Are you on the hunt for a comprehensive gerund or infinitive lesson plan to help your students master these intricate verb patterns? We are here to guide you through every step of the way. On this page, you will discover:
- An exploration of the challenges faced by English language learners when navigating verb patterns that involve infinitives and gerunds.
- A meticulously structured, step-by-step teaching procedure designed to demystify these verb patterns for your students.
- Access to a ready-made worksheet that streamlines your teaching process, making it both effortless and highly effective.
Let’s dive into the exciting journey of teaching verb patterns, empowering your students with the knowledge they need!”
Table of Contents
Introduction
As an upper-intermediate English teacher, you may find that teaching verb patterns with gerunds and infinitives can be a challenging yet essential aspect of English grammar. To make this process engaging and effective, we’ve prepared a worksheet that covers reading, comprehension, awareness-raising, practice, and a production stage. This versatile resource can be used in your classroom to help your students grasp these verb patterns with ease.
Gerund or Infinitive Lesson Plan
Level: Upper-Intermediate
Objectives:
- Reinforce understanding of verb patterns with infinitives and gerunds.
- Develop awareness of when to use infinitives or gerunds in various contexts.
- Practice applying verb patterns through engaging exercises.
- Cultivate language fluency and confidence in upper-intermediate learners.
Materials:
- Infinitive or Gerund Worksheet (Available for $1)
- Writing tools (pens, pencils)
- Copies of the worksheet for each student or group
- Whiteboard and markers for class discussion (optional)
Timing: Approximately 60-90 minutes, depending on the pace of the class and the depth of discussion during activities. Adjustments can be made to fit specific teaching schedules and preferences.
Challenges in Learning Verb Patterns with Infinitives and Gerunds
For English language learners, navigating the intricacies of verb patterns is akin to embarking on a fascinating linguistic journey. One of the most intriguing aspects of this journey is the exploration of verb patterns involving infinitives and gerunds. While mastering these patterns is essential for effective communication in English, learners often encounter a host of challenges along the way.
1. Identifying Patterns:
One of the initial hurdles learners face is identifying when to use infinitives or gerunds. While some verbs are followed by one or the other with clear rules, many verbs can be followed by both, depending on the context and meaning. This dual usage can lead to confusion, making it challenging for learners to grasp the subtleties of these patterns.
2. Understanding Context:
The choice between infinitives and gerunds often hinges on the nuances of the context. Learners must develop a keen sense of when a particular verb pattern is most appropriate. For example, using “to” + infinitive might imply intent, while a gerund can signify an ongoing action. This nuance can be tricky to grasp, especially for those not exposed to the language’s finer points.
3. Memorization of Verb Lists:
To make matters more complex, learners often find themselves confronted with extensive lists of verbs that can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund. These lists can be daunting to memorize, and learners may struggle to recall which pattern a specific verb follows, further impacting their ability to use them effectively.
4. Collocation and Meaning:
Learners must also grapple with the collocation of verbs, which can significantly affect the meaning of a sentence. For instance, “I like to play chess” and “I like playing chess” might appear similar, but the choice of infinitive or gerund subtly alters the meaning. Understanding these collocations can be perplexing.
5. Spoken vs. Written Language:
English, like many languages, exhibits variations between spoken and written forms. Learners must adapt to different verb patterns and usage depending on whether they are engaging in conversation or writing. This distinction can be challenging for those striving for fluency in both spoken and written contexts.
6. Continuous Learning:
The process of mastering verb patterns with infinitives and gerunds is an ongoing endeavor. It’s not just about grasping the rules but also about applying them naturally in speech and writing. This continuous learning curve can sometimes deter learners who seek quick and definitive answers.
The above challenges are undoubtedly formidable, but they are not insurmountable. With patience, practice, and well-structured lessons, English language learners can develop a strong command of these patterns, ultimately enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in the language.
Recognizing the nuances, embracing the learning process, and seeking guidance can be key factors in overcoming these hurdles on the path to linguistic mastery.
Gerund Or Infinitive Lesson Plan Overview
This lesson plan employs a structured approach to teach verb patterns involving infinitives and gerunds. It begins with a relevant context, a short text, to anchor the learning experience. Students then embark on an awareness-raising journey, using the text to identify and differentiate between infinitives and gerunds in various structures. The next step involves categorizing verbs into a table, making it clear which verbs are typically followed by infinitives and which by gerunds. Furthermore, the lesson encourages students to notice examples of verbs that can be followed by both structures, adding depth to their understanding.
To reinforce comprehension and application, the lesson includes practice exercises involving matching verbs with their correct forms and gap-filling activities. These exercises ensure that students can actively employ the target structures.
The lesson culminates in a productive stage where students utilize their newfound knowledge to write a paragraph addressing a problem, integrating the target structures naturally. This structure combines theory and practical application, fostering a well-rounded understanding of verb patterns with infinitives and gerunds. Now, let’s delve into the step-by-step procedure of this lesson plan.
Step-by-step procedure
Here is a step-by-step procedure to design a gerund or infinitive lesson plan:
1. Reading and Comprehension:
When designing a gerund or infinitive lesson plan, begin your lesson with a short text, like the one provided here, containing instances of verbs followed by gerunds and infinitives. This step introduces students to the target language in context. Following the text, present a set of comprehension questions that require students to extract examples of these patterns from the text. This stage ensures students understand the concepts before moving on.
Read the following text and answer the comprehension questions below:
Sarah loves to paint. She spends hours in her studio creating beautiful artwork. Last week, she decided to make a trip to the coast for some inspiration. She enjoyed walking along the beach, collecting seashells, and listening to the soothing sounds of the waves crashing.
During her trip, Sarah met a local artist who suggested joining a painting class. She considered the idea and, after a few days, decided to sign up for lessons. The classes were fantastic. She practiced mixing colors, learned to use different brushes, and improved her technique.
Back at home, Sarah continued to work on her art. She often stops to admire her paintings, feeling proud of her progress. Her friends recommended participating in an art exhibition, and Sarah is excited about the opportunity. She’s planning to showcase her latest pieces. She hopes to win a prize.
Comprehension Task:
- What does Sarah love doing?
- What did she decide to do last week?
- What did she enjoy during her trip to the coast?
- Who suggested joining a painting class?
- How did Sarah feel about participating in an art exhibition?
2. Awareness-Raising Activity:
To help your students recognize verb patterns in real texts, ask them to underline instances of verb + infinitives and circle instances of verb + gerunds in the provided text. This activity reinforces the concept and prepares them for more practice.
3. Chart Completion Activity:
Give your students a chart to complete. They should categorize verbs from the text into two columns: “Verbs + Infinitives” and “Verbs + Gerunds.” This activity consolidates their understanding and helps them apply the rules.
Complete the chart with verbs that are followed by infinitives and gerunds:
| Verbs + Infinitives | Verbs + Gerunds |
|---|---|
| loves to paint | spends… creating |
| decided to make | enjoy walking…, collecting…, and listening… |
| decided to sign up | suggest joining |
| learned to use | practice mixing |
| continued to work | recommend participating |
| stops to admire | |
| plan to showcase |
4. More Verbs for Practice:
Expand their understanding by introducing additional verbs that can be followed by infinitives and gerunds. Here are a few examples:
Tip:
Encourage students to actively explore the subtleties between structures using infinitives and those usining gerunds. Encourage them to uncover these nuances through hands-on engagement before delving into a detailed explanation of the distinct meanings.
Verbs that can be followed by both infinitives and gerunds with a change in meaning:
1. Start:
- Infinitive: She started to study at 7 p.m. (Initiating a new action)
- Gerund: She started studying at 7 p.m. (Commencing an ongoing action)
2. Stop:
- Infinitive: He stopped to smoke. (Interrupting another action to smoke)
- Gerund: They stopped smoking. (Giving up the habit of smoking)
3. Like:
- Infinitive: He likes to swim in the morning. (Expressing preference or enjoyment)
- Gerund: He likes swimming in the morning. (Describing a habitual action)
4. Remember:
- Infinitive: He remembered to visit his grandmother. (Not forgetting to visit her)
- Gerund: He remembered visiting his grandmother. (Recalling having visited her)
5. Forget:
- Infinitive: He forgot to buy groceries. (Not buying groceries due to forgetfulness)
- Gerund: He forgot buying groceries. (Failing to remember the action)
6. Regret:
- Infinitive: She regrets to inform you that the event is canceled. (Expressing remorse before informing)
- Gerund: She regrets canceling the event. (Expressing remorse for a past action)
7. Try:
- Infinitive: I tried to open the door. (Focusing on the effort or attempt to open the door)
- Gerund: I tried opening the door. (Focusing on the experience or the process rather than the specific outcome. It implies the action was undertaken to see what would happen or as an experiment.)
8. Love:
- Infinitive: They love to travel. (Expressing enjoyment or preference)
- Gerund: They love traveling. (Describing a general liking for it)
Have students notice the structures of these verbs, highlighting the fact that these verbs can be followed by both infinitives and gerunds with a change of meaning. This reinforces the concept and ensures they can apply it in various contexts.
5. Awareness-Raising Table:
Create a table with three columns: “Verb + Infinitive,” “Verb + Gerund,” and “Verb + Infinitive or Gerund.” Populate the table with enough examples of each pattern. This provides a clear reference for students and reinforces their awareness of when to use each pattern.
Verbs Patterns with Infinitives or Gerunds
| Verbs + Infinitives | Verbs + Gerunds | Verbs + Infinitives or Gerunds |
|---|---|---|
| … … … … … … … … … … | … … … … … … … … … … | … … … … … … … … … … |
6. Practice:
Engage students in a matching exercise to reinforce their understanding. Ask them to match verbs with the correct form (infinitive or gerund) based on the sentences provided. This step helps solidify their grasp of verb patterns.
Match the following:
| 1. Jane likes… 2. He stopped… 3. I prefer… 4. Please, avoid… 5. Alan practiced… 6. For my New Year’s resolution, I decided… 7. The secretary wanted… 8. I am interested in developing professionally. That’s why I intend… | a. to walk rather than drive. b. to read mystery novels. c. to finish the report before the meeting. d. smoking last year. e. to learn a new language this year. f. playing the guitar every day. g. making loud noises in the library. h. to attend the workshop next week. |
7. Gap-Filling Exercise:
To encourage active practice, present a gap-filling exercise where students complete sentences with the appropriate form (infinitive or gerund). This exercise requires them to apply what they’ve learned in a practical context.
Complete the following sentences with the appropriate form (infinitive or gerund):
- I really enjoy (make) _______________ new recipes.
- He suggested (go) _______________ for a walk after dinner.
- She can’t stand (wait) _______________ in long lines at the store.
- They began (build) _______________ their dream house last year.
- We should consider (adopt) _______________ a different approach.
8. Production Stage Activity:
Finish the gerund or infinitive lesson plan with a production stage that challenges your students to use verb patterns in specific situations. Divide the class into four groups, each receiving a unique scenario. In their groups, students must write a short paragraph applying the verb patterns taught (verb + infinitive and verb + gerund) to solve problems in their respective situations. This stage fosters creative thinking and practical application of the concept.
Sample Situations for the Production Stage:
- Camping trip planning: Decide whether to start packing today or wait until tomorrow.
- Choosing a new hobby: Torn between joining a dance class and taking up painting.
- Vacation planning: Decide between visiting a tropical island or exploring a historic city.
- Office team-building: Consider whether to participate in a weekend retreat or a day-long workshop, as suggested by the boss.
Gerund Or Infinitive Worksheet
To maximize the effectiveness of our meticulously crafted lesson plan for teaching verb patterns with gerunds and infinitives, we strongly recommend having a dedicated worksheet at hand. This worksheet serves as a practical roadmap, guiding both teachers and students through the journey of exploration and discovery of these essential grammar structures.
The worksheet is not just a piece of paper; it’s a powerful tool that streamlines the learning process. It acts as a visual guide, providing a clear structure for the lesson plan’s implementation. With this worksheet in hand, students have a tangible resource that helps them actively engage with the lesson’s objectives.
Explore our ready-to-use worksheet, available for just $1. Grab your copy and streamline your learning experience today!
Conclusion
In this article, we covered how to design a gerund or infinitive lesson plan. Incorporating a comprehensive worksheet into your lesson plan will help your upper-intermediate students understand and effectively use verb patterns with gerunds and infinitives. It combines reading, comprehension, awareness-raising, practice, and production to provide a well-rounded learning experience. Happy teaching!