Learn English with Trolls

More film and television lessons

Hibiscus Teach · Cartoons

Trolls

Ask Clearly, Answer Kindly

Ask for directions, make an invitation and give a simple reason for your choice.

A2 English target60-minute lesson target

A2 PRIORITY. Actual fast dialogue and comic threats may require a content/level blocker; retain 13+ screening.

Created by , British English teacher.

Cloud Guy

Poppy and Branch need directions, but Cloud Guy wants to play a game first.

Watch for: What does Cloud Guy ask for before he helps?

Original source

Clip A quiz: 6 questions

Answer about this clip. Replay when you need to. Choose one answer for each question.

1. What do Poppy and Branch need?
2. Who offers to show them the route?
3. What does he ask Branch to give him?
4. How does Branch first answer?
5. What does Cloud Guy do when Branch finally tries?
6. How does Branch react to the teasing?

Useful English

Which way do we go?

You say: Ask which way to go to the station.

One possible response

Which way do we go to the station?

No, thank you.

You say: Politely say you do not want to play.

One possible response

No, thank you. I don’t want to play.

Keep talking: 3 questions

Speak before opening the help or example. With a partner, ask a follow-up. On your own, say your answer aloud.

  1. Would you enjoy Cloud Guy’s game?

    Help me start

    Yes/No, because…

    Show an example

    No, because I would want the directions first.

  2. When do you ask someone for directions?

    Help me start

    I ask when…

    Show an example

    I ask when I cannot find a street.

  3. Ask how to get to a place in your town.

    Help me start

    Which way…?

    Show an example

    Which way do we go to the bus station?

Party Pooper

Poppy invites Branch to a celebration, but he worries about the noise.

Watch for: Why does Branch not want the party?

Original source

Clip B quiz: 6 questions

Answer about this clip. Replay when you need to. Choose one answer for each question.

1. What does Poppy invite Branch to?
2. When is the event planned?
3. How do the others describe the planned event?
4. What does Branch fear the noise will do?
5. Does Branch accept the invitation?
6. What group activity interrupts the disagreement?

Useful English

Would you like to come?

You say: Invite someone to a small party.

One possible response

Would you like to come to a small party?

I’d prefer something quieter.

You say: Say you prefer a quieter room.

One possible response

I’d prefer a quieter room.

Keep talking: 3 questions

Speak before opening the help or example. With a partner, ask a follow-up. On your own, say your answer aloud.

  1. Would you prefer a loud party or a quiet meeting?

    Help me start

    I’d prefer…

    Show an example

    I’d prefer a quiet meeting with three friends.

  2. What information belongs in an invitation?

    Help me start

    The time and…

    Show an example

    The time and place are important.

  3. Invite your partner and let them accept or decline.

    Help me start

    Would you like…? / I’d prefer…

    Show an example

    Would you like to come? Thank you, but I’d prefer something quieter.

Mastery: use your English

Apply language and ideas from both clips in new situations.

Mastery: 6 questions

Use the English in a new situation. Choose one answer for each question.

1. Ask for a route, not the time.
2. Politely say you do not want a game.
3. Invite a friend to an event.
4. Say that you prefer less noise.
5. Music that makes a lot of noise is ___.
6. Give a reason for choosing a quiet place.

Put it all together: speaking

Use English from both clips. Start with the two short questions, then take a private role each. On your own, practise both roles.

  1. What do Branch and the others want in each clip?

    Help me start

    Branch wants…; the others…

    Show an example

    Branch wants practical help and safety; the others want fun.

  2. What would make an invitation easier to answer?

    Help me start

    Say where…

    Show an example

    Say where it is, when it starts and what people will do.

  3. Can you reach a workable outcome together using the two private role cards?

    Private Role A

    You want to invite a friend out at six. You know a music café and a quiet park. The café is next to the station. Ask what your friend prefers.

    Private Role B

    You would like to talk and do not enjoy loud music. You do not know the park. Ask for a quieter choice and directions.

    Open only your own role card. Share its information by speaking, without showing the card.

    Help me start

    Ask a useful question, share the missing information and agree on the next step. Use a word or phrase from each clip.

    Check your conversation

    • Complete the practical goal on both role cards.
    • Use at least one target item from each clip.
    • Ask a relevant follow-up and respond to information you did not know.
    • End with a clear agreement, next step or summary.
    Show an example

    A: Would you like to come out at six? B: Yes, but I’d prefer somewhere quiet. A: We can go to the park. B: Which way do we go? A: Past the library, then left. B: That sounds good.

    Try again: The park closes at six. Agree to meet at the quiet café across from the library instead.

Original teaching activities: Hibiscus Teach. Film and television clips belong to their respective owners.