Past Simple V Present Perfect Simple B1-Merged

PAST SIMPLE
VERSUS
PRESENT
PERFECT
The most obvious distinction between the past simple
and present perfect is the importance or the specification
of time. We generally use the past simple when the time
is given and the present perfect when it is unknown or
irrelevant.
Specific time in the Unknown time in the

past: past:
I shopped in Harrods I have shopped in

last May. Harrods one time.
I lived in LA in 1996 I have lived in LA.

for one year.
Experiences with Experiences without

time relevance: time relevance:
I went on a I have been on a

rollercoaster ride at rollercoaster.
Disneyland.
I have visited China.
I visited China in 1976.
Repeated actions in the Repeated actions in the

past with time past without time
relevance: relevance:
She went to New York I have been to New

three times last year. York twice.
I cooked a curry every I have cooked a curry

day last week. a few times before.
With for or since to indicate With for or since to indicate

a completed duration: ongoing duration:
They lived there for 12 They have lived there

years. for 12 years.
He worked here since He has worked here

2010. since 2010.
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PAST SIMPLE VS
PRESENT PERFECT
Warmer
⎪ Divide your class into two groups.

⎪ Distribute the ‘biography's’ below to the groups.
⎪ Each group reads the clues about a famous female celebrity.
⎪ The group that guesses each celebrity correctly is the winner!
Each group is then asked to write their own short biography for a famous person
of their choice. Each group has three attempts to guess who the celebrity is.
Main usage
The Past Simple tense is used:

To express a finished action or event.
The Present Perfect Simple tense can be used:

⎪ To express an event or action that began in the past and continues until today.
⎪ To refer to a past action within one’s own life experience.
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B1
PAST SIMPLE VS
PRESENT PERFECT
Construction
Past Simple
Interrogative
Aux Verb (Past Simple) + Subject + (Main Verb)

Did you go to Bangkok last week?
Did Mary work in retail when she was younger?
Were you at home at 9pm last night?
Affirmative
Subject + Past Simple of Main Verb

Yes, I went to Bangkok with my colleagues.
She worked in retail when she was 19.
Yes, I was at home all evening.
Negative
Subject + Negative Aux Verb + (Main Verb)

Unfortunately, I didn't go to Bangkok.
No, she didn't work in retail.
No, I wasn't at home at all last night.

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PAST SIMPLE VS
PRESENT PERFECT
Construction
Present Perfect
Interrogative
Have/Has + Subject + Past Participle

Have you been to Durban?
Has he ever lived in Spain?
Have we met before?
Affirmative
Subject + Have/Has + Past Participle

Yes, I have been to Durban many times.
He has lived in Spain since the age of ten.
I think we have met once before.
Negative
Subject + Have/Has not + Past Participle

No, I have never been to Durban.
He's never lived in Spain.
We have never met before.

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PAST SIMPLE VS
PRESENT PERFECT
The Past Simple tense refers to an action or event that is completely finished.
We use the past form of the verb. Look at the construction graph above to see the
difference when using the auxiliary or a normal verb. Don’t forget that irregular
verbs change completely in the past form. For example:
We went to the shop last week.
Went is the past form of the irregular verb ‘to go’. Last refers to a finished time.
The Present Perfect Simple is used to express an action that began in the past
and continues until now. It is used to express a past action within one’s life
experience.
*Note that the Present Perfect Simple tense uses has/have + the past participle of
the verb.
We have been to the shop many times.
Been is the past participle of the irregular verb ‘to be’. Many times refers to
occurrences in the present time.

B1
PAST SIMPLE VS
PRESENT PERFECT
Key Words
Key Words can be extremely useful in indicating the Past Simple or

Present Perfect Simple tense. Here is a list for your reference:
Past Simple
Last We were in Tokyo last week on a business trip.

Ago I was a good footballer many years ago!
Before The war in Vietnam started before the 1970s.
When When we were in Poland, we went to Warsaw.
After After 911, the government increased security in the USA.
Yesterday We had dinner together yesterday evening.
Present Perfect
For I’ve worked here for three years.

Since Mike has worked here since last year.
How long How long have we known each other?
Ever/never Have you ever been to India? No, I’ve never been there.
Already I’ve already finished the project.
Yet I haven’t been to China yet, but I’d like to go there.

B1
PAST SIMPLE VS
PRESENT PERFECT
Note:
Watch out for irregular verbs when using the Past Simple and Present Perfect
Simple tenses. They change completely! We use the past form in the Past Simple
tense. We use the past participle of these verbs when forming the present perfect.
Here’s a list of those verbs and their participles for your reference:
Infinitive Past Simple Past Participle
To be Was Been
To Do Did Done
To Say Said Said
To Come Came Come
To Go Went Gone
To Eat Ate Eaten
To Write Wrote Written
To See Saw Seen
Exercise 1
Complete the dialogue with the Present Perfect Simple or Past Simple:
A: _______________ (you/see) the new movie, ‘’Lucky’’?
B: No, I _______________ (see) it but I _______________ (go) to see a
different movie called ‘’Magic’’ last night.
A: _______________ (you/like) it?
B: Yes, it _______________ (be) great! _______________ (you/ever/see) it?
A: Yes, I_______________ . I _______________(not like) it.

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PAST SIMPLE VS
PRESENT PERFECT
Exercise 2
Complete the sentences, using the Key Words we have learned in this unit:
1. __________ 1998, I’ve worked in the same office.

2. __________have you lived in Boston? For two years.
3. I was with my friends ___________ afternoon at the baseball game.
4. My parents have been married __________ thirty-five years!
5. Have you ________ eaten Mongolian food? No, I’ve never tried it.
Exercise 3
Multiple choice
1. We _______ outside the doctor’s office now for two hours!

a. Were b. Have been
2. My parents _______ to Cambodia last year on an amazing trip.

a. Went b. Have gone
3. Shelly _______ at The ABC Company since last May.

a. Worked b. Has worked
4. Four years ago, I _______ my husband and got engaged.

a. Met b. Have met
5. There _______ a tornado in the north of the country early this morning.
a. Was b. Has been

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PAST SIMPLE VS
PRESENT PERFECT
Exercise 4
⎪ Divide your students into pairs.

⎪ Distribute the song lyrics of Michael Buble’s ‘’I Just haven’t met you yet’’.
⎪ Have students listen to the song and fill in the missing words (past simple or
present perfect simple forms).

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PAST SIMPLE VS
PRESENT PERFECT

A2
PAST SIMPLE VS
PRESENT PERFECT
Exercise 5
Complete the job interview with either the past simple or present perfect simple.
Interviewer: Hello, Mike. Welcome to the interview. Please take a seat.

Job applicant: Thank you, Mrs. Winters.
Interviewer: Let’s start with your experience. ____________ (work) in a bank?
Job applicant: Yes, I have. I ____________ for KBL bank from 2000 until 2005.
Interviewer: ____________ (work) in a financial position?
Job applicant: Yes, I ____________ (work) as an investment advisor.
Interviewer: Have you ever worked in wealth management?
Job applicant: No, I ____________. However, I dealt extensively with asset
management and I ____________(give) support to corporate groups in my last job.
Interviewer: That’s useful. We’re looking for someone who can work well with high
profile customers.
Job applicant: I ____________ (had) a lot of experience responding to demanding
and large groups.
Interviewer: Good. Let’s organize a second interview for Monday.
Job applicant: Thank you.

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PAST SIMPLE VS
PRESENT PERFECT
Exercise 6
Select the best answer from the options below each sentence:
1. She ____________ the Taj Mahal.

a. Never did see
b. Has never seen
c. Has seen never
2. When I ____________ home from work, I went to bed as I was tired.

a. Have come
b. Did come
c. Came
3. It____________ since 8AM this morning! Will it stop?

a. ‘s rained
b. Rained
c. Did rain
4. ____________ last month, the whole team has worked only on one project.
a. For
b. Since
c. When
5. Where ____________ you last night? I looked everywhere for you!

a. Have you been
b. Did you been
c. Were

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PAST SIMPLE V PRESENT PERFECT
I HE THEY I
START RIDE WEAR WATCH PLAY
In this board game, students must think of a sentence using the

past simple or present perfect form, using the verb and subject of
YOU
the square they have landed on. Blue writing = Past Simple. Red WORK
writing = Present Perfect. Orange = bad! The first player to reach
the finish square is the winner.
WE THEY SHE IT THEY

HUG OPEN TEACH EAT BLOW
YOU I YOU YOU GO

JUMP SING SLEEP LISTEN BACK
4 SPACES
GO BACK IT I WE
TO THE WALK SING WRITE
FINISH
START
WE THEY WE GO MISS
KNOW WAKE SHUT BACK A
UP 7 SPACES TURN
GO I WE YOU THEY
BACK SPEAK DRINK VOTE WIN
3 SPACES

PAST TENSE
RESPONSES
In this lesson plan, we look at how to respond to
questions about an action or event that happened in
the past.
PAST SIMPLE
Did you buy the apples from Walmart?
Yes, I did. (Short answer)
Yes, I bought them from Walmart. (Long answer)
No, I didn't. (Short, negative answer)
No, I didn't buy them from Walmart. (Long, negative)
Were you at the library this morning?
Yes, I was. (Short answer)
Yes, I was at the library this morning. (Long answer)
No, I wasn't. (Short, negative answer)
No, I wasn't at the library this morning. (Long, negative)
PAST CONTINUOUS
Were you eating breakfast at 9am?
Yes, I was. (Short answer)
Yes, I was eating breakfast at 9am. (Long answer)
No, I wasn't. (Short, negative answer)
No, I wasn't eating breakfast at 9am. (Long, negative)
Was he playing in the snow yesterday?

Yes, he was. (Short answer)
Yes, he was playing in the snow yesterday. (Long answer)
No, he wasn't. (Short, negative answer)
No, he wasn't playing in the snow yesterday. (Long answer)
PAST PERFECT
Had you met your boss before you started working here?
Yes, I had.
Yes, I had met my boss before I started working here.
Yes, I met her last July. (Answer in the past simple)
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

Had you been sleeping long?
No, I hadn't.
No, I hadn't been sleeping long.
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PAST TENSE RESPONSES
Chatterbox
⎪ The class works in pairs.

⎪ Distribute the questionnaires
⎪ Ask students to ask each other the questions.
1. Did you ever meet a famous person?

2. Had you met anyone in this room before you joined the class?
3. Were you working yesterday?
4. Did your parents meet when they were young?
5. Had the teacher spoken to you before you joined this class?
6. Was your brother or sister living with you in the past?
Main usage
Past tense responses are used to:

⎪ Respond to a question in the Past Simple or Past Continuous, using a main
verb or auxiliary verb.

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Past Simple responses
Main verb
Did you feed the cat? Yes, I did (feed the cat.) or No, I didn’t (feed the cat).
Auxiliary verb
Were you home last night? Yes, I was (at home last night.) or No, I wasn’t at home
last night).
Past Continuous responses
Auxiliary verb
Were you playing tennis all afternoon? Yes, I was (playing tennis all afternoon.) or
No, I wasn’t (playing tennis all afternoon).
Was Mike playing with you? Yes, he was or No, he wasn’t.
Past Perfect responses
Past Perfect Simple
Had you finished your work by the time you went home? Yes, I had (finished my
work.) or No, I hadn’t (finished my work).
Past Perfect Continuous
Had Cath been working here long when she met Jay? Yes, she had (been working
here a while.) or No, she hadn’t (been working here long).

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When responding to different questions in the past, we look at the first verb used
and respond appropriately.
With a main verb in the past simple, we use did or didn’t in response as a short
answer.
Did you see the movie last night?
Yes, I saw the movie last night (long answer) or No, I didn’t see the movie.
Yes, I did (short) or No, I didn’t see it.
With an auxiliary verb in the past simple, we use was, wasn’t, were or weren’t in
response.
Were you at work yesterday?
Yes, I was or No, I wasn’t.
With a main verb in the past continuous, we use was or wasn’t in response.
Was Yuko singing in the concert?
Yes, she was singing in the concert (long answer) or No, she wasn’t singing in the
concert.
Yes, she was (short answer) or No, she wasn’t.
Were you participating in the event?
Yes, I was participating in the event (long answer) or No, I wasn’t participating in the
event.
Yes, I was (short answer) or No, I wasn’t.

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With an auxiliary verb in the Past Perfect Simple we use had or hadn’t in response.
Had you met the boss before your first day on the job?
Yes, I had met him (long answer) or No, I hadn’t met him.
Yes, I had (short answer) or No, I hadn’t.
With a main verb in the Past Perfect Continuous, we use had, had been, hadn’t or
hadn’t been in response.
Had you been working here long when you met Yuko?
Yes, I had been working here for two years (long answer) or No, I hadn’t been
working here long.
Yes, I had (short answer) or No, I hadn’t.

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Pronunciation of past simple endings
There are three ways to pronounce –ed endings for past simple regular verbs:
/t/, /ɪd/ and /d/
With verbs ending in x, tʃ, ʃ and s, we pronounce ed with a /t/ sound.

For example:
/t/
We walked (/t/) on the road.
With verbs ending in d, t, we pronounce –ed with an /ɪd/ sound

/ɪd/
I wanted to see my friend Luke.
With verbs ending in b, g, r and y, we pronounce -ed with a /d/ sound

/d/
We played many games.
Exercise 1
Read and pronounce the words and put them into the correct category of
pronunciation:
/t/ /ɪd/ /d/

Watched
Boxed
Pushed
Moved
Rented
Hoped
Loved

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Exercise 2
Matching the questions with their endings:
1. Did you come home late?

a) Yes, I did
b) No, I wasn’t
2. Were you out?

a) Yes, I were
b) No, I wasn’t
3. Didn’t Mark work with you last year?

a) Yes, that’s right – he was.
b) No, that’s wrong – he didn’t.
4. Were you traveling last year?

a) Yes, I did
b) Yes, I was
c) Yes, we were
d) No, they didn’t
5. Wasn’t John eating with you at the restaurant last night?

a) Yes, I did
b) Yes, I was
c) Yes, we were
d) No, he wasn’t

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Exercise 3
Application Form
⎪ Students work in pairs.
⎪ Distribute the role-play cards. One student plays the University
Registrar and the other person plays the New Student. They must complete the
application form on the following page.
University Registrar
You work in the university as the registrar. Your
job is to enroll new students into their programs.
However, you must fill out the form below related
to the student’s address, marital status and
studies. Ask questions in the past to find out the
answers for each question.
New Student
You are a new student and you’re ready to enroll
into your MBA program at a great university. You
already have a degree in business and 5 years of
work experience in a company. Today, you’re
meeting the registrar to complete the form below.
You must answer questions about your address,
marital status and studies. Answer questions in
the past to complete your registration into the
MBA program.

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Exercise 4
Select the correct answer to complete each sentence:
1. Were you at the play last night? A. Yes, I believe he was.
2. Was Jake playing piano last week? B. That’s right! They did
3. Did Harry accompany you to the event? C. No, I hadn’t.
4. Had you known about this criminal prior D. No, I wasn’t
to his second offence?
5. Didn’t your parents live in Iceland in the E. Yes, he did
past?
Activity
Divide the class into pairs. Each pair has to make a short sentence that includes
every letter from the alphabet. The sentence must be grammatically correct and it
must be understandable. Here is an example below;
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

B1
THE HAUNTED CASTLE
The Castle stood on a hill. It was

old and the bricks were crumbling.
It was surrounded by trees, a thick
forest as far as the eye could see.
The windows were small and dark.
Families could rent out the castle
for holidays. The owners didn’t
know what else to do with it. In the
beginning of June, wanting a warm Her father walked up to the door
family getaway, the Harris family and unlocked it with a big yellow
rented the castle. The car pulled key. It rattled as he did so and the
up and they took their suitcases heavy door swung open. Inside
from the roof. They all piled out was cold and dark. A shiver ran
and looked at the castle. It was over Tina’s skin. She grabbed her
much bigger than they had brother’s hand and ran inside. Her
imagined. It stood tall against the brother was younger than her and
sky. It was enormous. “Open the a little more scared. “What if there
door dad, we want to explore!” are ghosts or something?” he
Tina yelled. asked her. “Don’t be stupid

Benjamin! There’s no such thing
as ghosts,” she replied. They ran
up the stairs whilst their parents
moved stuff into the hallway.
Upstairs there were dozens of
rooms. Tina tried the first door
handle she found but it was
locked.

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THE HAUNTED CASTLE
“I wonder why it’s locked,” Benjamin said. “Probably a dead body in

there,” Tina laughed. She loved scaring her younger brother. “Don’t joke
Tina,” Benjamin said angrily. They ran through the corridors upstairs but
found only big bedrooms with huge beds and old wardrobes. All they saw
was a lot of old and boring stuff. “Well this isn’t cool,” Tina said. Benjamin
smiled, happy there were no ghosts.
With a sad face, Tina walked down the stairs and her brother followed.
This time the staircase creaked under their feet. When they reached the
bottom they looked around but their parents were nowhere to be seen. All
their stuff was inside and the front door was closed but they were gone.
Then Tina noticed the footprints. There were footprints leading towards a
locked door.
Benjamin began to cry but Tina was too shocked for tears. Maybe the
castle was haunted after all.

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THE HAUNTED CASTLE
Vocabulary
Spend 3 minutes researching the vocabulary below that is used in the text.
Then discuss your answers with the teacher.
Haunted
Shiver
Crumbling
Tears
Stuff
Exercise 1
Read the story and then answer the true or false questions below:
T/F The castle was in good condition

T/F The castle was surrounded by trees
T/F There were footprints in the castle
T/F Tina didn’t believe in ghosts
T/F Benjamin was older than his sister
Chatterbox
Have you ever been in a haunted place?

Do you believe in ghosts?
Have you ever visited a castle?
Were you afraid of ghosts as a child, like Benjamin is?
Did you and your friends share ghost stories when you were younger?

PAST PERFECT
The past perfect is used to talk about a completed
action in the past that happened before another action
or point in time.
The past perfect is formed by using had + past participle:

I had studied French before I moved to France.
She had met him a long time before they got together.
I had completed my masters by the time I was 23.
We hadn't seen the property before we bought it.
Marie had eaten her breakfast before her husband woke
up.
Dave hadn't spoken about his father before.
To express a condition with if:

If I had studied French before I moved here, life would
be much easier.
If she had met him earlier, they might not still be
together.
If we had seen the property first, we probably wouldn't
have bought it.
Use just to express a very recent action:

I had just seen him before his accident.
She had just passed her exam, so she was happy.
We had just got married when the news came through.
Past perfect questions:

Had you eaten before the game?
Had they been together for long?
Had we bought the house before the neighbours moved
in?
Where had they worked before?
Why had he spent all of his money by the time the rent
was due?
What had he done to deserve this kind of treatment?
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PAST PERFECT
Warmer
⎪ Divide your group into Teams A and B.

⎪ Match the events to the year that they had happened by.
⎪ Start asking the questions: ‘’What had happened by…?’’ and the dates.
⎪ The team to answer first – using the past perfect sentence correctly – gains 1
point.
What had happened by…?
1914 Vietnam war had ended
1945 Twin Towers had been attacked
1962 John F Kennedy had been assassinated
1969 Internet had become global
1975 Hiroshima had been bombed
1982 Man had walked on the moon
1997 World War I had started
2001 Princess Diana had died
Main usage
The Past perfect simple is used to refer to an action that occurred prior to another
action in the past.

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PAST PERFECT
Construction
Interrogative
Had + Subject + Past Participle

Had you been abroad by the age of 18?
Had you learned to drive before your sister?
Had she completed her studies when she started work?
Affirmative
Subject + Had + Past Participle

Yes, I had been to the USA.
They had finished their article when it went to press.
We had studied Spanish before we arrived in Peru.
Negative
Subject + Hadn't + Past Participle

No, I hadn't traveled abroad before I was 23.
Jamie hadn't achieved what he wanted to.
The government hadn't issued a warning prior to the suspension of the MP.

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PAST PERFECT
The Past Perfect Simple refers to an action or event that occurred before another
action in the past. The other action is usually expressed with the past simple tense.
The Past Perfect Simple tense is formed by using had + the past participle.
Don’t forget that the irregular verbs change completely in the past participle
June 1st June 8th June 15th
I studied hard for all I finished all of my I received all of my

of my exams exams exam results.
I had studied hard by the time I finished my exams.

I had finished all my exams by the time I received my results.
I had received all of my results by the 15th June.
The past perfect is often used with the prepositions by or by the time, and with a
past simple event. The past perfect tense specifies that the first event occurred before
the second event happened.
Don’t forget that irregular verbs change completely in the past participle.
I went home - in the past simple
becomes
I had gone home by 5PM - in the past perfect simple.

B1 PAST PERFECT
Exercise 1
Complete the short answers:
1. Had you met your wife by the time you left university?
No, I ___________.
2. Had they seen the movie by the end of the night?
No, they ___________. They fell asleep before the movie started.
3. Had we met each other by 2010?
No, we ___________. We met each other in 2011.
4. Hadn’t you finished your project by the end of last year?
Yes, we ___________.
5. Had it rained a lot by the time you planted the rose bush?
Yes, it ___________. The soil was ready for planting.
Exercise 2
Complete the sentences using the correct form of the past perfect:
1. We had just _______ (meet) each other by the end of the summer in 1998.
2. They _______ seen the movie ‘Titanic’ when their friends told them about it.
3. My parents _______ (be) married for ten years by the time I was born.
4. It _______ (not stop) snowing by morning. There was still a lot of snow on
the ground.
5. They _______ (never go) to California even though they travelled to the
west coast of the USA.

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PAST PERFECT
Exercise 3
Events in the past

⎪ Distribute the story below.
⎪ Have students put the story together according to the correct sequence of
events.
I moved to Los Angeles in the summer of 2010.
In fact, I had started to give up hope when I got the call from the studio.
They’d selected me for the leading role!
However, I decided to move to L.A. because I had found a great job in

Hollywood as an actress for one of the big studios.
It wasn’t my first time to live in California. I had spent five years in San
Francisco between 2005 and 2010, and loved it.
I stayed at The Beverly Hills Hotel and within days, I had found a place to
live. My life in Hollywood had begun!
Before I got this job, I had done many auditions for different movies without
much luck.
I accepted immediately and drove to L.A. When I arrived, I remembered I had

forgotten to find an apartment!

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PAST PERFECT
Exercise 4
Create sentences with both phrases, using the past perfect simple:
1. I started to eat dinner at 8PM. I was finished by 8:30PM.

2. We started the project in May. We completed in August.
3. Mary arrived at the party and met two new friends by the time she went home.
4. We lived in Texas for five years. Then, we moved to New York.
5. The hotel staff prepared our room. We arrived at our room in the afternoon.
Exercise 5
Complete the questions, affirmative and negative sentences using the past
perfect simple tense:
A: What __________ (eat) that caused you this terrible stomachache?

B: I __________ (not drink or eat) anything! I think I have a virus.
A: Maybe you picked up the virus abroad! You just got back from your travels.
Where __________ (you be) by the time you returned?
B: I __________ (visit) North Africa, southern Europe and that’s all.
A: By the time you reached Europe, __________ (you have) any symptoms?
B: Yes, I had. Let’s go to the doctor!

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PAST PERFECT
Chatterbox
What had you done by your tenth birthday?

What had you done by the time you were 18?
What had you done by the time you arrived to work this morning?
Where had you worked before you joined this company?
Where had you been living before the house you live in now?
Activity
Divide the class into two teams and assign each team one of the hypothetical
situations below. The students have to discuss what had happened in each of the
situations, giving at least five answers using the correct form of the past perfect.
Last week when I returned home from work I realized that my car had been
broken into.......
The owner of the dog kennels accidently left the doors open overnight.
When she arrived for work the next day, she couldn’t believe what had
happened……

WHO'S
VERSUS
WHOSE
WHO'S WHOOSE
Contraction of “who” Possessive form of the
and “is” (present tense) pronouns, "who" and
or "who" and“has” (past "which"
tense)
Use "Who's" to replace Use for the possessive

the words “who” and pronoun of who. It
“is” or “has” in a questions who the
sentence: object or action belongs
to.
“He’s the best who’s “I prefer a cook whose

worked the hardest.” training is evident.”
“Who’s your favorite “Whose turn is it to clean

student?” the dishes?”
“I am not certain who’s "Who's child is this?"

in the lead right now.”
"I met a musician whose
"Who's been eating my songs became famous"
cookies?"
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WHO'S V WHOSE
Exercise 6
Select the correct form to fill in the blank in the following sentences:
1. _____ (Who’s / Whose) trumpet sounds so flat?
2. _____ (Who’s / Whose) coming to dinner tomorrow night?
3. We have to wonder ______ (who’s / whose) car that is in their driveway.
4. Are you looking forward to finding out ______ (who’s / whose) going to win?
5. It’s obvious _______ (who’s / whose) winning, looking at _______ (who’s / whose)
scored the most points.
Exercise 7
Are these sentences correct or incorrect?
1- Who's that knocking at the door?

2- "Whose a pretty boy" said the parrot.
3- Can someone tell me whose trousers these are?
4- Did you hear about that man who's wife had a tattoo of a camel on her cheek?
5- "Paul, whose eyes looked tired, had not slept for days."
Exercise 8
Students working individually create three sentences that use “who's” and three
that use “whose” correctly.

COMMON PHRASALVERBS
GIVE
He gave up smoking last year. (Quit)
They gave away free crisps. (Give presents)
His boss gave in to his demands. (Conceded defeat)
Give over moaning and do your work. (Stop)
The car totally gave out. (Stopped working)
PUT
Don't put up with his lateness. (Accept)
Tell him to put in a a complaint. (Make)
Please can you put out the rubbish. (Take)
Can we put off the meeting, please? (Postpone)
You're always putting him down. (Insulting)
MAKE
Can we kiss and make up? (Resolve differences)
Why do you make out that I'm lying? (Infer)
We gotta make off quickly. (Leave)
I don't know what to make of his comments.
(Understand)
I must make up for last week. (Compensate)
TURN
It turns out he's very good at his job. (Result)
Could you turn off the light, please. (Switich off)
I need to turn over the pancakes. (Invert)
You better turn up tomorrow. (Attend)
Turn down the volume, please. (Lower)
WORK
Have you finished your work out? (Exercise)
I've worked up an apetite. (Hunger)
I am working on this research. (Work)
We need to work around this. (Solve)
We can work towards our goals. (Aim)
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PHRASAL VERBS
Warmer
Matching Game
⎪ Have students work in pairs.
⎪ Match the phrase with the correct phrasal verb without using technology.
Please extinguish your cigarette Look over
Remove your shoes Get on
Research information Call by
Visit your grandmother in hospital Hang up
Review your notes Take off
Switch off the phone after the call Look for
Mount the horse Broke up
Ali and Kelly separated Pick up
The lamp illuminates the whole room Put out
I collect my kids from school Light up
Main usage
Phrasal Verbs are used to express another meaning than is used with the verb
alone.

B1
PHRASAL VERBS
A phrasal verb is created when a verb is joined with one or more prepositions.
Phrasal verbs are either separable or inseparable.
1) Separable phrasal verbs are transitive (they take a direct object).
Peter showed the visitor around the company. The phrasal verb show + around is
transitive and separable.
Look at how some phrasal verbs can be both separable and inseparable:
I picked up the children from school.
When the direct object (the children) becomes a pronoun, it must come between the
verb (pick) and the preposition (up).
I picked them up from school.
2) Inseparable phrasal verbs are intransitive – they do not take a direct object.
I took care of the children. Take care of = intransitive inseparable phrasal verb.
You cannot say: 'I took the children care of'.

B1
PHRASAL VERBS
There can be many possible phrasal verbs created with one verb and several
different prepositions. The meaning changes depending on the preposition used.
The meaning of the phrasal verb could be literal or metaphorical.
literal phrasal verb
Look + at - I’m looking at the document now.
Metaphorical phrasal verb
Look + forward - I’m looking forward to seeing you soon. (Excited)
Phrasal verbs can be made up of:
1) Verb + preposition
Look up the meaning of the word in the dictionary. (Research)
2) Verb + preposition + preposition
You always come up with great ideas for birthday parties. (Think of)

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PHRASAL VERBS
Exercise 1
Use the prepositions below to fill in the gaps in this dialogue. Some of the
prepositions can be used more than once.
Up Forward Over About Off
Karen: Hi Julie! Can you come ______ to my house today? I’d like to invite you
for dinner.
Julie: I’d love to! However, I have no idea how to get to your house.
Karen: I’ll give you directions. Go down Shrewsbury Road for about one
kilometre. At the corner, take the train and get ______ at Green Street. My
house is the pink one on the left – number 25!
Julie: That’s easy. If I have a problem, I’ll just look ______ your address on my
GPS. What can I bring?
Karen: It would be great if you could bring a chocolate cake. I’ve invited five
other friends – I’m looking ______ to introducing my friend Peter to you.
Julie: Who’s Peter?
Karen: Peter is my colleague. I meet with him for lunch sometimes. Don’t bring
______ the topic of marriage to him. He just got divorced!
Julie: Okay, I won’t! Well, I can’t wait for the party, Karen. Thanks for thinking
______ me.
Karen: See you soon!

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PHRASAL VERBS
Exercise 2
Read the sentences below and then decide if they are separable or inseparable
phrasal verbs. Re-arrange the sentences that you think could be separable.
1. Please look after my dog Coco while I’m away on holiday in Spain!
2. Can you throw out the garbage, please?
3. My mother gets along with everyone she meets.
4. Can you get in to the car now? We have to leave!
5. The flight attendants took care of all the passengers’ needs.
Activity
For this game you will need a dice. The first student rolls the dice and whichever
number it lands on they have to use that verb. For example, if the dice lands on 3
they use ‘put’. They then roll the dice a second time and whichever number it lands
on this time, they have to use that adverb/preposition. For example, if the dice
lands on 3 then they must use ‘off’. The student then has to make a sentence using
‘put off’.
Note: Some of the verbs and adverbs/prepositions do not match. Can the students
spot them?
1- Take 1- Up
2- Look 2- Down
3- Put 3- Off
4- Get 4- On
5- Come 5- Out
6- Give 6- Under

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PHRASAL VERBS
Exercise 3
Business Report
⎪ Distribute the dialogue related to the business objective of a large company.
⎪ Give a time limit to each group to match the verb with the preposition. Ask
them to complete the text with those business phrasal verbs.
⎪ When everyone has finished the dialogue, have the pairs practice it orally.
1. Come A. Up
2. Take B. Out
3. Deal C. Up with
4. Buy D. Under
5. Go E. Over
6. Draw F. With
7. Meet
ABC Co. C.E.O.: Good morning, Mr. Peters. Thank you for meeting with me.
NY Group Company Director: Well, it’s nice to meet you. As you know, our
company is in trouble. Everyone in The NY Group are concerned that their
company will ____________ during the economic recession.
ABC Co. C.E.O.: I understand. Our company, ABC Co, wants to ____________
the NY Group. We hope to negotiate a deal to _____________ the company at a
good price.
NY Group Company Director: We’re interested in the deal. Our company has
to ______________ major financial problems.
ABC Co. C.E.O.: Our company has decided to _______________ a formal
contract to the NY Group’s financial affairs.

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PHRASAL VERBS
NY Group Company Director: Let’s _________ on Monday. Does that suit

you?
ABC Co. C.E.O.: It’s fine. I hope we can ___________ with terms that will suit
everyone’s needs.
NY Group Company Director: Yes, I hope so.
Exercise 4
Select the correct answer from the multiple-choice options:
1. Please __________ the blanks with the correct answer.

a. Fill up
b. Fill in
c. Fill over
2. Can you look _____________ my baby while I’m in the shower?

a. After
b. Up
c. Over
3. I’m behind schedule at work. I have to __________ many tasks to meet my

deadline!
a. Catch with up
b. Catch up with
c. Catch over
4. Don’t forget to __________ your notes before you take the exam.
a. Look up
b. Look in
c. Look over

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PHRASAL VERBS
5. If you have a problem with your team, _____________ your issues and
challenges with them directly.
a. Talk to
b. Talk in
c. Talk over
6. It's hot! I'm going to __________ my coat.

TAKE a. Off
For questions 6, 7 b. Up
and 8, use a form of
take with one of the 7. Our company has just been ____________ by
prepositions an American shareholder.
a. Over
b. In
8. I just __________ a new hobby - rowing. It's

tricky but fun.
a. Up
b. To
9. I don’t really get ____________ my mother-in-law – she’s quite difficult.

a. With along
b. Along with
c. Over with
10. How do you _____________ with that noise while you’re working? It’s just awful!
a. Put on with
b. Put with up
c. Put up with

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PHRASAL VERBS
Chatterbox
What was the last thing you took up?

Do you remember the last time a big company was taken over?
Name a person you don't like but you have to put up with.
Who do you best get on with at work?
Give an example of something that we fill up.
Is looking down on people a positive or negative trait?
Who do you really need to catch up with?
Have you ever had to have a pet put down?
What are you really looking forwad to?
Who do you look up to?

PRESENT PERFECT
CONTINUOUS
We use the present perfect continuous to express a
continuous action that started in the past and continues
into the present:
She has been waiting for the postman all day.
They have been together for a couple of months.
He has been watching TV since he came home from
school.
We have been eating lunch for hours.
It has been raining since 9am.
QUESTIONS
Has she been copying your work?
Why have you been eating lunch for so long?
Have you been interrogating the suspect?
How long have you been studying in Japan?
Where have you been living these past few months?
NEGATIVE
He hasn't been telling you the truth.
He has not been staying at this hotel.
They haven't been eating that long.
We haven't been watching the game until now.
It hasn't been playing with us, I think it's hungry.
STATIVE VERBS
Stative verbs cannot be used in the continuous tenses.
Instead we use the present perfect simple:
We've not understood a word of this meeting.
I've known John all my life.
She's loved this band since they started.
They've hated seafood since they were kids.
I've wanted to visit South Africa all my life.
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PRESENT PERFECT
CONTINUOUS
Warmer
Silly Mimes
⎪ The class works in two groups: Teams A and B.

⎪ Distribute the ‘’silly mimes’’ below to the groups.
⎪ Ask students on each team to mime or draw images on the board.
⎪ The students on the other team must guess the mime, and get one point for
each correct guess under one minute. They must use the correct form of the
present perfect continuous to win that point!
⎪ The team with the most number of points at the end of the game is the
winner.
*The teacher can write up an example sentence at the beginning of this game to
introduce students to the structure.
She’s been I’ve been I’ve been

He has been
wearing eating playing
walking two
high-heels all spaghetti for the piano and I
dogs all day
afternoon ten minutes love it!
She’s been
I’ve been feeling I’ve been lying I’ve been
doing her
sick in my on the beach all running a
English
stomach. morning. race!
homework today.
He’s been We’ve been I’ve been I’ve been
talking playing dancing. playing
all day! tennis. ice-hockey.

B1
PRESENT PERFECT
CONTINUOUS
Main usage
We use the present perfect continuous tense to express a continuous action

that started in the past and continues in the present.
Construction
Interrogative
Have + Subject + Been + Verb+ing

Have you been watching the new series on Netflix?
Has she been attending the congress all day?
Have we been encrypting the pdf documents?
Affirmative
Subject + Have + Been + Verb+ing

They've been working here since yesterday.
He's been grieving since his cat passed away.
We've been handling this situation until he returns.
Negative
Subject + Haven't + Been + Verb+ing

I haven't been writing all day. I took a coffee break.
It hasn't been raining long but the grass is soaked.
She hasn't been performing very well at netball.

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PRESENT PERFECT
CONTINUOUS
The present perfect continuous expresses a continuous action that started in the
past and continues until now. Unlike the present perfect simple, it refers to the more
recent present, rather than past experiences in the present time.
Past Present Day
Action started in the Continues in the

past. present.
Key Words
We often use key words with the present perfect continuous:
How long How long have you been working here?

For I’ve been working here for three years.
Since She’s been working here since 2001.
Remember: Some verbs such as like, love and hate are called ‘stative verbs’ and
cannot be used in any continuous tense, including the Present Perfect Continuous
tense:
I’ve liked you for a long time not I’ve been liking you for a long time.
I’ve always hated eating broccoli not I’ve always been hating eating broccoli.

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PRESENT PERFECT
CONTINUOUS
Exercise 1
Complete the dialogue with the correct short answers:

1. Have you been talking for long together?
No, we _______________.
2. Has Mike been feeling unwell? He didn’t come to work today.
Yes, he _________.
3. Haven’t you been playing in the musical in the theatre? I think I recognize you.
No, I _____________. I think you’re mistaken!
4. We haven’t been doing the wrong exercises, _______________ we? Is this
exercise our homework?
5. Have the birds been stealing the cats’ food? I see magpies in the garden.
No, they __________________. It’s been stealing the dogs.
Exercise 2
Complete the dialogue, adding the missing words:
Kelly: What are you doing, Yuko?

Yuko: I’m arranging flowers. It’s my new hobby!
Kelly: The flower arrangements are beautiful. How long _______ _________
_________ doing this?
Yuko: I’ve ______ doing this hobby for two months. What about you? Are you
practicing a hobby at the moment?
Kelly: Yes, I am. I’_ ________ learning the saxophone.
Yuko: That’s unique! How long have you ______ _________ (do) that?
Kelly: I__ _____ _________ (do) it for about one year now. It’s difficult! I know
you play the flute. Have you been playing recently?
Yuko: No, I ___________ ! I must practice!

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PRESENT PERFECT
CONTINUOUS
Exercise 3
An Interview
⎪ Divide your students into groups of two.
⎪ Distribute the simulation cards and give an Interviewee role and an
interviewer role to two members of each group.
⎪ Have students act out the simulation.
⎪ If you have extra time, have students switch roles.
*Use the information from the CV on the next page for this task.
INTERVIEWEE
You are a Customer Service Manager for an airline. Today, you have an
annual review with the Human Resources Manager. The result of the review
will determine your next pay raise, so use the information below to explain
your experience since 2014 until now.
HR MANAGER
You are a Human Resources Manager for an airline. Today, you are
conducting a review of a Customer Service Manager to determine her next
pay increase. Find out how long she’s been working as a Customer service
Manager, her main tasks and management duties.

B1
PRESENT PERFECT
CONTINUOUS

B1
PRESENT PERFECT
CONTINUOUS
Exercise 4
Complete the exercises with the correct form of the verbs in brackets:
1. I’m wearing my new shoes for the party.

They ________________________ (hurt) me all evening!
2. Her boyfriend just went away yesterday.
She ____________________ (think) about him all day!
3. There was an earthquake in the north of the country.
The reporters ____________________ (talk) about it all day!
4. The weather is very wet.
It ____________________ (rain) all night.
5. It’s time to get up!
You ____________________(lie) in that bed all morning!
Exercise 5
Complete the questions or sentences with for, since or how long:
Ali: Hi, Mike! I believe you’re the new colleague. I’m Ali.
Mike: Hi, Ali. It’s nice to meet you.
Ali: So, __________ have you been working here?
Mike: I’ve been working here __________ yesterday.
Ali: Welcome to the company. What did you do before?
Mike: I was a consultant for the NY Group __________ three years.

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PRESENT PERFECT
CONTINUOUS
Ali: Oh, really? That’s interesting. I worked with that company __________ seven
years, from 2001 to 2008.
Mike: __________ have you been working at this group?
Ali: I’ve been here __________ May, 2009. I also moved house. I bought a place
in New York City.
Mike: Great! I’ve been living in New York __________ ten years and I love it.
Ali: Well, have a good day! I wish you luck in your new job!
Mike: Thanks!
Chatterbox
How long have you been working in your job?

How long have you been studying English?
How long have you been with your partner?
What have you been doing in your free time recently?
Have you been enjoying the weather recently?
Are you a member of a club and have you been a member for a long time?

B1
PRESENT PERFECT
CONTINUOUS
In this board game, students think of a sentence using the

present perfect continuous tense. Blue writing = Affirmative.
Red = Negative. The first player to reach the finish square is
the winner.

QUESTION
TAGS
Questions tags are used when we want confirmation of something
that we already believe to be true.
STRUCTURE
To form a tag question, we make a statement, followed by a
comma, and then form a small question to ask for confirmation.
If the main statement is positive, then the tag question is
usually negative, and vice versa.
That's Brad Pitt, isn't it? (Statement positive, question negative)

You're not working today, are you? (Statement negative,
question positive)
PRESENT
You're a teacher, aren't you? - Present Simple
That's not your brother, is it? - Present Simple
You're coming to the party, aren't you? - Present Continuous
He's not working, is he? - Present Continuous
I'm sure we've seen this tv series, haven't we? - Present Perfect
They've been to school, haven't they? - Present Perfect
It has been a tough week, hasn't it? - Pres Perf Continuous
She's been ill a lot recently, hasn't she? - Pres Perf Continuous
PAST
That was Greg, wasn't it? - Past Simple
The winner wasn't Geoff, was it? - Past Simple
He was driving yesterday, wasn't he? - Past Continuous
She wasn't working last August, was she? - Past Continuous
We had eaten before he arrived, hadn't we? - Past Perfect
They had seen this show before, hadn't they? - Past Perfect
2016 had been a tough year, hadn't it? - Past Perf Continuous
She'd been ill a lot, hadn't she? - Past Perf Continuous
FUTURE
It will rain later, won't it? - Future simple
John won't win the trophy, will he? - Future Simple
They will be coming later, won't they? - Future Continuous
She won't be working in Spring, will she? - Future Continuous
They won't have finished eating when he arrives, will they? -
Future Perfect
We'll have been to New York three times this year, won't we? -
Future Perfect
She'll have been working here ten years in May, won't she? -
Future Perfect Continuous
He'd have been running for 4 hours when he finishes, won't he? -
Future Perfect Continuous
QUESTION
TAGS
Questions tags are used when we want confirmation of something
that we already believe to be true.
INTONATION
If the statement is something that we are certain is true, then
the intonation of the question rises.
You're John's brother, aren't you?
If it's something we think is true, but are not certain, then the
intonation of the question declines.
I think you've been here before, haven't you?
DO
The verb 'do' is often used to form the tag question when
there are no auxiliary verbs in the sentence:
You play tennis, don't you?
He smokes more than twenty a day, doesn't he?
They ate at that restaurant last week, didn't they?
We also use 'do' with a negative adverb of frequency:
We hardly ever see him, do we?
They never travel abroad anymore, do they?
I rarely went to the games when I was younger, did I?
IMPERATIVES
We can use question tags with imperatives to ask questions
that don't necesitate an answer.
Take a glass of water, won't you?

Don't touch it, will you?
Don't forget, will you?
Bring the menu, could you?
Do it tonight, can you?
POSITIVE - POSITIVE
Sometimes, the statement and the tag question can be structured
in the same way. This usually indicates a rhetorical question that
we already know the answer to. These are typically positive-
positive structures although on rare occasions you can use
negative - negative forms:
So you're living in England now, are you?

He's started working here, has he?
You think that's your work finished, do you?
B1
QUESTION TAGS
COMPLEX
Warmer
⎪ The class works in pairs.

⎪ Match the question tag with the correct phrase.
1- You were at home last night, A- didn't it?

2- The train was late, B- couldn't it?
3- You'll be jumping for joy when they win, C- haven't they?
4- It didn't change your mind, D- did it?
5- Her car broke down yesterday, E- weren't you?
6- They've spoken to him before, F- doesn't he?
7- This could be your last day in this job, G- wasn't it?
8- Your son eats meat, H- won't you?
Main usage
Question Tags are used to:

⎪ Confirm information we suspect is true
⎪ Confirm information we know is true

B1
QUESTION TAGS
Present Tenses
Present Simple Present Continuous
You’re Greg, aren’t you? You’re coming, aren’t you?
She’s your friend, isn’t she? Your sister is working today, isn’t she?
Present Perfect Simple Present Perfect Continuous
We’ve seen this movie, haven’t we? It’s been raining, hasn’t it?
He’s been here before, hasn’t he? They’ve been seeing each other, haven’t
they?
Past Tenses
Past Simple Past Continuous
You walked home, didn't you? She was sleeping, wasn't she?
She was your friend, wasn't she? They weren't stealing, were they?
Past Perfect Simple Past Perfect Continuous
She had already paid, hadn't she? It had been snowing all Christmas, hadn't it?
You had discovered the earth was They hadn't been playing all that time, had
round years ago, hadn't you? they?

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QUESTION TAGS
Future Tenses
Future Simple Future Continuous
You won't be here later, will you? We'll be going by car, won't we?
She'll stay in the spare room, It'll be getting dark soon, won't it?
won't she?
Future Perfect Simple Future Perfect Continuous
It'll be finished by 5pm, won't it? They'll have been working here ten years in the
They'll be dating again, won't they? summer, won't they?
They'll have been covering up his lies all
summer, won't they?
A question tag occurs at the end of the phrase, after a comma.

It uses the main auxiliary verb in the sentence or substitutes it with a form of ‘do’.
If the verb in the main phrase is positive, the question tag is negative. If the verb in
the main phrase is negative, the question tag is positive.
You’re John, aren’t you?

Question tag
You’re John, aren’t you?
Main verb is Question tag is
positive negative

B1
QUESTION TAGS
Take a look at some more examples. In the main phrase, we have a normal verb.
The question tag uses the ‘do’ auxiliary. Be careful that the auxiliary matches the
tense of the main verb.
He eats meat, doesn’t he?

Question tag negative uses
Normal verb ‘do’ form in 3rd person
affirmative singular (he)
They went out, didn’t they?

Question tag negative uses
Normal, affirmative ‘do’ form in
irregular verb past past form
We won’t stay here all day, will we?

Question tag positive uses
Normal verb future, the same auxiliary, will
negative

B1
QUESTION TAGS
Intonation of Question Tags

When a question tag is a request to confirm information that you suspect is correct,
we use a rising intonation.
Breakfast is included in the price, isn’t it?
Rising intonation
When a question tag is used to confirm information we already know is true, we use
declining intonation:
You’ve never used a printer before, have you?
Declining intonation
Exercise 1
Match the phrases on the left with their question tags on the right:
1- They’ve been away all weekend, A- had she?

2- Mary’s always wearing the same clothes, B- had he?
3- You’ll be visiting Barbados next week, C- haven't they?
4- Peter had never worked there before, D- won't you?
5- She’d never been living in the same place, E- isn't she?

B1
QUESTION TAGS
Exercise 2
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate question tag:
A: Hello?
B: Hi! I’m calling about your dance classes. They start on Monday, _____________?
A: Yes, that’s right. Are you interested in signing up?
B: Yes, I am. You’ll have a salsa class, _____________?
A: Yes, but it won’t start until next month. This week, we’re offering modern jazz,
ballet and hip hop.
B: What about your teachers? They’re qualified dance instructors, _____________?
A: Absolutely. All our teachers are certified from the London Dance Academy.
B: I’m a beginner. The teachers have had experience with older learners,
_____________?
A: No problem. Our teachers enjoy working with beginners and people of all ages. I’ll
introduce you to John Ingles, our modern dance teacher.
B: John Ingles! He’s the famous guy on Dancing with Angels TV show,
_____________?
A: That’s right! He’s fantastic. You will enjoy his classes.

B1
QUESTION TAGS
Exercise 3

⎪ Distribute the role-play cards. One student plays the Tenant and the
other person plays the Apartment owner. The apartment information is on
the next page.
⎪ Students perform the role-play, using the tag questions they have learned
in this unit to confirm and verify information.
⎪ When everyone has finished the role-play, you can let them exchange roles
if there is time.
Tenant
You want to book a holiday apartment for your
next vacation to the Canary Islands. Call the
apartment owner to verify the information you saw
on the ad. You want to confirm that the apartment
has a bathroom, two bedrooms and a balcony.
You also want to make sure it’s beside the beach,
as the ad states. Use question tags to inquire
about the apartment and surrounding amenities.
Apartment Owner
You get a call from a potential tenant/customer
about your holiday apartment that you rent out to
visitors in the Canary Islands. You really want to
rent out the apartment this summer, because you
need the money! Answer the person’s inquiries
and verify the information you placed on the ad.

B1
QUESTION TAGS

B1
QUESTION TAGS
Exercise 4
Select the best answer from the selection that follows each question:
1. You’re not Brad Pitt, __________?

a. Aren’t you?
b. Are you?
c. You are?
2. We’d really miss California if we left it, __________?

a. Hadn’t we?
b. Wouldn’t we?
c. Had we?
3. The children hadn’t ever skied before, __________?

a. Hadn’t they?
b. Had they?
c. They had?
4. My mother is going to like this gift, __________?

a. Isn’t she?
b. Is she?
c. She is?
5. Mike and Kelly are going out together again, __________?

a. Aren’t they?
b. Are they?
c. Going they?

B1
QUESTION TAGS
6. Our parents have been going to the same hospital for years,
___________?
a. Have they?
b. Been they?
c. Haven’t they?
7. Jake and Ali were best friends in school, ___________?

a. Did they?
b. Weren’t they?
c. Were they?
8. The car was speeding when it hit the truck, ___________?

a. Wasn’t it?
b. Was it?
c. Did it?
9. You’ll be moving to New York next year, ___________?

a. Be you?
b. Will you?
c. Won’t you?
10. It’s been snowing, ______________?

A. Isn’t it?
B. Has it?
C. Hasn’t it?

B1
QUESTION TAGS
Chatterbox
Each student makes a question for each of the other students using the tag
question form. The questions should be based on something that they think they
know about the other person, but they are looking for confirmation that it is true.
For example,
‘You like to play golf at the weekends, don’t you?’
Activity
Room 101. Each student has an opportunity to discuss something that they dislike
and put it in room 101, where it will disappear forever. Students must explain
clearly why they dislike this thing and why they want to put it in room 101.
Students can be imaginative and fun with their answers. A possible answer could
be ‘I want to put barking dogs in room 101 because they keep me awake at
night’. This is a real opportunity for the students to get something off their chest.

B1
DINNER WITH THE
IN-LAWS
Sophie’s phone bleeped. It was
eight-forty-three and they were
running late. She’d set alarms so
they wouldn’t be late but her plan
hadn’t worked. “Hurry up John,”
she shouted up the stairs. “We’re
going to be late.” There was a great
amount of clattering and banging
and John emerged, ruddy faced
and frantic. He raced down the
stairs, took his keys from a bowl in
the hallway and joined his wife in
“It’s okay, just drive,” she replied
the car. “I’m sorry Soph, I know
with a sigh. “Wait, I forgot my
how important this dinner is to
wallet,” he said, rushing back into
you,” he said, an apologetic smile
the house. He emerged again after
on his face. “I couldn’t find my
several minutes, his face even
shirt and then the one I wanted
redder than before. Sophie
wasn’t ironed…” he said.
seethed with anger. This was
getting silly now. He got in the car
and fumbled with his keys. He put
the car in reverse and hit the
dustbin. Crash. Sophie yelped, ran
round to the back of the car and
saw that the brake light was
smashed. “Really John!” she
shouted.

B1
DINNER WITH THE
IN-LAWS
He was about to get out the car when Sophie shouted, “There’s no time.
Let’s just go. We can sort it out later.” She climbed back into the car, an
annoyed look on her face. John reversed out of the drive and drove down
the street. Traffic was building up and the journey was slow. There were
lanes of cars everywhere. It was a slow moving crawl. After about an hour,
during which time Sophie had not once looked up from her phone in an
attempt to control her anger, John pulled over.
“Soph, I think I’m lost,” he said. “What do you mean? Lost?” she said, a
razor sharp edge to her voice. “I mean I don’t know where we are,” he
said, slightly irritated that she wasn’t being more understanding. “So what
are we supposed to do now?” she asked. “Ask someone for directions,” he
said. They looked up and down the street. It was empty.
John sighed and tried to start the car again. It wouldn’t start. The engine
kept whirring but nothing happened. “Brilliant,” Sophie said. “You know
what? Maybe this was simply never meant to happen. It’s been a disaster
from the beginning. I mean, it’s our first dinner with my parents and
we’ve had every problem in the book. I think we ought to just go home.”
John stayed silent. After a minute or two of nothing Sophie pulled out her
phone and rang a rescue service. She spoke on the phone for a couple of
minutes before hanging up and announcing that the wait would be two
hours. Those two hours were spent in silence, Sophie feeling disappointed
and John feeling sorry. Sometimes things just don’t work out like you
thought they would. This was just one of those times. This was a dinner
with the in-laws that just never happened.

B1
DINNER WITH THE
IN-LAWS
Vocabulary
Hurry up
Crawl
Irritated
Disaster
Ironed
Exercise 5
T/F John and Sophie woke up at 08:43

T/F This was supposed to be John’s first dinner with his in-laws
T/F John felt sorry for what had happened
T/F John had to return to the house to get his car keys
T/F John hit a dustbin and broke his brake light
Chatterbox
Have you ever missed an important meeting because everything went wrong?
How is your relationship with your in-laws? Do you remember the first time you
met your in-laws? Has your car ever broken down on the way to something
important?

REPORTED SPEECH
Reported speech is used to quote what another person has
said. For English learners, the change in tense when using
reported speech can be difficult to comprehend. Here is a list of
how we change tenses from direct speech to reported speech:
PRESENT SIMPLE PAST SIMPLE
"We regularly play football", They said that they regularly

they said. played football.
PRESENT PAST CONTINUOUS

CONTINUOUS
"She's listening to music", her Her mum said that she was
mum said. listening to music.
PAST SIMPLE PAST PERFECT

"John joined the group last The boss explained that John
week", the boss explained. had joined the group last week.
PRESENT PERFECT PAST PERFECT
"She has been to Bulgaria", She insisted that she had

she insisted. been to Bulgaria.
PAST PERFECT PAST PERFECT
"I had eaten before you He said that he had eaten

arrived", he said. before I arrived.
PRESENT PERFECT PAST PERFECT

CONTINUOUS CONTINUOUS
"They have been watching us He grumbled that they had
for hours", he grumbled. been watching them for hours.
PAST PAST PERFECT

"He was working in New He explained that he had
York", he explained. been living in New York.
PRESENT
FUTURE
CONDITIONAL
"I will be home by 9pm", He suggested that he'd be
he suggested. home by 9pm.
FUTURE CONDITIONAL
They said "we'll be coming to They said that they'd be coming

the UK in the summer". to the UK in the summer.
B1
REPORTED SPEECH
Warmer
The Whispering Game

⎪ Have students gather around in a big circle.
⎪ Write down a sentence or question on a piece of paper (For example: ‘’I’m
organizing a party for next weekend’’) and hide it from the group.
⎪ Then, whisper the sentence in the first person’s ear. That person reports what you
said (For example: ‘’She said she was organizing a party for next weekend’’) to
the second person. The second person whispers it to the third person,and so on.
⎪ At the end of the line, ask the last person to say the sentence. Show the
original statement on your piece of paper and see how closely followed the
message was.
Main usage
Reported speech is used to quote what another person has said.

B1
REPORTED SPEECH
1) When using reported speech, the present changes to past forms when quoting
what was said:
‘I’m coming on the 2.30 train tomorrow’, Jake told his mother.
What did Jake tell his mother?
He told his mother that he was coming on the 2.30 train the next day.
Present Continuous > Past Continuous
2) Past Simple verbs change to Past Perfect forms when quoting what was said:
‘I travelled the world', the old man said.
The old man said that he had travelled the world.
Past Simple > Past Perfect
3) Similarly, the Past Continuous changes to Past Perfect Continuous.
'She was working on the report until yesterday', her boss said.
Her boss said that she had been working on the report until yesterday.
Past Continuous > Past Perfect Continuous
4) Real Conditionals change to Unreal Conditionals when quoting what was said:
‘If we have more money this month, will we buy a car?’ she asked him.
She asked him if they would buy a car if they had more money this month.
1st conditional > 2nd conditional.

B1
REPORTED SPEECH
5) The Future Simple changes to the 2nd Conditional forms when quoting
what was said:
“She won't win the contest”, Mike said.
Mike said that she wouldn't win the contest.
Future Simple > Second Conditional
6) Second Conditional verbs remain the same!
“I would go to New York with you if I had more time”, Karen said.
Karen said that she would go to New York with me if she had more time.
Second Conditional > Second Conditional

B1
REPORTED SPEECH
7) Questions: when reporting a question, we follow the same tense change rules,
but add if:
“Do you have any money?” we asked them
We asked them if they had any money.
“Are you happy?” she asked him
She asked him if he were happy.
“Did Mr Peters need a new assistant?” Molly inquired
Molly inquired if Mr Peters had required a new assistant.
“Is Shelly here?” they asked.
They asked if Shelly was there.
‘’Are you enjoying yourself?’’ she asked.
She asked him if he was enjoying himself.
"Were they working weekends to beat the deadline?" Jenny queried.
Jenny queried if they had been working weekends to beat the deadline.

B1
REPORTED SPEECH
Exercise 1
Match the phrases on the left with quotes on the right.
1. ‘’This sandwich is good’’, her friend a. He said that she would go to Boston
said. on a business trip.
2. ‘’You will go to Boston on a b. They told her that they went on a

business trip, he said. trip to the mountains.
3. ‘’There will be lots of people at the c. She was told that the coach would
party’’, Kelly said. give her lots of support during sports
training.
4. ‘’We went on a trip to the d. Her friend said that it was a good
mountains’, they told her. sandwich.
5. ‘’You are going to meet a rich, e. They mentioned that the teacher
handsome stranger’’, the gypsy would give her a present if she were
promised. a good girl.
6. ‘’The coach will give you lots of f. Kelly said that there would be lots of
support during sports training, she people at the party.
was told.
7. ‘’If you are a good girl, the teacher g. The gypsy promised her that she
will give you a present’’, they would meet a rich, handsome
mentioned. stranger.

B1
REPORTED SPEECH
Exercise 2
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate form of reported speech:
A: Hello. I’d like to enroll in a new sports class, please.

B: Hello! Welcome to Slim Gym. We offer a range of different classes.
A: My friends told me that your aerobics classes last year _____ (be) very good.
B: Yes, it’s true. May I ask what else they said about our sports center?
A: They said that there _________ (be) an excellent tennis coach. They
mentioned that they ____________(play) tennis matches and they
______________ (enjoy) the large swimming-pool.
B: That’s nice to hear! Would you like to join the tennis lessons?
A: I think so. I’m not sure about my skills.
B: What feedback did your last tennis coach give you?
A: My last tennis teacher said that I __________(have) a very good serve.
However, she said that I ___________(have) to improve my reaction time on the
court.
B: Okay. In that case, the Intermediate tennis lessons may suit you. Please fill in
the form, and we’ll get you started!
B: Regarding the price, my friends said they _________ (receive) a reduction.
A: We offer a 20 percent discount if you pay for ten tennis lessons in advance.
Would you like this offer?
B: Yes, I would! Thank you very much!

B1
REPORTED SPEECH
Exercise 3
Police Report
⎪ One student plays the News Reporter and the rest of the students play the
media.
⎪ The ‘media’ has a time limit to fill in the gaps with the reported speech
responses.
⎪ When everyone has finished, the reporter reads the statement
aloud and the media can check their answers. At the end, the media can
ask the reporter questions starting with the phrase 'you said that....'.
NY Police Department has issued a report regarding the series of robberies

in downtown Manhattan. Yesterday, Police Captain Stevens said that
ten offices ___________ (burgle) in the previous month. Mr. Kevin
Smith and Ms. Jennifer Jones of 25 45th Avenue and 174 21st Street stated
that cash, office equipment and computers ___________________ (disappear).
Detective Stevens stated that in the first week, he _____________________
(discover) two leads and ________________ (detain) one person in relation to
the crimes. Yesterday afternoon, he announced that he _______________
(interrogate) a second suspect who is now in custody.
Detective Stevens added that this suspect _________________ (arrested) the
next day.

B1
REPORTED SPEECH
Exercise 4
Select the best answer from the selection that follows each question:
1. The boss said last week that we ___________ a bonus for Christmas.
a. Will get
b. Would get Merry
Christmas
c. Get
2. My son’s teacher said he _____________ very well in all subjects.

a. Progressed
b. Was progressing
c. Is progressing
3. Yesterday afternoon, the Prime Minister said the she _________________ the
bill in parliament next week.
a. Would pass
b. Passed
c. Will pass
4. The weather forecaster said that it ______________ all night!

a. Will snow
b. Would snow
c. Is snowing
5. My grandmother said that she ____________ a dancer in her youth.

a. Was
b. Had been
c. Have been

B1
REPORTED SPEECH
6. Many victims of the fire said that they _______________ something suspicious
before the accident.
a. Had noticed
b. Noticed
c. Were noticing
7. My mother told me that I _____________ a mischievous child!

a. Were
b. Been
c. Had been
8. Your customer service agent said that the product _______________ arrive by
Friday.
a. Will arrive
b. Was arriving
c. Would arrive
9. The company informed me that all employees _____________ hired by the

same agency.
a. Was
b. Were
c. Be
10. The government said that criminals __________ prosecuted by the state.
a. Are
b. Would be
c. Was

B1
REPORTED SPEECH
Chatterbox
In pairs, students ask each other the following questions and then report their
answers back to the class using the reported speech form that we have learned
in this unit.
What did you used to do when you were younger that you don’t do anymore?
What sports do you play and how long have you played them?
What two promises can you make about studying English this year?
What were you doing this time yesterday?
How long have you worked in this job and when did you start?
Activity
Gossip whisperer. Each student takes a turn to create a piece of fictional

gossip that they pretend they have heard. For example, ‘Emma said that her
sister had given birth laast week’. The student then whispers the gossip into the
ear of the student next to her and so on until all students have heard the gossip.
The final student says aloud the gossip and then compares it with the original
piece of gossip that the first person started.

B1
THE ROBBERY
The robbery was to be thoroughly planned and brilliantly executed.
There were to be no mistakes. Everything must go according to plan.
Everything must run smoothly. There must be no mess-ups. That’s
what was drilled into them day after day. They went through plan after
plan, map after map, until they knew everything about everything.
They knew each entry and exit point in detail and exactly what to do on
the inside. There was no room for anything to go wrong. At least that’s
what they thought at the time. The robbery would take place at exactly
3am - late enough that there would be very few, if any, people
wandering around, early enough that it would still be pitch black.
“Having memorised the maps and the alarm codes, Rob pulled a
balaclava down over his face. Him and Dave were to go in alone. They
waited outside in the bushes, checking no one was around. Once it was
clear the place was empty, they went up to the door of the bank. In this
area the streetlamps were turned off at one in the morning, so it was
deathly dark. Rob picked the lock and Dave got ready to turn off the
alarm. If it was done within three seconds it would turn off without
alerting the police. One. Two. Three
They did it. They were inside. Now all that had to be done was
collecting the money and getting out. The safe was in the back room
with a five-digit code. Dave shut the door behind them and they ran
through to the back. Rob bent down to the safe and spun the dial for the
code.

B1
THE ROBBERY
Seven-four-two-nine-three. It
clicked and swung open. Piled high
were hundreds of banknotes. There
was so much money it would be
impossible even to guess at the
amount. Rob began putting it in a They stared at each other.
big brown bag. Dave crouched down “We’re going to be here until
to help. Together they had shoved it morning and then we’re going
all into the bag in a matter of to have some explaining to
minutes. Rob swung the bag over do,” Rob said. “This plan was
his shoulder and they headed supposed to be idiot-proof.”
towards the door. They stopped and “I’m sorry, okay,” Dave replied.
stared at the closed door. “You shut They stared at each other,
the door behind us?” Rob said anger rising in each of them.
through gritted teeth. He turned to Rob couldn’t believe how
Dave angrily. “Yes…?” he replied. stupid Dave had been and
“You know it’s an automatic locking Dave was angry about
system!” he shouted. receiving blame and criticism.
“It looks like it’s going to be a
“I thought that was just for the front long night,” Rob said with a
door, not the side door,” he replied, sneer. The perfectly planned
suddenly sad and guilty. “No,” Rob robbery wasn’t so well
said. “We’re locked in.” executed after all.

B1
THE ROBBERY
Vocabulary
Spend 3 minutes researching the vocabulary below that is used in the text. Then
discuss your answers with the teacher.
Thoroughly
Balaclava
Bushes
Blame
Executed
Exercise 5
T/F The robbery had been planned meticulously

T/F The alarm code was 74293
T/F Dave locked the front door
T/F The robbers couldn’t get out of the safe until morning
T/F They couldn’t guess the amount of money in the safe
Chatterbox
How difficult do you think it is to rob a bank?

Have you ever stolen anything in your life?
If you could commit a crime without anyone ever knowing about it, would it be a bank
robbery?
What do you know about the Kray twins?

SIMPLE PASSIVE
The passive is used when the object of the sentence
becomes the subject. This can be because the subject
is unknown, irrelevant or the object is of more
significance. Here we look at how the passive functions
in the present, past and future forms:
PRESENT
The dog is cleaned regularly. (Present simple)
The car is being cleaned right now. (Preset continuous)
The house has been cleaned today. (Present perfect)
The cat would be cleaned if it had fleas.
(Present conditional)
Is the cat cleaned often?
PAST
Breakfast was eaten this morning. (Past simple)

Lunch was being cooked all morning. (Past continuous)
Dinner had been cooked long before they arrived.
(Past perfect)
Lunch would have been cooked earlier if we had all the
ingredients. (Past conditional)
FUTURE
The table will be fixed tomorrow. (Future simple)
The table is going to be fixed tomorrow. (Future simple)
The table will be being fixed through the night.
(Future continuous)
The table will have been fixed by the morning.
(Future perfect)
The table will have been being fixed all through the
night. (Future perfect continuous)
B1
SIMPLE PASSIVE
Warmer
⎪ Students work in teams of three people.

⎪ Give a time limit to this game. The first team to finish is the winner!
⎪ Match the descrpitions with the correct item below.
1. It’s made of leather. It’s found in an office.

2. It’s used for showing words and symbols. It’s sometimes used by a teacher.
3. This is found in an office. It’s used for attaching documents.
4. This is used by a handyman. It’s used for D.I.Y
5. This is used in the kitchen. It’s made of steel or copper.

B1
SIMPLE PASSIVE
We use the passive voice in English when the subject of the sentence is not
present. i.e. When we don’t know who does the action, we use the passive voice.
Our house was robbed last night.
(We don’t know who robbed the house).
The object of the sentence is placed at the beginning of the sentence.

The subject may or may not appear at the end of the sentence.
We use the verb to be and always the participle of the verb.
Simple Present Passive
Interrogative
To Be + Object + Past Participle + Subject (optional)

Is the door opened by someone in the morning?
Are the games finished today?
Positive
Object + To Be + Past Participle + Subject (optional)

The office is closed by security at 9pm.
The book is read by the teacher.
Negative
Object + To Be Negative + Past Participle + Subject (optional)
Shoes aren't sold at this market.
The church isn't cleaned until Monday.

B1
SIMPLE PASSIVE
Simple Past Passive

Interrogative
Past of Verb To Be + Object + Past Participle + Subject (optional)
Were the visitors invited for tea?
Was the farm built in 1895?
Positive
Object + To Be + Past Participle + Subject (optional)
The staff were taken to lunch by the manager.
The laptop was made to certain specifications.
Negative
Object + To Be Negative + Past Participle + Subject (optional)
The exams weren't failed by any of our drivers.
The poem wasn't read by the vicar.
Simple Future Passive

Interrogative
Will + Object + Be + Past Participle + Subject (optional)
Will our bonus be paid this year?
Will the work be finished on time?
Positive
Object + Will + Be + Past Participle + Subject (optional)
The final will be won by the best team.
The new phone will be fitted with the best technology.
Negative
Object + Won't + Be + Past Participle + Subject (optional)
This incident won't be spoken about ever again.
The apology won't be accepted by the public.

B1
SIMPLE PASSIVE
Main usage
The Passive voice is used when the object of the sentence becomes the subject of
the sentence.
Exercise 1
To practice the use of the passive in the present, present perfect, past and future
forms, fill in the gaps provided with the correct structure:
1. Two cars __________(damage) in an accident on the highway yesterday.
2. Since Sunday, warnings ____________(give) to fishermen that a storm is
coming.
3. The computer repairs ___________(do) yesterday by the I.T. technician. He
did a good job.
4. Next week, a new law _______________(implement) by the government.
5. This meeting-room ________________(reserve) for a conference call at 9AM.
Exercise 2
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate form of the simple passive:
A: Hello, George. I’m here to get my car repaired.

B: Hello, Mrs. Winters. This is your new BMW! What happened?
A: The car ______________ (damage) while I was in my office.
B: Did you have an accident?
A: My car ___________ (park) outside my work building. When I decided to go
home, I noticed the front left light ________________(smash). The left door
_________________ (scratch) and the glass in the left mirror______________
(break).
B: Were there any witnesses?

B1
SIMPLE PASSIVE
A: No. Unluckily I have no idea who damaged the car. However, the car
______________ (insure).
B: Well, that’s good. Let me take a look at the damage and a quote
_________________ (estimate) for you.
A: Thank you. What about the damage? How long will it take to get the car fixed?
B: The car ______________(repair) in about four days. Does that suit you?
A: That’s great. Thanks for your help!
Exercise 3
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate form of the simple passive:
1. The shop was ______________ (close down) last month due to financial
difficulties.
2. All of our food _____________ (eat) by the wild animals in the park while we
were taking photos!
3. I _________________(speak to) very rudely by the sales clerk in the boutique
this morning.
4. These new houses ____________________(build) in one year’s time.
5. All the water __________________(drink) yesterday. Can you get more?

B1
SIMPLE PASSIVE
Exercise 4
⎪ Students work in groups of three people.

⎪ One student plays the Witness and the other person plays the Police.
⎪ Students perform the role-play, using the passive to ask and describe what
was done in the accident.
WITNESS
You were walking on the street when you witnessed an
accident between a cyclist and a driver. Now, you are
meeting the police (your partner) to describe the accident.
The bicycle was hit by the car. The cyclist was thrown from
the bike and landed on the pavement. You think the car was
a blue BMW 5 series, but the driver was not seen because he
left the scene of the accident.
POLICE
You’ve just been called to the scene of a road accident
between a cyclist and a driver. There is only one witness, so
interview him/her. Ask questions to find out what happened
and how the accident was caused. Try to use passive forms
in your questions.
Exercise 5
Transform these active sentences into passive ones:
1. Somebody ate all the sweets from the jar!

2. The zoo-keeper feeds the animals three times during the day: in the morning,
afternoon and evening.
3. Someone threw rubbish and broken bottles in the park late last night.
4. The children had messed up the house by the time I got home.
5. They have allowed the wild deer in the park to roam freely in all wooded areas.

B1
SIMPLE PASSIVE
Chatterbox
Have you ever appeared on the television?

Have you ever spoken on the radio?
Have you ever written for a newspaper?
Have you ever created a Youtube video?
Have you ever gained lots of followers or subscibers on a social media platform?
Activity
Tongue Twisters. Have each student practice each of the following tongue
twisters and see who can say them the quickest. This part of the class should be
fun as the students try desperately to not make a mistake.
1- Red lorry yellow lorry red lorry yellow lorry (repeat many times as fast as you
can).
2- She sells seashells on the seashore. The shells that she sells are seashells
I’m sure.
3- If two witches were watching two watches, which witch would watch which
watch?

LISTEN
VERSUS
HEAR
COMPARING THE 2 USES
LISTEN HEAR
Verb: meaning to pay Verb: meaning to be

attention to sounds. aware of sounds, even
We try to listen to if it isn’t deliberate.
things.
Use it when paying Use it when being

attention to sounds. aware of sounds:
“I am listening.” “I heard that the old

farm burned down.”
“The boys listened to
their grandfather’s “Can you hear the
story intently.” melody?”
“Why should the “We all hear, but no

people listen to you?” one is listening.”
"I want to listen to "Did you hear that

the radio, be quiet." explosion?"
"Listen to me!" "He can't hear you, he

is deaf."
"He doesn't appear to
be listening but he "I heard she won the
is." lottery."
B1
LISTEN V HEAR
Exercise 6
1. ______ (Listen / Hear) my tale of long-ago heroes.

2. ______ (Listen / Hear) to me as I tell the tale of long-ago heroes.
3. I need to ______ (listen / hear) him sing.
4. I need to ______ (listen / hear) to him sing.
5. I ______ (listened / heard) the symphony playing but only ______ (listened / heard)
to the interesting parts.
Exercise 7
In the following situations, are we hearing or listening to the sounds?
1- The professor taking a lecture

2- The football commentary on the radio
3- A car alarm in the distance
4- My wife explaining her day to me
5- My boss in a meeting, talking about the sales forecast for the next year
6- Two cats fighting in the neighbors garden
Exercise 8
Students working individually create three sentences that use “listen” and three
that use “hear” correctly.

WH- QUESTIONS
PAST
WH- QUESTIONS WITH PAST SIMPLE OF 'TO BE':
Where were you yesterday?
What were you doing at 9pm last night?
Why was he working last weekend?
When were they last seen?
Who was at the meeting this morning?
How were the cupcakes?
How many people were there at the party?
WH- QUESTIONS WITH PAST SIMPLE OF THE

AUXILIARY VERB 'DO':
Where did you go yesterday?
Which store did you buy the drill from?
What did you see at the cinema?
Why did he work last weekend when it was his holiday?
When did they last visit you?
Who did they go on holiday with?
How did she bake the cupcakes?
How many people did we invite to the party?
WH- QUESTIONS WITH NEGATIVE PAST SIMPLE
OF 'COULD':
Why couldn't you play yesterday?
Where couldn't you visit on your travels last year?
TIME EXPRESSIONS THAT INDICATE THE USE

OF THE PAST
In 1990 - When were you born?
Last night - What time did you go to bed last night?
Yesterday - Where did you go yesterday?
This morning - What time did you wake up this morning?
Ago - Where did you live two years ago?
Before - What did you do before you became a teacher?
B1
WH- QUESTIONS
IN THE PAST
Warmer
Distribute the questions about a party next weekend, and have students
answer them using the structures correctly.
What - Where - When - Why - Who - Whose - To whom - With whom
1. ______________ did you speak to about the party?

I spoke to the party organizer!
2. ______________ did you decide the party should be held?
At Mike’s house.
3. ______________ did you invite Mike?
He’s my best friend.
4. ______________ did you book the party for?
Saturday night – 9PM!
5. ______________ did Jake say he was coming?
With his new girlfriend, Chris.
6. ______________ did you choose as your dancing party?
I chose Roxanne.
Main usage
Wh questions are used in the past to determine:

⎪ Who did something
⎪ What happened
⎪ Why an event / action occurred
⎪ Where an event / action occurred
⎪ When it occurred

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WH- QUESTIONS IN THE PAST
Wh questions + Auxiliaries + (Subject)
What was your last job?
Where were you located?
Why was your boss happy with your work?
When were you recommended for this position?
Wh questions + Main Verb + (Subject)
What did you do in your last job?
Where did your team travel on business?
Why did your boss recommend you for this job?
When did she write this reference?
We use question words in the past to find out what happened, where, when and why
it occurred:
We can use Wh questions with the past form of to be or main verbs.
When was the last time you were in New York?
When + past form of to be
Where did the accident take place?
When + did + subject + verb

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Don’t forget that specific key words indicate the use of the past:
In 1975 Where did your parents meet in 1975?

Last night What did they do last night?
Yesterday Why were your friends with you yesterday?
Two weeks ago Why did you last go to work two weeks ago?
Before To whom did you talk to before?
Exercise 1
Application Form
The human resources department in your company is collecting information
about what employees did in their last jobs. Help them to complete their
questionnaire. Next, have students ask and answer the application form in pairs.
Who When What Where Why

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Exercise 2
Fill in the gaps
A: Welcome to this interview, Khaled. My name is Marissa and I’d like to get
some information about your previous work experience for our records. Firstly,
when ________ you a project manager?
B: From 2010 until 2012. I led three important projects for my company.
A: Great. So, what skills _______ you develop? Can you provide some details?
B: Of course. The main skill I developed was project management. Now, I know
how to create, organize and lead a project successfully.
A: Who __________________(work) with you on the project? I mean, did you
have a team?
B: Yes, I did. I had a team of five people – we collaborated together.
A: On your CV, there is some information that you worked in Africa. Which
country _______ you work in?
B: Angola. I oversaw a major project for a construction firm.
A: My last question relates to your motivation. Why _________ you decide to
leave your last company?
B: I got a better offer and I wanted a challenge, so I accepted the opportunity!

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Exercise 3
Job Interview
⎪ One student plays the Interviewer and the other person plays the Interviewee.
⎪ Students perform the role-play, using wh+ questions to ask about past
experience.
⎪ When everyone has finished the role-play, you can let them exchange roles if
there is time.
INTERVIEWER
You are a manager of a sales team that sells cars
to customers. You want to hire a new sales person
for your team. Welcome a job applicant (trainer) to
the interview today. Ask questions in the past to
find out about her/his experience in sales. Make
sure you know when he/she worked, what
company, where and how long the applicant
worked in that job.
INTERVIEWER
You are applying for a job as a sales person at a
car showroom. The interviewer (your partner) will
ask you questions about your past experience,
so explain where you worked (give a name of a
company), how long you worked there, where it
was and when that happened.

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Exercise 4
Complete the questions:
1. What ______________ (you/to say) to make him so angry?
I didn’t say anything!
2. Where ______________ (he/to live) from 1980 until now?
He always lived at home with his mother.
3. How ______________ (she/to be) when you saw her?
She was happy to be in her new job!
4. Why ______________ (you/to be) so annoyed with me?
Because you ate all the cookies.
5. When ______________ (they/to be) together?
Last night – I saw them at the cinema.
Exercise 5
Select the question word for each one:
1. ____________ was at the door?
Andrew.
2. ____________ were you on holiday last year?
India.
3. ____________ did the boss promote you?
Because I’m the best!
4. ____________ did the team return from Sweden?
Yesterday afternoon.
5. ____________ did you do?
We travelled around Stockholm.

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Chatterbox
Where did you go to University?

Where did you meet your partner?
When did you leave school?
What was your favourite toy as a kid?
What was your favourite cartoon when you were a child?
Why did you decide to work in this company?
Activity
If this is the answer, what is the question? Below is a list of answers from past
questions. Each student takes a turn to make a question for each answer. The
teacher decides which question is the most suitable to each answer. Remember:
in all cases more than one question is possible.
a. 1982
b. Jennifer Mcarthur
c. In Ibiza
d. We flew
e. History

FUTURE:
WILL
The simple future with 'will' is used to express facts,
certainty or predictions for the future.
To make the contraction: Subject + 'll = I'll
For things that we decide to do at that

moment - spontaneous decisions:
Great, I will try one of those chef's special desserts.

There is a 10% discount, so I will buy one now.
My phone is ringing, I'll answer it now.
To make a prediction:
The Patriots will win the Superbowl this year.

It's cloudy, it will rain later.
I think that you'll win the lottery one day.
To make an offer, a threat or a promise:
I'll give you a discount if you buy it today.

We promise that we'll take you to the cinema next
week.
You'll do exactly what you are told.
Negative, interrogative and shall forms:

We use won't to express unwillingness:
She won't go to the bathroom.

They won't eat at this restaurant as they don't eat meat.
We use shall in the I and we form to make a suggestion or

offer:
Shall we go to the zoo with the children later?

Shall I close the door for you?
Interrogative form:
Will I see you at the party tonight?
Will you marry me?
Will she meet me at the pub or in the square?
Will we get a takeaway for dinner?
Will they be home by 10pm?
FUTURE:
GOING TO
The simple future with 'going to' is used to express future
events or actions with some reference to the present.
For actions or events that are already

planned:
I'm going to meet John at 8pm tonight.

We're going to visit my uncle after school.
When are you going to retire?
To make a prediction:
We're losing 3-0, we aren't going to win this game.

You are going to pass the exam.
Damn, it's going to rain on Sunday.
When something is about to happen:
Be careful! That dog is going to bite you.

Look out, that car's going to crash.
You're not going to eat that snail, are you?
Grammar:
We conjugate the present form of to be when using going to:
Is she going to see the doctor today?

The train isn't going to arrive on time.
Are they going to travel in this weather?
In spoken English, particularly in the USA, we use gonna

instead of going to. *It is rarely written in this way.
Are you gonna watch the match at home tonight?

I'm gonna tell you a great story tomorrow.
They're not gonna accept this decision.
WILL VS
GOING TO
Only use will:
When you are making a decision at that moment:
I will buy that new car after all.
To make offers, threats and promises:

I will help you with your homework.
He'll be angry when he sees what you have done.
They'll definitely take you swimming next week.
Only use going to:

When a decision has already been made:
Are you going to be busy this afternoon?
Yes, I'm going to go shopping with my mum.
When there is evidence of something happening:

He's driving too fast, he's going to crash.
Use either will or going to when:

Making predictions:
I think George Bush will be the next president.
I think that George Bush is going to be the next president.
Red Rum will win the grand national horse race.

Red Rum is going to win the grand national horse race.
Comparison:
Consider this question - What are you doing this weekend?
If you have definite plans, use going to:
I'm going to visit my mum in New York.
If you are not absolutely certain of your plans, you can use
either form:
I'll probably just stay at home.
I'm probably just going to stay at home.
I think I'll meet my friends at the mall.

I think I'm going to meet my friends at the mall.
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FUTURE PREDICTIONS:
WILL & GOING TO
Warmer
Weather Map
⎪Divide the class into two groups and assign each team 10 ‘coins’ or points.
⎪ Distribute the two weather forecast graphs below.
⎪ Assign ‘Europe’ to one team and ‘North/South America’ to the other team.
⎪ Give each person in both teams 1 minute to give the weather forecast, using will or
going to make predictions.
⎪Deduct 1 point for each mistake using the future forms.
⎪The team with the most number of points at the end is the winner!
AFRICA
33c
28c
30c
USA 0c
-3c 29c
6c
10c
14c
Main usage
⎪ We use going to in English to express a plan or intention we have for the future
⎪ We use the future simple to describe future actions. The future simple form
can be used for more spontaneous decisions.
We can use both forms to make predictions for the future.

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FUTURE PREDICTIONS:
WILL & GOING TO
Construction
Going to
Present form of to be + subject + going to + verb infinitive

Interrogative
Is it going to snow on Sunday?
Are we going to win this game?
Is Rich gonna negotiate a good deal?
Subject + present form of to be + going to + verb infinitive

Affirmative
The clouds are grey and large. It’s going to rain!
The power point is ready. He’s going to make a presentation.
The dog looks angry, it's going to bite you.
Subject + negative form of to be (or negative phrase) + going to + verb infinitive

Negative
Phew, it's not going to rain afterall.
I don't think she's gonna come to the wedding.
He's really tired, he isn't going to finish the race.
Using gonna in informal spoken English:

Are you gonna come to the party? = Are you going to come to the party?
What’s she gonna do tonight? = What is she going to do tonight?
She’s gonna go to a restaurant. = She’s going to go to a restaurant

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FUTURE PREDICTIONS:
WILL & GOING TO
Construction
Will
Will + subject + verb infinitive

Interrogative
Will the current government win another election?
Will sales increase this year?
Will Mr Peters pay his bill on time?
Subject + will + verb infinitive

Affirmative
The government will face major challenges in 2016.
Google shares will rise next month.
Your mum will be disappointed in you.
Subject + will not (won't) + verb infinitive

Negative
I'm afraid I won't be home for Thanksgiving.
It won't appreciate you trying to rescue it.
She won't be able to finish all that food.
Negative phrases instead of won't

We will never finish work at this rate.
I'm afraid we'll never win the league again.

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FUTURE PREDICTIONS:
WILL & GOING TO
Exercise 1
Write sentences using the will or going to forms to describe what might happen
in the following situations:

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FUTURE PREDICTIONS:
WILL & GOING TO
Exercise 2
Complete the sales forecast using will, won’t or going to:
Daisy’s ice-cream shop

Sale forecast for chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice-cream
1. In the first quarter of the year, sales __________ (to be) at their lowest for
chocolate ice-cream.
2. Sales of vanilla ice-cream __________ (to rise) to $5,000 from January to
August.
3. After May, sales of strawberry ice-cream __________ (to increase) from
$2500 to $4500.
4. Chocolate ice-cream sales __________ (to reach) a peak in September at
$4000.
5. Strawberry ice-cream performance __________ (to be) at its best in the
summer months.

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FUTURE PREDICTIONS:
WILL & GOING TO
Exercise 3
⎪ Divide your students into groups of four.

⎪ Distribute the simulation cards and give a Sales Manager role and a
Sales team member role to two members of each group.
Sales Manager
You are the Sales Manager for ABC Sales.
Read the sales forecast for this coming
quarter. Present the sales forecast to your
sales team. Explain the sales goals: how
much your turnover will be over the next
three months, what your profit will be and
where your clients are going to be located.
Sales Team Member

You work in the sales team and today,
you’re joining a sales meeting about the
sales performance of the coming quarter.
Ask questions to find out how much
turnover your team will make, what the
profit is going to be and the location of new
customers.

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FUTURE PREDICTIONS:
WILL & GOING TO

A2
FUTURE PREDICTIONS:
WILL & GOING TO
Exercise 4
Complete the sentences, selecting will or going to in negative, affirmative or

interrogative forms:
1. ____________ (come over) for dinner next week?

No, I’m not. I have plans.
2. ____________ (work) at the same company when he changes his project?

Yes, he’ll continue working with ABC Sales.
3. Are your sisters going to come to your wedding?

Yes, they _____________(be) my bridesmaids.
4. _____________ (stay) long in Rome?

No, we’ll be there just for the weekend.
5. _____________ (your parent move) to Florida when they retire?

No, they aren’t. They prefer colder weather!
6._____________ (your party) be at the weekend?

No, it won’t. I had to cancel it.
7. Isn’t Max _____________ propose to Mary?

Yes, he is. He's already got the ring.
8. Is the government going to change the law to allow firearms?

No, _______________.

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FUTURE PREDICTIONS:
WILL & GOING TO
9. What _________________ (see) during our trip to China?

We’re going to see the Great Wall.
10.When _________________(visit) Hong Kong?

We’ll go there at the end of the trip.
Chatterbox
Are you going to visit England soon?

Will you be seeing your parents at the weekend?
Are you going to study English tonight?
Will it rain in the next couple of hours?
Is the person on your left gonna go to a party this weekend?
Will you eat Turkey for Christmas this year?
Activity
Short sentence hangman. This game i an extension of hangman, however this

e is
time instead of blanking out one or two
o words, we are going to blank out short
wo
sentences using will or going to for future
u predictions. For example, ‘I am going to
tu
win the lottery on Saturday’. The teacher
h should give a couple of extra lives for this
he
longer version.

ADVERBS
Adverbs are used to modify verbs, adjectives and other adverbs.
Regular adverbs end with -ly but there are many irregular ones. There
are four main types of adverbs:
ADVERBS OF TIME AND FREQUENCY
To express the time or the frequency of the action:
We rarely go on holiday these days.

The children seldom sleep well at night.
We eat at that restaurant regularly.
I will do it immediately.
Please arrive home before midnight.
Go to your room now.
ADVERBS OF DEGREE
To express the level or degree of the action verb in the phrase:
Your boss is really nice.

My sister is very funny, she always makes me laugh.
I almost crashed my car this morning.
I didn't quite pass the exam. I failed by 1 point.
It is extremely cold today.
This is too much money, I cannot accept it all.
ADVERBS OF MANNER
To express the manner of the behaviour of the verb in the phrase:
Your cousin runs so fast.

My grandmother drives slowly and carefully.
The piece of music didn't come easily to him.
The children were singing and playing happily.
Speak quietly in the library.
The students were taking the class seriously.
ADVERBS OF PLACE
To express the position of the action:
The guests are talking and smoking outside.

I am just going upstairs to get my slippers.
The book is on the shelf.
The cat is under the table.
My wallet isn't in my bag.
She is standing by the window.
FOR REFERENCE:
WWW.ENTREPRISESCANADA.CA
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ADVERBS
Chatterbox
Students ask each other questions from the actions below and write the names of the
people that do the actions. Students can then discuss their results with the class.

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ADVERBS
Main usage
Adverbs are used to define and modify verbs, adjectives and other adverbs.
Construction
There are four main types of adverbs:
Adverbs of Manner, Degree, Place (Position) and Frequency.
Generally, an adverb is created by adding –ly to an adjective, but this is not
always the case. There are also many irregular adverbs.
Adverbs can modify verbs, adjectives and other adverbs.
Adverbs of manner:
Adverbs of manner describe the manner or behavior of the action verb.
The adverb is placed after the direct object or the main verb.
The old woman drove slowly on the road.
The musician played the flute softly.
I wrote the essay carefully.
Adverbs of degree:
Adverbs of degree express the level or degree of the action verb in the phrase.
Adverbs of degree usually precede the verb, adjective or adverb they modify.
You are a very funny person!
She nearly fell from the dangerous cliff.
You are a really fast runner!

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ADVERBS
Adverbs of place:
Adverbs of place explain the position of the action.
Adverbs of place are positioned after the verb.
Please wait outside while we finish the meeting.
Stay indoors – it’s snowing.
Put the guinea pig back inside its cage.
Adverbs of frequency:
Adverbs of time and/or frequency refer to the time or frequency of the action.
Adverbs of frequency are placed before the main verb or at the end of the sentence.
Adverbs of time are placed at the end of the phrase.
We rarely speak by phone anymore.
Please respond immediately.
They never take out the rubbish these days.
Some adverbs are irregular. Here is a list for your reference:
Adjective Adverb
Early Early
Late Late
Good Well
Daily Daily
Hard Hard
Fast Fast

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ADVERBS
Exercise 1
Complete the sentences, placing the adverbs of manner in the correct position:
1. The angry man drove the car on the road (fast).
2. I worked on my accounts (meticulously).
3. I opened my parcels at the table (carefully).
4. Don’t speak. My mother is sleeping upstairs (loudly).
5. The mother sang to her young baby (softly).
Exercise 2
Put the adverbs of degree into the correct sentence:
Totally Very Really Nearly Extremely
1. The children are _______ upset that you cancelled the party.
2. We _______ fell in the water as we crossed the bridge.
3. I _______ like your new jeans. Where did you get them?
4. The movie was _______ funny. It was hilarious!
5. Your house is _______ awesome! What a mansion!

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ADVERBS
Exercise 3
Presenting your skills and strengths:

⎪ Distribute the simulation cards and give a Coach role and a Trainee role to
two members of each group.
Coach
You are a life coach to a new trainee who is
trying to improve his or her qualities and
skills. Today, ask him/her questions about what
his/her strengths, qualities and skills are. Ask
the trainee to describe these qualities. Then,
give your own opinion on the person’s abilities
and strengths. For example: ‘’I think you dress
very well and you speak clearly’’. Give at least
five descriptions.
Trainee
You are doing a training course to improve your
strengths and qualities. Today, you are
meeting your Coach to discuss your progress.
Firstly, explain your top qualities and strengths.
Give at least five descriptions and use adverbs
of degree and manger. For example: ‘’I speak
languages well, I work successfully with other
people and I learn fast’’.

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ADVERBS
Exercise 4
Complete the dialogue with the correct adverbs:
Hard Well Carefully Productively Very
Mike: Hi, Kelly! What’s wrong?

Kelly: Hi, Mike. I didn’t get the job I interviewed for. What’s wrong with me?
Mike: Nothing! In fact, you have lots of great qualities. You speak three languages
very ___________!
Kelly: That’s true, I do. I also work very ___________! My performance was 10
percent better this year! Why didn’t I get the job?
Mike: I think the managers wanted someone who was ___________ experienced.
Kelly: Maybe. I have only one year of work experience.
Mike: Don’t worry! Focus ___________ on your training and work ___________
so you will get the next promotion!
Exercise 5
Fill the gap with the correct answer:
1. My parents visit us _________ in the spring at our house in Boston.

a. Occasionally
b. Occasion
c. Occasional
2. I am _________ furious with my neighbor – he chopped down my tree!

a. Terribly
b. Very
c. Really

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ADVERBS
3. She came home _________ after the party – we were worried!

a. Lately
b. Late
c. Lateliness
4. The team worked _________ on this project. They won the deal with the
customer!
a. In success
b. Succeed
c. Successfully
5. We were _________ sad when our favorite team lost the match.
a. Extreme
b. Extremely
c. Extra
Activity
How many can you name....
Divide the class into two groups for a quiz called ‘how many can you name’? The
teams then have one minute to write down as many answers as they can think of for
each of the ten options below. Each team recieves one point for a correct answer.
Technology is not permitted.
1- UK Cities 6- Parts of the body

2- Italian foods 7- English tenses
3- Movies starring Tom Hanks 8- Religions
4- Dog breeds 9- English names for girls
5- American states 10- Wild animals

COMPARATIVES
We use the comparative form to express a greater
degree or quantity of one thing over another.
WHEN THE ADJECTIVE IS ONE SYLLABLE:

We add -er to the adjective and add 'than' to make the comparison:
My mother is taller than you.

His sister is smarter than his brother.
My cat is bigger than my dog.
That sports car is faster than my Prius.
We are better golfers than those professionals.
Note - When the adjective ends with consonant - vowel - consonant we

double the last consonant.
WHEN THE ADJECTIVE IS TWO OR MORE SYLLABLES:

We precede the adjective with 'more':
My friend is more intelligent than me.

Her current boyfriend is more thoughtful than her ex.
Tony is a more careful driver than Jeremy.
My dad is more generous than his brother.
Their neighbour is more unpleasant than their last neighbour.
EXCEPTIONS:
When a two or more syllable adjective ends with a 'y' - remove the y and
add -ier.
My boss is friendlier than my colleague.
Our new housemate is much tidier than the last one.
Add or end with -er when a two or more syllable adjective ends with -er,
-le or -ow:
He is cleverer than his friend at school.
She is gentler with her hamster than her dog.
This road is narrower than that one.
IRREGULAR ADJECTIVES IN THE COMPARATIVE

Adjective Comparative Example
Bad Worse This meeting is worse than yesterday's.
Good Better He's a better pianist than his brother.
Little Less This bag costs less than that one.
Many More There are more sweets in this bag than in his.
Much More There is more advice in his book than hers.
Far (place) Far (place) The castle is farther away than the hills.
Far (time) Far (time) Summer is further away than winter.
Well Better I am better today than I was yesterday.
SUPERLATIVES
We use the superlative form to express the greatest
degree or quantity of one thing over everything else.
WHEN THE ADJECTIVE IS ONE SYLLABLE:

We precede the adjective with 'the' and add -est to the adjective to make
the superlative:
John is the tallest person in his office.

I am the smartest boy in my class.
The cheetah is the fastest animal in the kingdom.
Bill Gates is the richest man in the world.
Mary is the nicest person that I know.
Note - When the adjective ends with consonant - vowel - consonant we

double the last consonant.
WHEN THE ADJECTIVE IS TWO OR MORE SYLLABLES:

We precede the adjective with 'the most':
Her sister is the most beautiful little baby in the world.

Tiger Woods is the most successful golfer ever.
Johnny is the most intelligent student at university.
My nephew is the most charming man I've ever met.
That was the most delicious meal I've had this year.
EXCEPTIONS:
When a two or more syllable adjective ends with a 'y' - remove the y and
add -iest.
That was the healthiest drink I've ever made.
My mum is the wealthiest person that I know.
Some 2 syllable adjectives in the superlative can take both the 'most' or
the -est form. If in doubt it is better to use the 'most' form.
He is the cleverest kid at school.
He is the most clever kid at school.
The guinea pig is the gentlest pet in our house.
The guinea pig is the most gentle pet in our house.
IRREGULAR ADJECTIVES IN THE SUPERLATIVE

Adjective Superlative Example
Bad Worst This is the worst meeting this week.
Good Best He's the best pianist in his family.
Little Least This is the least expensive bag.
Many Most This bag has the most sweets in.
Much Most This book contains the most advice.
Far (place) Farthest The castle is the farthest away.
Far (time) Furthest Decemember is the furthest away month.
Well Best This is the best I've felt all week.
COMPARATIVES
AND
SUPERLATIVES
MAKING A COMPARISON OF EQUALITY:
When two or more things are equal or of similar degree of quantity, we use:
'as - adjective - as' to form the comparison:
John is as tall as his work colleague.

I am as smart as any boy in my class.
The cheetah is as fast as any other animal in the kingdom.
Bill Gates is as rich as Mark Zuckerberg.
Mary is as nice a person as anyone that I know.
WHEN USING BOTH COMPARATIVE AND

SUPERLATIVE TOGETHER:
When we wish to compare more than two people or objects, we can use
both the comparative and superlative:
Her sister is more beautiful than her brother, but my daughter is the
most beautiful baby in the world.
Tiger Woods is better than any other golfer at the moment, but Arnold
Palmer is the greatest golfer in history.
Johnny is as intelligent as any other student in his class, but Samantha
Jones is the most intelligent at University.
QUESTIONS:
How to make questions that trigger the use of the comparative:
Which is the better bank, Barclays or HSBC?
Why did you choose Oxford University over Cambridge?
Which of your children are shorter, John or Michael?
Which is worse for your health, smoking or drinking?
How to make questions that trigger the use of the superlative:

What is the greatest invention ever made?
Who is the smartest kid at school?
Which is the fastest animal in the jungle?
What is the worst type of addiction?
NEGATIVE:
There are two ways to form the negative comparative:
Ben isn't as tall as Danny. (This means Danny is taller.)
My team aren't as good as Sam's. (This means Sam's team is better.)
The bag is less expensive than the coat. (The bag is cheaper.)
There are two ways to form the negative superlative:

Danny isn't the tallest.
Sam's team are not the best.
Never in a million years is Brad Pitt the greatest actor in history.
No way are the Spice Girls the best girl band of the 90's.
Note: In the last two examples, it's the use of a negative phrase at the start of
the sentence that indicates a negative superlative.
COMPARATIVES
AND
SUPERLATIVES
LIST OF ADJECTIVES WITH THE COMPARATIVE AND
SUPERLATIVE FORMS:
Adjective Comparative Superlative
Aggressive More aggressive Most aggressive

Ambitious More ambitious Most ambitious
Arrogant More arrogant Most arrogant
Beautiful More beautiful Most beautiful
Big Bigger Biggest
Bored More bored Most bored
Clumsy Clumsier Clumsiest
Confident More confident Most confident
Delightful More delightful Most delightful
Disgusting More disgusting Most disgusting
Depressed More depressed Most depressed
Friendly Friendlier Friendliest
Generous More generous Most generous
Grumpy Grumpier Grumpiest
Happy Happier Happiest
High Higher Highest
Hungry Hungrier Hungriest
Intelligent More intelligent Most intelligent
Jealous More jealous Most jealous
Kind Kinder Kindest
Moody Moodier Moodiest
Nervous More nervous Most nervous
Perfect More perfect Most perfect
Pleasant More pleasant Most pleasant
Pretty Prettier Prettiest
Quiet Quieter Quietest
Short Shorter Shortest
Silly Sillier Silliest
Skinny Skinnier Skinniest
Small Smaller Smallest
Successful More successful Most successful
Talented More talented Most talented
Tall Taller Tallest
Thoughtful More thoughtful Most thoughtful
Bad Worse Worst
Good Better Best
Little Less Least
Many More Most
Much More Most
Far (place) Farther Farthest
Far (time) Further Furthest
Well Better Best
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COMPARATIVES &
SUPERLATIVES
Warmer
Students write the names of the classmates they think are the most suited to each of
the superlatives below in the box. When completed, students discuss and compare
their notes. You can write your own name in the boxes too!
Is the best dancer ___________________
Is the youngest ___________________
Is the best in English! ___________________
Is the shortest ___________________
Is the laziest ___________________
Is the most fashionable ___________________
Is the biggest chatterbox ___________________
Is the worst singer ___________________
Is the tallest ___________________
Is the funniest ___________________
Main usage
Comparatives are used to express the

greater quantity or degree of something over another
Superlatives are used to refer to the greatest quantity or degree of something over
everything else

B1
COMPARATIVES &
SUPERLATIVES
COMPARATIVES
When comparing two objects, actions or events, we use comparatives.
With 1 syllable adjectives or adverbs:
adjective/adverb + er + than
Mary is shorter than her sister Kerry.
This priest talks louder than the previous one.
With 2 or more syllable adjectives or adverbs that don't end with -y:
more + adjective/adverb + than
I'm more intelligent than any of my siblings.
My work car is much more comfortable than my personal car.
With adjectives or adverbs that end in -y. Remove the y and add -ier:
adjective/adverb + ier + than
His mum is funnier than he is.
My boss is lazier than yours!

B1
COMPARATIVES &
SUPERLATIVES
We double the last letter of the adverb or adjective when the last three letters are:
Consonant - Vowel - Consonant
Marie is thinner than she was last week.
This spider is fatter than that one.
Except when the adject or adverb ends in -y or -w:
Pippa is a friendlier horse than Jack.
The roads on this motorway are narrower than the M6.
Irregular adjectives in the comparative:
Good My lunch is better than yours.
Bad The result is worse than expected.
Far (Distance) The restaurant is farther away than the shop.
Far (Time) Christmas is further away than my birthday.
Little (Amount) The apples weigh less than the bananas.

B1
COMPARATIVES &
SUPERLATIVES
SUPERLATIVES
To express the greatest degree, we use the superlative form:
With 1 syllable adjectives or adverbs:
the + adjective/adverb + est
Damien is the smartest kid in the village.
The famous basketball player has the longest legs in the world.
With 2 or more syllable adjectives or adverbs that don't end with -y:
the + most + adjective/adverb
Harold is the most handsome man at the modelling agency.
Sponge cake is the most delicious dessert.
With adjectives or adverbs that end in -y. Remove the y and add -iest:
the + adjective/adverb + iest
I have the craziest neighbor in town.
She's the happiest I've ever seen her.

B1
COMPARATIVES &
SUPERLATIVES
We double the last letter of the adverb or adjective when the last three letters are:
Consonant - Vowel - Consonant
This is the wettest winter on record.
That dog over there is the saddest.
Irregular adjectives in the superlatives:
Good My wife is the best!
Bad That's the worst painting I've ever seen.
Far (Distance) The victorious runner ran the farthest.
Far (Time) His birthday is the furthest away.
Little (Amount) This is the least I've ever been paid for a job.

B1
COMPARATIVES &
SUPERLATIVES
Exercise 1
Complete the sentences with the correct use of the comparative:
1. We decided to visit Rome as Tunisia is _______________ (far) Italy.

2. Excuse me! You gave me _________________ (little) money in the last
salary raise than other colleagues. Is that fair?
3. I love all flowers, but I think roses are _______________ (lovely) others.
4. Are you on a diet? You look ____________ (thin) than you were last week.
5. I preferred the other restaurant where we used to go. This place is much
__________________ (bad) it!
Exercise 2
Complete the sentences, using superlative or comparative forms of the

adjectives in brackets:
Good morning and welcome to sports with Mark! This week sees Arsenal at the
top of the league. The London team has the __________ (good) players of the
season so far. Yesterday’s match was ________________ (exciting) of the
league season when Arsenal scored a winning goal one minute before the end,
beating Manchester United 1-0. United had played well but had ______________
(bad) luck at the end of the game when the ball hit the crossbar and went in the
net. We forecast that Arsenal will remain ___________________ (successful)
team for 2020!

B1
COMPARATIVES &
SUPERLATIVES
Exercise 3
Superlatives Quiz
⎪ Divide the class into two teams.
⎪ Ask students to complete the correct structure of the adjectives in the gaps
before they start the game.
⎪ Then, the teacher calls out the questions. The team to call out the correct
answer first (using the correct comparative structure) gets 1 point.

B1
COMPARATIVES &
SUPERLATIVES
Exercise 4
Complete the questions with the correct comparative or superlative:
1. What is ___________ subject you’ve ever studied?

a. Hardest
b. Harder
c. The hardest
2. Which would prefer: a _________ salary or more time?

a. Best
b. Better
c. The best
3. Is it true that the ________ things in life are free?

a. Best
b. Better
c. The best
4. An ambitious person wants to be the ______________ in his or her field.

a. Successful
b. More successful
c. Most successful
5. Are you ______________ now than when you were young?

a. Happier
b. Happy
c. The happiest

B1
COMPARATIVES &
SUPERLATIVES
Exercise 5
Complete the sentences by selecting one of these adjectives and transforming

them to a comparative or superlative form:
Silly Ugly Good Far Wealthy
1. Who is the ____________ man in the world? I think it’s Bill Gates.
2. I think the baboon is the ___________ animal I’ve ever seen.
3. Mike is ___________ than his colleagues in statistics.
4. Try to remember _____________ back in your childhood to tell me about
your mother.
5. Who is the ____________ clown? I think it’s Bobo with the red nose!
Activity
Comparative quiz. Divide the class into two teams. At the front of the class setup
two chairs facing each other. One member from each team sits on one of the
chairs. The teacher says a comparison topic, for example England v Spain. The
two team members in the chair take turns to make a comparison (for example,
England is wetter than Spain) until one of the players can no longer think of a
comparison. The winner receives one point for their team. The teacher decides if
the answers from the students are correct comparisons. For example, if a player
says ‘England is bigger than Spain’ then that is incorrect and the other team
receives the point.

B1
MY BEST FRIEND'S
WEDDING
The sun shone through the pale Then when they were fourteen
curtains and Laura blinked her eyes Douglas, known then as Dougie,
open. Today was the day of her best had a crush on Laura’s best friend
friend’s wedding. Douglas had been Megan and she had helped get
her best friend since she was three them together. Dougie and Megan
years old when they joined nursery had ended up going to the prom
together. Doesn’t time go fast, she together and Laura had smiled,
thought. She showered, threw on feeling like Cupid.
her new dress and spent half an When they had left school and
hour putting her make up on. She started working, Douglas and
thought back to the time they spent Laura had set each other up on
together at Primary School. One dates. They met at Laura’s
day Mrs Marney had asked favourite bar at 8pm, just as the
Douglas, known at Primary School sun was beginning to set. Laura
as Doug, to clean the classroom had introduced him to Michelle
during break time as punishment and they’d liked each other from
for shouting out in class. Laura had the start. Laura’s date wasn’t such a
had felt sorry for him and snuck in success but she was happy for
to help. Partners in crime, that’s Douglas.
what they called each other back
then.
Two years later and it was the morning of Douglas's and Michelle's
wedding. Laura was so happy to have introduced them.

B1
MY BEST FRIEND'S
WEDDING
Laura arrived at the wedding venue and ordered herself a drink. The
room was full of people. Glasses chinked and general chat hummed
around the room. She spotted some of her old school friends and joined
them for polite conversation. People always say the same things at
weddings, as if they don’t know what else to say. It was all, “you must be so
proud,” and “congratulations”. Then Laura saw a man across the room,
smartly clad in a blue suit. She smiled at him and he smiled back. She
glanced back to the bar, wondering whether to buy another drink, and by
the time she looked back he was stood in front of her.
“Hello, nice to meet you,” he said, all confidence and smiles. “My name’s
James.” And he held out a hand to shake hers but instead gently kissed it.
“Hello, I’m Laura. Bride or groom?” she giggled. It was nearly impossible
to avoid the clichéd questions. “Groom,” he replied. “Ah, it’s strange we’ve
never met then. How do you know Douglas?” she asked.
“We work together at the office, but I’m pretty new there. I’m not
surprised if he’s never mentioned me,” he said. “How do you know Doug?”
“Doug now is it? He’s always changing it,” she laughed. “Oh we go way
back, Douglas and I met at nursery” she said. Laura and James hit it off
immediately and conversation flowed throughout the day. Love really was
in the air at her best friend's wedding.

B1
MY BEST FRIEND'S
WEDDING
Vocabulary
Shone
Blink
To have a crush on
Groom
In the air
Exercise 6
T/F Laura took 30 minutes to put on her makeup

T/F Dougie had a crush on Laura
T/F Megan and Laura went to the prom together
T/F Laura went to the wedding with James
T/F Doug and James work together
Chatterbox
Have you ever been best man or maid of honour at a friends wedding?
Have you ever made a speech at a wedding? How was it?
Have you ever introduced a couple to each other that then got married?
How long have you known your best friend?
Can a man and woman be best friends?

SECOND AND THIRD
CONDITIONAL
The second conditional is used to express an unlikely, hypothetical
situation in the future or present.
The third conditional is used to express the hypothetical results of a
past action if certain conditions were different.
SECOND CONDITIONAL
With the second conditional, we use the past simple of the if condition and would +
infinitive for the main clause:
For future, hypothetical situations that are unlikely to happen:
If I met Bon Jovi, I would ask him to sing for me.

If the boss quits, I would like to take his job.
If my mum won the lottery, she would buy me a house.
John would travel the world if he was rich.
If she ever visited Africa, she would love the wildlife.
For present situations that are impossible:
If I had money, I would give some to you.

If I was him, I wouldn't marry her.
If the neighbour was home, I would ask him for some sugar.
Questions:
If you were in my shoes, what would you do?
If you won the lottery, what would you buy?
How much would you earn if you got the promotion?
THIRD CONDITIONAL
With the third conditional, we use the past perfect of the if condition and would
have + past participle for the main clause:
If I had studied more, I would have passed the exam.

If she hadn't driven so fast, the car wouldn't have broken down.
We wouldn't have lost the game if I'd have scored the penalty.
They would have more money if they had saved their inheritance.
We would have cycled to work if it hadn't rained.
He would have been on time if he had left earlier.
Questions
How much would you have won if you had one more number?
Where would you have lived if you hadn't got this job?
If they hadn't arrived late, would they have got a ticket?
With could or might instead of would:

He might have got the job if he had the qualifications.
We might have been late if we hadn't caught the first train.
If we had more money we could have bought the bigger house.
She could have won more medals if she hadn't injured her leg.
FOR REFERENCE:
B1
SECOND & THIRD
CONDITIONALS
Chatterbox
What would you do if …? I would……
You had more free time?

You had more money?
You had studied more and taken a different career path?
You had married your childhood sweetheart?
You hadn't had children?
You missed the last bus home?
Main usage
The second (unreal) conditional is used to express a hypothetical event or action

given a condition.
The third (also unreal) conditional refers to a hypothetical event or action in the
past given a condition.

B1
SECOND & THIRD CONDITIONALS
Second Conditional
If + Subject + Past simple verb, Subject + Would + Main verb
If I had more time, I would invite you for dinner.
The Second Conditional structure contains two phrases:
If + Subject + Past Simple
Subject + Would + Main verb
These two phrases are inter-changeable. The only difference is that when the
sentence starts with the If clause, a comma separates it from the would clause:
I’d travel the world if I had a million dollars. (No comma)
If I had a million dollars, I’d travel the world. (Comma)
Forming Questions:
If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
If you could date a famous person, who would it be?
If you could travel to the moon, would you go?
Short Answers
If you won the lottery, would you quit your job?
Yes, I would.
No, I wouldn't.

B1
Third Conditional
If + Subject + Past perfect verb, Subject + Would + PP of Main verb
If I had studied harder, I would have become a doctor.
The Third Conditional structure contains two phrases:

If + subject + Past Perfect Simple
Subject + would + past participle of Main verb
Note: Would can be exchanged for other modal verbs such as might, could or
should.
These two phrases are also inter-changeable. The only difference is that when the
sentence starts with the If clause, a comma separates it from the would clause:
They would have married if they had met each other earlier. (No comma)
If they had met each other earlier, they would have married. (Comma)
Forming Questions
What would you have done if they had accused you?
Where would he have lived if he had moved to America?
If they hadn't smoked all of their lives, would they have got cancer?
Short Answers
Would she have finished with him if she had known he was bankrupt?
Yes, she would have.
No, she wouldn't have.

B1
Exercise 1
Complete the sentences with either the second or third conditional:
1. They would have come home by bus if they ______________ (not find) a taxi.
2. I ______________ (tell) you the truth if you had promised not to share my secret.
3. If you ______________(not speak) to me so rudely, I may have helped you!
4. You ______________(remember) me if I gave you a photo of myself.
5. Would you have married me if I ______________ (meet) you later in life?
6. Where would you have moved to if you _____________ (pass) your TEFL exam?
7. What would she _________ (buy) if she _________ (receive) a pay rise?
8. James _________________ (score) if he had shot quicker.
9. We would have had another child if I _______________ (lose) my job.
10. If only she had gone on that date, she _____________ (might / have / be) married
by now.
Exercise 2
Match the phrases on the top with those on the bottom:
1. If I had known we would have to wait 3 hours for the show,

2. I would never go to a desert island with you
3. If they’d had the opportunities we had,
4. She would still love you
5. If you had everything you wanted,
a. If you were old and ugly!

b. Would you be happy?
c. If you asked me ten times!
d. They would have made different choices.
e. I wouldn’t have gone out tonight.

B1
Chatterbox
Students discuss the following dilemmas and tell the class what they would do, or
would have done, in that situation. Afterwards, each student asks the teacher a
question using the second or third conditional.
What would you do / What would you have done…
If you met a large Grizzly bear? If you had never gone to school?
If you saw a jellyfish next to you? If you found a lot of cash in a hiding-place?
If you fell in love with your best If you had studied harder when you were
friend’s boyfriend/girlfriend? young?

B1
Exercise 4
Select the best answers:
1. We _______________ this boring town if we’d got on that plane!

a. Would leave
b. Would have left
c. ‘d leave
2. She’d never marry him even if he ________________ several times.

a. Had proposed
b. Proposed
c. Would have proposed
3. My parents would never forgive me if I ________________ them.

a. Never would have called
b. Had never called
c. Never called
4. I ________________ a successful star if I had invested time in my music!

a. Would have been
b. Would be
c. Had been
5. Would you kiss Brad Pitt if you ________________ him?

a. Had met
b. Met
c. Meet

B1
6. If you hadn’t left your country, would you __________ a different career?
a. Have
b. Have had
c. Had
7. If it rained last night, the ground __________ wet but it’s still dry.
a. Would be
b. Was
c. Will
8. Had I known you were waiting for me, I ___________ sooner to see you.
a. Would come
b. Would have come
c. Come
9. The government would change the law if many people _____________ it.
a. Would protest
b. Had protested
c. Protested
10. If it had snowed, the children _____________ a snowman.

a. Had made
b. Would have made
c. made

B1
Activity
Changing the past. If only things had been different in the past, some situations
would never have happened. The students can take turns and have fun finishing
these sentences.
1. If only Marilyn Munroe had been born….. 2. If only Hitler had been a nice man…..
3. If only my parents
had been rich……
5. If only I had started to play the

4. If only I studied more at university…..
guitar when I was ten…..

CONNECTING WORDS
Linking words of sequence are words which allow us to transition

from one point to the next or to add further information. They
also allow us to start and conclude an essay or speech.
FIRST (SEQUENCING)
1 first of all I would like to thank you all for
being here today.
THEN (SEQUENCING)
2 If you could take your seats then we can get
started.
BECAUSE (CAUSE AND EFFECT)

3 We have succeeded this year because we've
all worked really hard.
ALSO (ADDING INFORMATION)

4 We've also managed to cut costs and reduce
waste.
AS REVEALED (DEMONSTRATING)
5 As was revealed when we did our stock check.
MEANWHILE (SEQUENCING)
6 Meanwhile, we have managed to gain more
customers throughout europe.
SO (CAUSE AND EFFECT)

7 So now we know that we can continue to
grow.
SUBSEQUENTLY (SEQUENCING)
8 Subsequently this will lead to higher profits in
the future.
SIGNIFICANTLY (EMPHASIS)
9 Significantly, this will lead to more job
creation within our company.
FINALLY (SEQUENCING)
10 Finally, it has been a pleasure to host you
here today. Thank you for coming and I wish
you a safe journey home.
CONNECTING WORDS
Linking words of contrast are words which allow us to contrast,

compare and express differences between points.
SIMILARLY (COMPARISON)
1 McDonalds and Burger King are similarly
priced.
LIKEWISE (COMPARISON)
2 Likewise, KFC is cheap too.
EQUALLY (COMPARISON)
3 Equally, Subway isn't very expensive.
HOWEVER (QUALIFYING)
4 However, Pizza Hut is $15 for a pizza.
ALTHOUGH (QUALIFYING)
5 Although you do get free refreshments with
the pizza.
AS LONG AS (QUALIFYING)
6 As long as you pay for one adult meal.
WHEREAS (CONTRAST)
7 Whereas at Dominoes pizza you have to pay
for your drinks too.
OTHERWISE (CONTRAST)
8 Otherwise, it depends which food you prefer?
ALTERNATIVELY (CONTRAST)
9 Alternatively, you could try the new Mexican
place down the road.
UNLIKE (CONTRAST)
10 Unlike at McDonalds and Burger King, they
make really good burgers.
B1
CONNECTING WORDS
Warmer
⎪ Divide your class into small groups.

⎪ Each group must put the recipe into the correct order and fill in the missing
linking words.
Finally Additionally First Next However Then

B1
CONNECTING WORDS
Main usage
Linking Words are used to:

⎪ Transition from one point to another (Sequencing)
⎪ Contrast two points (Contrasting)
⎪ Conclude an essay or argument logically
Construction
Sequencing Words:
Linking Words of Sequencing are used to transition from one point to another or to
add more information. They act as signposts that a new point is being presented.
These words appear at the very beginning of the sentence.
Your performance this year was good. Furthermore, your teamwork is excellent!
Other linking words of sequencing include:
Then,
Also,
Additionally,
Moreover,
Furthermore,
Finally,
First: Welcome to my presentation. First, I will present the project objectives.
Then, moreover: Then, I will outline our project agenda.
Additionally, also: Additionally, I will delegate tasks to the whole team.

B1
CONNECTING WORDS
Linking Words of Contrast are used to express difference, comparison and
contrast.
Our market share has increased. However, our profit has decreased.
Other linking words of contrast include:
However,
Nevertheless,
On the other hand,
Although
Even though
In spite of
Despite
Whereas
However: We have achieved the first milestone. However, we still need to improve.
Although/even though: Although we have six months to complete the project, we
must follow our timeline carefully.
In spite of/despite: In spite of the fact we are a small team, we will complete all the
tasks.

B1
CONNECTING WORDS
Exercise 1
Choose the appropriate connecting words to put together this brief presentation
about positive teamwork:
Furthermore however Firstly Secondly Consequently
_________, I want to present feedback for all your hard work this month.
___________, I’d like to thank you for your effort and performance.
___________, there have been some conflicts among the team. ___________, I
heard about the verbal dispute between two team members. I’d like everyone to
resolve these issues immediately. ___________, it will help our team continue to
grow. We must communicate positively for ongoing success.
Exercise 2
Fill the gaps with the correct connecting word from the multiple-choice options.
1. I had more responsibility in the new job, ________, I didn’t get a raise!
a. However
b. Even though
c. Despite
2. ________ being a nice person, Mike is lazy and unskilled in his work.
a. Although
b. Despite
c. However
3. You can’t use my new car. ________, you can use my bicycle!
a. Nevertheless
b. However
c. Although

B1
CONNECTING WORDS
4. _________ I am excited about this new work opportunity, I am also nervous
about changing jobs.
a. However
b. Nevertheless
c. Although
5. __________ my mother is dynamic and social, my father is reserved and shy.

a. Despite
b. However
c. Whereas
Exercise 3

⎪ Set a time limit and explain that the group to finish first is the winner.
⎪ Ask students to re-arrange the cards below into the correct order.
⎪ When everyone has finished the activity, have an open discussion on the
pros and cons of public v private education.
On the other hand, private schools offer a rigorous approach to education and
the best school facilities.
Moreover, private schools have funding in place to pay for interesting

extracurricular activities.
However, there is no evidence that the quality of teaching in private schools is

better than that in public schools.
Firstly, I’d like to present the advantages and drawbacks of both public and
private school.
This essay addresses the question ‘Are private schools better than public
schools?’
To summarize, I believe that both types of education are beneficial but

different.
On one hand, public schools offer diversity and a tolerant approach to

education.

A2
CONNECTING WORDS
Exercise 4
Match these linking words with their synonyms:
1. Firstly a. Furthermore
2. Moreover b. Primarily
3. However c. Also
4. In addition d. Lastly
5. Finally e. Yet
Exercise 5
Put the correct linking word of contrast into the gaps below
Despite however on the other hand although whereas
1. Mike is a good sales man and he’s very dynamic. __________, he lacks
technical expertise.
2. __________ New York is exciting and fun, Paris is class and historical.
3. On one hand, I’d like to live on a quiet desert island. __________, I still enjoy
the vitality of the city.
4. __________ being interested in Chinese culture, I don’t think I want to live
in China.
5. I love chocolate, __________, I can’t eat it because I have diabetes.

B1
CONNECTING WORDS
Activity
Mastermind
Each student chooses a specific topic that they think they have a lot of
knowledge in. They each spend 2 minutes talking about the subject and answering
any questions that the rest of the class ask. Possible topics could be ‘Real
Madrid Football Club’, ‘Italian food’ or ‘The history of the city of Malaga’ etc.

LOOK
WATCH &
SEE
LOOK
Verb: meaning to make an effort to view
something (often with ‘at’ after, "look at")
When trying to view something
“I set up the camera looking toward the action.”

“We looked, but we didn’t see.”
“Would you look at that?”
“He lost his vision temporarily after looking at the
bright light.”
WATCH
A verb meaning to make an effort to view
something over time
Use "watch" when viewing something over a period

of time
“Did you watch that car race?”

“We watched the sunset together.”
"I love watching football matches with my dad."
"Sometimes I like to watch my kids sleeping."
SEE
A verb meaning to view something, with or without
effort
Use "see' when viewing something with your eyes.
“I saw the flag flying over the new courthouse.”

“Can you see that car in front of you?”
“We can see the problem from here.”
"Let's go see a movie later."
"I saw him run past me."
B1
LOOK, SEE & WATCH
Exercise 6
1. _____ (Look / See / Watch) at this video.

2. _____ (Look / See / Watch) this video with me, please.
3. Did you _____ (look / see / watch) the light come on?.
4. You need to _____ (look / see / watch) these demonstration videos closely.
5. I _____ (looked / saw / watched) the movie closely, but I didn’t _____(look / see
/ watch) the actor’s face.
Exercise 7
Divide the class into two teams. Each team decides if the following situations
require a look/see/watch answer. The team with the most correct answers is the
winner.
1- The football match on television

2- The film on dvd
3- The firework display
4- A doctor examining a patients eyes
5- A friend telling another friend to view a star in the sky
Exercise 8
Students working individually create two sentences that use “look” two that use
“watch” and two that use "see" correctly.

FUTURE
CONTINUOUS
The future continuous is used to express an ongoing action or event
in the future. We form the future continuous with will + be + verb+ing.
QUESTIONS
Will you be going to work tomorrow?

When will she be starting her new job?
Where will we be shopping for presents?
Will they be studying after school?
Will he be focusing on his fitness regime during the holidays?
When will you be going to live in Kenya?
AFFIRMATIVE / NEGATIVE
Yes, I will be going to work tomorrow morning at 8am.

She will be starting her new job in the summer.
We will be shopping for presents at the new mall in town.
No, they won't be studying after school. They will be swimming.
No, he won't be focusing on his diet. He will be having too much fun.
We won't be going to live in Kenya afterall.
AT THE SAME TIME AS ANOTHER ACTION OR EVENT:
The future continuous is used with the future simple to express

two future actions that happen simultaneously:
I will be working tomorrow whilst you are resting at home.

She'll be starting her new job when you are seeing your parents.
We'll be shopping whilst you are cooking our dinner.
They won't be eating when you are singing.
When she is fishing in the lake, they will be jet-skiing on the other side.
OTHER USES
With still to express an action that has started in the present and will
continue into the future:
She will still be cleaning this house next week.

They'll still be playing cricket at 10pm.
To express future predictions or expectations:
I'm sure that it will be raining when we leave.

I expect that she will be running the marathon again this year.
FOR REFERENCE:
B1
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
Chatterbox
Future Plans
What will you be doing this time tomorrow?

What will you be eating for dinner tonight?
Where will you be living in one year?
When are you next going on holiday?
Where are you going this weekend?
What are you focusing on in your career in the next five years?
Will you be getting married in the next ten years?
Main usage
The future continuous tense is used to express an ongoing, continuous action in

the future.

B1
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
Construction
Interrogative
Will + subject + be + verb+ing

Will we be working on the same project in six months?
Will she be retiring at 65?
Will they be giving old clothes to the church this year?
Affirmative
Subject + will + be + verb+ing

Yes, we’ll be acting on the same film next year.
I'll be consuming lots of energy before the race.
It'll be getting dark soon if you don't hurry up.
Negative
Subject + will not (won’t) + be + verb+ing

No, we won’t be engaging in conversation with him.
They won't be employing Dave again in the future.
She won't be eating at that restaurant again.
Negative phrases to avoid double negatives
Using negative phrases with will:

I don't think they'll still be dating next year.
No way will we be finishing on time today.
The boss doubts that we'll be investing in that firm again.

B1
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
The future continuous tense is used to express an expected ongoing action in the
future.
We'll be driving through France in the summer.
The future continuous tense can be used to express an ongoing action in the future that
has already started in the present or past.
She will still be talking on the phone at 12pm!

We don’t know when she will stop dancing.
We often use the future continuous tense to describe two actions happening at the
same time. This can be done alongside other tenses:
I’ll be lying on the beach while you are working at the office next week. (FC & PC)
John will be cooking whilst Mike will be cleaning. (FC & FC)
Jenny will be going to work and I will stay at home. (FC & FS)
Key Words
We often use key words with the future continuous:
Next week Where will you be visiting next week?

Next year Julie won't be studying next year.
This They'll be working here this morning.
Tomorrow Tomorrow, we'll be staying at home all day.
As with all continuous tenses, we do not use stative verbs (be/understand/like/hate

and more) in progressive form.
I will be liking the new office!
I will like the new office

B1
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
Exercise 1
Complete the questions with the correct question words:
1. ____________________ will you be wearing tonight?
A short black dress.
2. ____________________ will you be giving a talk?
I have to introduce the first speaker.
3. ____________________ will you be meeting up with friends?
Outside the cinema.
4. ____________________ will you be getting to Fiji?
By air via Australia.
5. ____________________ will you be leaving?
After work.
Exercise 2
Complete the dialogue, adding the missing words:
A: Hey, Mike! What will ________________ (you/do) this summer?
B: I’ll have four weeks of vacation, so I’ll ________________ (spend) it in Fiji.
A: Lucky you! I don’t have any vacation time, so I ________________ (work)
hard in the office!
B: I’m sorry for you. I ________________ (lie) on the beach while you are
trying to make business!
A: That’s true. However, I will have holidays in the winter so
I ________________ (go) to the Canaries for one week.

B1
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
Exercise 3
Career guidance: future aspirations

⎪ Distribute the simulation cards and give an Interviewee role and an HR
Manager role to two members of each group.
HR MANAGER
As HR manager, you identify talent and help
employees reach their full potential. Today,
interview a person (your partner) about his/her
future aspirations. Use questions in the future
continuous to find out what she/he’ll be doing in
one year, why she/he’ll be doing it and projects
she/he’ll be working on.
INTERVIEWEE
You have a career guidance session with your HR
manager (your partner) today. You want to change
your job and develop an interesting career. Today,
be prepared to explain what you will be doing in
one year, projects you’ll be working on and why
you’ll be focusing on that part of your career.

B1
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
Exercise 4
Complete the questions with the correct form of the verbs in brackets:
1. What __________________ (you/do) tomorrow night?

Ice skating.
2. Where __________________ (you/eat) this evening?
At Bobo’s restaurant.
3. Why __________________ (you/travel) so much this year?
I have international meetings worldwide.
4. When __________________ (you/understand) that I can’t speak on the phone
when I’m in a meeting?
Sorry, I didn’t know you were in a meeting.
5. How __________________ (you/get) here?
By bus.
Exercise 5
Fill-in the gaps with the correct use of the future continuous.
A: I’m calling to invite you to a congress tomorrow at 1PM.

B: Thank-you for your kind offer. I would love to come, but I ______________
(host) a meeting at that time.
A: Are you available to join me for dinner tomorrow?
B: I’d love to come, but I have a webinar. I _______________ (work) late!
A: Can you join us for a breakfast meeting at the canteen right now?
B: Unfortunately, I can’t. I ______________ (give) a presentation in ten minutes.
A: Would you like to participate in a congress on Friday evening?
B: Unfortunately, I'll be tied up! I _________________(listen) to
my son’s violin recital.

B1
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
Chatterbox
Where will you be in ten years time?

The teacher asks each student the questions below. Students must answer using
the correct form of the future continuous. The answers can be real or
exaggerated as if it was a dream scenario.
Where will you be living?

What hobbies will you be doing?
What will you be learning?
How much will you be earning?
Will you be travelling a lot?
Who will you be dating?
What vehicle will you be driving?
Activity
Guess the Year.

Each student thinks of a phrase for the future. The other students have to guess
what the year will be when it happens. For example:
Student 1
“We will be wearing Google glasses instead of using laptops or computers”.
The other students have a discussion and try to guess the year.
In this case, maybe it’s 2025?

B1
POEM
THE SEED
I began life as a seed,
I grew and I grew,
Taller and taller each day,
Worried you would think I am a weed.
I sprouted leaves and shoots,
Soon to grow flowers
And attract all the bees
But first I need solid roots.
I know I’ll never be great,
Not as tall as a sunflower
Or as nice as a rose,
But as long as I just wait,
I know good things will come.
Its granted, it is fate!
Chatterbox
Have you ever written a poem for your partner?

Do you have a favorite famous poem?
Exercise 6
Write a short poem about a flower. It can be any flower you choose and you can
decide if the poem rhymes or not. When completed, share your poem with the
class.

HAVE TO
The expression have to is used to express an enforced
obligation or necessity, such as a rule or law. It is often grouped
with auxiliary modal verbs, but be careful - It is neither! In fact,
have functions as the main verb of the sentence.
OBLIGATION OR NECESSITY
I have to go to work now.
She has to take her medicine at 4pm.
We have to make a decision right now.
The waiter has to wear a black uniform.
He has to stay at school to finish his homework.
QUESTIONS
Because have functions as a main verb, we need to use an
auxiliary verb to form the interrogative:
Do you have to get up so early in the morning?
Why do you have to leave so soon?
Where do you have to go for this meeting?
When do you have to finish you research by?
NEGATIVE
We have to be careful when we use have to in the negative
obligation form. For example:
You don't have to wear your shoes in the house.
This indicates that you have a choice, or that it isn't necessary. If
we want this to be an obligation then we have to use one of the
following:
You must not wear your shoes in the house.

You are not allowed/permitted to wear your shoes in the
house.
You can still form the negative to use in other ways:
Great news, I don't have to work this weekend.
He doesn't have to eat all of his dinner.
Why don't we have to go to school today?
HAVE TO IN OTHER TENSES

We can use have to in all tenses and with modal auxiliary verbs.
I had to stay at home last weekend. (past simple)

I will have to travel to Egypt alone in the summer. (Future simple)
They have had to change the date of the appointment. (Present
perfect)
We might have to have the vaccinations to travel. (Modal verb
'might')
He may have to cancel dinner. (Modal verb 'may')
MODAL VERB
MUST
The modal verb must is used to express an emotional obligation
or necessity where the person speaking has some involvement in
the decision. It is an auxiliary modal verb.
OBLIGATION OR NECESSITY
We must leave now or we'll be late.
They must go home now because dinner will be ready.
He must decide if he wants to continue the relationship.
She must visit you soon, it's been far too long.
You must come and stay with us at Christmas.
QUESTIONS
Because must is an auxiliary verb, we don't need to use 'do' to form
the interrogative. It is followed by the subject and bare infitive:
Must you leave so early in the morning?
Why must you behave so badly in public?
Where must I go to see the doctor?
Must he talk so loudly in the cinema?
NEGATIVE
We use must not (mustn't) to express prohibition or something
you are not allowed to do. They are obligations that are either
determined by the speaker or by rule or law:
You must not wear shoes in the house.
We mustn't tell John about his surprise bithday party.
You mustn't enter this building after 8pm.
She mustn't forget that she has a piano class after school.
Here is an example of the distinction between have to and must
in the negative form:
You must not smoke inside.
This means you are absolutely prohibited from smoking inside.
You don't have to smoke inside.

This means you have some choice in the matter. It's not necessary
that you smoke inside, but you can if you want to.
MUST IN OTHER TENSES

Must behaves irregulary in some past and future forms. In some
situations we cannot use must at all:
It must (mustn't) have been the correct place. (past)

You must (mustn't) travel on the 27th June. (Future)
He should have ordered something else. (Past recommendation)
We had to leave early. (Past necessity)
You should go to the event next week. (Future recommendation)
We shouldn't drive home if we drink alcohol. (Future negative
recommendation)
We won't have to sleep tonight because we can sleep on the plane
tomorrow. (Future negative necessity)
B1
MODAL VERBS:
MUST / HAVE TO
Warmer
What might happen in class....
⎪ Divide the class into two groups.

⎪ Assign the road rules to one team and the danger signs to the other.
⎪ Ask each group what their signs mean.
⎪ Encourage students to use must/have to/mustn’t to explain the rules.
⎪ This activity is an excellent exercise to introduce your students to the use of
must and have to, and the differences between them.

B1
MODAL VERBS:
MUST / HAVE TO
Main usage
Must and have to are both modal verbs we use to express obligation
Must is used:
⎪ To express an emotional obligation.
Have to is used:
⎪ To express an enforced obligation.
Construction
Must
Affirmative: Yes, you must wear a suit to the wedding.
Negative: No, you mustn’t wear a football shirt to the funeral.
Interrogative: Must I wear a uniform to work?
Must is used to express an emotional obligation. The modal verb appears before
the subject (that precedes the main verb) in a question. The modal precedes the
main verb in the affirmative and negative answers.
Must you always sing that song?

Yes, I must! I like this song.
You mustn’t sing it anymore. It’s annoying!

B1
MODAL VERBS:
MUST / HAVE TO
Have to
Affirmative: Yes, we have to pass the test.
Negative: No, you don’t have to pass the test.
Interrogative: Do we have to pass the test to get the driving license?
Have to is used to express an enforced obligation. Have to acts as a main verb,

using the auxiliary verbs Do and Don’t for the interrogative and negative forms.
Do you have to pay a fine if you break the law?

Yes, you have to pay a fine.
No, you don’t have to pay a fine.
Note: The negative form of must means shouldn’t. For example:
You must eat meat (affirmative) = You are obliged to eat meat.
You mustn’t eat meat = You are not allowed or permitted to eat meat.
To express the negative of: You must eat meat! - we say - You don’t have to eat
meat.

B1 MODAL VERBS:
MUST / HAVE TO
Exercise 1
Complete the USA and UK charts with must or have to:
In the USA, we ________ drive on the right side of the road.

In the USA, we ________ pay taxes to the state government.
In the United States, you ____ visit New York and Las Vegas – they are both exciting
cities.
You ______ visit Miami in Florida to enjoy beautiful beaches.
At the airport in Atalanta, you ______ wait in line for hours at immigration!
You ________ visit Tenessee for a unique experience!
In the UK, we ________ drive on the left side of the road.

In the UK, we ________ pay taxes to the main government only.
In the UK, you ________ see The Crown Jewels and Buckingham Palace in London.
In London, you ________ have afternoon tea in Harrods Boutique.
In the airport in London, you ________ go through many security measures.
In the UK, you ________ try fish and chips – it’s a national dish!
Exercise 2
A: Good afternoon I’m telephoning to confirm my flight from New York to London, please.
B: Of course.
A: My name is Jack Green and my flight is June 3rd at 9AM.
B: Ah yes, I see your flight. May I have your passport or visa number, please?
A: Yes, my passport number is 017685.
B: Thanks … oh dear. Your visa has expired! You _______ renew your visa before your
flight.
A: Oh no! Is it really mandatory? Do I _______ do it now, or can I do it when I return from
London.
B: You _______ do it now. Otherwise, you may have difficulties entering the United States
again.
A: Okay. I _______ go to the embassy to renew it. Thanks for informing me in advance.
B: The embassy is closed at the weekend. You _______ go there from Monday to Friday.
You _______ do it quickly. Your visa expired one week ago.
A: Okay. Thank-you. Goodbye.

B1
MODAL VERBS:
MUST / HAVE TO
Exercise 3
Explaining obligations

⎪ Distribute the role-play cards. One student plays the School
Administrator and the other person plays the Student.
⎪ Students perform the role-play, using the modals they have learned in this
unit to express possible outcomes.
School Administrator
You are a school administrator. A current student (your
partner) wants to book more English classes. However,
she has not paid for the first term that is already finished!
Explain to the student what she has to do if she wants to
continue her studies.
Student
You’re a student in an English school. You have finished
the first term and you want to continue into the second
semester. However, you don’t have any money right now
to pay for school. Ask the administrator (your partner) what
you have to do, and if she can offer you a chance to study
for free!

A2
MODAL VERBS:
MUST / HAVE TO
Exercise 4
Select the best answers from the options that follow each question:
1) It’s my grandmother’s birthday! I _______ buy her a present.

a) Must
b) Mustn’t
c) Have to
2) If the police catch you speeding, you may _______ pay a fine of 100 euro.
a) Not have to
b) Have to
c) Must
3) _______ I wear this old black coat to the funeral? I hate it!
a) Have to
b) Must
c) Mustn’t
4) ___________ fill out all these forms to apply for a bank loan?
a) Must I
b) Do I have to
c) Don’t I have to
5) Excuse me – you skipped the line! You _______ wait in line like everyone else.
a) Must
b) Have to
c) Mustn’t

A2
MODAL VERBS:
MUST / HAVE TO
6) The children ________ go to school on Saturday – it’s the weekend.

a) Must
b) Don’t have to
c) Mustn’t
7) He ________ stop smoking if he wants to stay healthy.

a) Doesn’t have to
b) Must
c) Mustn’t
8) The children ________ go to the museum if they don’t want to.

a) Have to
b) Don’t have to
c) Mustn’t
9) Company employees ________ wear a formal suit to work. They can wear
casual clothes.
a) Have to
b) Don’t have to
c) Mustn’t
10) It’s my birthday. I ________ celebrate!

a) Mustn’t
b) Must
c) Have to

B1
MODAL VERBS:
MUST / HAVE TO
Chatterbox
Ask each student to give obligations and prohibitions for the following situations:
a. You have been in a car crash

b. You are in a library
c. You are in a business meeting
d. You are in an exam
e. You are on an airplane
f. You are meeting the parents of your new girlfriend
g. You are in an interview for a new job
Activity
I spy. The teacher starts off the game by saying ‘I spy with my little eye
something beginning with…’ The teacher then says the first letter of something
that he can see in the room, for example ‘C’ (for chair). The students then have to
guess the answer. The student who guesses correctly then starts the next game
off again.

INTENSIFIERS
Intensifers are used to modify verbs, adverbs and

adjectives to strengthen or emphasize a sentence.
Look at the list below and see how intensifiers can modify the
level of hunger that Michele is feeling:
COMPLETELY / ABSOLUTELY
1 Michele is absolutely starving. She hasn't eaten

since yesterday.
TOTALLY / INCREDIBLY
2 Michele is incredibly hungry. Her breakfast wasn't

enough.
UTTERLY / REMARKABLY
3 Michele is remarkably hungry. Lunch was such a

small meal.
VERY / REALLY
4 Michele is really hungry. Her dinner wasn't very big.
RATHER / SO
5 Michele is rather hungry because her husband ate

half of her meal.
QUITE / KIND OF
6 Michele is kind of hungry. She could definitely

have a snack.
PRETTY / FAIRLY
7 Michele is fairly hungry but she can wait a little

longer before eating.
A BIT / A LITTLE
8 Michele is a little hungry but she's not ready to eat

yet.
NOT VERY / NOT REALLY
9 Michele has just eaten lunch, so she's not very

hungry.
ABSOLUTELY / COMPLETELY
10 Michele is completely full. She couldn't eat

anything else.
INTENSIFIERS
Intensifers are used to modify verbs, adverbs and adjectives to
strengthen or emphasize the sentence. They can help to
strengthen and enlighten what we want to say.
Here are some examples of intensifiers and how we use them in
the English language:
ENOUGH Is your drink cold enough for you?
Enough as an adverb Is your brother old enough to be in this bar?
means 'to the level of We have enough information to start with.
necessity'. It's also They have enough chocolate, thanks.
used as a determiner This car is not big enough for our family.
to mean 'as much as There aren't enough trees in the Amazon.
is necessary'.
TOO
Is your drink too cold for you?
Is your brother too old to go to school? INSURANCE, LICENSE,
Too can be used
We have too much information to start with.PERMIT FEES as an adverb to
They have too much chocolate too.
This car isn't too big for our family, it's perfect. mean 'excessive'
or 'also'.
There are too few trees in the Amazon.
I am going to the hospital too.
SUCH That is such a nice colour on you.

Such is used in a Your brother is such a sweetheart.
similar way to 'very'. Is he always such a hard-worker?
We have such a lot of work to do.
So little time to do so much.
Why do you always diss me so much?
Your drink is so cold. SO

Your brother is so young, he won't get in the bar. So is another
We have so little information. variation of
Your sister isn't so nice to my family. 'very'.
This car is so small, it's not big enough for my family.
Why is the man so rude to you?
VERY
Very is the most
Your suit was very expensive.
popular intensifier It is very wet outside.
and is used to Your house is very clean.
strengthen an My baby slept very well last night.
adjective or My wife walks very quickly.
adverb. Sophie drives very carefully.
B1
INTENSIFIERS
Chatterbox

⎪ Distribute the photos below and the intensifiers + adjectives /adverbs that follow.
⎪ Each group must match an intensifier with an adjective/adverb and a picture.
⎪ To finish, have each member of every group discuss each photo.
This is a competition and the teacher decides the winner by which group best used the
correct grammar and vocabulary.
Intensifiers Adjectives/Adverbs
Really Long
Very Tight
Extremely Strong
Too Sad
Enough Happy

B1
INTENSIFIERS
Main usage
Intensifiers are used to:

⎪ Intensify and enhance an adjective or adverb
⎪ Modify the meaning of an adjective or adverb
Construction
Intensifiers are words used to intensify an adjective or adverb.
The intensifier too defines something in excess and occurs prior to the adjective
or adverb it intensifies:
My hair is getting too long. I should cut it!
The intensifier enough defines sufficiency and occurs after the adjective or
adverb it intensifies:
Is this essay long enough? Yes, it’s long enough.
Too is used before the adjective or adverb: Your skirt is too long.
Enough is used after the adjective or adverb: You’re skirt isn’t short enough.
Very, extremely and really are examples of other intensifiers that are placed
before the adjective:
I feel very happy because the sun is shining.
You were extremely rude to the sales person.
I was really impressed with your work.

B1
INTENSIFIERS
Exercise 1
Transform these sentences using the intensifier in brackets:

1. Thank you for the food but this is really more than enough! (too)
2. I know you want to play the part of Pocahontas, but your hair is too short for
the role (enough)
3. The table is too wide to push it through the door (enough)
4. The boxer is too heavy to be classified as a light-weight (enough)
5. The salary you are offering isn’t high enough, so I must decline the offer (too)
Exercise 2
Put the correct intensifiers into the dialogue below:

Customer: Good morning. I’m calling to make a complaint. I ordered some
products from your website and they arrived _________ late.
Client Service Agent: What did you order?
Customer: That’s the other problem. I ordered three pairs of shoes. One pair was
_____ big and another pair weren’t big ________!
Client Service Agent: I’m _______ sorry you had this problem. Please send them
back and we will send you the right products.
Customer: I would prefer a refund.
Client Service Agent: I’m sorry but it's _____ late to issue you a refund. You
ordered these products two months ago.
Customer: That’s true, but you also delivered them _____ late! I was waiting four
weeks for their delivery.
Client Service Agent: Well, in that case, I can make an exception and issue a
refund for them.
Customer: Thank you. I appreciate it.

B1
INTENSIFIERS
Exercise 3
Complete the sentences, using the Key Words we have learned in this unit:
1. Your jacket sleeves are _______ long. Ask your tailor to make them shorter.
a. Too
b. Enough
c. Very
2. I was _______ disappointed when my favorite team lost the match!

a. Too
b. Extremely
c. Disappointed
3. We were not prepared _______ for the contest so we lost in the first round.
a. Too
b. Enough
c. Very
4. I think you were _______ direct in the meeting with our customers. Try to be
more indirect next time.
a. Very
b. Too
c. Enough
5. The customers were _______ happy with the final product!

a. Extremely
b. Too
c. Very

B1
INTENSIFIERS
Exercise 4
Making a Complaint

⎪ Distribute the role-play cards. One student plays the waiter/waitress and
the other person plays the customer.
⎪ Students perform the role-play, using the intensifiers they have learned in
this unit.
Customer
You’re in a restaurant. You ordered some food
and it arrived too late! Now, the food is cold. The
steak is also cooked too much – it’s black and
horrible. The wine is too sour and the
vegetables are not cooked enough. Call the
waiter/waitress (your partner) to make a
complaint. Request compensation or your
money back!
Waiter / Waitress
You work in a restaurant. Two waiters didn’t
come to work today, so you are trying to serve
everyone by yourself! Unfortunately, one
customer (your partner) has a big complaint:
everything is wrong with her food. Respond to
her complaint, give a reason for the problems
and explain what you can do to help her with her
order.

A2
INTENSIFIERS
Exercise 5
Select the best intensifier to enhance the adjective/adverb:
1- We were ______ sad that you didn’t visit us at Christmas!

a. too
b. terribly
c. very
2- We were waiting for an ______ long time to get our food!

a. Really
b. Extremely
c. Too
3- Excuse me, but I ordered two portions of French fries. This isn’t ______!
a. Too much
b. Enough
c. Terribly
4. The man was ______ happy after winning 10,000 euro on a horse.
a. Too
b. Extremely
c. Enough
5- I don’t like the color of the shirt on you. It’s ______ bright!
a. Too
b. Enough
c. Extremely

B1
INTENSIFIERS
Activity
Superhero.
Each student has been given their own super powers. Use the form below to give
details of the superhero you have created!

B1
THE LOVE STORY
Jenny and Marco had been friends When Jenny and Marco turned
since they were born, maybe even seven they played the parts of
since they were in the womb as Robin Hood and Maid Marianne in
their mothers had been friends the school play and learnt lines
during their pregnancies. Jenny and together after school over ice
Marco were born within two weeks cream. During school days they
of each other and had grown up played separately, Marco with the
together. When they were three football boys, and Jenny with the
they attended nursery together and girls who enjoyed singing and
when they were four they both dancing. Boys and girls didn’t mix
learnt to ride bikes. Marco’s dad, much at school but they were very
Simon, had taken them to the park good friends outside of school.
and pushed them along down a Their mothers still met up with
wide pathway until they were each other frequently and often
confident enough to peddle by baby-sat for each other. Sometimes
themselves. they would eat dinner together as
one giant family.
When Jenny and Marco were teenagers they sat together in class and
whispered to each other whilst the teacher spoke. Sometimes they walked
to and from school together but at other times they would walk with other
friends. In the final year they ended up going to prom together. Jenny
wore a pale lilac dress and Marco wore a tie to match. After prom they
shared their first kiss.

B1
THE LOVE STORY
After graduation they decided to start dating officially and Marco took her
to an Italian restaurant called ‘Pinocchio’s’ for their first date. It seemed
silly to Jenny to dress up in a pretty dress and heels for her best friend but
it was the right thing to do. Marco put on a smart shirt, feeling equally
ridiculous trying to impress a girl he had known so long. The date had
gone perfectly however; it was a seamless transition from best friends to
boyfriend and girlfriend.
After just a year of dating, Marco decided it was time to make a

commitment. He took Jenny to the lake one sunny Autumn day and hired
a rowing boat. He rowed them out into the middle of the lake and said,
“Jenny, I know we haven’t been dating that long but we’ve known each
other forever and I want to spend the rest of forever with you. I’m afraid I
can’t kneel because I don’t want the boat to tip,” he stuttered and laughed,
“but will you marry me?” Jenny’s eyes opened with surprise and
happiness. “Of course I will!” she exclaimed, hardly able to control her
emotions.
Within a year they were married, within five years they had two adorable
children and within twenty-five years they were attending their children’s
graduations. At the age of eighty-five they both moved from their cottage
in the country to a nursing home in the nearest town where they lived out
their days. At ninety-six they died hand in hand as if neither could live
without the other. Their life had been the perfect love story.

B1
THE LOVE STORY
Vocabulary
Peddle
Attend
Whisper
Seamless
Rowed
Exercise 1
T/F Marco proposed on one knee

T/F Marco and Jenny’s mothers were friends during pregnancy
T/F They died together at the age of 96
T/F They had two children together
T/F They played together in school
Chatterbox
Do you believe in true love?

Do you know of a couple that has been together their entire lives?
What do you think is a good age to meet your wife or husband?
What is the general attitude to family life in your country?

MODAL VERBS
The modal verbs may/might, probably and will are
generally used to express a degree of certainty of an
action occurring.
MAY/MIGHT
We use may/might when the possibility of something happening is approximately
40%. They can be used for past speculations whilst may can be used to ask for
and to give permission. Might is preferred in spoken English.
It is cloudy, it might rain. (40% chance)

I am tired but I may go to the gym. (50% chance)
Yes you may sit next to me. (Giving permission - may)
May I see your letter? (Asking for permission - may)
He is very angry, he might have argued with his boss.
(Past speculation)
They seem very happy, they may have won the lottery.
(Past speculation)
PROBABLY
We use probably when the possibility of something happening is approximately
60-70%. For future possibilities it is used with will. It can also be used for past
speculations with the past simple or would.
Those clouds are dark, it will probably rain soon. (70% chance)
I am tired but I will probably go to the gym. (75% chance)
We're losing 3-0, we probably won't win. (75% chance)
The government will probably not win this election. (70%)
There's a card here with no name on it. It was probably sent by
my mum, she's always doing that. (Past speculation)
We probably would have won if we scored that penalty.
(Past speculation)
WILL
We use will when the possibility of something happening is approximately
90-100%. Will isn't used for past speculation.
Those clouds are really dark, it will rain soon. (95% chance)
I am tired but I will go to the gym. (95% chance)
We're losing 5-0, we won't win. (99% chance)
The government will not win this election. (90%)
I will visit you next week. (Promise. 90%)
We will help you clean the beach. (Volunteering. 90%)
They will go shopping tomorrow. (Arrangement. 90%)
B1
MODAL VERBS:
MAY, MIGHT, WILL & PROBABLY
Warmer
What might happen in class....
⎪ Divide your class into pairs.

⎪ Ask each group to make a list of things that might, may, probably and will happen
during this class.
⎪ Share each pairs answers with the rest of the class. When the lesson has ended,
take another look at these lists and see which pair had the most correct answers:
May (40%) Might (30%)
Probably (70%) Will (90%)

B1
MODAL VERBS:
Main usage
May and might are used to:

⎪ Express possibility of an action or event.
Probably is used to express:

⎪ The probability or likelihood of an action or event
Will is used to express:

⎪ A definite action.
Construction
May / Might
We may go abroad next year. (50% chance)
We might go to New York next year. (50% chance)
They may not come with us to New York. (40% chance)
They might not like to fly. (50% chance)
May or might refer to a possibility – let’s say it’s 30 to 50% likely.
Probably
We will probably take two weeks vacation. (75% chance)
We probably won’t go to Japan next year. (75% chance)
Probably is not a possibility – it’s a probability. So, let’s say it’s 75% likely.

B1
MODAL VERBS:
Will
We will definitely take a vacation in the summer. (95% chance)
We won’t miss this opportunity. (90% chance)
Will is a near definite – neither a possibility nor a probability. It’s 90-100% likely.
Don’t forget that may can also be used to request permission or make a formal
request.
May I take this brochure, please?
May I request an appointment with the person in charge?
Exercise 1
Match the phrases in the green box with those in the yellow box.
1. It might rain
2. We’re probably not going to finish the project on time
3. We won’t complete the project on time.
4. We may finish the project on time
5. It’s probably going to rain.
A. It’s likely it will rain

B. It’s possible that it will rain
C. It’s highly unlikely that we’ll finish the project on time.
D. There is no way we will finish the project on time.
E. There is a possibility thet we’ll finish the project on time.

B1 MODAL VERBS:
Exercise 2
Write the correct answer using the verbs in brackets with one of the
likelihood expressions in the box below
may might probably will
1. Are you going to the show tonight, John? I’m fairly sure I’m going, I
__________ (be) there.
2. Is the boss going to give us a bonus this year? There is a possibility that he
_________ (give) us a bonus!
3. The weather is unpredictable: cloudy and sunny. It __________ (rain).
4. Are you coming to the game? Yes, absolutely! We __________ (be) there!
5. Will the president of the country attend the congress? No, it’s highly unlikely
that he __________ (be) there.

B1
MODAL VERBS:
Exercise 3
Avoiding a direct answer

⎪ Distribute the role-play cards. One student plays the Manager and the
other person plays the Polite Employee.
unit to express possibility, probability and definite action.
⎪ When everyone has finished the role-play, you can allow them to exchange
roles if there is time.
Manager
You’re a manager of a small marketing team. Your
partner in China needs a marketing member of your
team to work directly from Beijing. You’d like to offer the
opportunity to your best marketing employee. Make the
offer and explain when the job may start, how long the
contract will be and how much the salary may be.
Nothing is definite so express only possible and probable
information.
Polite Employee
You receive an offer from your manager (your partner)
today to go to Beijing, China. He doesn’t know how long
the contract is and he’s also not sure about the salary. You
are not ready to make a commitment to this job as you
have personal responsibilities at home. Use polite phrases
to explain what may be possible or probable for you. You
want to keep your job so express interest but don’t make
any promises!

A2
MODAL VERBS:
Exercise 4
Complete the dialogue using the words in the boxes below:
May might probably will
A: Hello, neighbor! I heard that you’re going on holiday next week!

B: Hi, Joan. Well, we ______ go on holiday. In fact, we’re not sure because we
______ have to cancel our trip.
A: Oh dear! Why is that?
B: Well, we’re waiting to see if I get my bonus from work! We need the money to
pay for the trip.
A: Did you ask your boss?
B: Yes, I asked him. He said that I will ______ get the bonus, but the top director
must approve it.
A: So, I guess you can’t book your flights!
B: That’s right! We ______ book the flights as soon as we know that I have the
money.
A: Well, good luck! You ______ get it – you’re such a good worker!

B1
MODAL VERBS:
Chatterbox
Answer the following questions using the modal verbs you have learned in this
lesson:
Are you going to visit an English speaking country next summer?
Will you be able to speak English by the end of this course?
Are you eating out tonight?
Are you going to visit your family this weekend?
Activity
I have a complaint…. Divide the class into pairs and give each pairing one of the
situations below. One of the pair is making a verbal complaint whilst the other is
trying to deal with the irate customer. The complaints should start politely but
become more aggressive as the situation isn’t dealt with sufficiently.
1. A customer complains that his 2. A customer complains to his or her

chicken is uncooked to a waiter. internet provider that the internet is
too slow.
3. A customer complains to an airline 4. A customer complains that the

company that their fees for carrying customer service in the post office is
extra kilos in the suitcase are too expensive. terrible.

MODAL VERBS:
SHOULD HAVE - COULD HAVE
MIGHT HAVE
Should have, might have and could have are modal verbs that express
past regrets, or discuss things that didn't happen that should have.
SHOULD HAVE
To refer to a past event that didn't happen but should have:

We were winning 2-0, we should have won that game.
You should have asked me if you wanted to use my car.
I should have completed this assignment by now.
To express regret about a past action.

I should have bought the Audi instead of this BMW.
We should have stayed in that hotel across the road.
SHOULD HAVE (NEGATIVE)
In the negative form, It can refer to a regret or to something that was

done, but shouldn't have been or it was done badly or incorrectly. It can
also be a way to politely thank someone:
You shouldn't have eaten my sandwich. (Shouldn't have happened)

I shouldn't have bought this car, it was too expensive. (Regret)
I can't believe you bought me a present for my birthday, you really
shouldn't have. (Thank you)
MIGHT HAVE
To refer to a possibility or outcome in the past:

They might have finished eating by now.
We might have completed the job if we had all of the resources.
Johnny might have been on holiday at the time.
To express past deductions:
Sandra was at the party, she might have eaten the biscuits.
They might have escaped via the emergency exit as the door was open.
COULD HAVE
To express a possibility in the past or present.

They could have been delayed by the traffic.
We could have been in Atalanta by now.
She could have hidden in the forest.
To express a past action that could have happened but didn't:

I could have been the heavyweight champion of the world.
She could have been a successful teacher.
FOR REFERENCE:
B1
MODAL VERBS:
SHOULD, MIGHT & COULD HAVE
Warmer
Oops! I should have known better

⎪ Distribute the photos below.
⎪ Ask each group to explain what each person in the picture should have done,
shouldn’t have done or could have done.

B1
MODAL VERBS:
Main usage
The modal expression should have is used to:

⎪ Refer to a past event that didn’t happen but was supposed to
⎪ Express regret about a past event or action
Might have or Could have is used to:

⎪ Refer to a possible outcome in the past
Construction
Should have
Interrogative
Modal Verb + Subject + Have + Past Participle

Should I have told my boss I was leaving early?
Should he have taken the photo from a different angle?
Should we have shown the police officer our passports?
Affirmative
Subject + Should have + Past Participle

I should have told my boss I was leaving early.
He should have seen the rash earlier.
They should have spoken to Matthew first.
Negative
Subject + Shouldn't have + Past Participle

I shouldn't have left without telling my boss.
We shouldn't have watched that scary movie so late.
You shouldn't have eaten cheese before bed.

B1
MODAL VERBS:
Might have / Could have
Interrogative
Modal Verb + Subject + Have + Past Participle

Might I have fallen if I had walked on the edge?
Could he have paid the loan earlier?
Could we have stayed in the hotel another night?
Affirmative
Subject + Might / Could have + Past Participle

I might have told my boss I was leaving early, I don't remember.
He might have seen the damage earlier if he looked more closely.
They could have visited granny more often.
Negative
Subject + Mightn't / Couldn't have + Past Participle

It mightn't have rained in the hills afterall.
We couldn't have won the game because tha fans look sad.
It couldn't have been Mateo as he wasn't at home.

B1
MODAL VERBS:
Should have
Should have refers to an outcome or action that was supposed to happen, but
didn’t.
We also use should have to express regret about something we didn’t do.
It’s raining. I should have brought my umbrella! (regret)
We should have returned home on Friday, but we missed our plane. (action that
was supposed to happen, but did not)
Might have
Might have refers to a possibility or outcome in the past.
Might have can also be a deduction.
Mike didn’t come to the meeting. He might have missed the bus.
Jenny also didn’t come to the meeting. They mightn’t have received the memo.
Negative Forms
Note: Negative form of should have has a different meaning. Shouldn’t have
refers to something that was done but wrongly. For example:
You shouldn’t have told your boss you were leaving!
Means
You made a mistake about telling your boss that you were leaving.
To retain the meaning of Should I have told my boss I was leaving? (Was it
necessary to tell my boss?) you can use:
You needn’t have told your boss you were leaving

B1
MODAL VERBS:
Exercise 1
Rewrite these sentences with the modal verbs in brackets:
1. It wasn’t a good idea for you to speak about personal conflicts in the interview
(should not).
2. Why didn’t you put on your seat belt? You were lucky that you weren’t injured
in the car accident (might have).
3. You were supposed to give a present to your boss on his retirement (should
have).
4. It was wrong to lie to your partner about where you were (should not have).
5. Why didn’t take your swimming-suit? You didn’t get a chance to go swimming
(might have).
Exercise 2
1. I knew you would get robbed if you carried all that cash! You _________ credit
cards only.
a. Might have taken
b. Should have taken
c. Shouldn’t have taken
2. You are very lucky that you didn’t speak about your problem in the interview.
You _________ the job!
a. Might have gotten
b. Mightn’t have gotten
c. Should have gotten
3. It’s your own fault that you had an accident. You _________ more carefully.
a. Should have driven
b. Shouldn’t have driven
c. Mightn’t have driven

B1 MODAL VERBS:
4. You ___________ so rudely to the customer. He might terminate the contract

with us!
a. Mightn’t have spoken
b. Should have spoken
c. Shouldn’t have spoken
5. Your boss ___________you about the meeting. You’ve missed a lot of important
information.
a. Shouldn’t have told
b. Should have told
c. Mightn’t have told
Exercise 3
Complete the dialogue using the words in the box below and the verbs in brackets.
Don't forget to include have. One of the answers can be used more than once and one
of them may not have been used at all.
Could May Might Should
A: Hi, Kelly! Did you go to the beach?

B: Yes, I did! We had such a good time. You ______________ (come) with us!
A: You are red and burned all over, Kelly!
B: Yes, I stayed a little too long in the sun.
A: You really ______________ (wear) sun screen. You know the sun causes skin
damage. You ______________ (take) my sun block – it’s in the bathroom.
B: Yes, I forgot the cream but luckily, I wore my big sun hat.
A: That’s lucky! Otherwise, you ______________ (be) burned on your face. I
remember when you were burned in Greece on the beach. You really
______________ (be) more careful that time too.
B: Well, I’m learning my lesson! The burn is beginning to hurt!

B1
MODAL VERBS:
Exercise 4

⎪ Distribute the role-play cards. One student plays the Supervisor and the
other person plays the Lab Technician.
unit to express possible past outcomes and deductions.
⎪ When everyone has finished the role-play, you can let them exchange roles
if there is time.
Supervisor
You’re a supervisor of a lab where important
experiments take place. One of the new technicians
made a terrible mistake. He/she forgot to turn off a
machine after the day’s work. Luckily, there was no
accident but there might have been an explosion
and someone may have been injured. Meet the
technician (your partner) to provide feedback on this
point. Outline what could have happened. Explain what
he/she should have done before leaving the lab.
Lab Technician
You’re a technician and you have a new job working in a
lab. You work on important experiments. Yesterday, after
work, you made a terrible mistake: you forgot to turn
off a machine. It could have caused an accident. Now, the
supervisor (your trainer) wants to speak with you. Explain
what you should have done before leaving the lab
and what could have happened in this case.

B1
MODAL VERBS:
Chatterbox
Each student discusses one thing from their past that they;
Should have done
Could have done
May have done
Might have done
Activity
Divide the class into two teams. Without using technology, each team has to
guess which year the following events happened.
Each team starts with 200 points. They lose one point for every year they are
away from the correct answer. For example, if the correct answer is the year
2000, but the team guessed 2010, the team loses ten points. The team with the
most points remaining at the end is the winner.

THERE,
THEY'RE &
THEIR
THERE
Adverb or noun, describing or related to another
location
There as a noun, meaning “that place:”
There as an adverb, meaning the opposite of here,

"go over there."
There as a pronoun used to introduce a noun or a

phrase, "there are too many dogs in this kennel."
THEY'RE
A contraction for "they are".
Usually, if you can replace "they're" with "they are"
in the same sentence, and it still makes sense,
then it is the correct form.
"They're having so much fun at school"
"I don't think they're going to eat that"
"They're waiting for us, hurry!"
THEIR
Third person plural possessive pronoun
Use their to show possession, commonly followed

by a noun.
"
"Their puppy is so adorable"
"They are enjoying their 15 minutes of fame"
"It's their choice how they spend their money"

B1
THERE, THEY'RE & THEIR
Exercise 5
1. All of ______ (their / they’re / there) toys are put away.

2. ______(Their / They’re / There) very excited to meet you.
3.That is ______ (their / they’re / there) box. Please put the box down over ____ (their
/ they’re / there).
4. For dinner tonight, we’ll use ______ (their / they’re / there) recipe.
5. ______ (Their / They’re / There) going to use ______ (their / they’re / there) car to
drive to ______ (their / they’re / there).
Exercise 6
Discuss the following sentences to try to understand the meaning of them
1- They’re here so send them over there to collect their prize.

2- Their belongings are there but their car keys aren’t there.
3- Their dates of birth shall be confirmed when they’re there with their passports.
Exercise 7
Students working individually create two sentences that use “there," two that use
“they're” and two that use "their" correctly.

MUST AND
CAN'T
FOR DEDUCTIONS
The modal verb 'must' is sometimes used to

make deductions or to find a logical conclusion.
It is generally supported by evidence that makes
us believe something is true.
The modal verb 'can't' is sometimes used to

make deductions or to find a logical conclusion.
It is generally supported by evidence that makes
us believe something is not true.
Oh look, John is in He can't have stolen

town. He must be the money because
visiting his parents. he was with me at
the time.
He's drinking really They can't be hungry,

fast, he must be they've eaten twice
thirsty. already.
They're celebrating, That can't be John,

they must have won. he's on holiday in
Greece.
He looks sad, he He can't have passed

mustn't have got the his exams, he didn't
job. study.
She must be late, she They can't be driving,

didn't leave here their car has broken
until 9:15am. down.
You're a doctor? That It can't be my dog, he

must be an died last year.
interesting job.
B1
MODAL VERBS:
MUST & CAN'T FOR DEDUCTIONS
Warmer
Deductions

⎪ Distribute the photos below.
⎪ Ask each group to make deductions using ‘must’ and ‘can’t’ about each picture.
⎪ Encourage students to use their imagination to create a reason or cause for
each issue/emotion/situation depicted in the photos.
⎪ This activity is an excellent exercise to introduce your students to the use of
modals in making deductions and conclusions.
Why did he miss the bus? Why is he getting arrested?
Why does she have a cake? Why is she surprised?

B1
MODAL VERBS:
Main usage
Modal verbs must and can’t are sometimes used to make deductions or a
logical conclusion. The word can’t is sometimes used to refer to an
impossible conclusion.
Construction
Must
Mike is smiling and laughing. He must be in love!

It’s getting very windy and cloudy. There must be a storm coming.
The dog hasn't eaten all day, it must be starving.
Must in the past
Subject + Must have + Past Participle

I can't find my wallet, it must have been stolen.
They're really upset, they must have lost something.
The floor is soaking, it must have rained all night.
Can't
That woman over there can’t be Jenny! She’s away in Prague.

The Dodo can't be the largest bird.The Dodo is extinct.
This bill can't be correct, we paid it last month.
Note: In the past we change can't for couldn't;
It couldn't have been my boss, he retired last year.

B1
MODAL VERBS:
Exercise 1
Complete these sentences with your own deductions:
1. Everyone’s preparing my cake, blowing balloons and playing music…
2. All the colleagues are working hard and focused on the job! The boss…
3. There are clouds of smoke coming from the house! It …
4. Birds are singing, it’s sunny and warm and people are going on holiday. It…
5. Colleagues are tired and complaining that the weekend is over! It …
Exercise 2
Select the best answer using must or can’t:
1. The whole team is celebrating something. We ________ be having a party!

2. You said that Bucharest is the capital of Bulgaria. That __________ be right –
Bucharest is in Romania!
3. You ________ be serious that you want to move to Siberia! It’s freezing over
there!
4. It ________ be cold outside. Everyone’s dressed like Eskimos!
5. You __________ be tired after traveling so far to see us!

B1
MODAL VERBS:
Exercise 3
It Must be Love (written by Labi Siffre)

⎪ Distribute the song lyrics.
⎪ Have students fill out the missing lyrics (modal)

B1
MODAL VERBS:
Exercise 4
Complete the dialogue using can’t or must:
A: Hello, George. Where is the boss?

?
B: I don’t know, Mike! He _______ b
be
ea our subsidiary in Germany. I heard him
att o
talking on the phone to our German m
manager
mana
an this morning. There _______ be a
problem because he looked very serious.
erious.
rious
B: That’s impossible! The German subsid
subsidiary
ubsid closed last month! Are you sure he
was speaking in German?
A: Yes, I’m positive – it ________
___
__
__ b
be another
e an
anot
ano
ott language
ang
an
nguag because
guage
g age usse I am fluent in
ause
German.
Ge
G
B:: Well, there __
B _________
____
__
___
__
___
___ be
__ e another
an
anothe possibility.
err pos
poss
p
po
o __________
ityy. He __
___
__
____
__
___
___
___
___
___ working
__ be w king
in with
ng w
the
th
he
h Germany
e Ge ny ccontact,
y coonta
tac
act,
a but at a differ
ct, b
bu different
d rent
re
en
en ssite
nt site.
it Let’s
ett s checkk h desk.
hiss desk
d kk.
A:: H
A Here email
ere is an em
email
ma from
aili fro
rro
om
om the company
he compa
any in N
New
wYYork…it’s
Yo signed
ork…it’ss sign
or ned by Herr
by H
Her Schmidt.
errr Sc
Scchm
He
He________
__
__
__
__
___
__
___
__
__ be
b in New York
N w Yo
Y Schmidt
rk ass Sch there
hmidt iss the
ere now.
B: W
B Well,
ll it ________ b
be a serious
i problem
bl tto ttravell allll th
the way tto th
the US!

B1
MODAL VERBS:
Chatterbox
Students work alone to suggest the most elaborate stories about what must have
happened or what can’t have happened for the following situations. The teacher
decides the winner by which student was the most imaginative.
1- There is a bear in my house!

2- The man has spots all over his face
3- My wife is very angry at me
4- The students are very happy with their teacher today
5- Santa Claus has brought the girl a very big present this year
6- She has won a very big trophy
7- The boy has been sick all day
8- My uncle has been missing since the weekend
9- The queen is cleaning the toilets
10- My dog smells really bad
Activity
The teacher writes on the board the beginning of a sentence. For example -
‘Last week I was eating my lunch when….’
Then students take it in turns to add to or complete the sentences. The first
student should always start his or her sentence with ‘suddenly…’. For example -
(Teacher) Last week I was eating my lunch when….
(Student) suddenly I saw a worm in my dish.
After this other students can continue to add to the story to make it as funny and
over exaggerated as they choose. This activity can be repeated multiple times
with different scenarios.

B1
THE BIG SURPRISE
We left the apartment and began
wandering around the streets. It
was not long, however, before we
needed a gondola of our own.
Oliver hailed a taxi and we stepped
into the boat. The man shook our
I stood on the balcony and watched hands and asked us to sit down.
the boats sail past. The flow was “Venice is such a beautiful place,
constant, the tired men rowing isn’t it?” I said in awe. “Yes,” Oliver
despite the heat. The sun was hot replied. “I truly have the best view
and I could see heat waves rising in the world right now,” he said,
from the pavements below. I waited looking at her and the canal that
patiently for my husband to get stretched out ahead of her. The sun
ready. I was always ready before he was just setting and made the water
was. It’s lies what they say, that look slightly orange.
women take ages. I’d put on a
simple red dress, knee length with a
low neckline. I was adjusting my
watch when Oliver’s face appeared.
“All ready?” he asked me, a smile on
his face that I thought seemed
slightly nervous. “Yes,” I answered. I
moved towards him and kissed him After a few minutes we reached one
lightly on the cheek. of the main squares that were
“Nicole?” “Yes?” “I really love you,” dotted with restaurants. The taxi
he whispered, his breath tickling pulled in and we stepped carefully
my ear. “I love you too,” I said and out. I took extra care not to trip in
took his hand. my kitten heels.

B1
THE BIG SURPRISE
Where would you like to eat?” Oliver asked. “I don’t mind,” I said. “How
about that place over there?” I pointed and he followed the line of my
finger. It was a small restaurant tucked away under a canopy with low
hanging lights. The food was delicious and the atmosphere delightful.
After dinner we decided to go for a walk.
The night was cold but not too cold and clouds had formed above. We
stopped on a bridge and watched the water below. “I know we haven’t
been together long,” Oliver began, “but I want you to know how important
you are to me. I want you to understand how much I love you. I really
want to spend the rest of my life with you,” he said and then paused. My
palms became sweaty and I suddenly felt nervous. “Nicole, will you marry
me?” he asked, bending down on one knee.
I clapped my hands to my face, my eyes wide. “Of course I will,” I

stammered, the words not coming out properly. I grabbed his hands and
he held me tightly. Suddenly the night wasn’t cold anymore and I was the
happiest I'd ever felt.

B1
THE BIG SURPRISE
Vocabulary
Spend 3 minutes researching the vocabulary below that is used in the
text. Then discuss your answers with the teacher.
Wandering
Atmosphere
Flow
In awe
Grabbed
Exercise 5
T/F Oliver and Nicole had been together for a long time
T/F They were in Venice
T/F Oliver proposed to Nicole in the restaurant
T/F Nicole takes longer to get ready than Oliver
T/F Oliver's palms became sweaty
Chatterbox
If you are married, how was the proposal?

Is Venice a good place for a proposal?
How long had you been with your partner before you got married?
Is it acceptable for a woman to propose to a man?

PAST
CONTINUOUS
The past continuous tense is used to express an action or event
that was ongoing over a period of time in the past. It is used with
the past simple of to be and verb+ing. The past continuous often
expresses a specific time or when one action was interrupted by
another in the past. It is sometimes known as the wing tense.
CAREER TIMELINE
From January 2009 until 2009
June 2010 I was working at
Burger King.
2010 From June 2010 until

August 2012 I was working
at Adidas.
2012
ONGOING ACTIONS OR EVENTS THAT HAPPENED OVER A

PERIOD OF TIME IN THE PAST:
He was watching a movie at midnight last night.

She was eating her dinner at teatime.
We weren't dating in 2008.
It wasn't snowing in the mountains.
Where were you living last year?
Why was he sleeping at your house last week?
ONGOING ACTIONS OR EVENTS THAT WERE INTERRUPTED BY

ANOTHER ACTION IN THE PAST:
The past continuous is used with the past simple to indicate an action in the past
that was interrupted by another action in the past. The longer action is
represented by the past contiuous whilst we use the past simple for the shorter
action.
He was watching a movie when you called him.

She was eating her dinner when she dropped her fork.
We weren't dating in 2008 when I met another guy.
It wasn't snowing in the mountains when we left.
B1
PAST CONTINUOUS
Warmer
Matching
Working in pairs, match the phrases to make the correct sentences.
1- We were in the waiting room a. While I was walking in the town

2- I started to forget everything b. While we jumped in puddles
3- I looked in the shop windows c. When I realised I made a mistake
4- We were talking d. While I was doing the exam
5- Her mind started to wonder e. While you were talking to the Dr
6- They were listening to the music f.When we noticed we were late
7- It was raining g. When they started to sing too
8- I was checking my notes h. While she was listening to the
boring story
Main usage
The past continuous tense is used:
⎪ To express an ongoing action in the past

⎪ To refer to an event that occurred at the same time as another event in the past.

B1
PAST CONTINUOUS
Construction
Interrogative
Auxiliary + Subject + Verb+ing

Were you having dinner when I called?
Was it raining this morning?
Was he striving to finish on time?
Affirmative
Subject + Auxiliary + Verb+ing

Yes, I was snacking on crisps.
Actually, he was debating politics with his boss.
He was delivering parcels this morning.
Negative
Subject + Negative Auxiliary + Verb+ing

I haven't been writing all day. I took a coffee break.
It hasn't been raining long but the grass is soaked.
She hasn't been performing very well at netball.

B1
PAST CONTINUOUS
The past continuous is used to express an ongoing action in the past
Year 2000 Year 2005 Year 2010
Started work at Became manager Left TEAM TEFL to

TEAM TEFL. at TEAM TEFL start a new job.
From 2000 until 2010, I was working at TEAM TEFL.
Short Answers
Was he giving first aid to that man? - Yes, he was.
Were they losing the game? - No, they weren't.
Key Words
We often use key words with the past continuous:
How long How long were you living in Egypt for? Past
For I was sleeping for twelve hours before you woke me up.
All She was working all weekend/all day/all summer.
Last Last winter it was raining all the time.
Remember: Some verbs such as like, love and hate are called ‘stative verbs’ and
cannot be used in any continuous tense, including the Past Continuous tense:
I have liked you for a long time not I’ve been liking you for a long time.
I’ve always hated eating broccoli not I’ve always been hating eating broccoli.

B1
PAST CONTINUOUS
Exercise 1
Complete the dialogue with the correct short answers:
A: Welcome home, neighbor! Were you traveling for long?
B: No, we _____! We were just in Prague for the weekend. Were you away?
A: No, I ______ but my husband was away on business.
B: Was he on business in Europe?
A: No, he ______. He was in China for a professional excursion. We were there
on holiday last year.
B: How lovely! You were traveling there in October, weren’t you?
A: Yes, we ______. You have a good memory! Were you visiting Asia yourself
last year?
B: No, I ______. Maybe next time!
Exercise 2
Complete the sentences with the correct missing words:
1. The family ____________ (live) in Australia before they moved back to

England.
2. It ____________ (rain) all night.
3. What ____________ (do) when I called you?
4. The colleagues ____________ (not work) very hard during the holiday
season.
5. My friends ____________ (call) me all night looking for me.

B1
PAST CONTINUOUS
Exercise 3
The Usual Suspects

⎪ Distribute the simulation cards and give the Suspect role to three people and a
Private Detective role to one member of each group. (Be sure to hide the
Suspect cards from the detective! He must find the culprit!)

B1
PAST CONTINUOUS
SUSPECT 1
You are at the police station, being questioned
about a jewelry burglary last night at Lady
Windsor’s Manor. You are the cook for Lady
Windsor, and you know where the jewelry is but
you didn’t steal it. In fact, you were working all
night at Luigi’s restaurant and you have a
witness – your coworker!
SUSPECT 2
Windsor’s Manor. You are Lady Windsor’s
husband. The police suspect you stole the jewels
so you can use the insurance to get money, as you
are in debt. This is not true! You have financial
problems but you did not steal anything. You were
playing poker with friends all night.
SUSPECT 3
Windsor’s Manor. You are Lady Windsor’s best
friend. You were very jealous and in fact, you stole
her jewels when she was at the cinema. However,
you don’t want to tell the detective anything! Create
a story about what you were doing last
night to avoid getting arrested!

B1
PAST CONTINUOUS
Exercise 4
Help the police investigate a crime last night. Complete the interrogation
questions, writing the verbs into the correct form:
1. Why __________________ (walk) in the woods so late at night?

2. Where __________________ (go) when your neighbor saw you leave your
home at midnight?
3. You said that you met your friend for a drink. At what time
__________________ (have) this drink?
4. Who __________________ (talk) to on your mobile phone at 12:20AM?
5. What __________________ (do) at 12:30AM exactly?
Exercise 5
Match the phrases on the left with those on the right to create sentences that
make sense:
1. While we were walking up the a. one of the colleagues fell asleep at

mountain, the back of the room.
2. As the boss was giving the b. the food started to burn in the oven.
presentation,
3. When the cars were speeding on c. we saw the most beautiful views.
the road,
4. As it was raining hard, d. the police radar detected their speed.
5. While we were talking and e. I started to get extremely wet.

laughing in the living-room,

B1
PAST CONTINUOUS
Chatterbox
All students must think of a reason as to why the following things were
happening. Students can be imaginative and have fun with their answers.
Why was the man washing his clothes in the river?

Why was the woman cooking a romantic dinner?
Why was the cleaner cleaning their socks by hand?
Why were the children laughing?
Why were the parents crying?
Why was the man running naked through the park?
Why was Brad Pitt using his laptop?
Why was my boss late for work?

B1
PAST CONTINUOUS
Activity
Accusations. Divide the class into pairs and distribute the accusations below.
One person is the accuser and the second person is the accused.
The accused has to convince the class that what they were doing was completely
innocent. The accuser has to tell the class what they think was really happening.
1. Why were you cleaning blood off your clothes on Saturday night?
2. Why were you meeting my ex girlfriend last week?
3. Why were you eating chocolate in secret last night?
4. Why were you sleeping in your office when you were supposed to be working?
5. Why were you talking with the boss of our rival company?

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PAST SIMPLE

Specific time in the Unknown time in the

I shopped in Harrods I have shopped in

I lived in LA in 1996 I have lived in LA.

Experiences with Experiences without

I went on a I have been on a

Repeated actions in the Repeated actions in the

She went to New York I have been to New

I cooked a curry every I have cooked a curry

With for or since to indicate With for or since to indicate

They lived there for 12 They have lived there

He worked here since He has worked here

⎪ Divide your class into two groups.

The Past Simple tense is used:

The Present Perfect Simple tense can be used:

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Aux Verb (Past Simple) + Subject + (Main Verb)

Subject + Past Simple of Main Verb

Subject + Negative Aux Verb + (Main Verb)

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Have/Has + Subject + Past Participle

Subject + Have/Has + Past Participle

Subject + Have/Has not + Past Participle

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We went to the shop last week.

We have been to the shop many times.

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Key Words can be extremely useful in indicating the Past Simple or

Last We were in Tokyo last week on a business trip.

For I’ve worked here for three years.

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Infinitive Past Simple Past Participle

A: _______________ (you/see) the new movie, ‘’Lucky’’?

B: No, I _______________ (see) it but I _______________ (go) to see a

different movie called ‘’Magic’’ last night.

A: _______________ (you/like) it?

B: Yes, it _______________ (be) great! _______________ (you/ever/see) it?

A: Yes, I_______________ . I _______________(not like) it.

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1. __________ 1998, I’ve worked in the same office.

1. We _______ outside the doctor’s office now for two hours!

2. My parents _______ to Cambodia last year on an amazing trip.

3. Shelly _______ at The ABC Company since last May.

4. Four years ago, I _______ my husband and got engaged.

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⎪ Divide your students into pairs.

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Interviewer: Hello, Mike. Welcome to the interview. Please take a seat.

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1. She ____________ the Taj Mahal.

2. When I ____________ home from work, I went to bed as I was tired.

3. It____________ since 8AM this morning! Will it stop?

5. Where ____________ you last night? I looked everywhere for you!

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In this board game, students must think of a sentence using the

WE THEY SHE IT THEY

YOU I YOU YOU GO

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Was he playing in the snow yesterday?

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

⎪ The class works in pairs.

1. Did you ever meet a famous person?

B: No, I _ (see) it but I _ (go) to see a

B: Yes, it _ (be) great! _ (you/ever/see) it?

A: Yes, I_ . I _(not like) it.