Wonder: B1 English & Grammar

A first visit

Auggie visits a new school and meets pupils who will show him around.

Watch for: Which actions help him feel welcome?

Clip A quiz · 6 questions

Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers, then read the feedback.

1. Why are the pupils meeting Auggie?To ask him to teach a class.To give him his final exam result.To show him around the school.

2. What does Julian say about the science class?It never has homework.It is supposed to be very hard.It is only for older pupils.

3. Where has Auggie studied before this school?At home.At a boarding school abroad.At the same school for years.

4. Who has taught him at home?His older classmates.His mother.Julian.

5. How does Jack respond when Julian's questions become uncomfortable?He asks Julian to continue the personal questions.He announces that the tour is cancelled.He tries to stop or redirect the questioning.

6. What contrast does the conversation show between the pupils?They do not all approach Auggie in the same way.They all already know him well.They all refuse to speak to him.

1–2 minGrammar in a minuteB1 · Perfect passive with the learner as recipient

“he's been homeschooled”

Clip 1, quotation excerpt

Has been homeschooled presents education received, with its provider unnamed. Has homeschooled someone would instead make him the teacher. The perfect connects that experience to the present school visit.

Useful English

Original practice phrases.

Would you like me to show you around?

Offer practical help.

What do you enjoy doing outside class?

Ask a friendly, open question.

Keep talking · 3 questions

Say your answer aloud before opening the support. With a partner, take turns and ask a follow-up question.

Which kind of question makes a first conversation easier?
Support and one possible answer
A question about…
A question about interests gives the other person a comfortable way to join in.
How can you change the subject when a question is too personal?
Support and one possible answer
We could talk about…
We could talk about the clubs instead. Which ones would you like to try?
Welcome a new classmate in two or three sentences.
Support and one possible answer
Hi… Would you like…?
Hi, I'm Alex. Would you like me to show you around? What subjects do you enjoy?

A place at the table

Summer joins Auggie for lunch and explains why she wants to sit with him.

Watch for: Does she need an instruction to be friendly?

Original source

Clip B quiz · 6 questions

Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers, then read the feedback.

1. Where do Summer and Auggie talk?At a birthday party.At a lunch table.In the headteacher's office.

2. Who chooses to begin the conversation?Summer.Auggie's mother.A teacher speaking for Summer.

3. What does Auggie initially suspect?Summer has mistaken him for Jack.Someone told Summer to be his friend.Summer wants him to leave school.

4. How does Summer respond to that suspicion?She says it was her own choice.She refuses to say why she came.She confirms that it is a compulsory assignment.

5. Why does Summer say she wants to sit with Auggie?A teacher has assigned her the seat.Her usual table is full.She wants some nice friends.

6. How does the exchange develop after the doubtful beginning?They ask a teacher to settle an argument.They immediately leave in opposite directions.They continue a more friendly conversation.

1–2 minGrammar in a minuteB1 · An -ing complement with a passive role

“I don't like being accused of things”

Clip 2, quotation excerpt

Being accused is the activity disliked. Its passive form makes I the person receiving accusations, not the accuser. Dislike does not establish that an accusation is true.

Useful English

Original practice phrases.

You're welcome to join us.

Include someone in a group.

I came over because I wanted to say hello.

Explain a friendly action.

Keep talking · 3 questions

Say your answer aloud before opening the support. With a partner, take turns and ask a follow-up question.

Why might someone be unsure about an offer of friendship?
Support and one possible answer
They might…
They might have had a bad experience and need time to trust the offer.
How can a group include someone without putting them under pressure?
Support and one possible answer
They can…
They can offer a place and a simple activity, then let the person decide.
Invite someone who is sitting alone to join you.
Support and one possible answer
You're welcome…
You're welcome to join us. We're talking about films, and we'd like to hear what you enjoy.

Mastery quiz

Use language from both clips in new situations.

Mastery · 6 questions

Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers, then read the feedback.

Put it all together — speaking

Speak first, then use the support if you need it. For the final conversation, take a role each or practise both roles alone.

How do the tour and the lunch conversation show different ways of meeting someone?
Support and one possible answer
On the tour… At lunch…
The tour is organised by the school. At lunch, Summer chooses to approach Auggie herself.
What two things would help a newcomer feel welcome without feeling watched?
Support and one possible answer
I would…
I would offer practical help and ask about an interest rather than a personal difference.
Can you welcome a new member into your group?
Support and one possible answer
Introduce yourself, offer a short tour and invite them to join an activity.
Hi, I'm Alex. I can show you around before lunch. What do you enjoy doing? You're welcome to join our games group, but you can just watch first.

Role A

You have joined a school club or a community group. You do not know the building and are unsure about joining the activity.

Role B

Welcome the new person. Ask about one interest, offer practical help and leave them free to choose.

Check your conversation

Offer help without making a personal assumption.
Use language from both clips, including an invitation.
Ask a follow-up question and respect the answer.

Try again: Repeat the final interaction once. Improve one expression and one response to your partner.