Nine Christmas And Winter Holiday Movies For English Practice

Happy holidays! Here are nine suggestions for movies to watch during the winter holidays to help with English practice. Most of these films are American classic and popular movies about Christmas and the winter holidays. In addition to helping you learn English in a fun way, they show a lot about the culture and traditions of Christmas and winter holidays in the USA.

Remember these tips to help you learn English with film:

1. You don't need to know every word to understand what's happening. Try to get the main idea through a combination of the language you understand and what you can see happening in the film.

2. Try to use subtitles only if you understand less than 75% of the film. If you can't understand something important, you can go back and watch that seen with subtitles again.

3. If you understand less than 75% of the film, try to get the script and read it beforehand. You can also watch the scenes first in your native language (with subtitles), and then in English.

4. Write down a few new words and phrases from the film to add to your vocabulary list. If it's helpful, try to associate the words or phrases with the actions that you saw in the film.

5: Make it social: watch the film with a friend who is also studying English, and discuss the film together afterwards. Or, start a film club where you watch films in English and then discuss them.




 A Christmas Carol

This classic story by Charles Dickens is one of the most famous Christmas stories of all time. Many film versions and adaptions exist of this story. Here are a few:

A Christmas Carol, 1951

A Muppet's Christmas Carol , 1992

A Christmas Carol, 1999

 A Christmas Carol, 2009

Scrooged, 1988

The Man Who Invented Christmas, 2017

This film is about Charles Dickens's life and how he created the story A Christmas Carol.

A Christmas Story, 1983

This comic story tells about a boy growing up in the USA in the 1950s during the Christmas season. It's a funny look at life and American holiday traditions at that time.

It's A Wonderful Life, 1946

This is a classic movie that many Americans watch around Christmas time. An angel helps a desperate businessman during the winter holidays by helping him understand what's truly important in life.

Miracle On 34th Street, 1947

In this classic movie about Christmas, Santa Claus comes to town (New York City, to be exact). A lawyer and a little girl try to save a man who says he is Santa Claus and is trying to save the spirit of Christmas.

The Polar Express, 2004

This movie is based on the beautifully illustrated children's book of the same name .On Christmas Eve, a boy goes on a magical  adventure on the Polar Express train to visit Santa at the North Pole, and learns about the spirit of Christmas.

Home Alone, 1990

A comedy about a 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left alone on Christmas when his big family goes on vacation, and must protect his house from a pair of robbers

The Snowman, 1982

This animated movie is based on a popular children's book of the same name. There is no dialogue, but there is a song for part of the film. For English practice, you can watch the film and describe the story to yourself or someone else.

Joyeux Noelle (Merry Christmas) , 2005

This film tells the true story of the Christmas truce* in 1914 during World War One. It shows how, in the middle of a bloody war, during Christmas soldiers from both sides met each other, exchanged gifts, sang songs, and even had a soccer match.

*Truce:an agreement between enemies to stop flight for a certain time.

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!, 1986

Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the other characters from the cartoon series Peanuts celebrate the New Year in this short film.

Watch whole film here

Short Story: Naturally by Fredric Brown

Level: Upper intermediate and up

Henry Blodgett looked at his wrist watch and saw that it was two o’clock in the morning. In despair, he slammed shut the textbook he’d been studying and let his head sink onto his arms on the table in front of him. He knew he’d never pass that examination tomorrow; the more he studied geometry the less he understood it. Mathematics in general had always been difficult for him and now he was finding that geometry was impossible for him to learn.

And if he flunked it, he was through with college; he’d flunked three other courses in his first two years and another failure this year would, under college rules, cause automatic expulsion.

He wanted that college degree badly too, since it was indispensable for the career he’d chosen and worked toward. Only a miracle could save him now.

He sat up suddenly as an idea struck him. Why not try magic? The occult had always interested him. He had books on it and he’d often read the simple instructions on how to conjure up a demon and make it obey his will. Up to now, he’d always figured that it was a bit risky and so had never actually tried it. But this was an emergency and might be worth the slight risk. Only through black magic could he suddenly become an expert in a subject that had always been difficult for him.

From the shelf he quickly took out his best book on black magic, found the right page and refreshed his memory on the few simple things he had to do.

Enthusiastically, he cleared the floor by pushing the furniture against the walls. He drew the pentagram figure on the carpet with chalk and stepped inside it. He then said the incantations.

The demon was considerably more horrible than he had anticipated. But he mustered his courage and started to explain his dilemma. “I’ve always been poor at geometry,” he began. 

“You’re telling me,” said the demon gleefully.

Smiling flames, it came for him across the chalk lines of the useless hexagram Henry had drawn by mistake instead of the protecting pentagram.

Vocabulary:  To help learners fully understand the audio and transcript, most vocabulary that might be unknown for this lesson’s level is provided. Vocab in bold is more useful for learners at the lesson’s target level. Try to choose 8 to 10 new words to learn from the story (in general, it’s best to try to learn no more than 8-10 new words a day).

Definitions are written with the help of various sources including Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary .

Geometry: a branch of mathematics that deals with points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids; see the pictures.

To flunk: to fail a test.

Expulsion: to officially force (someone) to leave a place or organization.

Indispensable: extremely important and necessary.

Idea Struck: An idea comes to someone quickly.

Occult: of or relating to supernatural powers or practices.

To conjure up: to make (something) appear or seem to appear by using magic.

To obey: to do what someone tells you to do or what a rule, law, etc., says you must do.

Black magic: magic that is associated with the devil or with evil spirits: evil magic.

Pentagram: a shape that is like a star with five points formed by five straight lines and that is often used as a magic or religious symbol. See picture.

Incantation: a series of words used to make something magic happen.

To muster: to work hard to find or get (courage, support, etc.).

Dilemma: a situation in which you have to make a difficult choice.

Chalk: a substance that is made into white or colored sticks and used for writing or drawing.

You’re telling me: (slang): used for expressing strong agreement with something someone just said.

Gleeful: a strong feeling of happiness: great pleasure or satisfaction.

Hexagram: a six-pointed star, with all lines the same length and all angles the same. See picture.

Discussion questions:

1. What happened to the main character of this story?

2. Do you believe in magic?

3. Did you ever wish you could get something by magic?

4. If you could get something by magic, what would it be?

5. Do we need to work hard for everything we achieve?

Short Story: Naturally by Fredric Brown (adapted for intermediate level)

Level: intermediate

Henry Blodgett looked at his watch and saw that it was two o’clock in the morning. Without hope, he closed the textbook he’d been studying, and he put his head onto his arms on the table in front of him. He knew he would never pass that examination tomorrow; the more he studied geometry the less he understood it. Mathematics in general had always been difficult for him and now he was finding that geometry was impossible for him to learn.

And if he failed it, he would never be able to graduate from college; he already failed three other courses in his first two years, and if he failed another course this year, under college rules, he would be expelled.

He wanted that college degree badly too, since it was essential for the career he’d chosen and worked toward. Only a miracle could save him now.

He sat up suddenly as an idea hit him. Why not try magic? It had always interested him. He had books on it and he’d often read the simple instructions on how to call up a demon and make it obey him. Up to now, he’d always thought that it was a bit risky and so had never actually tried it. But this was an emergency and might be worth the small risk. Only through black magic could he suddenly become an expert in a subject that had always been difficult for him.

From the bookshelf he quickly took out his best book on black magic, found the right page and refreshed his memory on the few simple things he had to do.

Enthusiastically, he cleared the floor by pushing the furniture against the walls. He drew the pentagram figure on the carpet with chalk and stepped inside it. He then said the spell.

The demon was much more horrible than he had anticipated. But he gathered his courage and started to explain his problem. “I’ve always been poor at geometry,” he began . . .

“Yes, you have been poor at it,” said the demon smiling.

With a smile and in flames, the demon came for him across the chalk lines of the useless hexagram Henry had drawn by mistake instead of the protective pentagram.

Vocabulary:  To help learners fully understand the audio and transcript, most vocabulary that might be unknown for this lesson’s level is provided. Vocab in bold is more useful for learners at the lesson’s target level. Try to choose 8 to 10 new words to learn from the story (in general, it’s best to try to learn no more than 8-10 new words a day).

Definitions are written with the help of various sources including  Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary .

Textbook: a book about a particular subject that is used in the study of that subject especially in a school.

To pass: to complete (a test, class, etc.) successfully.

Geometry: a branch of mathematics that deals with points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids; see the pictures.

To fail: to not succeed.

Graduate from: to earn a degree or diploma from a school, college, or university.

To expel: to officially force (someone) to leave a place or organization.

College degree: a degree that is given to a student by a college or university after completing study.

Miracle: a very amazing or unusual event, thing, or achievement.

Demon: an evil spirit.

Obey: to do what someone tells you to do or what a rule, law, etc., says you must do.

Emergency: an unexpected and usually dangerous situation that calls for immediate action.

Black magic: magic that is associated with the devil or with evil spirits : evil magic.

Bookshelf: a flat board which is attached to a wall, frame, etc., and on which books can be placed.

Enthusiastic: feeling or showing strong excitement about something : filled with or marked by enthusiasm.

Pentagram: a shape that is like a star with five points formed by five straight lines and that is often used as a magic or religious symbol. See picture.

Chalk: a substance that is made into white or colored sticks and used for writing or drawing.

Spell: magic that is performed by saying a group of special words.

Anticipate: to think of (something that will or might happen in the future): to expect.

Courage: the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous: bravery.

Flame: the hot, glowing gas that can be seen when a fire is burning.

Hexagram: a six-pointed star, with all lines the same length and all angles the same. See picture.

Protective: Used to keep (someone or something) from being harmed, lost, etc.

Discussion questions:

1. What happened to the main character of this story?

2. Do you believe in magic?

3. Did you ever wish you could get something by magic?

4. If you could get something by magic, what would it be?

5. Do we need to work hard for everything we achieve?

Which English Research Quiz

Take a short quiz for a research study, and find out if the program can guess what kind of English you speak:

Which English?

Is Throw me down the stairs my shoes a good English sentence?

The answer depends on where you live. Many people in Newfoundland find that sentence perfectly grammatical.

By taking this quiz, you will be helping train a machine algorithm that is mapping out the differences in English grammar around the world, both in traditionally English-speaking countries and also in countries like Mexico, China, and India.

At the end, you can see our algorithm's best guess as to which English you speak as well as whether your first (native) language is English or something else.

Take the quiz

ESL Resources About Film

Warmup

Watch this movie trailer on Youtube or IMDB, and try to guess what this film is about. What is the plot of the film? What is the film’s genre? Remember that it’s okay if you don’t understand all of the words in the dialogue. In addition to the dialogue, you can see what the characters are doing in the different scenes in the video.

Vocabulary

Genre

My favorite genre of film is comedy.

Plot

The plot of the movie was based on a novel.

Setting

The settings of James Bond films often are in exotic locations around the world.

Fiction

I prefer reading fiction, because I like to escape from reality sometimes to relax.

Nonfiction

It’s hard to believe that this book is really nonfiction, because it’s such a strange story. But it actually took place.

Scene

The first scene of the movie takes place in a restaurant in New York City. 

Stage

The actors stood on the stage.

Character

The characters in Shakespeare's plays are often complex.

Sequel

I can’t wait to see the sequel to the movie and learn what happens to the characters.

Prequel

I hope they make a prequel to the movie, so we can see what happened before the plot of the movie took place.

To live up to expectations

My friend told me that the film was great, but it didn't live up to my expectations.

Kick off

It’s important to kick off the day with a good breakfast.

To take place

The movie Star Wars takes place a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.

Conversation Questions

•        What genres of movies do you like?

•        Are there any genres you don’t like? 

•        What are three of your favorite movies?

•        Tell me about the plot of each of these movies?

•        Where do you usually watch movies?

•        Do people often go to movie theaters in your country?

•        Do you remember the first movie you watched in a theater?

•        What makes a good movie?

•        Do you need a big budget to make a good movie?

•        How important is technology like special effects to make a good movie?

•        How important is the soundtrack of a movie?

•        If you made a movie, what kind of movie would you make?

•        Do you think that films can be educational?

•        What’s a movie that everyone should watch because it teaches us something        important or has an important message?

•        Who is your favorite movie hero or character?

•        Is there a movie that you like to rewatch sometimes?

•        What’s the film industry like in your country?

•        Are there any movies that everyone knows in your country/culture?

Additional resources:

Pre-intermediate and Intermediate

Breaking News English:

“Vertigo” Named Best Movie Ever

Paris Halts Filming of Actions Movies After Attacks

China Limits Pay for Movie Stars

http://www.lessonsonmovies.com/

VOA News:

Actor Director Orson Welles Cast Long Shadow In Daughter’s New Memoir

Drive In Movies In US Still Draw Crowds

There Is Still No Business Like Show Business

BBC 6 Minute English

US National Film Registry

Upper intermediate and up

NPR

In A Film Industry Focused On Youth Older Characters Are Tough To Find

As Time Goes By: What Makes A Movie Timeless

After 75 Years Here’s Looking At You Casablanca

The Art of the Modern Movie Trailer

What is Cinema For

When and Why We Cry In Films

TED

Talks About The Making of Movie Magic

The Power Of Film

Big Think

All Films Must Entertain

Film English Website

http://film-english.com/

Favourite Films Of All Time

TED: 8 Secrets Of Success

Listen to Story

Transcript

Audio Time: 3 min 27 sec

Level: intermediate and up

Vocabulary:  To help learners fully understand the audio and transcript, most vocabulary that might be unknown for this lesson’s level is provided. Vocab in bold is more useful for learners at the lesson’s target level. Try to choose 8 to 10 new words to learn from the story (in general, it’s best to try to learn no more than 8-10 new words a day).

Definitions are written with the help of various sources including  Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary

To cut down: to use less or do less of something.

Jeez: used to express surprise, anger, or annoyance.

To make someone tick: the things that cause someone to behave a certain way: the feelings, opinions, concerns, etc., that are parts of someone's personality.

Passion: a strong feeling; strong emotion.

Workaholic: a person who chooses to work a lot : a person who is always working, thinking about work, etc.

To push: to use force to move (someone or something) forward or away from you.

Shyness: feeling nervous and uncomfortable about meeting and talking to people.

Self-doubt: a feeling of doubt about your own abilities or actions.

Privilege: a right or benefit that is given to some people and not to others.

Persistence:  the quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult or opposed by other people.

Crap: solid waste passed out of the body: feces;  something that is worthless, unimportant, or of poor quality.

Criticism: the act of expressing disapproval and of noting the problems or faults of a person or thing : the act of criticizing someone or something.

Rejection: to refuse to believe, accept, or consider (something).

Asshole: (offensive) anus: a bad, stupid, or annoying person.

Pressure: the weight or force that is produced when something presses or pushes against something else.

Bucks: (informal) dollar; money.

Discussion questions:

1. Which of these factors do you think is the most important?

2. What do you think are the main factors of success?

3. Would you add or remove any factors from this video?

4. What does success mean to you?

5. Where do we get our ideas of success?

ESL Resources About The News

Short Videos: 

Guardian Ad 

Financial Daily Ad

Guardian Three Little Pigs 

Discussion Questions:

• How do you keep up with news and current events?
• How often do you get the news?
• About what kind of news topics do you usually read?
• Do you have a subscription to any newspapers or magazines?
• How do you know the sources of your news are accurate?
•  Are some news sources biased?
• Which sources are more/less accurate?
• How do you know which news sources to trust?
•  What do you think about the news industry/media?
•  What the purpose of the news/media?
• What’s fake news and what the problem with it?
• How has the news media changed over the years?
• How will it change in the future?

Vocabulary:

Digital: using or characterized by computer technology.

Objective: based on facts rather than feelings or opinions.

Biased: having or showing a bias : having or showing an unfair tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others.

Accurate: free from mistakes or errors.

Fake: not true or real.

Source: a place, person, or thing from which something comes or can be obtained.

Update: to change (something) by including the most recent information.

Trustworthy: able to be relied on as honest or truthful.

Subscription: an agreement that you make with a company to get a publication or service regularly and that you usually pay for in advance.

Through word of mouth: By someone telling you.

“I heard about the new cafe by word of mouth. My friend told me about it.

 To keep up (with):

1. to stay well informed about something <I keep up with the news by reading the newspaper>

2 : to continue without interruption < the rain kept up all night>

3: to stay even with others (as in a race) <she found it difficult to keep up with the other runners> 

Pictures:

Go to the links and describe the pictures:

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

Reading:

Pre-intermediate

Newspapers have existed since the beginning of the printing machine. Editors and a large number of reporters work at a newspaper. Reporters write about current events. The cartoon section will give you a lighthearted look at the news and will keep you up-to-date with the stars. Sport sections are also popular and give news about sporting and racing events. However, it's the news section that people read, especially stories that have a catchy headline. Some newspaper stories are a bit sensational, such as reports about the personal lives of celebrities. Such news should go in the gossip section of the newspaper.

Newspapers get their money by selling advertising space, and from the price that people pay for them. Although newspapers should report on the facts, some countries have strict censorship rules for all forms of mass media including newspapers.

Intermediate

Newspapers have been in circulation since the invention of the printing machine. Newspapers usually employ a large editorial team and a large number of reporters to write about current events. The cartoon section and the gossip column will give you a lighthearted look at the news and will keep you up-to-date with the stars. Sport columns are also popular and provide news about sporting and racing events. However, it's the news section that people read, particularly stories that have a catchy headline. Some newspaper stories are a bit sensational, such as reports about the personal lives of celebrities - such news should really go in the gossip column.

Newspapers make their money by selling advertising space, and from the price that people pay for them. Although newspapers are supposed to report on the facts, some countries apply strict censorship rules to all forms of mass media including newspaper publications. 

Source: unknown.

Listen and fill in the blank

___________have been in circulation since the invention of the printing________. Newspapers usually employ a______ editorial team and a large number of reporters to ______about current events. The cartoon section and the gossip column will give you a lighthearted look at the news and will _______you up-to-date with the stars. Sport columns are also _________ and provide news about sporting and racing events. However, it's the news________ that people read, particularly stories that have a catchy headline. Some newspaper stories are a _______ sensational, such as reports about the personal lives of celebrities - such news should _________ go in the gossip column.

Newspapers make their money by selling ___________space, and from the price that people pay for them. Although newspapers are supposed to report on the _________, some countries apply strict censorship rules to all forms of mass ________ including newspaper publications.

Newspapers have been in circulation since the invention of the printing machine. Newspapers usually employ a large editorial team and a large number of reporters to write about current events. The cartoon section and the gossip column will give you a lighthearted look at the news and will keep you up-to-date with the stars. Sport columns are also popular and provide news about sporting and racing events. However, it's the news section that people read, particularly stories that have a catchy headline. Some newspaper stories are a bit sensational, such as reports about the personal lives of celebrities - such news should really go in the gossip column.

Newspapers make their money by selling advertising space, and from the price that people pay for them. Although newspapers are supposed to report on the facts, some countries apply strict censorship rules to all forms of mass media including newspaper publications.

What’s your favorite section of the newspaper?

How free is the press in your country? How much censorship is in your country?

How strict should censorship be?

How do newspapers get money/profits?

Should the news be free or should people pay for it?

Can newspapers’ need for profit affect objectivity?

Vocabulary 

Circulation - the number of newspapers or magazines sold or published.

editorial - a news article or an article that gives an opinion.

reporters - a person who investigates and reports about current affairs in the news.

current events - something that is happening now (usually news).

cartoon - a funny drawing or animation about real life.

gossip –when people talk about what is happening with other people. Often when they’re not sure if the information is true.

lighthearted- easy, not serious, something that makes you feel good.

columns - see editorial above.

catchy-something that attracts (catches) attention.

headline - the title of a news article.

sensational – something very shocking or exciting that sometimes is too good to be true.

advertising - to promote a product or service.

Strict - used to describe a command, rule, etc., that must be obeyed.

censorship - to ban something from publication.

Upper intermediate and up

Read and then explain the following texts. To what extend to you agree or disagree with the author's ideas? 

Reading the morning newspaper is the realist's morning prayer. One orients one's attitude toward the world either by God or by what the world is. The former gives as much security as the latter, in that one knows how one stands.

― Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel

The sole aim of journalism should be service. The newspaper is a great power, but just as an unchained torrent of water submerges whole countryside and devastates crops, even so an uncontrolled pen serves but to destroy. If the control is from without, it proves more poisonous than want of control. It can be profitable only when exercised from within. If this line of reasoning is correct, how many journals of the world would stand the test? But who would stop those that are useless? And who should be the judge? The useful and the useless must, like good and evil, go on together, and man must make his choice.

--M.K. Gandhi

Additional resources about the news:

Pre-intermediate and up

Breaking English news stories

Studying with news in English class is useful

Digital Newspapers

Private Newspapers return to Burma

Intermediate and up

Voice of America

Website technology and wayback machine

Media Experts Ponder Future of Newspapers after Washington Post Sale

Press Freedom Declining

US Newspapers Seek Ways to Rewrite the Sad Story of Their Business

How the Web Could Save Newspapers, or Kill Them

Getting News From Around The World With Today's Front pages

When Newspapers Lie

People In America: William Randolph Hearst

BBC Six Minute English

How do you read your news?

Upper Intermediate and up

School of Life

What's Wrong With The Media?

TED

Jacek Utko Asks Can Design Save The Newspaper

Sasa Vucinic Invests in Free Press

NPR

The Classroom Where Fake News Fails

Imagining A City Without Its Daily Newspaper

Is Community-Funded Journalism The Answer?

The Economist

Bulletins from the future