04 Apr Learn English with Ricky Gervais (upper-intermediate/advanced)

I´m beginning the new academic year 2013-1014 with this post to cheer up everyone´s spirits, teachers and students. I think we all need an energy boost after some long summer holidays…

For those of you who do not know Ricky Gervais, he´s a multi-faceted English comedian who has participated in different TV and radio shows as writer, producer and actor. He´s also hosted the Golden Globes and created, together with Stephen Merchant, the famous TV sitcom The Office.

Karl Pilkington has once been a producer for  Ricky´s radio show and appeared on TV shows like Extras and The Ricky Gervais Show. He´s also presented the TV show An Idiot Abroad. 

So, here are some questions for you to answer after watching this video:

– Why does Karl seem angry at the beginning?

– Does Ricky speak at a natural speed? Why/why not?

– When Karl tried to explain the meaning of “stink”, Ricky starts laughing. Does Ricky´s advice “Always speak proper English” to Karl seem accurate to you? Is it more effective that way?

– Why is it so difficult for Karl to explain the meaning of “smell”?

– What do they seem to disagree about?

– What happens when Ricky and Karl roleplay the shop scenario?

– Have you learnt anything after watching this lesson? Is it effective as a language lesson?

Enjoy!!