English

Alexander and the Terrible,

horrible, No Good worksheet

Name:____________________________________________________ Date:________________

Id#_____________________ Teacher:_________________

Level: Pre-Intermediate to Intermediate

Part 1: Movie Summary

Before watching the movie, let's learn a bit about it.

Plot Summary: "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" is a family
comedy film based on the children's book of the same name. It follows the adventures of
Alexander, a young boy who is having the worst day of his life. He wakes up with gum in his
hair, and things go downhill from there. But when Alexander's family experiences their own
series of mishaps, they come together to support one another and turn the day around.

Part 2: Movie Comprehension

A. Pre-Watching Questions

1. Have you ever had a day that you would describe as "terrible" or "horrible"? What
happened?
2. Do you think it's possible for an entire family to have a bad day all at once? Why or
why not?
3. Have you read the children's book "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good,
Very Bad Day" before?

B. While-Watching Questions

As you watch the movie, try to answer these questions:

1. Describe some of the problems that Alexander faces at the beginning of the movie.
2. What happens to Alexander's family members as their day progresses?
3. How do the family members support each other during their challenging day?
4. Are there any funny or memorable moments in the movie that stood out to you?
 5. What lessons do you think the movie is trying to convey about dealing with difficult
situations?

C. Post-Watching Discussion

1. Did you enjoy watching "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad
Day"? Why or why not?
2. How did the characters in the movie handle their bad day? What can we learn from
them about resilience and positivity?
3. Have you ever experienced a day that started badly but turned out better than
expected? Share your experience.
4. What strategies or activities do you use to cheer yourself up on a bad day?
5. Do you think the movie accurately portrays the challenges and joys of family life?

Part 3: Vocabulary
Match the following words or phrases from the movie with their meanings:

1. Mishap Definitions:
2. Resilience a. The ability to bounce back from difficulties or setbacks.
3. Positivity b. To make someone feel happier or less sad.
4. Cheer up c. A close connection between family members.
5. Family bond d. A minor accident or mistake.
e. Maintaining an optimistic and hopeful attitude.

Part 4: Movie Review

Write a short review of the movie "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very
Bad Day." Include your thoughts on the plot, characters, and the overall message of the film.
Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?

Part 5: Extension Activity

Imagine you are one of the characters from the movie (Alexander or a family member).
Write a diary entry describing your day and how you managed to turn it around. Use the
vocabulary words you learned in the worksheet.
Answer key

Part 2: Movie Comprehension

A. Pre-Watching Questions

1. Personal answers may vary. Students may share their own experiences of
having a bad day.
2. Answers may vary. Some students may believe that it's possible for an entire
family to have a bad day at once due to various challenges and unexpected
events. Others may think it's unlikely.

B. While-Watching Questions

1. Alexander faces several problems at the beginning of the movie, including

getting gum in his hair, having a bad breakfast, failing a school presentation,
and getting blamed for a classmate's prank.
2. As their day progresses, Alexander's family members experience their own
mishaps. For example, his father faces issues at work, his mother has trouble
with a job interview, his brother has an embarrassing incident at prom, and
his sister gets sick during a play.
3. The family members support each other by offering encouragement, helping
solve each other's problems, and expressing their love and commitment as a
family.
4. Memorable moments may include the chaotic interview scene with the baby,
Alexander's brother's mishap at prom, and the family's collective effort to
make things right.
5. The movie conveys messages about the importance of family support,
resilience in the face of adversity, and maintaining a positive outlook even
during challenging times.

C. Post-Watching Discussion

1. Answers may vary. Some students may have enjoyed the movie because of
its humor and the positive message it conveys. Others may not have liked it
as much.
2. The characters in the movie handle their bad day by coming together as a
family, supporting each other, and finding solutions to their problems. They
show resilience by not giving up when things go wrong.
 3. Students may share their own experiences of a bad day that eventually
turned around. These experiences can vary widely.
4. Strategies for cheering up on a bad day may include spending time with
loved ones, doing something enjoyable, practicing relaxation techniques, or
focusing on positive aspects of life.
5. The movie portrays both the challenges and joys of family life, emphasizing
that while difficulties can arise, the bond between family members can help
overcome them.

Part 3: Vocabulary

1. Mishap: d
2. Resilience: a
3. Positivity: e
4. Cheer up: b
5. Family bond: c

Part 4: Movie Review

Personal review opinions will vary, but here's an example:

"Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" is a heartwarming
family movie that beautifully captures the challenges of having a bad day and how
a loving and supportive family can turn things around. The characters are relatable,
and their mishaps and efforts to overcome them are both funny and endearing.
The movie delivers a positive message about resilience and the power of family
bonds. I would definitely recommend it to others, especially families looking for an
enjoyable and uplifting film."

Part 5: Extension Activity

This section requires students to use their creativity and imagination to write a
diary entry as one of the characters from the movie. Since this is a personalized
activity, there are no specific correct answers. Students can use their understanding
of the character's experiences in the film to write their diary entry.