Past Simple vs. Present Perfect ESL Lesson

OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

This past simple vs. present perfect ESL lesson plan on relocation offers engaging activities, PDF worksheets, and digital resources designed for intermediate B1 - B2 students. In this lesson, students will:

• Discuss push and pull factors that influence relocation decisions
• Examine personal and societal impacts of moving
• Watch a video exploring reasons for relocation such as employment, housing, and safety
• Practice distinguishing between the past simple and present perfect when referring to specific and unspecified times
• Engage in conversations and writing tasks using both tenses in real-life contexts

PREVIEW & DISCUSSION

Students begin this past simple vs. present perfect lesson by reading a dialogue between two characters discussing relocation due to gentrification. They answer questions to identify whether the relocation was driven by push or pull factors, and reflect on why people relocate. In the second part, students choose one of three scenarios that best describes their personal relocation history: moving abroad, relocating within the country, or staying in their hometown. They then discuss the pros and cons of relocating for both individuals and the communities impacted, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the topic.

VIEWING ACTIVITY

Students watch a video that examines reasons why people relocate, focusing on employment, housing, and safety. While viewing, they organize key topics discussed in the video. They also answer questions related to the different relocation factors mentioned in the video, such as why nomads moved in the past and how gentrification affects communities. They deepen their understanding by discussing how these factors relate to real-life experiences.

DISCUSSION & PAST SIMPLE VS. PRESENT SIMPLE ACTIVITIES

In this section, students dive deeper into the impact of gentrification and relocation on their own areas. First, they discuss ways people can adapt to new environments and how gentrification may have affected or could affect their communities. Next, students review the differences between past simple and present perfect by categorizing sentences, discussing the structure and function of each tense. They conclude with a fill-in-the-blank dialogue exercise where they apply both tenses in context.

YOUR RELOCATION HISTORY: Q&A

To wrap up this past simple vs. present perfect lesson on relocation, students engage in a communicative task. In it, there is a Q&A session where they discuss their personal relocation histories or experiences with their classmates. Depending on their experiences, they answer a variety of questions, practicing the past simple and present perfect to describe specific and unspecified times. They also generate their own questions to further explore their classmates’ relocation stories.

BENEFITS OF THIS PAST SIMPLE VS. PRESENT PERFECT LESSON PLAN:

• This lesson provides a clear distinction between past simple and present perfect for students to practice in relatable contexts.
• The lesson offers diverse activities, such as video analysis and real-life discussions, to keep students engaged.
• Students can personalize the material, making it relevant to their own relocation experiences.
• The Q&A session promotes authentic interaction, encouraging the use of both tenses in meaningful conversation.
• Teachers are given a flexible framework that can easily be adapted to different student experiences and proficiency levels.