Zootopia · Could You Help Me, Please?

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Hibiscus Teach · Cartoons

Zootopia

Could You Help Me, Please?

Explain a request and handle a delay politely.

B1 English60-minute tutor lesson

Created by , British English teacher.

Content note: A missing family member, workplace pressure and a mild pregnancy joke.

Ask for a chance

Judy wants a chance to help someone with a problem.

Watch for: What conditions does Bogo set?

Original source

Clip A quiz · 6 questions

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

1. Who is Mrs Otterton trying to find?
2. What does Judy offer to do?
3. How does Bogo initially respond to Judy taking the case?
4. How long does Judy receive?
5. What must Judy do if she fails under the agreement?
6. What does Judy's reply show?

Useful English

Original practice phrases.

Could you give me a chance to explain?

Ask for an opportunity to speak.

When do you need this finished?

Clarify a deadline.

Keep talking · 3 questions

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

  1. What should you check before making a promise?

    Support and one possible answer

    I should check…

    I should check the time available and whether I can do the work.

  2. When is it reasonable to ask for more time?

    Support and one possible answer

    When…

    When important information is missing, it is reasonable to explain that and ask.

  3. Ask a manager for a chance to try a new task.

    Support and one possible answer

    Could you…? I can…

    Could you give me a chance to try this task? I can show you a first version tomorrow.

A slow service counter

Judy needs information, but the service is slower than she expects.

Watch for: What makes the visit take longer?

Original source

Clip B quiz · 6 questions

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

1. Where do Judy and Nick go for information?
2. Who is Flash?
3. What does Judy want Flash to check?
4. What is unusual about the workers' pace?
5. What does Nick do that adds to the delay?
6. What is different when they finally leave?

Useful English

Original practice phrases.

Could you check that for me, please?

Make a polite service request.

Do you know how long it will take?

Ask about a delay.

Keep talking · 3 questions

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

  1. What helps you stay patient while waiting?

    Support and one possible answer

    It helps when…

    It helps when someone explains the reason for the delay.

  2. How can you explain urgency without being rude?

    Support and one possible answer

    I need… because…

    I need the information today because the deadline is tomorrow.

  3. Ask a service worker for an update.

    Support and one possible answer

    Could you…? Do you know…?

    Could you check my order, please? Do you know how long it will take?

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.

1. The report must be ready by Friday. Friday is the ___.
2. You say you will definitely help tomorrow. You make a ___.
3. The bus arrives later than planned. There is a ___.
4. You remain calm while waiting. You are ___.
5. You do not know when the task is due. What should you ask?
6. You need an update at a service counter. Choose a polite request.

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.

  1. How does time create a problem in both clips?

    Support and one possible answer

    In A… In B…

    Judy accepts a short deadline in A. In B, a long delay uses the time she needs.

  2. What information would help someone waiting for a service?

    Support and one possible answer

    They need to know…

    They need to know the reason for the delay and the likely finishing time.

  3. Can you resolve a delayed service request politely?

    Support and one possible answer

    Explain the request, clarify the deadline and agree the next update.

    Could you check my order, please? I need it by Friday. Do you know how long it will take? Thank you; I will wait for your update this afternoon.

Role A

You need a document by Friday. It is delayed. Explain your need without blaming the worker.

Role B

You can check the document today but cannot promise immediate completion. Give a realistic update time.

Check your conversation

  • State the request and deadline.
  • Ask and answer an update question.
  • Use three target items without making an unrealistic promise.

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

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