Ratatouille · More Than Just Food

← More film and television lessons

Hibiscus Teach · Cartoons

Ratatouille

More Than Just Food

Describe preferences and agree how two people can work together.

B1 English60-minute tutor lesson

Created by , British English teacher.

Content note: An anxious worker asks for help to keep his job.

A different way to taste

Remy wants his brother to enjoy food in a different way.

Watch for: Do the brothers pay attention to food in the same way?

Original source

Clip A quiz · 6 questions

Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers, then read the feedback.

1. What is Remy trying to show Emile?
2. How does Emile eat at first?
3. What does Remy ask Emile to change?
4. What does Remy ask Emile to do with the two foods?
5. What do the colours and shapes show?
6. Which difference between the brothers is clear?

Useful English

Original practice phrases.

I like the way these flavours work together.

Explain a food preference.

Try it slowly and notice the difference.

Guide someone's attention.

Keep talking · 3 questions

Say your answer aloud before opening the support. With a partner, take turns and ask a follow-up question.

  1. What food do you enjoy, and how would you describe it?

    Support and one possible answer

    It tastes… I like it because…

    I enjoy fresh bread because it tastes slightly sweet and feels soft.

  2. When is it useful to pay more attention to an everyday activity?

    Support and one possible answer

    When I… I notice…

    When I walk without using my phone, I notice more about the place.

  3. Recommend a combination of two foods.

    Support and one possible answer

    Try… with… because…

    Try apple with cheese because the sweet and strong flavours work well together.

A possible partnership

Linguini has a problem. Remy has a useful skill.

Watch for: What can each of them contribute?

Original source

Clip B quiz · 6 questions

Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers, then read the feedback.

1. What can Remy do that surprises Linguini?
2. What does Linguini admit about himself?
3. Why is the job important to Linguini?
4. What food must he be able to make again?
5. How does Remy answer him?
6. What solution does Linguini suggest?

Useful English

Original practice phrases.

You are good at this, and I can help with that.

Recognise complementary strengths.

How shall we divide the work?

Agree responsibilities.

Keep talking · 3 questions

Say your answer aloud before opening the support. With a partner, take turns and ask a follow-up question.

  1. Which skill could you bring to a small food business?

    Support and one possible answer

    I am good at…

    I am good at explaining things, so I could talk to customers.

  2. What should partners agree before starting?

    Support and one possible answer

    They should agree…

    They should agree who buys the food and who prepares it.

  3. Ask someone to work with you on a task.

    Support and one possible answer

    I need… Could we…?

    I need help with the design. Could we work together? I can write the text.

Mastery quiz

Use language from both clips in new situations.

Mastery · 6 questions

Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers, then read the feedback.

1. You put rice and vegetables together. You ___ them.
2. You notice a small change in the music because you ___.
3. Someone is especially good at fixing things. This is a useful ___.
4. Two people share one project. They ___.
5. You want to explain why you enjoy a dish. Choose the clearest sentence.
6. You and a partner need clear responsibilities. What should you ask?

Put it all together — speaking

Speak first, then use the support if you need it. For the final conversation, take a role each or practise both roles alone.

  1. How does noticing a difference help Remy in Clip A and Linguini in Clip B?

    Support and one possible answer

    In A… In B…

    Remy notices different flavours. Linguini notices an ability that he does not have.

  2. Which two skills would a successful food stall need, and why?

    Support and one possible answer

    It would need… because…

    It would need good cooking and friendly service because both affect the customer's experience.

  3. Can you agree a plan for a small food stall?

    Support and one possible answer

    Choose food, describe it and divide three jobs.

    Let's sell fruit wraps. The flavours work well together. You are good at cooking, and I can talk to customers. We can buy the food together.

Role A

You enjoy preparing food but do not want to handle payments. Propose a simple product.

Role B

You enjoy meeting people but cannot prepare the product alone. Negotiate a fair division of three jobs.

Check your conversation

  • Describe one food preference.
  • Recognise both partners' strengths.
  • Agree three responsibilities and use three target items.

Try again: Repeat the final interaction once. Improve one expression and one response to your partner.

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