Blog Feed: Movie Segments to Assess Grammar Goals

Dear Friends,I'm having a vacation break now. I wish you all a merry Christmas and a Happy 2013. Brand new posts will come out in mid-January. Thanks for your constant support.Claudio Azevedo

Water for Elephants: Possessives ('s)

Published on 2012-12-14 20:30:00

This is one of the best films that I saw last year. I used this scene to talk about circus and possessives ('s)I. Check the artists/activities you can see in the segment.

Burlesque: Simple Past x Present Perfect

Published on 2012-12-07 20:30:00

I love Cher and this movie. Tho movie has great dancing and musicals. It is worth seeing, for sure. The opening scene is wonderful to contrast the use of the simple past and present perfect tenses.I. Watch the movie segment and decide if the activiti

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Modal verb for Advice - Should

Published on 2012-11-30 20:30:00

This used to be one of my favorite childhood movies and the remake is absolutely fabulous. I used this scene to have students practice modals for advice in a contextualized manner.I. Watch the movie segment and make a list of 4 inappropriate behavior

My Big Fat Greek Wedding: Order of Adjectives

Published on 2012-11-24 08:06:00

This is one of the best romantic comedies of all times. The cultural conflict, good humor, and clever plot make it stand out the others. It is full of scenes you can use in your classroom. A. Watch the movie segment and choose the best order for the

Silent Hill: Modals for Possibility - MIGHT COULD MUST

Published on 2012-11-16 20:05:00

The first scene of the movie is intriguing. You have a lot to speculate about. Ask your students to use their imagination doing the exercises.I. Watch the movie segment and write 3 sentences for the questions below. Use MIGHT and COULD (slight possib

Prometheus: Asking Questions

Published on 2012-11-09 20:43:00

I am a great fan of Ridley Scott's movies. This one is no exception. The story is wonderful, and it makes us think about the importance of knowing about where the human race come from.I. Before you watch the segment, try to put the questions below in

The Ant Bully: Passive x Active Voice - Mixed Verb Tenses

Published on 2012-11-02 21:01:00

I. Read the sentences below and write them in the passive voice.1. We have brought you before this council to face judgment..........................................................................2. The queen herself will be handing down the sentenc

Couples Retreat: Have Got (Noun) x Have Got To (Verb)

Published on 2012-10-26 21:57:00

his movie has very good moments, but it could have been better. I used this scene to contrast the use of GET (followed by nouns or verbs).The verb TO GET had different uses and meanings. In this exercise we wiil see the difference of the verb To Get, meaning To Have.Ex: I('ve) got a bad feeling = I have a bad feeling. I ('ve) got a beautiful house = I have a beautiful house.I. Talk to a partner:1- Would you like to go to a resort for couple skill building if your relationship were cold and di [..]

Hairspray: Used to

Published on 2012-10-19 22:08:00

This musical is not shallow at all. There are many messages on racism, social discrimination, looks dictatorship, and segregation. Moreover, it is great, the music is fun, and it is a huge source for activities. John Travolta's role as the fat mother is unforgettable. I used this one to practice USED TO.I. Watch the movie segment and make a list of 6 things that USED TO BE DIFFERENT in the 60s in the city of Baltimore, USA, according to the segment. Don't repeat the verbs you have alredy used. O [..]

X-Men First Class: Modal Verb for Ability - CAN

Published on 2012-10-12 22:17:00

I love all the X-Men sequels and prequels. This one is one of my favorites. You can't miss it.I. Watch the movie segment and match the mutant's number with what they can do. Mutants are people who have special gifts with which they can perform actions regular people usually can't. What can these mutants do?1. Hank2. Mystique3. Darwin4. Banshee5. Angel6. Alex( ) Break objects with his/her voice( ) Create and throw shiny circles at objects and destroy them( ) Hold objects with his feet( ) Fly( ) A [..]

Cars: Modal Verbs for Prohibition - CAN'T - TO BE NOT ALLOWED TO

Published on 2012-10-05 22:01:00

Take a look at the rules for the race that will take place in the movie segment. Try to match the rule and its meaning.1. No pushing2. No shoving3. No bumping4. No cheating5. No spitting6. No biting7. No maiming8. No road rage9. No lolly gagging10. No road hogging11. No back stabbing12. No oil slicking( ) no idly wasting time( ) no useless slow driving( ) no saying bad things behind their backs( ) no letting oil on the road( ) no using of physical force to remove the oponent( ) no pushing rudely [..]

It's Complicated: While x During

Published on 2012-09-28 22:08:00

This is a great romantic comedy with excellent actors. This is comedy about a couple who have been separated for 10 years, found new lovers, and who start dating again after their divorce. Jane (Meryl Streep) and Jake (Alec Baldwin) a planning a date, but Jake has to leave his new wife (Agnes) and son at home to meet Jane.I. Watch the movie segment and decide wheter you will complete the blanks with DURING or WHILE.1. She cooked dinner and drank wine _________________ she was waiting for him.2. [..]

Wanderlust: No Matter...

Published on 2012-09-21 22:30:00

This is a funny movie that went unnoticed in movie theaters. I recommend it, though. This scene i really nice and my Thomas Prime 5 students loved it.No matter often introduces clauses in statements that express frustration or encouragement. No matter is commonly combined with who, what, when, why, where, or the intensifier how +

Patch Adams: Asking Questions

Published on 2012-09-14 22:08:00

This is such a great movie that I believe everyone should see. The message is awesome and inspiring. I. Put the cues below in the correct order to make questions:1. are / why / we / meeting / in here?..............................................................................2. heaven/ which / way / is?...............................................................................3. how much / taller / Wilt Chamberlain / is / than you?........................................................... [..]

The Greatest & Did You Hear about the Morgans?: Numerals

Published on 2012-09-07 22:07:00

You can do these activities separately or together if you want. The Greatest is more challenging for the numbers are long and you also have dates and times. The one from Did You Hear about the Morgans? is much easier, it is suitable for beginners, but you must tell the students that they don't have to understand everything, just the numbers. It is a great listening exercise and you can practice this point in a meaningful way.A. Try to complete the blanks below with the given numbers.18 - 216 - 1 [..]

Angels & Demons: Passive Voice

Published on 2012-08-31 22:54:00

I like both the movie and the book. The story is farfetched, but well told and interconnnected. The scene I selected is perfect for the students to practice the passive voice.I. Read the sentences below and write them in the passive voice.1. A cardenal must destroy the Ring of the Fisherman immediately following the Pope's death...................................................................2. Someone seals the papal apartment for nine days of mourning......................................... [..]

Tangled & Rio: Simple Present

Published on 2012-08-24 22:03:00

Both movies are wonderful. Both have scenes that show daily acitities, so I prepared this fun activity to make students practice the simple present tense in a challenging and exciting manner.I. Watch the segments below only once. Then work in groups and decide who performs the following activities every morning. Write R if it is Rapunzel (Tangled) or L if it is Linda (Rio).( ) Sweep the floor at 7 a.m( ) Read a book( ) Paint( ) Play the guitar( ) Wake up at 7:15 am( ) Brush her teeth( ) Have bre [..]

Frantic: Questions - Simple Past

Published on 2012-08-17 22:18:00

This is an excellent thriller with an intriguing story. I used the scene that the husband, Dr. Walker, asks several questions to the hotel clerk who works where he staying at and is working out during his break time. Dr. Walker's wife mysteriously disappeared while he was in the shower in the hotal room and he is looking for clues to unsolve the happening.A. Before watching the segment, put the questions below in the correct order.1. you/ did/ her/ see_______________________ ?2. did/ what/ say/ [..]

The Untouchables: Prepositions

Published on 2012-08-10 22:12:00

This classic is full of very interesting scenes to practice grammar. The director, Brian de Palma, is one of my favorite movie makers, because the way he uses the camera provides us, teachers, with plenty of material for our classes. This scene, for example, shows the same apartment several times and there is little language used, so it is a must for beginners. It is always very difficult to find movie scenes for beginners, so this one is precious. I used it to practice house and decoration voca [..]

The Time Traveler's Wife: 2nd Conditional

Published on 2012-08-03 22:04:00

I had very little expectations about this movie, but it is amazingly pleasant and creative. The whole idea is very interesting and the gripping beginning is just great. I used two scenes from the movie to have students practice the 2nd conditional in an imaginative, contextualized way. I. Work with a friend. Write down your answers to the questions:1. Would you like to time travel? Why (not)? I ______________________ because ______________________. 2. What would the consequences of time travel b [..]

Before Sunset: 3rd Conditional

Published on 2012-07-28 21:56:00

This excellent activity was provided by Vera Babat, from Uruguay. Here are a few words she provided us with about herself. Thanks for your contribution. Our institute's web is www.infusionenglish.edu.uy I'm a psychologist with 12 years experience teaching teenagers and young adults. I love preparing lessons using authentic materials. Love films that make students think as it's a great chance to think critically on certain issues.Before Sunset | starring Ethan Hawk /Julie Delpy Just listen to [..]

The Purple Rose of Cairo: Reported Speech

Published on 2012-07-27 22:02:00

This is one of my all-times favorite. This scene is great to practice reported speech.Watch the segment and check who says these lines in.T - TomR - RitaC - Cecilia1. ( ) I was in an Egyptian Tomb2. ( ) I'll wait for that glass at the Copacabana3. ( ) It's nothing, I'll be OK.4. ( ) Draw my bath.5. ( ) I can't wait to get out of these clothes.6. ( ) I am very impressed.7. ( ) You've been here all day.8. ( ) This is the fifth time you're seeing this.9. ( ) Come here quickly10. ( ) Who are you?11. [..]

Greenberg: Simple Past x Past Continuous

Published on 2012-07-21 10:23:00

Although this movie is not a master piece, it has great moments and the story is appealing. Stiller has one of his best dramatic roles in his career, though. I used this beutiful scene to practice contrasting the use of the simple past x past continuous. I. Watch the movie segment and then fill in the blanks with the simple past or the past continuous form of the verbs in parentheses:1. When Roger _________ (enter) the bar, Florence ________ (sing) a song in the bar.2. Roger ________ (listen) t [..]

Lilo & Stitch: Past Modals for Regrets

Published on 2012-07-13 22:49:00

This animated movie reminds us the way old cartoons were made, but it is a very nice, funny one. The idea and plot are very appealing as well. I liked it very much. I used this scene to reinforce past modals for regrets in a contextualized manner. A. Lilo is a little girl that is raised by her older sister, Nani. For Lilo not to be taken away to a social institution, her sister has to convince the social worker, Mr. Bubbles, that she has been doing a good job nurturing Lilo. Watch the movie seg [..]

Duplicity: Simple Past

Published on 2012-07-06 22:38:00

I love this segment because I used it to teach grammar kinesthetically. I hope you like this daring activity. A. Watch the movie segment. Then work in small groups. Think about the story that took place before the scene. Write a short paragraph (or sentences) in the past tense saying what happened before their fight in the airport. B. Now write down the dialog that you imagine they had at the airport, the scene of the movie segment. Use the simple past tense.C. Role-play (or read) your dialog to [..]

Splice: Simple Past x Past Perfect

Published on 2012-06-29 22:15:00

I. Watch the movie segment and write 1 next to the activity that was performed first and 2 next to the second one.1.( ) She looked at the ceiling.( ) She stuck her tongue out of her mouth.2.( ) She opened the suitcase.( ) She saw herself in the mirror.3.( ) She played with toys.( ) She wore the crown.4.( ) She looked at the picture.( ) She closed the suitcase.5.( ) She saw the cat.( ) She fetched the cat.6.( ) She held the cat tenderly in her arms.( ) She ran with the cat in her arms.II. Fill i [..]

Grease: Dangling Modifiers

Published on 2012-06-22 22:26:00

This a classic with an unforgettable song. It is important that teens learn about the classics, and they usually like experimenting with new material.Decide if the sentences below are correct. If they are not, make the necessary changes to correct them. There may be more than one possible correction.Danny with the guys and Sandy with the girls.1 - After sitting around Danny, the boys asked him to tell them about the girl he met.2 . While telling her friends about her summer loving, the girls lis [..]

Cars: Comparatives of Adjectives and Nouns

Published on 2012-06-15 22:20:00

I have said many times that I just love animated movies. Cars was a turning point in animation. The movie is great and this scene is perfect for comparatives. I also use it for the practice of USED TO, but this is something for another post. I hope you like this one. A. Read the features below and compare the same city before and after the construction of Interstate 40. Write B if the adjectives or nouns are more evident in the city before the construction of the interstate 40 years ago or A if [..]

Crazy Heart: Past Modal for Speculation and Regrets

Published on 2012-06-08 22:09:00

This movie has great music and touching acting. The scene the little boy disappears is perfect for modals for speculation and regrets. I used it for a production, not controlled exercise. A. Watch the movie segment and write sentences using past modal verbs. I. Write down 3 sentences saying what might have happened while the boy was lost.Ex: The boy must have hidden himself somewhere. 1. _____________________ 2. _____________________ 3. _____________________II. Write down 3 sentences saying [..]

The Uninvited: Narratives - Simple Present

Published on 2012-06-01 22:01:00

This film and scene are a bit scary. Make sure your audience is ready for this kind of material. It is great, though, and very easy to understand. The students can easily perform the assigned tasks and practice writing a narrative, using the simple present tense. I. Work in pairs:1. Do you dream every night?2. Do you remember your dreams?3. Which kind of dream do you remember with more details? Dreams or nightmares?4. Do nightmares have meanings?II. Complete the paragraph with the verbs provided [..]

9:Imperative Forms

Published on 2012-05-25 22:05:00

I. Half the students leave the classroom and wait outside (or close eyes) - Students A.II. The students who stay in the classroom - Students B - work individually.Students B - Watch the movie segment and make a list of all the actions that the main character performs in the order they take place.Ex:1. He opens his eyesIII. Invite the other students back into the classroom (or sts open their eyes). Each student chooses one of the Students B, who had stayed in the classroom.IV.Students B - Give th [..]

Surrogates: To Be Able To

Published on 2012-05-18 22:38:00

This movie rocks. I love the original idea of the conflict it proposes. You must see it. I used this wonderful scene to talk about the future and what people will be able then.A. Work in small groups:1. Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future? Explain it.2. In what fields of science will the future present major changes? Why?3. Imagine life 20 years from now. Make a list of 5 things that you believe people will be able to do that we cannot nowadays.a. ................................. [..]

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: Count x Non Count Nouns

Published on 2012-05-11 22:20:00

This is a fantastic animated movie and its ecological message is subtle, but highly effective. It's also very funny. A. Watch the movie segment TWICE and check the items that you can see OR that the characters say in the snippet. First, check that you understand all the words.( ) EGGS( ) TOAST( ) ORANGE JUICE( ) BACON( ) CHEESEBURGERS( ) CHICKEN( ) WAFFLES( ) FALAFELS( ) JELLYBEANS( ) AVOCADO( ) PIZZA( ) DOUGHNUTS( ) BLT( ) PIE( ) FISH( ) CRÈME BRULÉE B. Now write down the food items under th [..]

The Karate Kid: Cleft Sentences

Published on 2012-05-04 22:46:00

It is great to have a movie segment to have students practice the use of cleft sentences, because it contextualizes the grammar point allowing students to meaningfully emphasize the information presented in the segmentCleft sentences are used to help us focus on a particular part of the sentence and to emphasise what we want to say by introducing it or building up to it with a kind of relative clause. Because there are two parts to the sentence it is call [..]

Spirit - Stallion of the Cimarron: Dialog Writing

Published on 2012-04-27 22:18:00

A. This movie is about Spirit, a wild mustang. Watch the segments and, in small groups, write down the dialog you imagine took place in the scenes. Imagine that the horses are speaking English! Use your imagination and be creative.*Note to the teacher:Pause the segments when the slide of a heart shows up. Have the groups write down the dialogs, following the instructions for each part as shown below, before you play the next segments, and pause again on the heart slides.Scene 1. Write down the d [..]

Puss in Boots: Comparatives & Superlatives

Published on 2012-04-20 22:01:00

I simply love this movie. One of the best animated films ever. Unforgettable. I used it to practice contrasting comparative and superlative formsWatch the movie segment and decide which adjectives better apply to Puss in Boots or Kitty Softpaws. Puss and KittySEXY / FAST / PROVOCATIVE / CHARMING / TALL / CONFIDENTWrite sentences comparing Puss and Kitty, using the adjectives above.Ex: Kitty (Puss) is sexier than Puss (Kitty).1 .... [..]

Dear John: Passive Voice with Simple Present, Simple Past and Present Perfect

Published on 2012-04-13 22:27:00

A. Read the script of the first scene from the movie Dear John. The paragraph is in the passive voice. either the simple present tense, simple past or the present perfect tenses. Fill in the blanks with the passive voice of the given verbs. Decide which of the two tenses you will use, depending on the context.Glossary:punch out: hit someone or something hard and repeatedlyrim: to be round or along the edge of somethingbevel: to give something a sloping edgestamp: to make a markmint: to produce [..]

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: Double Comparatives

Published on 2012-04-06 22:13:00

I believe I was lucky enough to find such a pertinent segment to practice double comparatives, a grammar point we often have to teach, but I had never managed to find the right scene. The movie is sensational! I strongly recommend it. GRAMMAR TIP:Double comparatives are used to describe a cause-and-effect process. Remember: When BE is used in double comparatives, it is often omitted.A. Before watching the segment, match the cause with its effect.1. We ask the machine to make more food.2. The ma [..]

Avatar: Order of Adjectives

Published on 2012-03-31 22:06:00

Avatar is a revolutionary movie with wonderful visual effects and a great story. I simply loved it and used the Na'Vis physical characteristics to practice the use of order of adjectives.A. Watch the movie segment from the movie Avatar and put the adjectives below in the correct order. The scene shows the Na'Vis, the people who inhabit Pandora, and their relationship with nature. Take a look at the chart below to choose the correct order.Types of adjectives:Opinion: It explains what you think ab [..]

Mary and Max: Present Perfect x Simple Past

Published on 2012-03-23 22:01:00

This is a marvelous Australian animated movie for adults. A bit sad, though. It is about two very unlikely pen pals. There are several scenes for grammar practice. This one is perfect to contrast the use of the simple past and the present perfect tenses.A. Read the sentences taken from a letter Max is writing Mary and try to guess whether you should complete the blanks with the simple past or the present perfect tenses of the given verbs.1. I ____________ (choose) the same numbers for nine year [..]

Julie & Julia: Modal Verbs for Strong Advice or Obligation - MUST - Giving Instructions

Published on 2012-03-16 22:08:00

A. Match the two parts of the sentences below.1. You make sure2. You hold3. You protect4. You cut( ) only the onion( ) the knife like this( ) the other hand( ) that the egg is freshB. Now connect both parts of the sentences and write sentences, using modals for strong advice or obligation.1. ..................................................2. .................................................3. .................................................4. .................................................C [..]

Saturday Night Fever: Simple Present

Published on 2012-03-09 21:23:00

This is a great classic, extremely tacky, that the students are not very familiar with. They usually love the scene and have fun with the song. It's a revival! I like sharing classics with the students, sometimes the only opportunity they have to watch them.A. Make a list of 5 things you do before you go out dancing Saturday nights.Ex:I take a hot shower.I wear a beautiful dress.1. ........................................2. .......................................3. ............................. [..]

Love Happens: Past Modals for Regrets

Published on 2012-03-02 21:04:00

A. Watch the movie segment about a man describing how his son died. Check the alternatives that he mentioned. 1. ( ) They stopped by the construction site to pick up some blueprints. 2. ( ) He left his son in the car. 3. ( ) The boy stayed in the car until his dad came back. 4. ( ) The boy left the car and fell off the scaffold. 5. ( ) He lost his job. 6. ( ) His wife left him. 7. ( ) Nobody said anything to support him during the therapy. B. Now rewrite the items above, using past modals for [..]

Once Upon a Time in America: Used To

Published on 2012-02-24 20:06:00

This activity was taken from an unforgettable classic. It is a wonderful movie with a brilliant story and saga. It's one of my all times favorite. I took advantage of the scene that shows New York in the beginning of the century to practice USED TO in a contextualized way. Watch the video segment and observe how different New York used to be in the beginning of the century. Pay close attention to the following people and objects.Cars Street vendors Streets Cameras WomenClocks Police Officers Bui [..]

Agora: Used To

Published on 2012-02-17 20:11:00

This is a very interesting movie about a woman scientist that was ahead of her time, developing scientific studies that were proven right centuries before the first astronomers came up with the theories we believe in nowadays. I used this scene to practice the use of USED TO and its negative form. A. Watch the movie segment and complete and read the sentences below. Then complete them with used to or didn't use to, according to the segment.1. Ordinary people ___________ (think) the world was a g [..]

Big Fish: Too x Either

Published on 2012-02-10 20:04:00

This marvelous movie is fantastic for activities because it is full of complete micro stories completely contextualized. This one I used for a basic grammar point, contrasting the use of TOO and EITHER.I. Answer the questions about Ling and Ping, the Siamese Sisters. Decide which alternative is better, according to the movie segment. Then answer the questions, using too or either.1. Ling can / can't sing. What about Ping? ..................................................... 2. Ling has / doesn' [..]

Mary and Max: Questions

Published on 2012-02-03 20:04:00

I love this movie. This scene is perfect to practice questions with basic learners.1. Match the first part of the sentence with its complement.1. My name is 2. I'm3. My favorite color is4. My favorite food is5. I have 6. My mother likes7. My father likes 8. I can't( ) draw ears but I'm good at teeth.( ) eight years old, three months and nine days.( ) smoking, cricket and sherry.( ) playing in his shed with dead animals.( ) brown.( ) a rooster called Ethel.( ) Mary Daisy Dinkle.( ) sweetened cond [..]

Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief: Zero Conditional

Published on 2012-01-28 20:25:00

This movie is great, especially because of the references made to Greek mythology. Many teens started learning about it while watching it. This scene reveals a few characteristics of Medusa. I used it to practice the Zero Conditional because it deals with general truths about the myth.Remember:The structure of a zero conditional sentence A zero conditional sentence consists of two clauses, an “if” clause and a main clause (In most zero conditional sentences you can use when or if and the mea [..]

A Christmas Carol: Passive Voice with Modal Verbs

Published on 2012-01-20 20:15:00

I could never expect this movie to be so good. It is animated, but it seems to be so real... Besides, it is a classic tale that everyone should learn about. I must admit it is scarier than many children can bear, but it has been approved for all audiences. I enjoyed it immensely.A. Watch the movie segment that takes place on Christmas Eve. Read the sentences below and decide if you are going to use affirmative or negative modal verbs, according to the information in the segment. Choose the corre [..]

Planet 51: Passive Voice with Simple Present

Published on 2012-01-13 20:13:00

Happy 2012!!! Hope you enjoy the activities planned for 2012. Remember to share yours too. Email them to claudioazv@gmail.com and your credits and pictures are added as well.Planet 51 is amazingly funny. I laughed so much that I almost cried during the movie. It is attractive to children and to adults, too. Rent the movie! You'll love it. I took advantage of the opening scene to practice passive voice in the simple present tense.A. Watch the movie segment and check the activities that the inhabi [..]

The Tooth Fairy: In Case x In Case of

Published on 2011-12-10 20:44:00

This is a good wholesome movie. I had a fun time watching it. I used this great scene to have students practice contrasting the use of In Case and In Case Of.The legend of the Tooth Fairy is about a fairy that gives a child money or gifts in exchange for a baby tooth that has fallen out. Children typically place the tooth under their pillow at night. The fairy is said to take the tooth from under the pillow and replace it with money once they have fallen asleep.A. Read the inventions made for t [..]

Dinner for Schmucks: Present Continuous

Published on 2011-12-03 20:04:00

The opening scene of this movie is memorable and perfect for beginners to practice the present continuous tense. The instructions of the game are simple, but you had better model it, instead of giving the instructions in written form.Game:I. Divide the class into groups of 3 students. Watch the movie segment and take notes of all the leisure activities the mice are doing in that afternoon.II. Get together with your group and write down as many sentences as you can, saying what the mice are doing [..]

1.000.000 Visitors!

Published on 2011-11-30 20:38:00

Thank you all for 1.000.000 hits on Movie Segments to Assess Grammar Goals. This is a motivating number that will certainly make me keep on sharing my activities!

Mary and Max: There to be

Published on 2011-11-25 20:02:00

I love this Australian animated movie. Here the student plays bingo with what they will see in the movie in order to practice of the verb THERE + TO BE. This class was really fun!A. You are going to see a movie segment that shows Lamington Drive in Waverly, Australia. Look at the phrases below and complete the bingo chart with 9 of the given phrases that you think you will see in the scene.a pair of boots on the wires / a football on the roof / a fast trolley / a sprinkler in the garden / a pair [..]

Up: Used to

Published on 2011-07-01 22:04:00

In my opinion, this is the best animated movie of all times. I laughed, but I cried a little too. This touching story has this beautiful scene that I used to practice the use of USED TO. It is great for the simple past tense too, but this will come u

Blindness: Modal Verb for Ability - CAN

Published on 2011-06-25 22:08:00

Saramago's book had a decent adaptation, which was filmed in São Paulo. This intriguing scene is great for beginners to pracice the modal verb for ability CAN. I Watch the movie segment and check the activities that the main character in the segment

Old Dogs: Because of x Because

Published on 2011-06-17 22:03:00

This is a really funny movie. There are several scenes you can use to contrast the use of because and because of, but this one is one of the best. My students loved it.I. Watch the movie segment and then complete the blanks with because or because of

(500) Days of Summer: Wish/ If Only

Published on 2011-06-11 22:03:00

This is a great movie and this scene is perfect to practice the use of wish and if only, because it shows at the same time what the main character expected to happen before his date and what actually happened . The contextualization is perfect for th

Juno: 2nd Conditional (with Would and Should)

Published on 2011-06-03 22:04:00

This is a great movie. Teenage pregnancy is dealt with in a creative, different manner. My students had a lot to say about it. I used it to practice the second conditional in a contextualized manner.I. Watch the movie segment and answer the following

The Ant Bully: Demonstrative Pronouns

Published on 2011-05-27 22:07:00

This is a wonderful movie. It's fun, clever and the graphics are amazing. I took advantage of this attractive scene to practice the use of demonstrative pronouns because the characters use them all the time in a contextualized and visual manner. I. B

Creation: So x So That

Published on 2011-05-20 22:16:00

This movie is about Charles Darwin's life, so it was interesting enough despite the slow pace of the movie. This scene is the beginning of the movie and it is one of the best moments of the film. I used it to contrast the use of SO with SO THAT, whic

Memoirs of a Geisha: Compound Adjectives

Published on 2011-05-13 22:16:00

This is a marvelous movie that is full of cultural information and conflicts. I learned a lot about the fascinating Japanese culture, but the most important thing is the plot, which is gripping from the very first scene. I strongly recommend it. My s

The Men that Stared at Goats: So x Too

Published on 2011-05-06 22:49:00

This movie is amazingly interesting. Great actors in a a very unusual story, with great, funny moments. I used it to contrast the use of so and too before adjectives in a contextualized manner.I. Watch the segment and choose the best alternative - SO

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas: Too x Either

Published on 2011-04-29 22:11:00

This is one of the most touching movies about the Holocaust I've seen. The friendship between these two boys is moving. I used it to practice TOO and EITHER.I. Watch the movie segment. Then write sentences about Shmuel using TOO or EITHER.MOVIE SEGME

The Lovely Bones: Simple Past x Past Continuous

Published on 2011-04-22 22:43:00

I. Work in groups. Read the activities below and guess which activities the character in the movie did NOT do while smoking cigarettes BEFORE VIEWING THE SEGMENT. You have to choose 4 activities. The winner is the group who guesses most activities.1.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: Restrictive Relative Clauses

Published on 2011-04-15 22:38:00

This is one of my favorite animated movies ever. The original idea for the movie is fantastic and it carries a noble, enriching message. I used it to practice restrictive relative clauses.I. Match the machines Flint Lockwood invented with what they c

Good News! Direct Links to the Movie Segments

Published on 2011-04-13 21:55:00

I'm glad to say that the NEW posts will come with direct links to the movie segments. Now you won't depend on other softwares to download the videos. This will be a test, though. I hope to have some feedback whether it works better this way or if it

Fame: Adverbs of Frequency

Published on 2011-04-08 23:58:00

This new version of the classic Fame is not as charming as the original version, but it has great moments and I ended up enjoying it a lot. This scene has very few lines, so it is great for basic learners to practice the use of adverbs of frequency.

Mr Bean's Holiday: Wh - Questions with Simple Past

Published on 2011-04-01 22:09:00

Mr. Bean is always funny and great for grammar practice because there are always a lot of actions to be described. I used this scene to have students practice asking questions in the simple past tense. By the way, the scene is memorable. I love it!I.

The Box: 1st & 2nd Conditionals

Published on 2011-03-25 22:07:00

I love the idea of the movie and its intriguing development. The sitution is unsual, perfect for 1st and 2nd conditional practice. A. Read the passage below and complete the blanks with the verbs in parentheses, using with the first conditional. You

Up in the Air: Simple Present x Simple Past

Published on 2011-03-18 22:02:00

This movie is really nice and the scene is perfect to contrast the uses of the simple present and simple past tenses.I. Work in small groups. Make a list of activities you do every time you travel by plane. Think about what you do during the day unti

TESOL 2011 - New Orleans

Published on 2011-03-17 16:52:00

The TESOL Convention in New Orleans has started and I have attended very interesting session. My presentation is this coming Saturday and I hope everything works out. If you have attended the convention, please tell us what you thought about it and i

Despicable Me: Modal Verbs - Rules with Will and May

Published on 2011-03-11 21:05:00

Despicable Me is a lovely animated movie about a kind-hearted villain you end up falling in love with. This scene is marvelous and perfect to talk about rules, using will and may.I. You will watch a scene in which a father is setting the rules with h

What Dreams May Come: Simple Present

Published on 2011-03-04 21:17:00

I. Make a list of at least 10 activities you do in your spare time.Ex:1. I listen to music.2. I go swimming.II. Ask your partner if he/she does it in his/her spare time.Ex:1. Do you listen to music in your spare time?Yes, I do / No, I don't2. Do you

G-Force Adjectives x Adverbs

Published on 2011-02-25 21:10:00

This is another fantastic movie. I love the animation. The animals look like humans! I had to use this scene to practice choosing adjective or adverbs forms within a sentence.I. First watch the movie segment. Then circle the correct form of the words

International Conference for Teachers of English and Administrators, Montevideo, Uruguay

Published on 2011-02-21 13:42:00

I had a great time in Montevideo, Uruguay last week. The city is beautiful and the seminar was rewarding. I want to thank the messages, support and the audience, who cooperated to the successful accomplishment of the presentation's goals. I hope I wi

Couples Retreat: Adverbs of Frequency

Published on 2011-02-18 21:21:00

This movie has very funny scenes, but it could be better. This opening scene is very nice and I used it to practice the use of adverbs of frequency, making this grammar point more attractive to deal with.A. Talk to a partner:1. Are you married? Do yo

2012: Future Perfect

Published on 2011-02-11 20:01:00

This movie is about the predictions of the end of the world in 2012, but it ended up being just an adventure movie with action and fight for survival. I'm sure this topic will be recurrent as we get closer to 2012, so this activity comes in good time

2012: Future Perfect

Published on 2011-02-11 20:01:00

Four Christmases: 3rd Conditional with Mixed Tenses

Published on 2011-02-04 20:27:00

This is a great and funny romantic comedy. I simply love this hilarious scene. I used it to practice the 3rd conditional with result clauses with present and past consequences - mixed tenses. It was great for the students to realize that the context

Four Christmases: 3rd Conditional with Mixed Tenses

Published on 2011-02-04 20:27:00

Did You Hear about the Morgans?: Imperative Forms

Published on 2011-01-28 19:20:00

This movie is really funny and this scene is one of its best. I used it to practice imperative forms in a challenging way because the students have to practice listening comprehension as well. A. Talk to a partner. What do you do if you see a bear ne

Did You Hear about the Morgans?: Imperative Forms

Published on 2011-01-28 19:20:00

The Rebound: Present Perfect

Published on 2011-01-20 20:19:00

This romantic comedy is much better than I had expected it to be. It is a story about prejudice and dealing with adversities. I really enjoyed it. It is perfect to practice the present perfect tense. I. Watch the movie segment and write down HE if th

The Rebound: Present Perfect

Published on 2011-01-20 20:19:00

Hachiko - A Dog's Story: Passive Voice with Simple Past

Published on 2011-01-14 20:04:00

A - Talk to a partner.1. Do you have a pet? Talk about it.2. Do you prefer dogs or cats? Why?3. Is it important to have pets? Why?4. When are pets helpful in a person's life? Explain it.5. When are pets harmful to a person?6. What are the advantages

Hachiko - A Dog's Story: Passive Voice with Simple Past

Published on 2011-01-14 20:04:00

Alice in Wonderland: Comparatives

Published on 2011-01-08 20:01:00

Tim Burton's version of Alice in Wonderland is awesome. Many people rejected the movie, but I think it is just brilliant. The Red Queen is the best character in the movie and I used one of her scenes to practice comparatives. The White Queen, though,

Alice in Wonderland: Comparatives

Published on 2011-01-08 20:01:00

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Published on 2010-12-16 17:45:00

My dear friends,I'm finally going on vacation! I really hope to rest with my family for a while, recharging the batteries for 2011! Brand new activities starting on January 8th, 2011. I promise a lot of new grammar activities with attractive movie sc

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Published on 2010-12-16 17:45:00

New Moon: Present Perfect x Present Perfect Continuous

Published on 2010-12-11 20:19:00

The Twilight saga is attractive to students and provides us with different sources for activities. I like it a lot. It is my teen side speaking out loud! I used this scene to practice the difference between the present perfect and the present perfect

New Moon: Present Perfect x Present Perfect Continuous

Published on 2010-12-11 20:19:00

Paranormal Activity: Since x For

Published on 2010-12-04 20:07:00

This movie is terrifying. It does not have any violent bloody scene, but it is extremely tense and gripping. It is about a couple who have been haunted by an entity and decide to buy an amateur camera to shoot the paranormal events that usually take

Paranormal Activity: Since x For

Published on 2010-12-04 20:07:00

Contact: Participial Phrases

Published on 2010-11-27 20:03:00

This segment is great to help practice Participial Phrases, a very unattractive grammar point that can be fun with a movie segment.I. Watch the movie segment. Then answer the questions in pairs.1. Do you think that if humans actually received a messa

Contact: Participial Phrases

Published on 2010-11-27 20:03:00

Twins: Comparatives of Nouns, Adjectives and Quantity

Published on 2010-11-20 20:03:00

This is an unforgettable classic, perfect to practice the use of comparatives.GRAMMAR NOTE:More/Fewer (Count nouns) or More/Less (Non Count nouns)I. Complete the blanks with the words above, comparing quantities:1. Julius has __________ fathers than

The Beach: Prepositions in a Relative Clause

Published on 2010-11-13 20:21:00

Although many people didn't like this movie, I appreciated it. The plot is original and the circumstances the characters have to face can be very intriguing. The setting is beautiful Thailand, so we can always enjoy the landscape and photography. I t

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