4.7 The simple past tense . . . simply put!

Summary:

This module consists of an instructional video on the simple past tense. Students may access and view the video as an assignment or in conjunction with their tutor at the English Writing Center.

Objectives:

This module consists of a video designed for students with limitations in conjugating the past tense. After viewing the instructional video, students should be able to

• Define the simple past tense and utilize it appropriately
• Recognize state of being or linking verbs
• Identify action verbs
• Distinguish between action and linking verbs
• Conjugate regular and irregular verbs in the simple past tense
• Practice irregular verb tenses
• Complete practice exercises in the simple past tense

Teaching strategies:

Instructors and tutors should refer students to the instructional video for review and practice with the simple past tense.

After viewing the video, students should complete “The Simple Past Tense Worksheet”. This two-page worksheet may be printed and readily available or may be accessed from the link on this module. The worksheet consists of two pages, ten exercises on each page, for a total of twenty exercises in past tense conjugation.

Materials:

1. The Simple Past Tense . . . Simply Put (instructional video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLk6El-bSVs

1. Hard copies of “The Simple Past Tense Worksheet” , which consists of 20 exercises, 10 on each page, should be provided to the students or can be accessed at http://academic.uprm.edu/ggriggs/Exercises/Simple%20past%20tense%20exercises.pdf

1. “Irregular Verb Tense List” – A handout sheet with a list of irregular verb tenses in the present, past, and past participle should be available to the students or can be accessed at http://academic.uprm.edu/ggriggs/SixTenses/Irregular%20Verb%20List.pdf

Assessment:

The authors recommend that the instructor or tutor have students complete the first page of the practice exercises as a pre-test prior to viewing the instructional video. Then, students may view the instructional video, The Simple Past Tense . . . Simply Put!, for detailed explanation and exemplification in past tense conjugation.

As a post-test, students should complete the second page of the practice exercises. If necessary, students may view the video again while concurrently verifying their work and completing the exercise worksheets.

Instructors will be able to assess whether the students master the simple past tense after viewing the video. If students require additional instructional support, they may view the video over again and concurrently complete the exercises with the tutor or instructor.