although they take longer. A: Shall we check permission and likely demand before choosing? B: Yes. Let us make the decision on Friday.
A small sale needs permission but takes one afternoon. Extra shifts are more predictable but take several weeks.
Try again: After feedback, repeat the most difficult exchange. Improve one language point and one communication point; do not memorise the example.
1–2 minGrammar masteryC1 · An inverted passive condition in a past criticism
“Wouldn't it have been easier to just remove the notices?”
From this lesson’s clip, quotation excerpt
Had + subject + been + past participle introduces an unreal past passive condition. Wouldn’t have been keeps the past alternative and invites agreement.