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Learn English with The Office 2

Overreactions & Office Pranks

Some people make a fuss. Others know exactly how to provoke one. Watch two office mishaps and explore what makes them funny.

B2 · Adults2 clips · 12 quiz questions60 minutes with a tutor

Created by , British English teacher.

Content note: Injury-based slapstick, a car accident, vomiting and mocking or insensitive humour. Fictional comedy.

A little context: Michael manages the office. Jim and Dwight are colleagues with very different approaches to having fun.

On my own: Watch for the situation, review the vocabulary, then replay for detail. Complete the quiz before opening the key. Answer the speaking prompts aloud.

With my tutor: Watch, explain your answers and develop the speaking prompts together.

Vocabulary note: These words help you discuss the scenes; not all are spoken in the clips. The examples and practice expressions are original teaching material.

A breakfast disaster

Michael needs help. His explanation may raise more questions than it answers.

Selected scene: 8:58–11:43. English captions are available in the player.

Watch and check · 6 questions

Choose one answer per question. For the final question, choose the interpretation best supported by the scene.

1. How does Michael injure his foot?

2. Why does he keep the grill beside his bed?

3. What does Michael do after switching on the grill?

4. What help does Michael ask his colleagues for?

5. What goes wrong as Dwight sets off to help?

6. What makes Michael’s explanation especially comic?

Use the answer key to check your choices.

Answer key and explanations
  1. B. He steps onto a hot grill. Correct. He steps onto the grill.
  2. A. He wants to wake up to the smell of bacon. Correct. That is the purpose of the routine.
  3. C. He goes back to sleep. Correct. He sleeps again while the bacon cooks.
  4. B. Someone to collect him and bring him to work. Correct. He wants a lift to the office.
  5. C. He crashes his car. Correct. His hurried rescue begins with a crash.
  6. A. He presents an unusual routine as perfectly reasonable. Correct. His serious delivery contrasts with the unusual routine.
Speaking · 3 prompts

Develop your answer with a reason or example. Try to use two vocabulary items.

  1. Which detail is funniest: the breakfast routine, Michael’s explanation or Dwight’s response? Explain why.
  2. Describe an unusual routine that makes perfect sense to one person but seems strange to everyone else. Use a real or invented example.
  3. Work with your tutor or a partner. One person needs a lift after an embarrassing mishap; the other is sympathetic but busy. Agree on a solution. On your own, play both parts.
Need an idea?

For prompt 3: “Could you pick me up, please? I’ve had a rather embarrassing morning.” “I can see why you’re upset. I can collect you after my meeting, or help you arrange another lift.”

Double Dwight

Jim has made a small change to his appearance. Notice how long it takes Dwight to understand the joke.

English captions: use the player’s caption menu.

Watch and check · 6 questions

Choose one answer per question. For the final question, choose the interpretation best supported by the scene.

1. What is the first clear sign of Jim’s prank?

2. What question starts their conversation?

3. How much does Jim say the whole look cost?

4. Before recognising the imitation, how does Dwight respond?

5. What does Dwight call Jim’s behaviour?

6. Which contrast creates much of the humour?

Use the answer key to check your choices.

Answer key and explanations
  1. A. He dresses like Dwight. Correct. His appearance establishes the imitation.
  2. C. Which kind of bear is best. Correct. Jim opens with a question about bears.
  3. B. Eleven dollars. Correct. That is the total he gives.
  4. C. He begins debating Jim’s answer. Correct. At first, he treats it as a debate.
  5. A. Identity theft. Correct. That is the label Dwight uses.
  6. B. Jim stays matter-of-fact while Dwight becomes indignant. Correct. Their different attitudes make the exchange comic.
Speaking · 3 prompts

Develop your answer with a reason or example. Try to use two vocabulary items.

  1. What makes an impression recognisable: clothes, voice, favourite expressions or body language? Choose two and explain.
  2. Is Jim’s prank affectionate teasing or an insult? Explain where you would draw the line.
  3. Someone is copying one of your habits and it has stopped being funny. Respond firmly without starting an argument. Your partner replies and you resolve the situation. On your own, play both parts.
Need an idea?

For prompt 3: “I know you’re joking, but please stop.” “Sorry. I was only trying to make you laugh.” “I understand. Let’s leave it there.”

Listen and repeat

Practise the expressions, then use them in your own short exchange. Listen to the full British-English track or choose an individual expression.

Download the full British-English MP3

Could you pick me up, please?

Ask for practical help.

I can see why you’re upset.

Show understanding.

I was only trying to make you laugh.

Explain an intention.

I know you’re joking, but please stop.

Set a clear boundary.

Vocabulary review · 8 items
pick someone up
make a fuss
sympathy
overreact
impersonate
prank
take offence
get your own back

Emphasise the important words: pick me up, you’re upset, make you laugh, please stop. Practise a calm, clear delivery.