Many languages do not share this structural layout. For instance, some languages rely entirely on adverbials of time rather than morphological verb changes to indicate when an action occurred. Others lack a distinction between an action that happens regularly (Present Simple) and an action occurring at the exact moment of speech (Present Continuous). Consequently, language learners frequently struggle with:
While "Teaching Tenses" is excellent, it's best used as part of a wider strategy:
) for continuous actions can instantly clarify complex temporal relationships for visual learners. Concept Questions teaching tenses rosemary aitken pdf
has become a staple for those undergoing CELTA or TESOL training precisely because it bridges the gap between complex linguistic theory and practical, "ready-to-use" classroom application. Core Philosophical Approach
Mastering English Tenses: A Guide to Rosemary Aitken's "Teaching Tenses" Many languages do not share this structural layout
: Dedicated chapters for Present, Past, Future, and Conditional tenses.
| | What It Offers | | :--- | :--- | | Thorough Language Analysis | Each tense is broken down into its form (grammatical structure) and function (its use in communication), covering all major tenses and modal structures. | | Practical Presentation & Practice Ideas | It avoids theoretical jargon, offering practical suggestions for teaching structures in context—from presenting a tense for the first time to guiding students through controlled practice. | | Common Learner Error Review | It anticipates students' problems by listing common errors and explaining their causes, preparing teachers for questions like "Why can't I say I am knowing the answer ?". | | Photocopiable Material | A final section of ready-to-use activities saves valuable preparation time. | | | What It Offers | | :---
This article explores the book's significance, the author's background, and how to legally access it. It also covers the key features that have made it an essential tool for both new and experienced teachers.
Teaching Tenses helps teachers in several ways. For the , it bridges the gap between intuition and analysis, offering clear lesson ideas and answers to potential questions. The experienced teacher finds it a welcome refresher, especially for challenging areas or as inspiration for new activities. It is also a go-to handbook for non-native EFL teachers , shedding light on the subtle idioms and usages that native speakers take for granted. A typical Amazon review calls it " one of the best, clearest, most concise, helpful tools I own ", while an OnTESOL review notes it provides "thorough language analysis" and helps teachers be prepared for students' questions.