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Lesson 3 of 7
Lesson 3 of 7
New
New
Present and past tense
I can vary the tense of a simple sentence.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- A simple sentence can be written in the past or present tense.
- The tense of a simple sentence changes the time frame of the action.
Keywords
Simple sentence - a sentence about one idea that makes complete sense
Present tense - tells the reader the action is happening now
Past tense - tells the reader the action happened before now
Verb - a doing or being word
Common misconception
Pupils may find it hard to change the verb into the correct form to fit the rest of the sentence.
Provide plenty of opportunities to practise saying and reading present and past tense sentences.
Use regular verbs in example sentences and tasks so that pupils become familiar with the past and present tense.
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.Identify the two common nouns:
Identify the two common nouns:
run
jump
Q2.Match the following keywords with the correct example:
Match the following keywords with the correct example:
happy cat
The happy cat purred.
Q3.Identify the verb in this sentence: We listen to music.
Identify the verb in this sentence: We listen to music.
We
to
music
Q4.How many ideas are there in a simple sentence?
How many ideas are there in a simple sentence?
Two
Three
Q5.Match the word and the definition:
Match the word and the definition:
a doing or being word
tells the reader when something happens
a word that describes a verb
Q6.A simple sentence must...
A simple sentence must...
include a comma.
include an adjective.
Assessment exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Match the following:
Match the following:
is happening now
happened before now
Q2.Match the verbs to their tense:
Match the verbs to their tense:
worked
work
Q3.Tick the correct past tense form of the verb 'play':
Tick the correct past tense form of the verb 'play':
plays
playd
playing
Q4.Fill in the gap: The __________ carries the tense of a sentence.
Fill in the gap: The __________ carries the tense of a sentence.
noun
adjective
Q5.Change the verb so that this sentence is in the present tense: I walked to the shops.
Change the verb so that this sentence is in the present tense: I walked to the shops.
Q6.Change the verb so that this sentence is in the past tense: Sam counts the apples.
Change the verb so that this sentence is in the past tense: Sam counts the apples.