English Conversation and Vocabulary Lessons with The Big Bang Theory

When I ask my students what shows they watch on television to improve their English, I always expect them to say news or current affairs programs. However, I am generally wrong. Lately, almost all of my students tell me the English language show they most watch and enjoy is the American comedy The Big Bang Theory. Why is this show so popular? Why do people all around the world find it so entertaining?

Let’s learn some vocabulary to help us answer these questions:

What is The Big Bang Theory about?

The plot revolves around two physics geniuses, called Leonard and Sheldon, who live together in California and work at Caltech (The Californian Institute of Technology). The humor is based on the social awkwardness of the scientists and their nerdy and geeky friends, particularly around women. The recurring female character is a blonde neighbor and aspiring actress called Penny whose attractiveness, outgoing and non-intellectual approach to life is in sharp contrast to the personalities of Leonard and Sheldon.

Why do you think The Big Bang Theory is funny?

I laugh at the…

Contrast between characters,

Social ineptness (unease) of the scientists,

Strange behavior of the boys,

Geek humor,

Witty popular culture references to movies and television shows.

Who is your favorite character in the show?

My favorite character is Sheldon because he is….

Eccentric,

Well-dressed,

Without a conventional sense of humor,

Clueless about money.

My favorite character is Leonard because…

He is more socially adept (capable) than Leonard,

He is a good friend,

His relationship with Penny drives the show.

My favorite character is Penny because…

She is more socially competent than the boys,

She is not as intellectually intimidating as the male characters…

She is more grounded or down- to- earth than the show’s other characters.

Since we are talking about the show let’s watch an interview with the actor Jim Parsons (Sheldon) talking about the show and his character in it. See if you can answer the questions after the video.

Why does Jim Parsons say he has had the happiest sad feeling ever?

What does he say makes his character, Sheldon, tick?

Why does Jim Parsons say “Thank God his best friend Leonard is there for Sheldon?”

What does Jim Parsons say is his possibly his only talent?

Why does Jim Parsons say there is a rivalry between him and the interviewer?

On what other television show did the co-creator of The Big Bang Theory work before according to Parsons?

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