Mastering the Present Simple: Unlocking the Power of ESL

Mastering the Present Simple: Unlocking the Power of ESL

Learning Objective

Understand the usage and structure of the present simple tense in English.

What do you already know about the present simple tense in English?

What is the Present Simple Tense?

It is used to express general truths, habits, and routines. It is formed with the base form of the verb.

Sentence Structure

Subject + base form of the verb (+s/es for he, she, it) for positive sentences. Use 'do/does + not + base form of the verb' for negative sentences. Use 'do/does + subject + base form of the verb' for questions.

Common Time Expressions

Often, usually, always, sometimes, never, every day, on Mondays, etc.

Third Person Singular

In the present simple, add -s or -es to the base form of the verb for he, she, and it.

Interactive Exercise: Verb Conjugation

Ask students to conjugate verbs in the present simple tense for different subjects.

Using 'Do' and 'Does'

Use 'do' for I, you, we, they. Use 'does' for he, she, it. These are used in negative and question forms.

Practice Time!

Provide a variety of exercises for students to practice using the present simple tense.

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.