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      J'ai mal ... : irregular verbs in the present tense

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can understand descriptions of how others are feeling and describe physical problems in a role-play.

      Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons

      Key learning points

      1. The verbs voir (to see), boire (to drink), croire (to believe) and faire (to do, make) are irregular in the present.
      2. The subject pronouns 'il' and 'elle' can be used for things as well as people, and can be translated as 'it' .
      3. The subject pronoun 'on' can be translated as 'we', 'you', 'one' or can refer to people in general.
      4. 'avoir mal' is followed by the preposition 'à' and a body part.

      Keywords

      • Role-play - a task with a situation and prompts to ask and answer questions, simulating a conversation

      Common misconception

      The expression 'j'ai mal' only means 'I have a pain'.

      The French expression 'avoir mal' covers a number of symptoms which might be variously translated into English as an ache, a pain and sore or hurting body parts. Students should think about what sounds most natural when translating into English.

      Teacher tip

      Tasks C1 and C2 have two versions. Option 1 is a higher role-play. Option 2 is a foundation role-play. Option 1 is included in the video.

      Equipment

      Mini whiteboards and pens are useful, if available.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match up the subject pronouns with the correct part of 'avoir' (to have)

      Correct Answer:j',ai
      Correct Answer:tu,as
      Correct Answer:il / elle / on,a
      Correct Answer:nous,avons
      Correct Answer:vous,avez
      Correct Answer:ils / elles,ont

      Q2.
      Match up the correct word for this / these with the nouns

      Correct Answer:ce,fruit
      Correct Answer:cet,oncle
      Correct Answer:cette,tante
      Correct Answer:ces,enfants

      Q3.
      Match up the French and the English

      Correct Answer:étroit,narrow
      Correct Answer:tomber,to fall, falling
      Correct Answer:dangereux,dangerous
      Correct Answer:il a plu,it rained
      Correct Answer:il s'est plaint,he complained
      Correct Answer:il a élu,he elected

      Q4.
      Choose the correct meaning of 'Je fais'.

      I drink
      I see
      I believe
      Correct answer: I do, I make

      Q5.
      Fill in the missing verb: 'Je ' is 'I believe'

      Correct Answer: crois

      Q6.
      Fill in the missing form of the verb 'voir': 'Nous ' is 'We see'.

      Correct Answer: voyons

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      The expression 'avoir mal' can be translated into English as an ache, a pain and sore or hurting body parts. The phrase 'J'ai mal à la gorge' is best translated as 'I have a '.

      Correct Answer: sore throat

      Q2.
      When doing the role play in the exam which of the following is a correct piece of advice?

      Prepare detailed answers.
      Prepare long answers.
      Correct answer: Prepare answers with a verb.

      Q3.
      Match up the subject pronouns with the correct form of the verb 'boire' (to drink).

      Correct Answer:je,bois
      Correct Answer:tu,bois
      Correct Answer:il/elle/on,boit
      Correct Answer:nous,buvons
      Correct Answer:vous,buvez
      Correct Answer:ils/elles,boivent

      Q4.
      Which one of the following is not a possible translation of the subject pronoun 'il'?

      he
      Correct answer: she
      it

      To help you plan your 11 French lesson on: J'ai mal ... : irregular verbs in the present tense, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...