Intermediate-level learners of English as a second language need plenty of practice in basic grammar concepts, as well as an ongoing exposure to more advanced concepts. Here's how to present a balanced overview of the important concepts of English grammar to your ESL class.

Instructions

1

Start simple. Even at the intermediate level, comprehension of simple sentences can still be a struggle. Begin your class with a passage from an easy and entertaining children's storybook. Keep it fun and give them an opportunity to relax before delving into the grammar lesson.

2

Encourage interaction. Let the students communicate with you and with the other students throughout the class time, bringing out the quieter students. Keep your English class fun and non-threatening, and encourage students to learn from their mistakes in the safe environment of the classroom.

3

Teach basic sentence patterns. Since English is a word-order language rather than an inflected language, giving students sentence patterns to memorize will be helpful to them. At the intermediate level students are already familiar with the most basic patterns and are ready for more complex structures. Point out the patterns in the story that you just read.

4

Change the tense. At the intermediate level students are being introduced to all the verb tenses. Have them practice changing the tense of sentences from simple present and past into more advanced tenses, such as perfect and pluperfect, and also conditional and subjunctive moods. They can work on sentences orally, and whole paragraphs in written form.

5

Master prepositions. The English language is replete with prepositions, and their meanings and uses can be bewildering to the non-native speaker. Make sure you devote plenty of time to their use.

6

Practice irregular verbs. Many of our most commonly used verbs are irregular, and these must be mastered before proficiency can be achieved.

7

Role play. Give the students roles based on real-life situations in which they must find information and carry out tasks. Help them correct their grammar and communicate properly, and let them practice it correctly.