Lesson Plan | Traditional Methodology | Verbs: Gerunds and Infinitives

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The objective of this stage is to provide a clear and objective overview of the concepts of gerund and infinitive in the English language, preparing students for the understanding and correct application of these verbs in different contexts. Through detailed explanations, practical examples, and identification exercises, students will be able to recognize and use these verbal forms correctly.

Main Objectives

1. Explain the difference between gerund and infinitive in English.

2. Demonstrate how to use gerunds and infinitives appropriately in sentences.

3. Identify verbs written in gerund and infinitive form in texts.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The aim of this stage is to capture student interest and prepare them for the content to be covered. By contextualizing the importance of gerunds and infinitives in daily communication and sharing curiosities, students will be more engaged and receptive to learning how to use these verbal forms correctly.

Context

Start the class by making a connection with the daily use of the English language, highlighting the importance of understanding verbal forms such as gerund and infinitive. Explain that these verbs are essential for fluent and correct communication in English, being widely used in various everyday situations, such as in conversations, writing, and even in songs and movies. A proper understanding of these verbal forms will allow students to express ideas more clearly and precisely.

Curiosities

Did you know that many verbs in English can change meaning depending on whether they are used in gerund or infinitive form? For example, 'stop smoking' and 'stop to smoke' have very different meanings. Additionally, many slogans and advertisements use these verbal forms to grab attention and create impact.

Development

Duration: (30 - 40 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to provide students with a detailed and practical understanding of the use of gerund and infinitive in English. Through the explanation of rules, clear examples, and practical exercises, students will be able to identify and use these verbal forms correctly in different contexts.

Covered Topics

1. {'title': 'Gerunds', 'content': "Explain that the gerund in English is the '-ing' form of the verb and is used in various situations, such as the subject of the sentence, after prepositions, and after certain verbs. Provide clear and direct examples, such as 'Swimming is fun', 'He is good at painting', and 'I enjoy reading'."} 2. {'title': 'Infinitives', 'content': "Detail that the infinitive is the base form of the verb, usually preceded by 'to'. Explain that the infinitive is used after certain verbs, to express purpose, and after adjectives. Examples include 'I want to learn', 'She went to the store to buy milk', and 'It's important to study'."} 3. {'title': 'Difference between Gerund and Infinitive', 'content': "Explain how some verbs can be followed by both gerund and infinitive but with different meanings. Provide examples like 'I stopped smoking' versus 'I stopped to smoke'. Highlight common verbs that follow this rule, such as 'stop', 'remember', and 'forget'."} 4. {'title': 'Verbs Followed by Gerund', 'content': "Explain common verbs that are followed by gerund, such as 'enjoy', 'mind', 'suggest', and 'avoid'. Give practical examples for each verb, such as 'I enjoy swimming' and 'She avoided talking to him'."} 5. {'title': 'Verbs Followed by Infinitive', 'content': "Explain common verbs that are followed by infinitive, such as 'decide', 'plan', 'hope', and 'want'. Provide practical examples, such as 'They decided to leave early' and 'He plans to travel next year'."}

Classroom Questions

1. What is the difference in usage between 'I stopped smoking' and 'I stopped to smoke'? 2. Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb: 'She enjoys ______ (dance) every weekend.' 3. Explain why we use 'to' before the verb in 'I want to learn'.

Questions Discussion

Duration: (20 - 25 minutes)

The aim of this stage is to review and consolidate students' learning about gerund and infinitive. Through a detailed discussion of resolved questions and student engagement in reflections and practical examples, it is expected that they will develop a deeper and more practical understanding of the correct use of these verbal forms. This section also allows the teacher to clarify doubts and correct possible misunderstandings, ensuring that all students are confident in applying the knowledge acquired.

Discussion

• {'title': "What is the difference in usage between 'I stopped smoking' and 'I stopped to smoke'?", 'content': "Explain that 'I stopped smoking' means the person completely quit smoking, while 'I stopped to smoke' means the person interrupted an activity to smoke. Thus, students should understand that the choice between gerund and infinitive can significantly alter the meaning of the sentence."}

• {'title': "Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb: 'She enjoys ______ (dance) every weekend.'", 'content': "The correct answer is 'She enjoys dancing every weekend.' Explain that after the verb 'enjoy', the following verb must be in the gerund form (-ing). This pattern applies to several other verbs that require the gerund."}

• {'title': "Explain why we use 'to' before the verb in 'I want to learn'.", 'content': "Clarify that in English, the infinitive is often preceded by the particle 'to'. In the example 'I want to learn', 'want' is a verb that is followed by the infinitive with 'to' to indicate the intent or desire to perform a specific action."}

Student Engagement

1. ❓ Ask students: 'Why is it important to recognize the difference between gerund and infinitive in English?' 2. ❓ Request examples: Ask students to create sentences using gerund and infinitive to describe their daily routines. 3. ❓ Reflection: 'How can changing a verbal form (from gerund to infinitive or vice versa) change the meaning of a sentence? Give examples.' 4. ❓ Application question: 'Cite situations in which you heard or read verbs in gerund or infinitive in songs, movies, or books. How did these examples help in better understanding the use of these verbal forms?'

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to review and consolidate the main points covered in the lesson, ensuring that students have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the use of gerund and infinitive. Additionally, this section reinforces the practical importance of the content for daily communication, highlighting the relevance of learning for real situations.

Summary

• The difference between gerund and infinitive in English.
• Use of the gerund (-ing) as the subject, after prepositions, and certain verbs.
• Use of the infinitive (to + verb) after certain verbs, to express purpose, and after adjectives.
• Difference in meaning between sentences with gerund and infinitive, like 'I stopped smoking' and 'I stopped to smoke'.
• Common verbs followed by gerund: 'enjoy', 'mind', 'suggest', 'avoid'.
• Common verbs followed by infinitive: 'decide', 'plan', 'hope', 'want'.

The lesson connected theory with practice through detailed explanations and clear examples of how to use gerund and infinitive, followed by practical exercises that allowed students to apply the knowledge acquired in real-life and everyday contexts.

Understanding the difference between gerund and infinitive is crucial for effective communication in English. These verbs are widely used in daily conversations, writing, songs, and movies, and a proper understanding of these verbal forms can prevent misunderstandings and improve students' fluency. For example, knowing when to use 'enjoy dancing' versus 'want to dance' can completely change the meaning of a sentence.