Learn English with Forrest Gump

More film and television lessons

Hibiscus Teach · Movies

Forrest Gump

A Small Invitation Matters

Begin a conversation, connect it to a memory and help someone join an activity.

B1 English target60-minute lesson target

Individual audience review. The original film contains disability-related insults and adult themes; use the specified introductory friendship cuts, not adjacent harmful material.

Created by , British English teacher.

Life is a Box of Chocolates

Forrest starts talking to a stranger while waiting at a bus stop.

Watch for: How does he try to begin a conversation?

Original source

Clip A quiz: 6 questions

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

1. Where is Forrest sitting?
2. What does he offer the other person?
3. Whose saying does he recall?
4. What does he comment on next?
5. How does the woman respond about her feet?
6. What memory does the topic of shoes lead him towards?

Useful English

Would you like one?

You say: Offer a biscuit to another person.

One possible response

Would you like a biscuit?

That reminds me of my first day here.

You say: Connect a conversation about school with a memory.

One possible response

That reminds me of my first day at school.

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. Which opening feels easiest: an offer, a question or a comment?

    Help me start

    I would begin with…

    Show an example

    I would begin with a small offer because the other person can respond briefly.

  2. What everyday object reminds you of a first experience?

    Help me start

    A… reminds me of…

    Show an example

    A school bag reminds me of starting a new course.

  3. Start a friendly conversation without asking a private question.

    Help me start

    Would you like…? / Is this…?

    Show an example

    Would you like a biscuit? Have you tried this kind before?

Peas and Carrots

Forrest remembers how Jenny made room for him and became his friend.

Watch for: What small actions help their friendship begin?

Original source

Clip B quiz: 6 questions

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

1. How does Jenny help Forrest on the bus?
2. What do the two children do during the journey?
3. What does Forrest learn about her identity?
4. Which activity does Jenny help Forrest learn?
5. What do their shared activities show?
6. How does Forrest describe her place in his life?

Useful English

There is a place here beside me.

You say: Invite a new classmate to sit with you.

One possible response

There is a place here beside me.

We can help each other.

You say: Suggest practising English together.

One possible response

We can help each other practise English.

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. Which small invitation could help someone new feel included?

    Help me start

    You could say…

    Show an example

    You could say there is a place at your table.

  2. What can two friends teach each other?

    Help me start

    One might…; the other…

    Show an example

    One might help with pronunciation and the other with using a new app.

  3. Invite a newcomer into a simple group activity.

    Help me start

    Would you like to join…?

    Show an example

    Would you like to join our conversation? We are talking about films.

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. You have biscuits and want to offer one politely. What do you say?
2. Which sentence connects a topic to a memory?
3. A new learner is looking for a seat. Which response both welcomes and directs them?
4. Which question continues a conversation without assuming a personal history?
5. Your partner can help with vocabulary and you can help with pronunciation. Which sentence shows mutual support?
6. Someone declines your food offer. Which response accepts their answer?

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. What connects an offer at a bus stop and a seat on a school bus?

    Help me start

    Both create…

    Show an example

    Both create a small opportunity for a conversation.

  2. What would you ask a newcomer before suggesting an activity?

    Help me start

    Ask about…

    Show an example

    I would ask what they enjoy and whether they have tried the activity before.

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

    Private Role A

    You are welcoming a new person to an English conversation club. A film group meets today and a games group meets tomorrow. You do not know which they prefer.

    Private Role B

    You like films but have only twenty minutes today. You can come for an hour tomorrow. Ask about the groups before deciding.

    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: There is a place beside me. Is this your first visit? B: Yes, and I only have twenty minutes today. A: Would you like to meet the film group briefly? B: That would be good. Can I join a longer activity tomorrow? A: Yes, the games group meets at six.

    Try again: The film discussion needs an hour. Find an arrangement that still welcomes the newcomer without pressuring them to stay.

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