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
- The verbs voir (to see), boire (to drink), croire (to believe) and faire (to do, make) are irregular in the present.
- The subject pronouns 'il' and 'elle' can be used for things as well as people, and can be translated as 'it' .
- The subject pronoun 'on' can be translated as 'we', 'you', 'one' or can refer to people in general.
- '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
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)
ai
as
a
avons
avez
ont
Q2.Match up the correct word for this / these with the nouns
fruit
oncle
tante
enfants
Q3.Match up the French and the English
narrow
to fall, falling
dangerous
it rained
he complained
he elected
Q4.Choose the correct meaning of 'Je fais'.
Q5.Fill in the missing verb: 'Je ' is 'I believe'
Q6.Fill in the missing form of the verb 'voir': 'Nous ' is 'We see'.
Assessment exit quiz
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 '.
Q2.When doing the role play in the exam which of the following is a correct piece of advice?
Q3.Match up the subject pronouns with the correct form of the verb 'boire' (to drink).
bois
bois
boit
buvons
buvez
boivent
Q4.Which one of the following is not a possible translation of the subject pronoun 'il'?
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...
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.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 French lessons from the Lifestyle and wellbeing: Faire de bons choix unit, dive into the full secondary French curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.