Schitt’s Creek · Explain It—Don’t Just Repeat It.

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Hibiscus Teach · Series

Schitt's Creek

Explain It—Don’t Just Repeat It.

Explain an unfamiliar term, demonstrate a process and check understanding.

B2 English60-minute tutor lesson

Created by , British English teacher.

An instruction without an explanation

In this programme, the selected scene focuses on an instruction without an explanation.

Watch for: Does repeating the instruction solve the problem?

Original source

Clip A quiz · 6 questions

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

1. What are they making?
2. What two jobs is David doing at once?
3. Which instruction confuses him?
4. What comparison does David use?
5. What does he ask Moira to provide?
6. What signals that the cooking is going wrong?

Useful English

Could you show me rather than repeat the term?

When you say that, what action do you mean?

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 an expert repeat a word instead of explaining it?

    Support and one possible answer

    They may assume…

    They may assume the word is already clear because it is familiar to them.

  2. What would a useful demonstration include?

    Support and one possible answer

    One action and…

    One visible action and a check that the learner can repeat it.

  3. Explain a familiar digital action without jargon.

    Support and one possible answer

    Instead of saying…

    Instead of saying upload, I could say choose the file on your computer and send a copy to this page.

Who pays for it?

In this programme, the selected scene focuses on who pays for it?.

Watch for: What mistaken meaning does David attach to the term?

Original source

Clip B quiz · 6 questions

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

1. What new purchase first attracts Johnny's attention?
2. Why does David say work will pay?
3. Who does David initially think ultimately reimburses him?
4. What role does Stevie take?
5. Does Johnny accept skincare as automatically justified?
6. What does David finally say he will do?

Useful English

Could you give me a concrete example?

Let me explain it in everyday language.

Keep talking · 3 questions

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

  1. What question helps uncover a hidden assumption?

    Support and one possible answer

    What do you mean by…?

    What do you mean by included? Does anyone still need to pay separately?

  2. When should an explanation include a limit?

    Support and one possible answer

    When someone might…

    When someone might apply a term much more widely than intended.

  3. Explain a free trial without implying it is free forever.

    Support and one possible answer

    The trial includes… After that…

    The trial includes one week. After that, a subscription may be needed, so check the terms.

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. A learner asks what a term means. Best response?
2. Check someone's understanding.
3. Clarify included costs.
4. Avoid jargon.
5. Correct a mistaken assumption without ridicule.
6. A concrete example is…

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. What do both misunderstandings have in common?

    Support and one possible answer

    A familiar word to one person…

    A familiar word to one person is not clear to the other, and repetition hides the gap.

  2. How would you know that an explanation worked?

    Support and one possible answer

    The listener could…

    The listener could explain it back or complete one step correctly.

  1. Can you explain a new app feature without jargon?

    Role A

    Explain the difference between saving a document and sharing access to it. Use a concrete example and one privacy caution.

    Role B

    You think saving automatically sends the document to a colleague. Ask questions and explain the corrected meaning back.

    Support

    Ask what is understood; demonstrate; give a limit; check back.

    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: Saving keeps your changes; it does not send the file. B: So my colleague cannot see it yet? A: Correct. Sharing gives the person you choose access. Check their address first. B: I save my changes, then share with the correct person.

    Saving keeps your work on this device. Sharing sends someone access. Could you tell me which one you need?

    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.