Present Simple vs Present Continuous: Spot the Difference

Present Simple vs Present Continuous: Spot the Difference

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to identify the differences between the Present Simple and Present Continuous tenses and use them correctly in sentences.

Introduce the learning objective of the lesson and emphasize the importance of understanding these two tenses.

What do you already know about the Present Simple and Present Continuous tenses?

What are the Present Simple and Present Continuous Tenses?

The Present Simple tense is used to describe habits, routines or permanent situations. The Present Continuous tense is used to describe actions happening right now or around the present moment.

Introduce the two tenses and give examples.

Forming the Present Simple Tense

The Present Simple tense is formed by adding '-s' or '-es' to the base form of the verb for third person singular. For example: I play, he plays.

Explain the formation of the Present Simple tense and give examples.

Forming the Present Continuous Tense

The Present Continuous tense is formed by using the verb 'to be' followed by the present participle of the main verb. For example: He is playing.

Explain the formation of the Present Continuous tense and give examples.

Using the Present Simple Tense

The Present Simple tense is used for habits, routines, and permanent situations. For example: She drinks coffee every morning.

Explain the uses of the Present Simple tense and give examples.

Using the Present Continuous Tense

The Present Continuous tense is used for actions happening right now or around the present moment. For example: They are playing soccer at the park.

Explain the uses of the Present Continuous tense and give examples.

Spot the Difference: Present Simple vs Present Continuous

Identify the correct tense used in the sentence: 'I am studying for my exam' or 'I study for my exam every day'

Engage the students in an interactive activity where they identify the tense used in different sentences.

Practice Time!

Choose the correct tense for the sentence: 'She (watches/watch) TV every night'

Provide the students with practice exercises to reinforce their understanding of the two tenses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid common mistakes like using the Present Continuous tense for permanent situations or the Present Simple tense for actions happening right now.

Highlight common mistakes that students tend to make and provide examples.

Summary

The Present Simple and Present Continuous tenses are used to describe different situations. It is important to use them correctly to convey the intended meaning.

Summarize the lesson and emphasize the importance of using the two tenses correctly.

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.