Using simple and continuous tenses
Overview
In this second upper-intermediate lesson on film, we'll shift our focus to the simple and continuous tenses. Students will take a closer look at how these tenses are used in different contexts, especially in storytelling and describing actions related to films. The aim is to enhance their understanding of when to use each, a fundamental skill that adds accuracy and nuance to their communication.
The lesson plan includes a boardwork suggestion to present the simple and continuous tenses. Following this introduction, students will engage in some grammar exercises and speaking tasks. To wrap up the lesson, we've planned a group game, a fun twist on Pictionary, where the students design movie posters.
Lesson Outline
Classroom activities
Use of the board
The students review each tense.
Step through the functional uses of both tenses with your students and try to elicit examples of each.
Sentence builder
For this activity, students will work in pairs to create grammatically correct sentences related to film in both the continuous and simple tenses.
Interview time
Students have to make questions and interview each other in a variety of tenses.
Suggested homework
Your students have to read and summarise an online movie review of one of their favourite films.
Classroom games
Pictionary: Design a movie poster
Players design and draw a film poster on the board until their teammates guess the correct answer.
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750+ Low-prep classroom activity ideas
1100+ Printable ESL flashcards
180+ ESL lesson plans
8 Distinct language levels
Offline access through the TEFLHandbook app
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