Exploring English: Present Simple vs Present Continuous

Exploring English: Present Simple vs Present Continuous

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to differentiate between present simple and present continuous tenses and use them appropriately in sentences.

What do you already know about using present simple and present continuous tenses?

Introduction

Definition of present simple and present continuous tenses

Present Simple

Describes routine, habits, and general truths

Present Simple Examples

1. He plays football every Saturday. 2. She speaks French fluently.

Present Continuous

Describes actions happening now or around the time of speaking

Present Continuous Examples

1. They are studying for their exams at the moment. 2. I'm not feeling well today.

Difference Between Present Simple and Present Continuous

Present Simple: habitual actions. Present Continuous: actions happening right now.

Interactive Activity

Sentence completion exercise

10 - 15 min

alone or in groups

Checking Answers

Review and discuss the completed sentences as a class

Creating Dialogue

Constructing a conversation using both tenses

Sharing Dialogues

Volunteer pairs share their dialogues with the class

Group Discussion

Advantages of using each tense in different situations

Review and Recap

Summary of the key points

Practice Time

Individual practice worksheet

Peer Review

Pair up to check and correct each other's worksheets

Wrap-Up

Q&A session and final thoughts

Homework Assignment

Write a short paragraph using both present simple and present continuous tenses

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.