English Learning: Movies & TV

Dialogue

Current Situation

Movies and TV shows are a huge part of global entertainment today. We can watch them in many ways. Most people use streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video to watch TV shows and movies at home whenever they want. There are thousands of options, from action movies and comedies to serious dramas, documentaries, and animated films for all ages. You can also still go to a cinema (movie theater) to see new films on a big screen with many other people. People often talk about their favorite shows and movies with friends, just like Alice and Bob!

Key Phrases

• What are you up to? – A casual way to ask someone what they are doing or planning.
  Example: “Hey, what are you up to this evening?”
• We talked about this! – Used to express mild frustration or surprise when someone brings up an old topic or idea that was already discussed.
  Example: “We talked about this! You said you’d help me clean.”
• It’s art! – A humorous or emphatic way to describe something you love, often when others might not understand why.
  Example: “Some people call my messy room chaos, but for me, it’s art!”
• Is that even real? – Used to express disbelief or surprise about something.
  Example: “A flying car? Is that even real?”
• For a whole hour. – Specifies a duration, emphasizing that it’s a complete hour.
  Example: “I waited for a whole hour for the bus.”
• That’s a tough negotiation. – A playful way to say that reaching an agreement will be difficult or requires some compromise.
  Example: “You want the last piece of cake *and* the remote? Hmm, that’s a tough negotiation!”
• Popcorn’s on me. – Means “I will pay for the popcorn.” It’s an offer to treat someone.
  Example: “Let’s go get coffee, the coffee’s on me!”
• Just kidding! – Used after saying something humorous or not serious to indicate it was a joke.
  Example: “I ate all your cookies! Just kidding, they’re in the cupboard.”
• Watch it together. – To suggest viewing something with another person or group.
  Example: “Let’s watch this funny video together.”
• Saw the trailer. – To have seen a short preview (advertisement) for a movie or TV show.
  Example: “I saw the trailer for the new action movie, it looks exciting!”

Grammar Points

1. Present Simple Tense

We use the Present Simple for facts, habits, and general truths. It’s often used when talking about preferences or things that are generally true.

• Structure: Subject + Verb (add ‘s’ or ‘es’ for third person singular: he, she, it)
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “I think my cat makes more suspenseful films.” (Fact/Opinion)
  • “I do! But sometimes, you need a break.” (Habit/General truth)
  • “It looks… interesting.” (General observation)

2. Present Continuous Tense

We use the Present Continuous for actions happening now, at this moment, or temporary situations.

• Structure: Subject + am/is/are + Verb-ing
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “What are you up to?” (What are you doing now?)
  • “Just thinking about movies.” (Action happening now)

3. Modal Verbs: ‘Should’, ‘Can’ and ‘Will’

Modal verbs add extra meaning to the main verb, like possibility, advice, or future action.

• Should: Used for advice or suggestions.
  • Example: “Maybe we should watch it together this weekend?” (Suggestion)
• Can: Used for ability or possibility.
  • Example: “The Cat Who Could Fly” (Past ability/Possibility in a title) – In the present, it would be “The cat *can* fly.”
• Will: Used for future intentions, predictions, or promises.
  • Example: “I’ll bring the… tomato juice?” (Future intention)
  • “Popcorn’s on me.” (Short for “Popcorn will be on me” – A promise/offer)

4. Prepositions of Time and Place

Prepositions show relationships between words, like location or time.

• On:
  • “on me” (responsibility): “Popcorn’s on me.” (I will pay for it.)
  • “on Catflix” (platform/place): “Have you seen ‘The Cat Who Could Fly’ on Catflix?”
• This weekend (time): “Maybe we should watch it together this weekend?”

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks (Key Phrases)

Complete the sentences using the key phrases from the list above. Some phrases might be used more than once.

1. “I cooked dinner tonight, so the dishes are _______________!”
2. After an argument, Sarah said, “But _______________! I said sorry!”
3. Mark asked, “Are you busy? _______________?”
4. “Wow, you got a new car? _______________!?”
5. “Let’s _______________ tonight, I have a great movie.”
6. My sister said the painting was ugly, but I think _______________.
7. “I waited _______________ for the concert tickets.”
8. “You want me to clean your room *and* do your homework? _______________!”
9. “I already _______________ for the new superhero movie, it looks amazing!”
10. “I’m not really mad, _______________!”

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Verb Form (Grammar)

Select the correct verb form (Present Simple or Present Continuous) to complete each sentence.

1. I usually (watch / am watching) comedies.
2. Look! The cat (chase / is chasing) a laser pointer right now.
3. She always (thinks / is thinking) about new movie ideas.
4. What (do you do / are you doing) this evening?
5. My brother (doesn’t like / isn’t liking) scary movies.

Exercise 3: Answer the Questions

Answer these questions based on the dialogue or your own preferences.

1. What is Bob’s favorite movie?
2. What kind of movie does Alice suggest as a break from serious dramas?
3. What do Alice and Bob decide to watch together?
4. What is your favorite type of movie or TV show?
5. Do you prefer watching movies at home or at the cinema? Why?

Answers

Answers for Exercise 1:

1. on me
2. we talked about this
3. What are you up to
4. Is that even real
5. watch it together
6. it’s art
7. for a whole hour
8. That’s a tough negotiation
9. saw the trailer
10. Just kidding

Answers for Exercise 2:

1. I usually watch comedies.
2. Look! The cat is chasing a laser pointer right now.
3. She always thinks about new movie ideas.
4. What are you doing this evening?
5. My brother doesn’t like scary movies.

Answers for Exercise 3:

1. Bob’s favorite movie is ‘Attack of the Killer Tomatoes’.
2. Alice suggests ‘The Cat Who Could Fly’.
3. They decide to watch ‘Captain Awesome vs. The Giant Rubber Duck’ and maybe ‘The Cat Who Could Fly’ afterward.
4. (Your personal answer, e.g., “My favorite type of movie is action films.” or “I like watching comedy TV shows.”)
5. (Your personal answer, e.g., “I prefer watching movies at home because it’s more comfortable.” or “I like the cinema for the big screen and sound.”)