Grammar: the present perfect tense

· Read the following rules about the use of present perfect and match one of the sentences below to each rule.

We use the present perfect for a complete action. We are thinking of the result when we describe something:

1. An action or situation that started in the past and continues in the present.

2. An action performed during a period that has not yet finished.

3. A repeated action between the past and now.

4. An action that was completed in the very recent past. (expressed by “just”)

5. An action when the result is very important but the time is not.

a) We have finished the report.

b) I have lived in Almaty since 1986.

c) I have just seen Tom in the street.

d) She has read only 3 chapters of the book.

e) We have visited Astana several times.

Think of three actions you have started but haven’t finished yet. Tell your partner the reasons why you cannot finish them on time.

Example: I have started reading “The Lord of the Rings” but I haven’t finished yet because I have to prepare for my exams.

2. Make up three sentences with common present perfect time expressions: for (with a period of time), since (with an exact point in time), ever, never, yet, already, this week (month, year).

Example: I haven’t seen Mark for ages.

I haven’t seen Mark since Monday.

In pairs, tell each other which things in the pictures you have done and which things you haven’t done in your lives. Ask each other when you did these things and what you liked or disliked about it.

Using already and yet.

I’ve already saved 10$.

I haven’t started work yet.

· Use already to pay special attention that something has happened before now.

· Use yet to talk about something that has not happened, but will probably happen soon.

Complete these rules.

We use yet and already with the _____ tense.

We use _____in affirmative sentences.

We use _____ in negatives and questions.

Correct the mistakes in these sentences.

1) Has Mary got already married?

2) He hasn’t done his homework already.

3) The have finished the book yesterday.

4) She’s worked here since three months.

5) We haven’t done this already.

Writing

· Write down three things you haven’t done yet, but want to do this week.

· Write down three things you have already done this week.

Project

Find answers to the following questions and prepare a report for the next class.

What are the main causes for people getting divorced?

Who gets the children after a divorce?

Is divorce a big problem in your country?

Why are divorce rates increasing around the world?

Collaborative discussion

Read about things that make some parents angry and in groups of 6-7 students rank them from the most serious to the least serious.

• listening to music loudly

• talking on the telephone

• dating the wrong person

• inviting some friends home when parents are out

• not paying attention to your studies

• going to a nightclub

Literature

Two Stories by Alan Maley