Hibiscus Teach · The Simpsons
More Than a Grade
Practise English with two Simpsons clips about a disappointing test result and a memorable goodbye. Explore how to recognise progress and give useful encouragement.
Created by Denis M., British English teacher.
Bart speaks to his teacher after a test. In a separate story, Lisa says goodbye to her substitute teacher, Mr Bergstrom.
Watch once, check the vocabulary, replay, then try the quiz. Explain your choices and try the speaking challenges.
Useful discussion language, not all items are spoken in the clips. Practice sentences are original.
Tears, a disappointing result and a goodbye; mild language may occur in the test clip. Keep the discussion kind. Fictional examples are welcome.
Bart’s disappointing result
Bart is waiting for a test result. Listen for the difference between the mark and what he has learnt.
Watch and check · 6 questions
Choose one answer for each question, then check your choices.
Answer key and explanations
- C: A failing mark. He initially falls below the passing mark.
- B: He has genuinely tried hard. The disappointment comes despite real effort.
- A: She expects him to be used to disappointing results. She initially treats failure as familiar to him.
- C: He connects his feelings to a historical event. His comparison reveals relevant knowledge.
- B: He has applied something he learnt. She recognises his application of knowledge.
- A: He celebrates passing. The new result brings visible relief and delight.
1–2 minGrammar in a minuteC1 · Would softening an expectation
“I would think you’d be used to failing by now.”
Clip 1, quotation excerpt
I would think tentatively presents the speaker’s expectation. You’d be means you would be, giving the state she expects now; it is not past perfect “you had been”.
Speaking · 3 prompts
Give a reason or example. Fictional answers are welcome.
- Was the extra point fair? Support your opinion with something the teacher actually heard.
- Learning to cook, skate or speak English: choose a small victory that deserves a wildly oversized celebration. Explain.
- Give a 20-second pep talk to a friend who practised but lost an online game. Include one realistic next step.
Need an idea? See one example
Give yourself some credit. Your timing improved. Let’s practise the difficult move once more, then try a shorter game.
On your own, take both parts of a partner challenge. With a tutor, explain your choice and try an improved second answer.
Lisa’s farewell
Lisa catches up with a teacher she admires just before he leaves. Notice how he tries to reassure her.
Selected section 0:00–1:49. On YouTube, stop at the end of this section.
After watching: read the note
“You are Lisa Simpson.”
Watch and check · 6 questions
Choose one answer for each question, then check your choices.
Answer key and explanations
- B: He is leaving by train. The departure gives their conversation urgency.
- C: Stay rather than leave. She wants to keep his support nearby.
- A: His work takes him to others who need his help. His explanation is about helping elsewhere and moving on.
- C: A short written note. He gives her a small written message.
- B: When she feels alone and without support. He links it to moments of loneliness and uncertainty.
- A: Her own qualities still matter when he is not there. This fits a message of self-worth, rather than conditional approval.
1–2 minGrammar in a minuteB2 · A defining relative with a final preposition
“there’s nobody you can rely on”
Clip 2, quotation excerpt
Nobody is the person-reference modified by you can rely on. For formal wording, move on before whom; the negative nobody must remain negative.
Speaking · 3 prompts
Give a reason or example. Fictional answers are welcome.
- Why might four ordinary words help more than a long speech? Do you find the note convincing?
- Design a dream mentor with one useful skill and one ridiculous talent. Explain why you would enjoy learning from them.
- Eight-word challenge: create a helpful message for someone nervous before a first presentation. Explain your choice.
Need an idea? See one example
You do not have to be perfect today.
On your own, take both parts of a partner challenge. With a tutor, explain your choice and try an improved second answer.
Listen and repeat
Listen, repeat, then try each expression in a new situation.
Practice voice: Amanda (US English).
Download the English practice MP3
Give yourself some credit.
Recognise effort or progress. Stress: CREDIT
One result doesn’t tell the whole story.
Put a setback in perspective. Stress: WHOLE STORY
You’ve made more progress than you think.
Point out progress. Stress: MORE PROGRESS
Let’s work out what to try next.
Suggest a practical next step. Stress: NEXT
Vocabulary review · 8 items
1–2 minGrammar masteryB2 · Used to or be used to?
“I would think you'd be used to failing by now.”
Clip 1, quotation excerpt
In be used to failing, to is a preposition followed by -ing. Used to + base verb instead describes a former habit.