Where have you been?

This ESL lesson plan focuses on contrasting Present Perfect and Past Simple through stories, discussions and conversations about various life experiences. The student is first introduced to the rules related to Past Simple and Present Perfect, separately. 

The theoretical part is followed by numerous exercises in which the student applies their knowledge of the two tenses by deciding which tense fits the sentences. Moreover, the student will get familiar with the time markers used with each of the tenses, honing their skills further. 

Introduction

The lesson starts with a paragraph containing verbs in Past Simple and Present Perfect. The student answers a few questions about the activities mentioned in the paragraph.

Grammar: Past Simple vs. Present Perfect

The structure and use of Past Simple and Present Perfect are explained and contrasted on a timeline. The student then completes sentences with the correct past participle form. Then, they complete questions in Present Perfect and answer them. Next, they complete sentences in Present Perfect tense using correct signal words – time adverbs.

The student completes a letter using Past Simple verbs. Then, they fill in the gaps using correct time expressions (yesterday, ago, before, last). 

The student matches the questions in Past Simple and Present Perfect with the best short answers. To practice negative forms in Past Simple and Present Perfect, the student completes a text with the missing verb forms.

Reading: Letter to Dad

The student reads a letter from a son to his father and answers reading comprehension questions.

Video: The biggest lie you’ve ever told your Mom

After watching a video from Jimmy Kimmel Show What’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told your mother?, the student completes the sentences based on the video.

More engaging content on moving to different places in this lesson plan.