Learn English with Sing

More film and television lessons

Hibiscus Teach · Cartoons

Sing

A Big Promise, a First Step

Ask a clear question about a plan and encourage someone to begin.

A2 English target60-minute lesson target

A2 PRIORITY, NOT CERTIFIED. Both exact cuts need a strong level and six-evidence check; no lyrics reproduced.

Created by , British English teacher.

$100,000 Prize

The singers want to know more about the prize Buster has promised.

Watch for: What do they want Buster to show them?

Original source

Clip A quiz: 6 questions

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

1. What do the singers want to see?
2. How much money is being discussed?
3. What reason does Buster give for not opening the box?
4. Who does Buster ask about getting more money?
5. What work did Buster’s father do?
6. When does Buster say the singers will begin rehearsing?

Useful English

Can we see it, please?

You say: Ask to see the room.

One possible response

Can we see the room, please?

When do we start?

You say: Ask when the practice starts.

One possible response

When do we start practising?

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 question would you ask Buster?

    Help me start

    I would ask…

    Show an example

    I would ask: Can we see the prize?

  2. What do you practise each week?

    Help me start

    I practise…

    Show an example

    I practise English on Mondays and Fridays.

  3. Ask about a new club’s first meeting.

    Help me start

    When…? / Can we…?

    Show an example

    When do we start? Can we see the room, please?

Just Start Singing

Meena is about to sing in front of an audience, and Buster helps her begin.

Watch for: What small actions help Meena start?

Original source

Clip B quiz: 6 questions

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

1. What is Meena preparing to do?
2. How does she feel before beginning?
3. What does she find difficult at first?
4. Who stays with her to help?
5. What does he encourage her to do with her breathing?
6. What happens after she begins?

Useful English

Take your time.

You say: Encourage someone to answer slowly.

One possible response

Take your time. You can answer slowly.

Try the first line.

You say: Ask someone to try the first word.

One possible response

Try the first word.

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. Would you like someone beside you before a performance?

    Help me start

    Yes/No, because…

    Show an example

    Yes, because I feel less nervous with a friend.

  2. When do you feel nervous speaking English?

    Help me start

    I feel nervous when…

    Show an example

    I feel nervous when I meet someone new.

  3. Help your partner say a short introduction.

    Help me start

    Take your time. Try…

    Show an example

    Take your time. Try the first line: Hello, my name is…

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. Ask to see a ticket before you buy it.
2. Ask what time the activity begins.
3. A friend needs a little longer to answer. Say:
4. Suggest one small first step in reading a page.
5. Before speaking, you are worried about mistakes. You feel ___.
6. You do an activity again to get better. You ___.

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 does each person need before starting?

    Help me start

    The singers need…; Meena needs…

    Show an example

    The singers need clear information. Meena needs help to begin.

  2. What can you ask before joining a performance?

    Help me start

    When…? / Can…?

    Show an example

    When do we start? Can I practise first?

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

    Private Role A

    You organise a two-minute class introduction. You can let your partner practise once. The presentation begins at ten. Ask what help they need.

    Private Role B

    You want to introduce your hobby but feel nervous. You have three simple sentences ready. Ask when you start and whether you can practise the first line.

    Open only your own role card. Share its information by speaking, without showing the card.

    Help me start

    Ask a useful question, share the missing information and agree on the next step. Use a word or phrase from each clip.

    Check your conversation

    • Complete the practical goal on both role cards.
    • Use at least one target item 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: What help do you need? B: I feel nervous. Can I practise first? A: Yes. Try the first line. B: When do we start? A: At ten. Take your time now. B: Hello. My hobby is drawing.

    Try again: There is only one minute for the introduction. Choose two sentences together and practise the first one.

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