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Lesson 2 of 7
Lesson 2 of 7
New
New
Past tense
I can say and write a simple sentence in the simple past tense.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The tense of a simple sentence changes the time frame of the action.
- Fronted adverbials of time tell the reader the time frame of the action.
- A simple sentence is about one idea.
- A simple sentence makes complete sense.
Keywords
Simple sentence - a sentence about one idea that makes complete sense
Past tense - tells the reader the action happened before now
Fronted adverbial of time - a sentence starter that tells the reader when something happens
Comma - a punctuation mark used after a fronted adverbial of time
Common misconception
Pupils may be unsure about the past tense form of some verbs, particularly irregular verbs.
Use a range of past tense irregular verbs in modelled sentences. Give pupils a sentence scaffold including past tense verbs for Task B.
Ensure the fronted adverbials of time provided in any word banks pair well with past tense verbs.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Which of these sentences is written in the present tense?
Which of these sentences is written in the present tense?
The bug tickled my hand.
The bug will tickle my hand.
Q2.Identify the verb in this sentence: The boy waves.
Identify the verb in this sentence: The boy waves.
The
boy
Q3.Match the verb to the correct tense:
Match the verb to the correct tense:
present tense
past tense
Q4.Match the following:
Match the following:
cuddly teddy
I love my cuddly teddy.
teddy
Q5.Which sentence is written correctly?
Which sentence is written correctly?
jun cooked noodles.
Jun cooked noodles
jun cooked noodles
Q6.A simple sentence ...
A simple sentence ...
is always written in the past tense.
always contains an adjective.
Assessment exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Complete this sentence: The past tense ...
Complete this sentence: The past tense ...
is happening now.
never happens.
Q2.Where does a fronted adverbial of time appear in a sentence?
Where does a fronted adverbial of time appear in a sentence?
in the middle of a sentence
at the end of a sentence
Q3.Tick the past tense form of the verb 'clean'.
Tick the past tense form of the verb 'clean'.
cleans
cleand
cleaning
Q4.Tick the sentence that shows a fronted adverbial of time used correctly:
Tick the sentence that shows a fronted adverbial of time used correctly:
Yesterday we played football.
Yesterday we, played football.
Q5.Which word in a sentence helps you know which tense the sentence is written in?
Which word in a sentence helps you know which tense the sentence is written in?
noun
adjective
Q6.Choose the sentence where the comma is in the correct place:
Choose the sentence where the comma is in the correct place:
A, long time ago people lived in caves.
A long, time ago people lived in caves.
A long time, ago people lived in caves.