TV Series Recommendation: Modern Family

Source: Hulu

Modern Family is an American sitcom which revolves around the daily lives of three families over a decade. All characters are charismatic and funny, especially when they speak directly to the camera and make a confession from time to time. Each episode is only around 20 minutes long so you can binge-watch the whole series quickly. I’m sure you’ll find this light-hearted sitcom enjoyable and relatable!

• Suggested levels: All levels

• Genre: Sitcom

• Number of seasons: 11

• Duration: Around 20mins for each episode

• Where to watch: Disney+

• Why you should watch it:

  • Boost your listening skills

  • Learn new vocabulary, especially colloquial expressions that can be used in daily conversations and the IELTS speaking test
    

• Example (Season 4 Episode 19):

  • This is probably one of the funniest moments of Modern Family. Mitch and Cam take their daughter, Lily, to a Vietnamese restaurant, hoping that Lily can learn more about her heritage.

• Vocabulary:

  • Tons of = an extremely large amount [*informal]

    • ‘We have tons of lesbian friends.’
      

  • Can’t help something = can’t control or stop acting in a particular way

    • “I can’t help but feel that you’re bring something to the table that’s possibly not at all about Lily.”
      

  • Cause/ make a scene = to behave in a loud, angry way in public

    • ‘You just caused a scene in the restaurant.’
      

  • Better off = in a better situation

    • “I think we would all be better off if people would go back to where they came from.”