4.5 The simple present tense . . . simply put!

Authors: G. Griggs&B. Morales

Summary:

This module consists of an instructional video on the simple present tense. Students may access and view the video as an assignment or in conjunction with their tutor at the English Writing Center.

Objectives:

This module consists of a video designed for students with deficiencies conjugating the present tense. After viewing the instructional video, students should be able to

• Define the simple present tense and utilize it appropriately
• Recognize state of being or linking verbs
• Identify action verbs
• Distinguish between action and linking verbs
• Conjugate regular and irregular verbs in the simple present tense
• Differentiate between present tense verb conjugation in the first and third person singular and plural
• Complete practice exercises in the simple present tense

Teaching strategies:

Instructors and tutors should refer students to the instructional video for review and practice with the simple present tense.

After viewing the video, students should complete “The Simple Present Tense Worksheet”. This worksheet may be printed and readily available or may be accessed from the link on this module. The worksheet consists of twenty exercises in present tense conjugation.

Materials:

1. The Simple Present Tense . . . Simply Put (instructional video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm4FsljpkjE&feature=em-upload_owner

1. Hard copies of “The Simple Present Tense Worksheet” , which consists of 20 exercises, 10 on each page, should be provided to the students or can be accessed at http://academic.uprm.edu/ggriggs/Exercises/Simple%20Present%20Tense%20Exercises.docx

1. “Irregular Verb Tense List” – A handout sheet with a list of irregular verb tenses in the present, past, and past participle should be available to the students or can
2. be accessed at http://academic.uprm.edu/ggriggs/SixTenses/Irregular%20Verb%20List.pdf

Assessment:

The authors recommend that the instructor or tutor have students complete the first page of the practice exercises as a pre-test prior to viewing the instructional video. Then, students may view the instructional video, The Simple Present Tense . . . Simply Put!, for detailed explanation and exemplification in present tense conjugation.

As a post-test, students should complete the second page of the practice exercises. If necessary, students may view the video again while concurrently verifying their work and completing the exercise worksheets.

Instructors will be able to assess whether the students master the simple present tense after viewing the video. If students require additional instructional support, they may view the video over again and concurrently complete the exercises with the tutor or instructor.