A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfecting the Simple Future Tense

A solid grasp of verb tenses is crucial for English language learners, and the simple future tense is no exception. This ESL lesson delivers an understanding of when and how to use "will" and "going to" for making future plans, predictions, and decisions. Aimed at beginner-level A1 learners, the lesson combines grammar exercises with practical speaking activities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to mastering this essential grammatical component.

Summary

The lesson introduces the basic structure and usage of the simple future tense. Through a series of targeted ESL activities, students will learn to comfortably make predictions and talk about their future plans, using both "will" and "going to". This lesson not only focuses on the grammatical rules but also on the nuances and the context in which to use each form.

Lesson Focus

Students will gain a clear understanding of the simple future tense and its uses. By the end of the lesson, they'll be equipped with knowledge about making spontaneous decisions using "will" and planned events or predictions with "going to". This foundational lesson will also pave the way for more advanced future tense expressions as the learners progress.

Lesson Content

Activity 1: Making Predictions with 'Will'

Approximate Time Needed: 20 minutes

Objective: To practice making predictions about the future using "will".

Materials: You can find prediction cards online or create your own with future scenarios. A dice or a coin can also add a randomizing element to the predictions.

Divide students into pairs or groups.
Distribute prediction cards to each group or have students draw them.
Students take turns reading the scenarios and using the structure "I think (someone) will ..." to make predictions.
Encourage students to justify their predictions for extra practice using "because".

Activity 2: Future Plans with 'Going to'

Approximate Time Needed: 20 minutes

Objective: For learners to discuss planned future events using "going to".

Materials: Role-play cards that describe various future plans or situations, which can easily be made using index cards or printed templates.

Give out different role-play cards to each pair of students.
Have them converse about their plans, using "going to".
To ensure engagement, ask each group to present a summary of their partner’s plans to the class.

Activity 3: Grammar Exercises on Simple Future Tense

Approximate Time Needed: 20 minutes

Objective: To reinforce the grammar rules and correct form of the simple future tense.

Materials: Worksheets focusing on "will" and "going to" usage, found in ESL textbooks or downloadable from educational websites.

Distribute the worksheets to the students.
Review the key points of using "will" and "going to" before starting the exercise.
Allow time for students to complete the exercises individually.
Correct the exercises as a group, discussing common mistakes and doubts.

Alternative to Activities 3 for Review

Have your students do simple future tense practice questions about "will" and "be going to" on their ALULA app at home. They can access over 100 questions. Optionally, assign targeted speaking exercises to sharpen their use of simple future tense in a conversation. In a targeted speaking exercise, students engage in short conversations with AI English Tutor that focuse on a particular grammar area. Through this exercise, students will get to know how to use simple future tense in conversations.

Wrap Up

Today’s practical and engaging lesson plan has provided beginner learners with the tools necessary to confidently use the simple future tense. By integrating different types of activities, from making predictions to discussing future plans, students develop a comprehensive understanding of when to use "will" and "going to".

Further practice outside of the classroom is crucial for cementing these grammar concepts. This is where ALULA, an AI-powered ESL app, becomes invaluable. With a wide range of conversation exercises and grammar lessons, ALULA allows students to continue learning at their pace. The app’s AI English Tutor offers tailored feedback, and the practice questions provide a perfect platform for students to consolidate what they’ve learned in class effectively. By using ALULA, learners maximize their exposure to the English language, ensuring a deeper understanding of the simple future tense and a quicker route to fluency.