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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can understand a text about how I am and how she is using 'ser' and 'estar'.

      Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons

      Key learning points

      1. In Spanish, [e] is pronounced as in ‘elefante’ and [i] as in ‘idea’.
      2. Practising vocabulary helps reinforce learning and improves communication skills.
      3. Use the verb 'estar' (to be, being) for location and temporary states. 'Estoy' means I am and 'está' means she, he is.
      4. Use the verb 'ser' (to be, being) for general traits. 'Soy' means I am and 'es' means she, he is.
      5. 'Estar' and 'ser' can be combined with adjectives to describe how someone is feeling and how someone is in general.

      Keywords

      • Estoy - part of the Spanish verb 'estar' meaning 'I am'

      • Está - part of the Spanish verb 'estar' meaning 'she, he, it is'

      • Soy - part of the Spanish verb 'ser' meaning 'I am'

      • Es - part of the Spanish verb 'ser' meaning 'she, he, it is'

      Common misconception

      [e] and [i] are pronounced the same in Spanish and English.

      [e] is pronounced as in elefante and [i] is pronounced as in idea.

      Teacher tip

      Additional practice of 'estoy'/'soy' and 'es'/'está' may be required to consolidate the use of 'estar' for location and temporary states and 'ser' for general traits. This could be done when answering the register, e.g. 'estoy presente', 'hoy estoy contenta', 'normalmente, soy positiva'.

      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 the Spanish to the English.

      Correct Answer:buscar,to search, searching

      to search, searching

      Correct Answer:presentar,to present, presenting

      to present, presenting

      Correct Answer:pronunciar,to pronounce, pronouncing

      to pronounce, pronouncing

      Correct Answer:cantar,to sing, singing

      to sing, singing

      Correct Answer:comprar,to buy, buying

      to buy, buying

      Correct Answer:necesitar,to need, needing

      to need, needing

      Q2.
      Which of these words means 'annoying'?

      lento
      serio
      cansado
      Correct answer: pesado
      divertido

      Q3.
      Order these words to say 'she is (normally) calm but today she is nervous'.

      1 - ella
      2 - es
      3 - tranquila
      4 - pero
      5 - hoy
      6 - está
      7 - nerviosa

      Q4.
      Which word is an adverb?

      porque
      triste
      conejo
      Correct answer: también
      Correct answer: muy

      Q5.
      Yo contento cuando en el parque'. Complete this sentence. You will need the same answer for both gaps.

      Correct Answer: estoy

      Q6.
      Translate into Spanish 'normally she is active'.

      Correct Answer: Normalmente ella es activa.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which sentence has 6 [i] or [e] sounds in total?

      Mi amigo pronuncia una frase difícil.
      Correct answer: El inglés es fácil y hablo rápido.
      Mi idea es importante y diferente.
      Mi amiga necesita hablar español también.
      Aprendo los idiomas porque son divertidos.

      Q2.
      Which words could be used to describe 'una niña'?

      divertido
      curioso
      Correct answer: elegante
      perdido
      Correct answer: preparade

      Q3.
      Which words are opposites?

      inteligente
      Correct answer: lento
      enferma
      importante
      Correct answer: rápido

      Q4.
      Order these words to say 'normally the teacher is creative and fun'.

      1 - normalmente
      2 - la
      3 - profesora
      4 - es
      5 - creativa
      6 - y
      7 - divertida

      Q5.
      'Tu estuche está perdido.' Translate this sentence into English.

      Correct Answer: Your pencil case is lost.

      Q6.
      'He is happy at school.' Translate this sentence into Spanish.

      Correct Answer: Está contento en la escuela., Está feliz en la escuela., Él está feliz en la escuela.

      To help you plan your 5 Spanish lesson on: How is she? 'Es' and 'está', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...