OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

This ESL lesson plan on present perfect vs. past simple offers engaging activities, PDF worksheets, and digital materials designed for B1 students. In this lesson, students will:

• Talk about life experiences using “Have you ever…?” questions and short follow-ups.
• Learn and use vocabulary related to experiences, routines, and trying new things.
• Work with a short text example about travel experiences.
• Understand and practice the difference between the present perfect and past simple.
• Use both tenses in guided speaking and a personalized discussion task.

WARM-UP ACTIVITY

Students begin this present perfect ESL lesson by looking at images that show different life experiences, such as speaking in public, running a marathon, solving a puzzle, trying unusual food, wearing costumes, and taking a hot air balloon ride. Students choose which statement best matches their experience and share short answers using the present perfect. They then explain their choices and give simple reasons, which encourages natural speaking and introduces the lesson theme.

After that, think about one special experience from their own lives that was fun, challenging, or memorable. They answer guided questions about what they did, when and where it happened, who they were with, and how they felt afterward. This part naturally leads students to use the past simple for details.

They read short opinions about trying new things and complete sentences with missing verbs related to comfort zones and routines. They discuss which person is the most or least adventurous and explain which opinion is closest to their own.

TARGET LANGUAGE STUDY

Students read a short text about a person’s travel experiences and identify examples of the past simple and present perfect. They sort these examples into a table, which helps them notice differences in form and use.

In the next part, they answer guided questions about how the two tenses are used differently and which time expressions are common with each one. This helps students connect grammar form with meaning and time reference.

Finally, they complete a verb table using the verb “to go” and compare affirmative, negative, and question forms in the past simple and present perfect. This reinforces structure and highlights key differences between the two tenses.

PRODUCTION PRACTICE

Students complete a dialogue by choosing the correct form of the past simple or present perfect. The dialogue focuses on talking about experiences and giving specific details, which mirrors real-life conversation.

Then they write questions based on given answers and decide which tense is needed in each case. This activity helps students think carefully about meaning, time reference, and verb choice.

YOUR LIFE IN THE PRESENT PERFECT: EXPERIENCES & DISCUSSIONS

Students write their own present perfect questions about life experiences using provided verbs or their own ideas. They then work with a partner or the teacher and take turns asking and answering questions. Students follow up with past simple questions to give more details and use clear time expressions.

As an alternative option, students choose from a set of ready-made questions and discuss them with a partner or the teacher. They talk about places they have not visited, activities they have tried, nervous experiences, and meaningful gifts. The lesson ends with students reflecting on which experiences they found most interesting.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS PRESENT PERFECT VS. PAST SIMPLE ESL LESSON

This Present Perfect vs. Past Simple ESL lesson gives teachers a clear structure for teaching a common grammar challenge at B1 level. It supports meaningful speaking, clear grammar focus, and guided practice. It helps students connect grammar with real experiences. It works well in one-to-one and group classes. It provides ready-to-use materials that save preparation time.