Hibiscus Teach · The Simpsons
Big Plans, Bad Excuses
Learn English with two Simpsons clips as you spot excuses, explain bad decisions and practise challenging an idea politely.
Created by Denis M., British English teacher.
Skinner is a headteacher; Chalmers is his boss. Homer is Bart and Lisa’s father.
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.
Cartoon fire and injuries. Use the selected trampoline extract; the full upload may contain additional material. Do not copy the stunts.
Steamed Hams
Skinner wants to impress his boss with lunch. Watch what happens when his explanation needs another explanation.
Watch and check · 6 questions
Choose one answer for each question, then check your choices.
Answer key and explanations
- B: The food in the oven has burnt. The damaged roast creates his problem.
- A: He says it is steam from cooking. He replaces the smoke explanation with a cooking explanation.
- C: It is an expression used in a particular region. He presents the name as a regional expression.
- A: They have grill marks. Their appearance contradicts the claimed cooking method.
- C: A fire. The visible kitchen problem contradicts his story.
- B: Skinner refuses the request. He stops Chalmers from examining the explanation.
Speaking · 3 prompts
Give a reason or example. Fictional answers are welcome.
- Which excuse is the most ridiculous? Explain what makes it funny.
- Burnt-cake challenge: give one wildly silly excuse, then the honest version. Which would you rather hear?
- Be Chalmers: ask two polite but awkward follow-up questions without directly accusing Skinner.
Need an idea? See one example
Did you make these yourself? Could you explain how you prepared them?
On your own, take both parts of a partner challenge. With a tutor, explain your choice and try an improved second answer.
Homer’s free trampoline
Homer brings a trampoline home. Watch the family’s excitement turn into a much bigger plan.
Watch and check · 6 questions
Choose one answer for each question, then check your choices.
Answer key and explanations
- A: They are excited to use it. Their reactions are enthusiastic.
- C: It cost him nothing. The lack of a purchase price is central to his enthusiasm.
- B: People might get hurt. She questions its safety.
- C: An attraction that people pay to enter. He imagines charging for a makeshift attraction.
- A: Several people get injured. The consequences support Marge’s concern.
- B: Get rid of this trampoline. He finally accepts that it should go.
Speaking · 3 prompts
Give a reason or example. Fictional answers are welcome.
- Homer calls it free. What other costs or problems should he have considered?
- Choose a free giant karaoke machine or a free garden slide. Defend your choice; your partner finds one catch.
- Pitch a harmlessly ridiculous attraction for a tiny garden. Your partner asks one sensible question; improve your idea.
Need an idea? See one example
Welcome to the world’s smallest chair museum: one chair, viewed from six exciting angles. Admission includes a seat, subject to availability.
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
That’s not quite what happened.
Correct an account tactfully. Stress: QUITE
Are you sure that’s a good idea?
Question a plan politely. Stress: SURE
I may have got a little carried away.
Admit overenthusiasm. Stress: CARRIED AWAY
Let’s admit it and start again.
Move from excuses to action. Stress: START AGAIN