Talk about abilities
In this lesson, students learn to express abilities using “can,” “could,” and “will be able to” for past, present, and future abilities.
Part 1
Warm-up
Answer the questions
What did we discuss in the last lesson?
What is an ability, and why is it important?
Part 2
Vocabulary
Read the word, its’ meaning, and the examples
Then make up your own sentences using the word.
Student can skip the words they already know.
talent
/ˈtælənt/
a natural ability to do something well
She has a natural talent for painting.
With her talent for cooking, she opened a successful restaurant.
skilled
/skɪld/
having enough ability, experience and knowledge to be able to do something well
The company hired a skilled engineer to improve their product.
She is highly skilled at dealing with difficult customers.
develop
/dɪˈveləp/
to gradually grow or become bigger, more advanced, stronger, etc.; to make something do this
She wants to develop her skills in photography.
John is trying to develop a new app for his startup.
handle
/ˈhændl/
to deal with, have responsibility for, or be in charge of
She can handle multiple tasks at the same time.
John is good at handling stressful situations.
effective
/ɪˈfektɪv/
producing the result that is wanted or intended; producing a successful result
He developed an effective plan to reduce costs.
The new software is effective at detecting and removing viruses.
Make up your own sentences using the words.
Part 3
Grammar points
Teacher guides the student about the grammar points.
Each grammar point, student will make an example.
1. We can use “can” or “be good at”, “be able to” to express ability in the present
- I can speak good English.
- I can swim.
- She is good at learning new languages.
- We are able to complete the project on time.
2. We can use “could” or “was/were able to” to talk about ability in the past
- I could swim when I was five years old
- They could speak French fluently after studying it for several years
- She was able to fix the car yesterday
- I was unable to visit him. I couldn’t find his address.
3. We can use “will be able to” to talk about ability in the future
- I will be able to buy a house when I get a good job
- I will be able to drive by next year when I turn eighteen and obtain my driver’s license
Part 4
Mini task
Below is a list of different skills
Construct your own sentences, answering whether or not you have the ability to do each skills.
Example:
- She has a natural talent and can play the piano beautifully.
- When I was younger, I could play the piano, but I have forgotten a lot of it now.
Part 5
Dialogue practice
Practice the conversation with teacher
Alice
Hi, Bob! What are you good at?
Hi, Alice! I’m good at playing the guitar. I think I have a talent for music.
Bob
Alice
That’s cool! I’m skilled at baking cakes. I love trying new recipes.
That sounds fun! Did you take classes to develop your baking skills?
Bob
Alice
Yes, I took some online courses. They were very effective. Now I can bake almost anything!
That’s great! I’m trying to develop my drawing skills. It’s not easy, but I’m getting better.
Bob
Alice
Practice makes perfect! How do you handle difficult tasks?
I try to stay calm and take it step by step. It helps me manage everything more effectively.
Bob
Alice
Good idea! I do the same when I bake a complicated recipe.
We both have our talents. Let’s keep working on our skills!
Bob
Alice
Absolutely! Let’s keep improving together.
Part 6
Discussion
Let’s use the vocabulary you’ve learned during the lesson and talk about the following topics/questions freely!
Teacher helps student expand and correct the answers.
Can you play a musical instrument? How well do you play?
Which languages would you like to be able to speak fluently? Why?
Are you a good cook? Do you think being able to cook is a talent?
What is one ability you are very proud of, and why?
What new skill would you like to learn?
Do you think some people are born with “a gift” or do they learn as they grow up?
What is an ability you would like to learn in the future, and why?
What do you think the difference is between “skills” and “talents”?
Have you ever struggled with learning a new ability? How did you handle it?
What is something you just can’t do? Even after trying?
Review
Let’s review the lesson with teacher
5 new words
3 grammer points
Discuss about the abilities
See you next lesson
Homework
Do homework
Write about three things you are good at and explain why you enjoy doing them
