Kim’s Convenience · Let’s Agree on the Job.

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Hibiscus Teach · Series

Kim's Convenience

Let’s Agree on the Job.

Explain dissatisfaction and negotiate specific working arrangements.

B1+/B2 English60-minute tutor lesson

Created by , British English teacher.

Work without spending money

In this programme, the selected scene focuses on work without spending money.

Watch for: What does Janet want to buy, and how do she and Appa disagree about pay?

Original source

Clip A quiz · 6 questions

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

1. How much does Janet ask for?
2. What does she want to buy?
3. What cheaper alternative does Appa suggest?
4. How long does Janet say she has worked there?
5. What does she say she has not received?
6. What does Appa count in his defence?

Useful English

I appreciate what you provide, but I also need…

Could we agree on payment for my work?

Keep talking · 3 questions

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

  1. Why might two people define fair payment differently?

    Support and one possible answer

    One may include…

    One may include practical support while the other needs money they can spend independently.

  2. How can you explain a need without dismissing past help?

    Support and one possible answer

    I appreciate… but…

    I appreciate your help with travel, but I also need clear payment for these extra hours.

  3. Ask for a conversation about a working arrangement.

    Support and one possible answer

    Could we agree…?

    Could we agree on my hours and payment before I start next week?

A reason to return

In this programme, the selected scene focuses on a reason to return.

Watch for: What would make Janet return, and what does her idea of a break mean?

Original source

Clip B quiz · 6 questions

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

1. What hourly amount does Appa first offer?
2. What extra benefit does he mention?
3. Does Janet immediately accept that as enough?
4. What does her idea of a coffee break include?
5. What compromise does Appa propose?
6. What feeling does Janet say she wants?

Useful English

What would make this arrangement work for you?

Let’s be specific about the breaks.

Keep talking · 3 questions

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

  1. Which non-financial terms matter in a job?

    Support and one possible answer

    Hours, breaks and…

    Hours, breaks and the way feedback is given can make a big difference.

  2. What is the difference between a perk and recognition?

    Support and one possible answer

    A perk is…

    A perk is an extra benefit; recognition means acknowledging the value of someone's work.

  3. Make a reasonable counteroffer.

    Support and one possible answer

    Could we agree… instead?

    Could we agree on one longer break instead of two very short ones?

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. Open a pay discussion constructively.
2. Acknowledge existing help while raising a need.
3. Clarify a break.
4. Respond to an offer with a counteroffer.
5. Recognition means…
6. Finish a negotiation clearly.

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 do the two conversations differ?

    Support and one possible answer

    The first argues about… The second asks for…

    The first argues about what counts as support; the second moves towards specific terms.

  2. Which two terms would you clarify before accepting extra work?

    Support and one possible answer

    I would ask about…

    I would ask about the hours and how the work will be recognised or paid.

  1. Can you negotiate a fair part-time arrangement?

    Role A

    You help at a family shop and want two paid afternoon shifts with a proper break. Acknowledge existing support.

    Role B

    You need reliable help but have a limited budget. Offer a clear schedule, listen to the break request and agree a review date.

    Support

    Acknowledge help; state needs; counteroffer; confirm terms.

    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: I appreciate your support, but I need clear terms for the extra hours. B: I can offer two afternoons. A: Could we include a twenty-minute break? B: Yes. Let us confirm the tasks and review the arrangement next month.

    I can work two afternoons, provided we agree on the tasks and a break. Let's review it after a month.

    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.