Hibiscus Teach · Vids
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.
Created by Denis M., 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.
Answer key and explanations
- B. He steps onto a hot grill. Correct. He steps onto the grill.
- A. He wants to wake up to the smell of bacon. Correct. That is the purpose of the routine.
- C. He goes back to sleep. Correct. He sleeps again while the bacon cooks.
- B. Someone to collect him and bring him to work. Correct. He wants a lift to the office.
- C. He crashes his car. Correct. His hurried rescue begins with a crash.
- A. He presents an unusual routine as perfectly reasonable. Correct. His serious delivery contrasts with the unusual routine.
1–2 minGrammar in a minuteB2 · The time of saying and the reported state
“I thought you said that you were hurt.”
Clip 1, quotation excerpt
Thought and said place the reporting in the past; were hurt gives the state reported at that time. Had been hurt can move an injury event earlier, but would be hurt makes it later.
Speaking · 3 prompts
Develop your answer with a reason or example. Try to use two vocabulary items.
- Which detail is funniest: the breakfast routine, Michael’s explanation or Dwight’s response? Explain why.
- Describe an unusual routine that makes perfect sense to one person but seems strange to everyone else. Use a real or invented example.
- 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.
Watch and check · 6 questions
Choose one answer per question. For the final question, choose the interpretation best supported by the scene.
Answer key and explanations
- A. He dresses like Dwight. Correct. His appearance establishes the imitation.
- C. Which kind of bear is best. Correct. Jim opens with a question about bears.
- B. Eleven dollars. Correct. That is the total he gives.
- C. He begins debating Jim’s answer. Correct. At first, he treats it as a debate.
- A. Michael. Correct. Dwight calls for Michael, and Jim echoes him.
- B. Jim stays matter-of-fact while Dwight becomes indignant. Correct. Their different attitudes make the exchange comic.
1–2 minGrammar in a minuteC1 · Preparatory it with an infinitive subject
“it only cost me seven dollars to recreate the rest of the Ensemble”
Clip 2, quotation excerpt
It introduces the cost before the action to recreate the rest of the ensemble. The action is what cost seven dollars. Here me identifies who bore that cost, rather than the person being recreated.
Speaking · 3 prompts
Develop your answer with a reason or example. Try to use two vocabulary items.
- What makes an impression recognisable: clothes, voice, favourite expressions or body language? Choose two and explain.
- Is Jim’s prank affectionate teasing or an insult? Explain where you would draw the line.
- 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
Emphasise the important words: pick me up, you’re upset, make you laugh, please stop. Practise a calm, clear delivery.
1–2 minGrammar masteryC1 · Passive and perfect -ing complements
“I enjoy having breakfast in bed.”
Clip 1, quotation excerpt
Enjoy takes an -ing complement. Being served makes the speaker receive the service; having served makes the speaker perform an earlier service; having been served combines earlier time with passive receipt.