Sharing experiences (Present Perfect and Past Simple)

Title separator

Grammar - Present Perfect and Past Simple

sharing experiences using Present Perfect and Past Simple

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this lesson are to:

  • discuss conversations people have when they first meet;
  • engage in sharing experiences using Present Perfect and Past Simple;
  • watch a video about the first conversation between people.

In this lesson, students reflect upon the topics people talk about when they first meet. They watch a video about people who have just met, revise the use of Present Perfect and Past Simple and discuss how to start and end a conversation. Students also do a role play in which they have a first conversation with their partner in different situations.

A2 / Pre‐Intermediate
B1 / Intermediate
60 minStandard LessonUnlimited Plan

VIDEO AND GRAMMAR

The lesson begins with a warm-up. Students look at a list of topics and say which ones (e.g. name, the weather, age, etc.) they usually talk about when they meet someone for the first time. Then, they add more topics they would discuss and two others they wouldn’t. After that, students watch a video about people who have just met and tick the topic they don’t mention. Next, they discuss their opinions on the conversation between the man and the boy from the video. Afterwards, students look at statements, imagine they are part of the first conversation and put them in the correct order. Following that, they look at the dialogue again and find examples of Present Perfect and Past Simple. Then, students discuss questions about the use of both tenses. After that, they practise sharing experiences using Present Perfect and Past Simple and complete dialogues with the correct form of verbs. Subsequently, in pairs, students ask each other the questions from the previous exercise (e.g. Have you ever had an interesting conversation with a kid?). 

GRAMMAR PRACTISE AND ROLE PLAY

At this point in the lesson, students continue sharing experiences using Present Perfect and Past Simple and imagine they meet someone for the first time. They write general questions starting with “Have you…?” about different topics (e.g. travelling, films, sports, etc.). After that, they read questions (e.g. Have you started any new hobbies recently?) and imagine their answer is “Yes, I have”. Students ask more questions about specific details in each case. Then, they read statements (e.g. Do you come here often?) and say which ones can be used to start a conversation and which can be used to end it. Students also say in what situations they could be used. Afterwards, they do a role play activity in which they have a first conversation in various situations (at a wedding, at a park, on the plane). Students get a card, read it and prepare to have a conversation with their partner.  

HOMEWORK/REVISION

This lesson plan also includes an additional task that you can use as homework or revision. In the task, students complete conversation starters with the correct form of verbs and continue each conversation with more lines. The task is available in the teacher’s version of the worksheet. You can print it and hand it out to your students. It’s also included in the e-lesson plan. 

WORKSHEETS

Comments

Title separator

Leave a Reply

  1. Joanna Gabryś-Trybała

    This is a very practical lesson for students who often get confused about how to use the Present Perfect and Past Simple tenses together. The topic is incredibly valuable! My students and I love the lesson video—there’s nothing quite like an engaging visual aid!

    1. Justa

      Hi Joanna! Thanks for taking the time to comment! We’re thrilled you find the lesson and the video engaging. We hope now your students feel more comfortable with using the tenses 🙂

  2. Anastasia Savinova

    I just paid but it doesnt let me use it! =(

    1. Justa

      Hi! To be able to open this lesson, you need to have our Unlimited subscription, and you have the Premium one. You can upgrade your subscription through your user account.

Browse other materials recommended for you

Title separator
speaking lesson on walking
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate | B1 / Intermediate
Speaking Class 45 min / 60 min
Loading

The joy of walking

Lifestyle

Join in discussing the effects of walking with this lesson! Students share opinions, watch a video about the benefits of walking and review useful vocabulary. They also recommend ideas to a friend who wants to be healthier and discuss quotes related to personal journeys.

talking about style and clothing
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate | B1 / Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Your style, your story

General Lifestyle

Talk about style with this lesson! Students discuss clothing choices, practise vocabulary on clothing and watch an ad for a fashion brand. They also share their personal clothing preferences and work on mind maps.

ESL lesson on hobbies
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate
Speaking Class 45 min / 60 min
Loading

Hobbies: more than just free time

Lifestyle

Engage in talking about hobbies from different perspectives! With this lesson, students share their thoughts and experiences related to pastimes, explore useful phrases and watch two short videos on hobbies. They also play a guessing game!

Past Simple activities
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Past Simple activities

Grammar

Review Past Simple with this lesson! Students practise the pronunciation of verb endings in the past, work on the verb ‘be’ in the past and revise regular and irregular verbs. They play a guessing game and complete short stories using the past form of verbs.

speaking lesson on tattoos
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate | B1 / Intermediate
Speaking Class 45 min / 60 min
Loading

How about a tattoo?

Lifestyle

With this lesson, students talk about tattoos! They watch a video about tattoo tourism, share opinions and revise collocations with the word ‘tattoo’. They also discuss workplace discrimination against people with tattoos.

B1 / Intermediate
Critical Reading Club 30 min / 45 min
Loading

Ordering groceries online

Lifestyle

With this lesson plan about shopping, students discuss the pros and cons of ordering groceries online! They discuss consumer preferences and look at some niche online grocery stores. They do a ‘this or that’ exercise and learn useful vocabulary.

talk about photos
B1 / Intermediate
Speaking Class 45 min / 60 min
Loading

A trip down memory lane…

Lifestyle

Students talk about photos, work with some vocabulary, and watch and discuss a video about photo preservation. They also think about how photo-taking has changed over the years and share what they do with their photos.

discuss modern dating
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate | B1 / Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Let’s go on a date!

General Lifestyle

Students discuss different types of dating, how it has changed over the years, and brainstorm hypothetical dating scenarios. They explore opinions, learn vocabulary, and watch and discuss a video about speed dating.

ESL lesson on parenting
B1 / Intermediate | B2 / Upper Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Mommunes

Lifestyle

With this lesson, students talk about family structures and shared parenting. They explore vocabulary to talk about parenting and watch a video about single mothers and children who share households.

Show more lessons

Questions

Title separator

Is there a minimum subscription period if I choose a monthly subscription?

No, there's no minimum required number of subscription months. You can cancel any time you want. Basically, you can sign up and then cancel your subscription the next day, which will mean you have access for 1 month and won't be charged again.

What currencies can I pay in for my subscription?

Our default currency is USD (American dollar), but you can also pay in EUR (euro), GBP (British pound sterling) or PLN (Polish zloty). You can change the currency you want to pay in at the Pricing page before selecting a subscription plan.

How can I edit an e-lesson plan?

You can get your own editable copy of an e-lesson plan and make changes to it. To do so, either (1) make a copy of it on your Google Drive (preferable method) or (2) download it in a Powerpoint format (but formatting might be a bit off so we can’t guarantee that it will work well).
Read more FAQ
Title separator

ESL Brains

Forgot password?
or continue with