A 90-minute ESL lesson for 12-14 year olds focusing on the present perfect tense through the lens of sports and video games. Students will master keywords like 'for', 'since', 'already', 'yet', 'ever', and 'never' through interactive slides, a practice worksheet, and a team-based challenge game.
Explain 'yet' usually goes at the end. Use sports/gaming scenarios.
Practice: Already or Yet?
1
The coach / decide the starting lineup (+)
2
The new game console / arrive (?)
3
I / beat the difficult boss (-)
4
My friend / download the patch (+)
Form the sentences correctly!
Pay attention to where you put the keywords.
Students form sentences based on prompts. Emphasize correct placement.
Ever vs. Never
EVER
At any time
Interrogative (?)
“Have you ever scored a hat-trick?”
“Has she ever competed in an esports tournament?”
NEVER
Not at any time
Affirmative Meaning (-)
“I have never played that boss level.”
“My team has never lost a final match.”
Use exciting examples. Ask for personal anecdotes about sports or gaming.
Your Turn!
Create a question with 'ever' and a statement with 'never' about sports or video games.
Example Question
"Have you ever won a difficult trophy in a game?"
Example Statement
"I have never played a sports game online."
Encourage creative responses. Ask students to share their sentences with the class.
Affirmative Sentences
Subject + have/has + Past Participle + ...
We have practiced for two hours.
My friend has owned that console since he was ten.
The game developers have released a new update.
Explain basic word order. Use hobby-themed examples.
Negative Sentences
Subject + have/has + NOT + Past Participle + ...
The game hasn't started yet.
She has not trained since her injury.
I haven't played that game for a month.
Show contractions (haven't/hasn't). Have students transform affirmative sentences into negatives.
Interrogative Sentences
Have/Has + Subject + Past Participle + ...?
“Have you ever played this new game?”
“Has the coach decided the lineup already?”
“Have they practiced enough for the tournament?”
Emphasize the inversion of subject and have/has. Ask students to form their own questions.
Time to Practice!
Complete the Practice Worksheet focusing on correct keywords and word order.
Work Individually
Work with a Partner
Remind students to use sports/gaming knowledge. Allow sufficient time for completion.
LEVEL UP!
Present Perfect Challenge
It's time to put your skills to the ultimate test in a team-based showdown!
Introduce the game as a fun, interactive way to solidify understanding.
Game Rules
1
Divide into teams!
2
Pick a Keyword & Topic (Sports/Gaming).
3
Create a grammatically correct sentence.
4
Win points for your team!
Fast and correct wins the match!
Explain basic rules. Emphasize teamwork and quick communication.
Lesson Recap
Keywords: for, since, already, yet, ever, never
Structures: Affirmative, Negative, Interrogative
Great job! Keep practicing with topics you love!
Summarize main points. Direct students to the answer key for self-study.
Activity Guide
Write affirmative sentences and guide students to transform them into negatives.
Encourage pair work for forming questions about their hobbies.
Distribute the Perfectly Present! Practice Worksheet and circulate for support.
20 MIN
Present Perfect Challenge Game
"Alright, everyone, great work on the worksheet! Now, to make sure all this information is really sinking in, we're going to play a game! I'm going to divide you into teams – 'The Goal Scorers' and 'The High Rollers'!"
"Each round, I'll show a keyword and a topic. One person from your team needs to create a correct present perfect sentence using both within 20-30 seconds. For example, Keyword: 'for', Topic: 'your favorite sport' -> 'I have played soccer for five years.' Let's make it fun!"
10 MIN
Wrap-up & Review
"What were the key things we learned today? How can this help you talk about your favorite sports or games? We learned keywords, affirmative/negative/interrogative structures, and we leveled up in our game! Great job, everyone. Keep practicing, and you'll be perfectly present in no time!"
