Concept Checking Questions (English)

Task 1.

Target sentence: I wish it was warmer.

Meaning: wish + Past Simple (or Past Continuous) is used to express that we want the situation in the present to be different.

I wish the weather was warmer now. The weather is still cold right now, but I want it to be better already.

Providing a context: Look at the picture! As we can see, it’s Kaliningrad in March and we know that the weather in our city is so unpredictable. Even though it’s spring, there’s still snow. So I (and not only me – that’s for sure) really wish the weather was warmer right now.

Anticipated problems and solutions

Problem: students may have problems comprehending that even though we use Past Simple (or Past Continuous) in the construction, we talk about the situation in the present, not in the past.

Solution: to explain that if we want to change something about a past situation, we have to use a different tense (Past Perfect); to put forms in the context and elicit the difference. She wishes it wasn’t raining. (but it is) – She wishes it hadn’t rained. (but it did)

CCQ:

1) Is the weather cold now? (Yes)

2) Do I want the weather to be different? (Yes)

3) What would I say if I didn’t want the weather to change? (It’s cold right now and I like it!)

Task 2.

Target word: beautiful

Meaning: having an attractive quality that gives pleasure to those who experience it or think about it; it can be used to describe the paper of women or children, but not men.

She is beautiful inside and out. She has an attractive appearance and kind personality.

Providing a context: Look at the picture! As you may know, it’s Princess Diana who was a member of the British royal family. She was (and still is) definitely someone who was beautiful inside and out because she had attractive facial features, a unique fashion style and a kind soul. Princess Diana was called the Queen of People’s Hearts and was beloved by many people around the world.

Anticipated problems and solutions

Problem: students might question the difference between beautiful and pretty and whether we can use them as synonyms.

Solution: to explain the difference between the two adjectives; beautiful can be used when we want to comment on very pleasant appearance and personal (individual) characteristics, while pretty is only used to talk about appearance. These are the most beautiful words I’ve ever heard. (touching, moving, kind words) – This dress is pretty. (it looks good, it has pleasant appearance)

CCQ:

1) Do we use beautiful to describe something attractive? (Yes)

2) Can we call a male beautiful? (No)

Task 3 (дополнительное задание).

pot

1) What’s it for?

2) Can we cook food in it?

3) Where do you find a pot?

pie

1) Can you eat it?

2) What is it made from?

3) Is it a dessert?

flower

1) Is it a plant?

2) When do flowers bloom?

3) Is it typically bright?

summer

1) Which seasons is summer between?

2) Is summer the warmest season of the year?

3) How warm is it during summer?

The water is freezing.

1) Is it very cold?

2) How cold is it?

3) Is it hard?