Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to confidently use the present perfect tense at a B1 level.
Materials and Prep
- Pen and paper
- Access to a computer or smartphone for online exercises (optional)
- Prior knowledge of basic verb tenses
Activities
Activity 1: Present Perfect Tense Timeline
Ask the student to create a timeline of events in their life using the present perfect tense. They should include at least five significant moments or experiences. Encourage them to be creative and use specific details in their descriptions.
Activity 2: Present Perfect Tense Conversations
Provide the student with a list of conversation prompts that require the use of the present perfect tense. They can either write down their responses or engage in a spoken conversation with you. Encourage them to elaborate on their answers and ask follow-up questions.
Activity 3: Present Perfect Tense Quiz
Create a short quiz consisting of multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank questions related to the present perfect tense. The student can complete the quiz independently and then review the answers together. This will allow you to identify any areas that need further clarification.
Talking Points
Definition of present perfect tense:
"The present perfect tense is used to express an action or situation that started in the past and has a connection to the present. It is formed using the auxiliary verb 'have' or 'has' followed by the past participle of the main verb."
Examples of present perfect tense:
"I have visited Paris twice."
"She has never seen a live concert before."
Signal words for present perfect tense:
"Some common signal words used with the present perfect tense include 'already,' 'yet,' 'just,' 'ever,' and 'never.' These words help indicate the time frame of the action or situation."
Key differences between present perfect and simple past:
"While the simple past tense focuses on completed actions in the past with no connection to the present, the present perfect tense emphasizes the relationship between the past and the present. It is important to understand when to use each tense correctly."