Contextualization

The "Simple Present" is one of the most fundamental verb tenses in English and is essential for building effective communication in this language. The simple present is used to express habitual actions, scientific and universal facts, feelings and thoughts, among others. We can state that without a clear understanding of the simple present, communication in English will be complicated and limited.

Studying the Simple Present is not only a linguistic matter but also cultural. Studying this verb tense is an effective way to delve deeper into Anglo-Saxon culture, its perspective on time and space, and its way of expressing thoughts and feelings. With a solid understanding of the simple present, students will not only improve their English communication skills but also broaden their cultural perspective.

Importance and Applications in the Real World

In the globalized and highly interconnected world we live in, speaking English is no longer an option but a necessity. For those who wish to work in international companies, travel abroad, or even consume foreign media, English is absolutely essential. Mastery of the simple present, in this sense, is a powerful tool for communicating effectively and accurately in English.

Furthermore, the simple present is used in many different contexts, from everyday conversations to academic discussions. Therefore, studying the simple present is not only useful for enhancing English communication skills but also for better understanding the world around us, as many texts, news, and scientific articles in English use this verb tense.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "The Simple Present in Action"

Objectives:

• Apply the knowledge of the simple present in the real context of English language use.
• Develop research skills and information compilation in English.
• Foster teamwork, time management, and effective communication.
• Deal with contexts involving the English language and Anglo-Saxon culture.

Project Description:

Students, in groups of 3 to 5, are tasked with creating a "Talk Show" entirely in English, entitled "The Simple Present in Action". The episodes are based on various themes such as cooking, travel, sports, literature, science, and technology, where the Simple Present must be the main communication tool.

To bring more life and realism to the "Talk Show", students must create characters, the visual identity of the program (logo, set, etc.), and also a script of questions and answers that will be addressed in the program. All of this must be documented and presented in writing at the end of the project.

Necessary Materials:

• Computer and Internet Access
• Camera (can be a cellphone camera)
• Pencil and paper for sketches and notes
• Video and image editing tools (if available)

Project Step-by-Step:

1. Group Formation: Students are divided into groups of 3 to 5 participants.

2. Theme Selection: Each group must choose one of the suggested themes.

3. Research and Script Development: Students must research the theme and develop a script for the "Talk Show". The script should contain questions and answers using the simple present and also information and curiosities about the selected themes.

4. Creation of Characters and Visual Identity: Students must create characters that will be part of the "Talk Show", such as the host, guests, etc. Additionally, they must create a visual identity for the program (logo, set, etc.), which should be designed according to the chosen theme.

5. Recording the "Talk Show": Using the cellphone camera or other available equipment, students must record the "Talk Show", following the created script.

6. Editing the "Talk Show": With the help of video editing tools, students must edit the recorded material, adding the created visual identity.

7. Presentation of the "Talk Show" and Final Report: Each group must present their "Talk Show" to the class. Additionally, they must deliver the final report that recounts the experience of creating the "Talk Show", from group formation to the final presentation. This document should follow the structure of Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography used.

Project Deliverables and Connection with Activities:

The deliverables of this project are twofold: the finalized video of the "Talk Show" and the report documenting the entire process.

The video serves as a concrete and visual production, demonstrating the practical application of the simple present in real contexts.

The report aims to detail the entire creative process, the challenges faced, and the solutions found by the group. Additionally, it should also include the theory behind the use of the simple present, explaining in detail how and why it was used in this context. The report should contain the following elements:

1. Introduction: Importance and application of the simple present in a real context, as well as the choice of the project theme.
2. Development: Theory behind the use of the Simple Present, details of the project execution, including task division and work methodology.
3. Conclusion: Reflection on the experience, learnings, difficulties, and achievements of the group regarding the theme.
4. Bibliography: Indication of the research sources used during the project.

It is expected that with this project, students can understand and apply the Simple Present in a broader context, not only limiting themselves to the linguistic aspect but also the cultural aspect, as well as developing important socio-emotional skills to deal with challenges and work in teams.