At this point, students are comfortable responding to your questions using various subjects and they have learned a number of verbs. The next step is for students to begin asking questions themselves. They have heard you ask a number of questions so this step should not be too difficult. The most common mistake will probably be the leaving out of the auxiliary verb 'do'. Part I: Present Simple - Asking Questions about Everyday Tasks
Teacher: Ken, When do you get up? I get up at seven o'clock. (Model 'do' and the verb by accenting 'do' in the question.)
Teacher: Ken, When does Paolo eat breakfast? He eats breakfast at a quarter to eight. (Model the connecting between 'does' and the '-s' in third person singular by accenting 'does' in the question and '-s' in the response.)
Continue to model a number of verbs contrasting 'you' and 'he' or 'she'.
Teacher: Paolo, ask Susan a question
Student(s): When do you have lunch?
Student(s): I have lunch at half past twelve.
Teacher: Paolo, ask Susan a question about Olaf (you might need to indicate another student)
Student(s): When does Olaf have lunch?
Student(s): He has lunch at half past twelve.
Continue this exercise around the room with each of the students. Pay special attention to the use of the auxiliary and '-s' in third person singular. If a student makes a mistake, touch your ear to signal that the student should listen and then repeat his/her answer accenting what the student should have said.
Back to the Absolute Beginner 20 Point Program
