Hibiscus Teach · Cartoons
The Secret Life of Pets
Can We Share?
Welcome someone and agree on simple rules for sharing space.
Created by Denis M., British English teacher.
A new member of the home
In this story, the selected scene focuses on a new member of the home.
Watch for: Why has Katie brought Duke home?
Clip A quiz · 6 questions
Answer about this clip only. Choose one answer for each question.
1–2 minGrammar in a minuteA2 · Didn’t with a base verb
“he didn't have a home”
Clip 1, quotation excerpt
Didn’t have describes the negative past situation. After didn’t, use have rather than had.
Useful English
This is our new friend.
Let’s help him feel at home.
Keep talking · 3 questions
Say your answer before opening the support. Take turns with a partner, or speak aloud on your own.
How can you welcome a new classmate?
Support and one possible answer
This is… You can…
This is our classroom. You can sit next to me.
What can two people do together at home?
Support and one possible answer
We can…
We can cook dinner and watch a film.
What does a new pet need?
Support and one possible answer
It needs…
It needs food, water and a safe place to sleep.
Whose bed is it?
In this story, the selected scene focuses on whose bed is it?.
Watch for: What do both dogs want?
Clip B quiz · 6 questions
Answer about this clip only. Choose one answer for each question.
1–2 minGrammar in a minuteA2 · Mine without a following noun
“this bed is mine”
Clip 2, quotation excerpt
Mine stands alone for my bed. My needs a noun after it. Both can express the same ownership with the correct pattern.
Useful English
Can we take turns?
There isn’t enough space.
Keep talking · 3 questions
Say your answer before opening the support. Take turns with a partner, or speak aloud on your own.
What do you share with other people?
Support and one possible answer
I share…
I share a table with my sister.
When is taking turns useful?
Support and one possible answer
We can take turns with…
We can take turns with a game or a computer.
Suggest a rule for sharing a room.
Support and one possible answer
Let's…
Let's keep our things on different shelves.
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.
Put it all together — speaking
Use English from both clips. For the last conversation, take a role each. On your own, practise both roles.
What changes between welcoming someone and sharing with them?
Support and one possible answer
It is easy to… but…
It is easy to say welcome, but we also need a fair plan.
What makes a sharing rule fair?
Support and one possible answer
Both people can…
Both people can use the space and keep their things safe.
Can you welcome a new roommate and agree on two rules?
Role A
You have a bedroom with one desk and two shelves. Welcome a new roommate and explain which things are shared.
Role B
You need the desk for homework at six. Ask for space for your books and suggest a turn-taking plan.
Support
Introduce; ask; offer; take turns.
Check your conversation
- Complete the communication goal on both role cards.
- Use at least one target word or phrase from each clip in short clear sentences.
- 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: Welcome! This shelf is yours. B: Thank you. Can I use the desk at six? A: Yes. I can use it at seven. B: Great. Let us keep the desk clear after we finish.
Welcome! You can use this shelf. Can we take turns using the desk?
Try again: After feedback, repeat the most difficult exchange. Improve one language point and one communication point; do not memorise the example.
1–2 minGrammar masteryB1 · An earlier past situation
“he didn't have a home”
Clip 1, quotation excerpt
Past perfect can show that a situation was already true before another past event.