Learn English with Disney's THE PRINCESS DIARIES

Summary

In this English lesson, the focus is on learning vocabulary and expressions from the movie 'The Princess Diaries.' The video explores a scene where Mia, an awkward teenager, is being given a royal makeover by her grandmother, the Queen. As Mia learns princess etiquette and how to carry herself with grace, viewers are introduced to useful vocabulary like 'posture,' 'makeover,' and 'under scrutiny.' The lesson also includes a breakdown of grammar and pronunciation tips, along with practice using flashcards in a real-life English app. Viewers will improve their English while enjoying a classic movie moment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mia, a shy teenager, discovers she is the heir to the throne of Genovia, which leads to a dramatic transformation in her life.
• 😀 The clip showcases a royal makeover session where Mia's grandmother, the queen, teaches her princess manners and how to carry herself gracefully.
• 😀 Vocabulary like 'posture,' 'carriage,' and 'complexion' is introduced, offering learners insights into describing body language and physical features.
• 😀 The term 'under scrutiny' means being closely watched or examined, often to evaluate if something is being done correctly.
• 😀 'Schlump' is a humorous word for poor posture, derived from Yiddish, with 'slump' being the more common alternative in English.
• 😀 The lesson explains connected speech patterns, such as how certain words merge together for smoother pronunciation, e.g., 'want to' becoming 'wanna.'
• 😀 Phrasal verbs like 'make up' are explained in context, showing how it means 'to invent or create something that isn't true,' as in the cucumber story.
• 😀 The video includes grammar tips, such as how to give polite suggestions using 'Why don't you?' without needing a question mark.
• 😀 The clip highlights the importance of individual beauty and how certain qualities, like Mia's unique eyes, should be valued rather than criticized.
• 😀 Mia's humorous makeover session with stylist Paulo includes playful phrases like 'frizzy, busy, dizzy' to describe her wild hair, providing an opportunity to learn quirky expressions.

Q & A

What does the word 'carriage' mean in the context of the video?

In the context of the video, 'carriage' refers to someone's posture or the way they hold their body, often related to their confidence and elegance.

What is the difference between 'stockings', 'tights', and 'socks'?

Stockings are thin, often silky garments worn on the legs, usually reaching above the knee. Tights are similar but cover the entire leg, including the foot. Socks are foot coverings that do not extend as high as stockings or tights.

What does the phrase 'under scrutiny' mean?

'Under scrutiny' means being closely observed or examined, often with attention to detail to check if something is done correctly or to identify mistakes.

Why does the instructor emphasize the phrase 'Why don't you' in the video?

The phrase 'Why don't you' is used to make suggestions or give polite advice. It softens the tone, making it sound friendly and less direct.

What is the significance of the Queen's comment about Mia's 'bushy' eyebrows?

The Queen's comment about Mia's 'bushy' eyebrows is an old-fashioned, somewhat unkind way of saying that Mia's eyebrows are very thick. The term 'bushy' often refers to something thick or wild, like bushes.

How is 'seemly' used in the script, and what does it mean?

'Seemly' is used to describe something that is appropriate or proper. It refers to something that looks neat or presentable, as in the Queen saying Mia's neck is 'seemly'.

What does the phrase 'to tuck under' refer to in the video?

'To tuck under' refers to the act of positioning something neatly close to the body. In this case, it refers to Mia positioning her legs and hands gracefully.

What is meant by 'gracefully' in the video?

'Gracefully' refers to moving or behaving in an elegant and smooth manner. In the video, Mia is instructed to place her hands on her knees 'gracefully', meaning in an elegant way.

What is the importance of 'connected speech' mentioned in the video?

Connected speech refers to how words are linked together in natural spoken English. For example, 'want to' can be reduced to 'wanna' in casual speech. Understanding connected speech helps with pronunciation and makes speech sound more fluid.

What does the instructor mean by 'makeup' in the context of the video?

In this context, 'makeup' refers to creating or inventing something, particularly a story or idea that isn't true. It's not about cosmetics but about making something up.