Contextualization

Introduction

The "Simple Present" or Present Simple in Portuguese is one of the most important verb tenses in the study of the English language. It is used to express routines, habits, actions that happen frequently, and facts considered as universal truths. In addition, the "Simple Present" is also used to express feelings, desires, opinions, and abilities.

The verb "to be" is one of the most essential in learning English, being fundamental in the construction of the "Simple Present". It has the function of indicating existence, state, or occurrence, and can be used, among other forms, to identify people in the present. Its conjugation differs from other verbs and requires special care for its correct application.

Learning to use it correctly and in the appropriate form is essential to communicate well in this language. It comes in three different forms (am, is, are) depending on who we are talking about (I, he, they, etc.). Therefore, constant practice and correct usage are fundamental for fluency in English.

Importance

The ability to use the "Simple Present" and the verb "to be" correctly is essential for effective communication in English. Whether you are in a classroom, traveling to an English-speaking country, or working in an international environment, these concepts are the basis for expressing your experiences, sharing information, and connecting with other people.

Furthermore, the ability to use the "Simple Present" correctly is necessary to pass English proficiency exams, which can open doors to academic and professional opportunities. Additionally, these concepts help develop reading and writing skills in English, allowing for a better understanding of texts and the ability to communicate clearly through writing.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "My Daily Routine: A Simple Present Project"

Project Objective

This project aims to put into practice the use of the "Simple Present" and the verb "to be" through the creation of a daily routine in English.

Detailed Project Description

Students, divided into groups of 3 to 5, should create an audio-visual (it can be an animation, a cartoon, a video, among other options) about the daily routine of a fictional character of their choice. The narrative should be entirely in the simple present, with the correct use of the verb "to be" to identify the character and explain their daily activities.

Each group member should have an active role in the project creation, and everyone should contribute to the final report.

Required Materials

1. Paper and pen for notes and planning.
2. Books and reference websites to enhance understanding of the "Simple Present" and the verb "to be".
3. A video editing application or software (such as Windows Movie Maker, iMovie, or any other free video editing software).

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Form groups with 3 to 5 students and appoint a leader for each group who will be responsible for managing time and coordinating tasks.

2. Choose a fictional character to be the focus of the project. The character can be from a movie, book, cartoon, or entirely created by the group.

3. Conduct detailed research and study on the use of the "Simple Present" and the conjugation of the verb "to be".

4. Plan the character's daily routine. The activities should cover the entire day, from waking up to going to sleep.

5. Write a script for the narrative, using the "Simple Present" and the verb "to be" correctly.

6. Produce the audio-visual according to the script. Ensure that the pronunciation of words is correct and that the use of the "Simple Present" and the verb "to be" is appropriate.

7. After completing the audio-visual, the group should start preparing the final report, dividing it into the following sections: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.

Project Deliverables and Written Report

At the end of the project, students must submit the created audio-visual and a written report.

The report should be divided into four main sections:

i. Introduction: Here the student should contextualize the theme "Simple Present" and the verb "to be", their relevance and real-world application, as well as the choice of the fictional character and the objective of this project.

ii. Development: In this part, the student should explain the theory behind the "Simple Present" and the verb "to be". They should detail the activity, indicate the methodology used, and present and discuss the results obtained.

iii. Conclusion: The student should conclude the work by summarizing its main points, explaining the learnings obtained, and drawing conclusions about the project.

iv. Bibliography: Students should indicate the sources used to base the project, such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

The project is a valuable way to assess not only students' knowledge of the specific topic but also their time management, communication, problem-solving, creativity, and proactivity skills.