Movie Segments to Assess Grammar Goals contains a series of movie segments and activities to assess or practice grammar points through fun, challenging exercises. Here you will find the movie segments, the lesson plans, printable worksheets with answer key for each activity, and the tips to develop your own grammar activities with the DVDs you have at home. New activities are posted regularly. Teaching grammar with movie segments is inspiring and highly motivating.
Inspired by The British Council definitions of intonation. This activity is for the teachers to boost and foster the teaching of intonation in their lessons.
Intonation is about how we say things, rather than what we say. Without intonation, it's impossible to understand the expressions and thoughts that go with words.
Listen to somebody speaking without paying attention to the words: the 'melody' you hear is the intonation.
Why teach intonation?
Intonation exists in every language, so the concept we're introducing isn't new. However, learners are often so busy finding their words that intonation suffers. Yet intonation can be as important as word choice - we don't always realise how much difference intonation makes:
Awareness of intonation aids communication.
Incorrect intonation can result in misunderstandings, speakers losing interest or even taking offence!
How I help my students
Awareness-raising
Some techniques I find useful for raising learners' awareness of intonation:
Provide learners with models - don't be afraid to exaggerate your intonation.
Let students compare two examples of the same phrase, eg: varied/flat intonation, English / L1.
Ask students to have a 2-minute conversation in pairs as 'robots' (elicit the word using a picture if necessary), i.e. with no intonation. When they then go back to speaking 'normally', point out that the difference is made by intonation - this is what gives movement to our voices.
Get students to imitate my intonation, but without words, just humming.
Ask the students to watch the segment and talk about the little girl's speech rehearsal. How can she improve it? Ask them to say what they would do if they were her teacher.
This is a great movie. Meryl Streep is simply magnificent in this role. I used this scene to talk about rhymes and poetry.
A rhyme is
when two words sound the same when spoken. Rhyming words don't have to be
spelt the same to be classed as a rhyme. Rhyme is used in poetry to help
the poem become interesting. Rhyme is used to help create a pattern within a
poem.
I. Work in
pairs:
Read the
script of the scene and choose the best word to match the rhymes. Check the
rhyme and the meaning too.
[WOLF]
Good day,
young lady.
[LITTLE RED
RIDING HOOD].. good day Mr.Wolf.
[WOLF]
Look at that flesh
Pink and
plump.
Hello, little
girl...
Tender and (fresh/
flash / trash),
Not one lump.
Hello, little
girl...
This one's
especially lush,
Delicious...
Hello, little
girl,
What's your (crush
/ rush/ blush)?
You're
missing all the flowers.
The sun won't
set for (ours/ hours/ towers),
Take your
time.
[LITTLE RED
RIDING HOOD]
Mother said,
"Straight ahead,"
Not to delay
or be (misled/ glad/ sad).
[WOLF]
But slow,
little girl,
Hark and
hush-
The birds are
singing sweetly.
You'll miss
the birds (immediately/ completely/ quickly),
You're
traveling so fleetly.
Grandmother
first,
Then Miss
Plump...
What a
delectable couple:
Utter
perfection-
One brittle,
one supple-
One moment,
my dear-!
[LITTLE RED
RIDING HOOD]
Mother said,
"Come
what (pay/ pray/ may),
Follow the
path
And never stray."
[WOLF]
Just so,
little girl-
Any path.
So many worth exploring.
Just one
would be so (boring/ storing/ sorry).
And look what
you're ignoring...
Think of
those crisp,
Aging bones,
Then
something fresh on the palate,
Think of that
scrumptious carnality
Twice in one
day-!
There's no
possible way
To describe
what you (steal/ peel/ feel)
When you're
talking to your meal. (GROWL) for granny
[LITTLE RED
RIDING HOOD]
Mother said
Not to stray.
Still I
suppose,
A small delay...
Granny might
like
A fresh (play/
bouquet/ gourmet)
Goodbye, Mr.
Wolf.
[WOLF]
Goodbye,
little girl.
And hello...
(howls)
II, Watch the scene and check your answers,
Key:
[WOLF]
Good day,
young lady.
[LITTLE RED
RIDING HOOD]..
good day
Mr.Wolf.
[WOLF]
Look at that
flesh
Pink and
plump.
Hello, little
girl...
Tender and
fresh,
Not one lump.
Hello, little
girl...
This one's
especially lush,
Delicious...
Hello, little
girl,
What's your
rush?
You're
missing all the flowers.
The sun won't
set for hours,
Take your
time.
[LITTLE RED
RIDING HOOD]
Mother said,
"Straight
ahead,"
Not to delay
or be misled.
[WOLF]
But slow,
little girl,
Hark and
hush-
The birds are
singing sweetly.
You'll miss
the birds completely,
You're
traveling so fleetly.
Grandmother
first,
Then Miss
Plump...
What a
delectable couple:
Utter
perfection-
One brittle,
one supple-
One moment,
my dear-!
[LITTLE RED
RIDING HOOD]
Mother said,
"Come
what may,
Follow the
path
And never
stray."
[WOLF]
Just so,
little girl-
Any path.
So many worth
exploring.
Just one
would be so boring.
And look what
you're ignoring...
Think of
those crisp,
Aging bones,
Then
something fresh on the palate,
Think of that
scrumptious carnality
Twice in one
day-!
There's no
possible way
To describe
what you feel
When you're
talking to your meal. (GROWL) for granny
One of my all times favorite movies. Life of Pi is an unforgettable experience. The opening scene is perfect for all beginners levels working with vocabulary related to zoo animals. Kids love it!
Small groups - GAME:
I. Make a list of all the zoo animals you can remember.
II. Watch the segment. Check how many animals you guessed correctly.
The winner is the group who guesses most correct animals.
III. Guessing game:
Have students mime the animals for the other peers to guess what animal they are imitating. They cannot make any sounds.
KEY:
Here are the animals I managed to see. You may decide how
specific they have to be (ex: Monkey or proboscis monkey/ boa constrictor or snake)
1. What are you doing now?
2. What is the teacher doing now?
3. What is your family doing now?
4. Why is the girls always using binoculars?
5. Is this a happy family? Why (not)?
Here is another great activity provided by Pedro Urbano, one of this blog's readers. His activities are wonderful and this one is no exception. Thanks, Pedro, once again.
I've been teaching English for nine years working with
teens, adults, and seniors. Creating songs activities and especially movie
worksheets are my features. Today, I'm part of ICBEU teacher team - Manaus
(a dream of 13 years that came true), working with teens and adults.
Before you watch:
Look at
these questions. Choose the best answer:
How do
people feel when…
1.They
meet someone special in their lives?
a.Terrific and exhausted;
b.Hurt and energized;
c.Marvelous and terrific;
d.Terrible and hurt.
2.
Someone
special leaves their lives?
a.Empty
and admired;
b.Crushed
and abandoned;
c.Amused
and optimistic;
d.Amused
and admired.
While you watch
Watch the
movie segment. Check the correct responses according to the movie segment.
1.Who
was Gru in front of the house with?
a.He
was with the Minions;
b.He
was with a woman;
c.He
was with the kids;
d.He
was alone.
2.How
was the date according to the woman?
a.It
was quiet;
b.It
was crazy;
c.It
was fun;
d.It
was ok.
3.How
was Gru after the kiss?
a.He
was happy;
b.He
was sad;
c.He
was nervous;
d.He
was angry.
After you watch
Look at the
sentences. Check T (true) or F (false)
1.Gru
was on a date with a woman in the morning.
T ( ) F (
)
2.In
the following day, he was very disappointed. T (
) F ( )
3.The
woman said good bye to Gru. T ( )
F ( )
4.He
was terrific after she said good bye. T ( )
F ( )
This movie is marvelous. You must see it. Nothing is said in this scene, so it is very easy even for beginners. I used it to practice the simple present tense.
I. Watch the movie segment with attention. Write the activities next to the character (s) below.
SHEEP:
Ex: Wake up early
SPIDER
Ex; Wake up early
FARMER
DOG
ROOSTER
WAKE UP EARLY
READ THE NEWSPAPER
COMB THE HAIR
PUT ON DEODORANT
PLAY WITH THE BABY
HELP THE SHEEP CROSS THE BRIDGE
SHAVE
CROW*
COUNT THE SHEEP
II. Write four sentences saying what the characters do every day.
Ex: The spider wakes up early every day.
III. Write four sentences saying what the characters DON'T DO every day.
Ex; The spider doesn't shave in the morning.
ANSWER KEY:
WAKE UP EARLY - ALL
READ THE NEWSPAPER - DOG
COMB THE HAIR - SHEEP
SPRAY DEODORANT - FARMER
PLAY WITH THE BABY - SHEEP
HELP THE SHEEP CROSS THE BRIDGE - FARMER, DOG
SHAVE - SHEEP, FARMER
CROW *(to make the loud, high sound that a rooster makes) - ROOSTER
This vocabulary activity based on the monster hit "Let It Go" was provided by a reader from Peru, Margarita Jara de La Roca. Thanks Margarita for your contribution. I hope you all like it.
I studied at Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos.
I got a title as an English/Spanish Teacher. I worked as an English
Teacher in two institutions, the first one was at La Alegría en el Señor as a
voluntary teacher. This private school characterizes of providing specialized
teaching to children who have physical handicap but not mental. It was a
nice experience working there. I also worked for a short time at SENATI,
an institute who prepares young fellows to be technicians. I have also
worked as freelance teacher and translator. I love the children and enjoy
teaching. For this reason, in spite that I am not teaching at any
institution, I invite children of my neighborhood by the end of the year to
teach them Christmas carols and some handcraft to celebrate Christmas
together.
At present I am a Perú TESOL member and, I am also a member
of the Fellowship women at Union Church.
I like technology, although I am not an expert, when I saw
Claudio Azevedo's blog, I wanted to produce something similar. It was
exciting to do it and I felt very pleased after it.
My name is Margarita Jara de la Roca. I am Peruvian
and live in Lima, Perú. Here is a link to my blog - English Support
SOME QUOTES FOR THIS VIDEO
LOVEIS PUTTING SOMEONE ELSE’S NEEDS
BEFORE YOURS.
HI, I’M OLAF AND I LIKE
WARM HUGS
I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED THE IDEA OF SUMMER AND ALL
THINGS HOT
WINTER IS A GOOD TIME
TO STAY IN AND CUDDLE
LET IT GO – Idina Menzel
Lyrics:
The snow glows white on the mountain tonight
Not a footprint to be seen.
A kingdom of isolation,
and it looks like I'm the Queen
The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside
Couldn't keep it in; heaven knows I tried
Don't let them
in, don't let them see
Be the good girl you always have to be Conceal, don't feel, don't let them
know
Well now they know
LET IT GO, LET
IT GO
Can't hold it back anymore
LET IT GO, LET
IT GO
Turn away and slam the door
I don't care what they're going to say
let the storm rage on.
The cold never bothered me anyway
It's funny how some distance
makes everything seem small
and the fears that once controlled me
can't get to me at all
It's time to see
what I can do
to test the limits and breakthrough
no right, no wrong, no rules for me,
I'm free!
LET IT GO, LET
IT GO
I’m one with the wind and sky
LET IT GO, LET IT GO
You'll never see me cry
here I stand and here I'll stay
Let the storm rage on
My power flurries through the air into the
ground
My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals
all around
And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast
I'm never going back, the past is in the past
LET IT GO, LET
IT GO
and I'll rise like the break of dawn
LET IT GO, LET IT GO
that perfect girl is gone
Here I stand
in the light of day
Let the storm rage on
The cold never
bothered me anyway!
Vocabulary
Glow
(v) – to produce a continuous light
Howling (adj.) – to be very successful
Swirl
(v) - to move quickly with a circular movement
Conceal (v) - to prevent ST from being seen or discovered
Rage
(n) – extreme or violent anger
Funny
(adj) – humorous, causing laughter
Break through (ph v) to force yourself through ST that is
holding you back
Flurry
(v) – (of snow) to fall or be blown in a flurry
Fractal (n) – a geometric figure
Blast
(n) – (event) an exciting or enjoyable experience or event, often a party
Break of dawn (n) – the early part of the morning when the sun
first appears
Antonyms
Conceal ≠ Show
Rage ≠ Joy
Funny ≠ Serious
Synonyms
Glow = radiate, flush
Howling = wonderful, fantastic
Blast = clap, boom, good time
Make a sentence with
the following words
am queen I looks It like the
……………………………….
of like will the dawn I break rise
……………………………….
me anyway cold bothered The never
……………………………….
Fill in the blanks with
the following words
limits time
cry small rules
funny fears right
It's ………… how some distance makes everything
seem ………… and the ………… that once controlled me
can't get to me at all. It's ………… to see what I can do
to test the ………… and break throughno
…………., no wrong, no ………… for me, I'm free!
Let it go, let it go. I’m one with the wind
and sky
Let it go, let it go. You'll never see me …………
Here I stand and here I'll stay, let the storm rage on
