Homework 5 (Story Telling---Past Tense)

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This is my homework 5 produced with movemaker. I used the video clip of "The Simpsons" (The Devil and Homer Simpson) and the theme song of "The Simpsons." This clip is the story of "Treehouse of Horror IV," the fifth episode of The Simpsons' fifth season and the fourth episode in the Treehouse of Horror series of Halloween specials. It describes that Homer Simpson liked eating donuts so much that he would like to sell his soul to the devil (Ned Flanders)for one donut. But before Homer finished the donut given to him, he realized that the Devil would not be able to take his soul if he did not eat the last piece. So he decided to keep the last bite in the refrigerator. Unfortunately, while half-asleep and looking for a midnight snack, he ate the final piece, and the Devil immediately reappeared to take his soul. In the hell, Homer was punished to eat all the dounts in the world, but it seemed to be no problem for him. Instead, he wanted to eat more, which surprised the devil.


This movie is designed for ESL or EFL students to practice using past tense and practice telling a story in English. I divide the video clip of "The Simpsons" into three parts and students have to watch each part for two times. The first time they watch the video without sound (mute)and are asked to figure out what happened to Homer and the devil according to the animation. Then they discuss with their partners or neighbors and share their ideas with the whole class. In the pair work or class discussion, they are reminded to use past tense. For the second time they watch the video with sound to see if they get the right answer. After that, they describe the plot to their partners by using past tense. In this way, they continue finishing the three parts of video clip to learn grammar and stort telling. In the end, they are required to create an interesting ending for this movie by writing or discussing orally.