In the latest instalment of the bite-sized language lessons, we’re diving into a review of two important tenses: Past Simple and Present Perfect. These tenses provide us with the perfect tools to discuss past experiences, whether it’s reminiscing about past holidays or sharing other personal stories.
I have decided that the bite-sized lessons will alternate between vocabulary and grammar. This class is a not-so-deep dive into the world of grammar, specifically exploring the fine line between using Present Perfect and Past Simple when recounting past experiences. I believe that this topic could bring back the travel itinerary task from the last session and encourage students to talk about their past travel adventures while reviewing these two different past tenses.
Make sure to check out the resources at the end of the blog post, including the presentation, worksheet, and teacher’s notes.
Warmer: Find Someone Who…
In this class, we start with a group exercise called Find someone who… During this activity, students interview each other and write the names of their classmates next to the statements that are true for them. Depending on the class size, this task can be approached in two different ways. For larger groups, students can mingle and find people who match the descriptions. In the case of smaller groups or individual students, they can think of someone they know who matches the descriptions. Elicit the answers, ensuring that students follow the rules of Present Perfect and Past Simple.
Grammar Review: Analysing Past Tenses
Review the sentences by asking students to analyse the tenses and structures used in each one. The sentences use only two tenses – Present Perfect and Past Simple. Since this class is at a B2 level, students should be familiar with both tenses. Regardless of their familiarity, review the rules of the tenses for speaking about past experiences. Emphasise that Present Perfect is used for unspecified time in the past, while Past Simple is used to talk about actions that happened at specific moments in the past.
Controlled Practice: Forming Questions
In the next activity, students have the opportunity to practise using both the Present Perfect and the Past Simple tenses to form questions about past experiences. Demonstrate this by completing the first question with the students. Afterwards, check the students’ answers and address any issues that arise.
Example: Have you ever travelled to a foreign country? Which country did you visit?
After reviewing all the answers, divide the students into pairs and have them respond to the questions they created in the previous task. Monitor their progress and provide corrections as necessary.
Extension: A Significant Event
If you end up with too much time remaining at the end of the class, consider prompting students to reflect on a significant event in their lives. You can demonstrate this activity yourself or use my example to illustrate the usage of Present Perfect and Past Simple when discussing past events. In my case, I asked ChatGPT to write about a short trip to Japan, as the previous lesson centered around travel and it felt appropriate to revisit the topic.
Thanks so much for all the positive feedback on the previous post! I’m really happy that you’re enjoying this class format as much as I am. Feel free to download the presentation, worksheet, and teacher’s notes by clicking the links below.
Tell me about the most significant event in your life!
