The Daily Show with Trevor Noah — best videos for your classes

There is no better way to learn American slang, improve listening skills and understand different kinds of humour than watching American shows with students. Previously we have already listed the best videos from the Tonight Show and The Ellen Show. And here we will be presenting some videos from the Daily show whit Trevor Noah suitable for Intermediate + learners.

Meghan Markle starts a podcast

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle get into podcasting. The host comments on it. You can use this video as a warm-up activity if you have a lesson about the Royal family, podcasting or changing occupations/hobbies. Play the video till 01:27 and then discuss the questions.

Questions&Answers for discussion

1. What are Meghan and Harry going to do? — They are becoming podcasters. They will host and produce podcasts for Spotify in conjunction with their company Archewell Audio.
2. What will the first podcast be? — It will be a holiday special featuring stories of hope and compassion to celebrate the New Year.
3. When is the first complete series expected? — It is expected in 2021.
4. What would people say 5 years ago about Meghan Markle and what do they say now? — 5 years ago they were like: “Meghan Markle is now the Duchess of Sussex and must be addressed as such”. Now they are like “Prince Harry is offering 20 per cent off Casper mattresses with Promo code BlueBlood2020”.

Follow-up discussion

1. Do you think it was a good idea for Meghan and Harry to quit family business a year ago?
2. Would you leave an institution with such awesome wealth and prestige? 
3. What are the benefits of becoming podcasters in your opinion?
4. How do you think Queen Elizabeth II has reacted to this news?
5. Should Presidents or Vice — presidents follow the steps of Meghan and Harry and take up something similar to podcasting?

Donald Trump — America’s African President

In this video, the host tells us about the US presidential elections and Trump’s failure. There is lots of sharp humour in his speech which makes the show even more fascinating. In case your students are keen on politics, this could be a great way to engage them in the topic.

Questions&Answers for discussion

— How do people describe Donald Trump? — 1. He is unqualified to serve as President. 2. He is unfit to be President. 3. He is unfit to be commander in chief. 4. Trump is not only unfit to hold the office but unfit to stand on the same stage as his Republican opponents.

— Why does the host say that the stage is unfit for Trump? — Because there is no marble, no gold, no escalator.

— Why is Trump considered unpresidential? Trump himself has made several statements which get people have doubts about him and that he can be a good president: “When Mexico sends its people, they are bringing drugs, they are bringing crime, they are rapists, and some, I assume, are good people.”

— With whom and why does the host compare Trump with? — The host compares Trump with the president of South Africa because he also makes hesitant statements.

— What does Trump say about himself? — 1. I have made billions of dollars. 2. I’ve made a tremendous amount of money. 3. I am really rich. 4. I have a great temperament. 5. I’ve done an amazing job. 6. I was born with a certain intellect. 7. God helped me by giving me a certain brain.

— Who are the next people the host says Trump has similarities with? — Former president of Uganda, the current president of Zimbabwe and the former leader of Libya.

 Follow-up discussion

1. Have you ever visited the United States? Do you know how the US government works and what the President’s duties are?
2. Who was the first president of the US? Why is he considered the greatest president?
3. What differences can you name between Trump and former presidents of the US?
4. How do you think a US president can better the world?

Jennifer Lopez — “Second Act” & Stepping Behind the Camera for “Limitless”

Jennifer Lopez talks about the lessons she learned from her movie “Second Act,” her friendship with Leah Remini and directing her daughter in the music video for “Limitless.”

Questions&Answers for discussion

1. Why does the host say that Jennifer Lopez looks like she is ready to host? — Because she got the suit and the look and she came dressed in her business clothes.
2. What is the film “Second act” about? — It is a comedy about a woman who is fighting to reinvent herself. It is not a traditional romantic comedy where a boy meets a girl and they have problems and then they get back together. It is more about a woman falling in love with herself and her own life.
3. What is the main message of the movie? — We are not who people think we are supposed to be.
4. Has Jennifer ever lied about something to get something? — She has lied on her eight by ten resumes about her special skills, like skydiving or doing trampoline.
5. What was mentioned about Leah Remini? — Jennifer and Leah are real-life best friends. And in the movie, Leah slaps Jennifer for four times, though it was not in the script.
6. Who did Jennifer Lopez put in her first music video and how did it go? — She put her daughter and it went really well.

Follow-up discussion

1. Have you watched the film “Second act”? If so, did you like it? If not, would you like to see it?
2. What makes a movie good — actors, scenario, producer, director or the plot?
3. What movies starring Jennifer Lopes have you seen? What is your favourite one? Why?
4. Have you ever lied about special skills on your resume? Was it later discovered by the employers?

More videos from the Daily Show can be found on YouTube.