Hugo · Everyone Has a Purpose

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Hibiscus Teach · Movies

Hugo

Everyone Has a Purpose

Explain how an object works, distinguish a guess from a discovery and discuss useful contributions.

B1+/B2 English60-minute tutor lesson

Created by , British English teacher.

The automaton's drawing

In this story, the selected scene focuses on the key and the automaton.

Watch for: Why does Hugo become discouraged, and what do they discover when the machine continues?

Original source

Clip A quiz · 6 questions

Answer about this clip only. Choose one answer for each question.

1. What does Isabelle notice after Hugo gives up?
2. How had Hugo hoped fixing the machine would make him feel?
3. What image appears in the drawing?
4. What does Hugo initially conclude when it seems not to work?
5. What is it actually producing?
6. Which name appears on the finished work?

Useful English

I expected one thing, but this result gives us a different clue.

Before we decide it is broken, let us check what it is doing.

Keep talking · 3 questions

Say your answer before opening the support. Take turns with a partner, or speak aloud on your own.

  1. Why does the machine matter beyond its technical function?

    Support and one possible answer

    For Hugo, it also…

    For Hugo, it also represents a connection with his father.

  2. When have you changed a guess after seeing new evidence?

    Support and one possible answer

    At first I thought…

    At first I thought a file had disappeared, but then I found it in a different folder.

  3. Explain how a familiar object works without specialist vocabulary.

    Support and one possible answer

    First…; then…

    First you turn the handle. Then the moving parts inside turn the hands on the clock.

The world as a machine

In this story, the selected scene focuses on the world as a machine.

Watch for: How does Hugo connect machines with people and their purpose?

Original source

Clip B quiz · 6 questions

Answer about this clip only. Choose one answer for each question.

1. When did Hugo often come up to this place?
2. What example of a machine's purpose does Hugo give?
3. Why does he find broken machines sad?
4. What does he compare the whole world to?
5. What does he say about extra parts in machines?
6. How does he extend the idea to himself and Isabelle?

Useful English

The purpose is clear, even if the method is complicated.

You do not need to do everything to make a useful contribution.

Keep talking · 3 questions

Say your answer before opening the support. Take turns with a partner, or speak aloud on your own.

  1. What makes an analogy useful?

    Support and one possible answer

    It connects…

    It connects an unfamiliar idea with something the listener already understands.

  2. Where does the machine analogy have limits?

    Support and one possible answer

    Unlike a machine…

    Unlike a machine part, a person can change goals and has value beyond a single job.

  3. Describe a contribution that is easy to overlook.

    Support and one possible answer

    Someone who…

    Someone who welcomes new members can make it easier for everyone else to participate.

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.

1. Explain purpose clearly.
2. Distinguish hope from evidence.
3. Respond to an unexpected result.
4. Introduce a comparison.
5. Recognise a contribution.
6. State a limit to a metaphor.

Put it all together — speaking

Use English from both clips. For the last conversation, take a role each. On your own, practise both roles.

  1. How does Hugo's understanding change between expectation and discovery?

    Support and one possible answer

    At first…; after…

    At first he expects a particular message; after the drawing, he has a new clue that needs investigation.

  2. Can contribution and belonging be discussed without tying worth to performance?

    Support and one possible answer

    We can recognise… without…

    We can recognise useful actions without suggesting that people must earn their right to belong.

  1. Can you explain a project and help everyone find a useful role?

    Role A

    Your group is creating a small exhibition. Explain its purpose and suggest two different roles without implying that one role makes someone more valuable.

    Role B

    You are unsure how to help. Ask what the project needs, identify something you enjoy and agree a realistic contribution.

    Support

    Explain the purpose, use one comparison, invite contributions and agree roles.

    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: Our exhibition will help visitors understand the town through personal stories. B: I am not confident presenting. Is there another way to help? A: Yes. You could organise photographs or welcome visitors. B: I would enjoy organising the photographs. A: Great. Let us agree the first small task.

    Our exhibition helps visitors understand the town. Think of it as a walk through different stories. What would you enjoy contributing?

    Try again: After feedback, repeat the most difficult exchange. Improve one language point and one communication point; do not memorise the example.

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