Исследовательская работа ученика по английскому языку в рамках НОУ по теме "The System of English Tenses"

МОУ Большемурашкинская COШ Нижегородской области

Школьная научно- практическая конференция

Реферат по английскому языку

Тема:

                                       Работу выполнила:

                                          ученица 8 «в» класса

                                    Панышева Мария

                              Руководитель:

                                                    учитель английского языка

                                     высшей категории

                                                        Иванова Эльвира Леонидовна

2009 год

            The table of contents

1. Introduction.

1. About myself
2. The aims of the work

2. Chapter I: Present Tenses.

2.1 Present Simple

2.2 Present Progressive

2.3 Present Perfect

2.4 Present Perfect Progressive

3. Chapter II :  Past Tenses.

3.1 Past Simple

3.2 Past Progressive

3.3 Past Perfect

3.4 Past Perfect Progressive

4. Chapter III: Future Tenses.

4.1 Future Simple

4.2 Future Progressive

4.3 Future Perfect

4.4 Future Perfect Progressive

5. The opinions of my classmates about English Tenses.
6. Conclusion.
7. The list of Literature.

1. Introduction

It is always hard for any person to speak about oneself. My trouble is that, I am rather young, so there is not much to speak about. To begin with my name is Maria. But actually very few people address me this way. My friend and relatives call me Masha for short. I am keen on reading in general and on reading fantastic books in particular. I am mad about English. Everybody says that I am good in communication; I am easy to get on with. I like to meet different people, but especially creative and interesting ones.  I can be called a very busy person: I go to school, so I have to do a lot of things. I also try to be a good daughter and to help with some work about the house. Besides  I do my best to be a  true  friend, so I meet my  friends as often as I  can and try to give them a  helping hand.

    The next thing I would like to tell you is my likes and dislikes. Besides reading, learning English and spending time with my friends, I like dancing. What I dislike is quarrelling with people. I cannot stand rude unbalanced people who loose their temper very easily; those who do not keep their promises; those who are not punctual.

    To come back to my interests, I want to say that my favorite subject at school is English. That’s why I try to participate in different activities which are held in English. I am also a member of Pupil’s Scientific Society. And now I would like to present you my work.  My topic is « The system of English tenses in the Active Voice». I have chosen this topic, because I think that sometimes it is not easy for Russia pupils to understand and to use them correctly.

     So, the main aim of my work is to find out if it is very difficult to understand English grammar tenses. Second, I want to learn more about them in order to improve my English.

2. Chapter I: Present Tenses

2.1 Present Simple

It is used with the following time expressions: usually

                                                                           always, etc

                                                                           every day (week/ month/ year)

        in the morning/afternoon/evening/

        at night

        at the weekend

        on Mondays, etc

         We use the present simple:

1. For  permanent states repeated actions and daily routines:

He works in a bank.

2. For general truths and laws of nature:

The sun sets in the west.

3. For timetables (planes, trains, etc) and programmers:

The plane from Moscow arrives at 8:30.

4. For sports commentaries reviews, narration:

 Deterson overtakes Williams and wins the race.

5. To give instructions or directions (instead of the imperative):

You sprinkle some cheese on the pizza and then you bake it.

(Instead of: Sprinkle)

Adverbs of Frequency.

1. Adverbs of frequency (always, usually, often, sometimes, seldom, rarely, never, etc/come before the main werb (read, work, etc.)but after the Verb to be, auxiliary worbs (do, have, etc.) or model worbs (can, should, etc.), adverbs of frequency go before the auxiliary worbs in short answers.

              e.g. Susan often goes skiing at the weekend.

                    Kim is sometimes rude to other people.

                    You can always call me if you need help.

1. Do you help your mother with the house work?
2. Yes, I usually do.

2. Expressions such as every day once (twice a week/month etc., most mornings/evenings, etc. go at the beginning or the end of a sentence.

Usually, often, sometimes, normally, and occasionally can go at the beginning or end of a sentence for more emphasis.

e.g. We go on holiday twice a year.

Usually, I finish work at five.

I feel bored sometimes.

3. The adverbs never, seldom and rarely have a negative meaning and never used with the word not.

e.g. I rarely go to bed late  

2.2 Present Countinious

   It is used with the following time expressions:

        now

        at the moment

        at present

        these days

        still

        nowadays

        today

        to night, etc

       We use the present continuous:

6. For actions taking place now, at the moment of speaking:

He is giving the baby a bath at the moment.

7. For temporary actions; that is actions that are going on around now, but not at the actual moment of speaking:

I am looking for a new job these days.

8. With adverbs such as: always, constantly, continually, etc actions which happen very often, usually to express annoyance, irritation or angry:

I am always meeting Sara when I go shopping ( action which happens very often)

You were constantly interrupting me, when I am talking.

9. For actions that we have already arranged to do in the near future, especially when the time and place have been decided:

They are moving into their new house next week (the time has been decider)

10. For changing or developing situations:

More and more species are becoming extinct.

2.3 Present Perfect

The present perfect is used with the following time expressions:

        for             ever

                          since               never

        already               so far

                          yet                                        this week (month,etc)

                          always                     how long

                          just                lately

             recently

                                 sill (in negations), etc

We use the present perfect:

1. For an action which stated in the past and continues up to  the  present, especially  with state verbs such as be, have like, know, etc.

In this case, we often use for and since.

Rachel, has had the dog for three years( she got the dog three years ago and she still has it)

2. For an action which has recently finished and whose result is visible in the present:   She has just washed her hair

3. For an action which happened at an unstated time in the past. The exact time is not  mentioned because it is either unknown or unimportant. The  emphasis is placed on the action.

The Taylors have bought a sailing boat.

1. For an action which has happened  within a specific time period which is not over at the moment of speaking we often use words and expression such as today, this morning livening ( week/month, etc)

She has taken fifteen pictures today.

(The time period – today- is not over yet. She may take more pictures.)

 2.4 Present Perfect Continous

   It is used with the following time expressions:                      for

        since

        how long

        lately

        recently

We use Present Perfect Continuous:

1. To put emphasis on the duration of an action which started in the past and continues up to the present especially with time expressions such as for, since, all morning (day/year/, etc.). 
2. Sam has been talking on the phone for half a har.
3. For an action which started in the past and lasted for some time. The action may have finished or may still be going on.
4. The result of the action is visible in the present.
5. Her feet hurt. She has teen walking all morning
6. To express anger, irritation or annoyance.

Somebody has been giving a way air plans.

NOTE: With the verbs live, work, teach and feel (=have a particular emotion)

            We can use the present perfect or present perfect continuous with no difference in meaning.    

We have lived (have been: living hoer for 20 years.

3. Chapter II: Past Tenses

3.1 Past Simple

We use the past simple:

The past simple is used with the following time expressions:  yesterday, then, when/on long ago… last night/ week/month, year/ Tuesday, etc. three days /weeks ago, etc, in 1997,etc

1. For an action which happened at a definite time in the past. The time is stated, already, known or implied.

They went camping by the lake last month.

1. For actions which happened immediately one after the other in the past.

First she paid the driver, then she got out of the taxi.

2. For past habits or stated which are now finished. In such cases we can also use the expression used to!!!

Kitchens were/ used to be very different a hundred years ago.

3.2 Past continuous

The past continuous is used with the following time expressions:   while

        when as /

        evening,

        night,etc

We use past continuous:

3. For an action which was in progress at a stated time in the past. We do not mention when the action started or finished.

At seven o’clock yesterday evening they were having dinner.

1. For an action which was in progress when another action interrupted it.

                         He was walking down the street when he ran into an old friend.

2. For two or more simultaneous past actions.

                She was talking on her mobile phone while she was driving to work.

3. To describe the atmosphere, setting, etc. in the introduction to a story before we describe the main events.

One beautiful autumn afternoon, Ben was strolling down a quiet country lane.

3.3 Past Perfect

The past perfect is used with the following time expressions:       before

        after

        already

        just

        for

        since

        till/until

        when

        by

        by the time

        never, etc

We use the past perfect:

1. For an action which happened before another past action or before a stated time in the past:

e.g. She had finished work when she met her friends for coffee (She finished work first and then she met her friends.)

2. For an action which fished in the past and whose result was visible in the past:

e.g. He was happy. He had signed an important contract.

NOTE: We can use the past perfect or the past simple with before or after without any difference in meaning.

e.g. They went out after it had stopped stopped raining.

3.4 Past Perfect Continuous

The past perfect continuous is used with the following time expressions:

        Used to/                for

        Be used to/                sinse

        Get used to/                how long

        Would                before

                untill etc.

We use the past perfect:

3. To put emphasis on the duration of an action which started and finished in the past before another past action or a stated time in the past, usually with sinse or for:

They had been looking for a house for six months before they found one they liked.

4. For an action which lasted for some time in the past and whose result was visible in the past.

1) We use used to + Infinitive to refer the past habits or states. In such cases, used to can be replaced by the past simple with no difference in meaning.

e.g. They used to  travel/ traveled a lot when they  were younger.

2) We use the past simple, and not used to in the following cases. 

1. to refer  to an action which happened at a definite time in the past.

e.g. I  drove to work yesterday.

2. to say how many times  an action happened at a definite time in the past/

e.g. I went to the cinema four times lost month.

4. We use would ( used to for repeated actions or routines in the past)

e.g. We would/ used to eat out on Sundays.

!!!We do not use would with state verbs!

1. They used to life in London.
2. They used to have a pet dog.

4) Be used to + known (pronoun (-ing from = be accustomed to, be in the habit of

e.g. They are used to the cold ( present)

I don’t mind walking. I’m used to it (present)

She wasn’t used to living in the country (past)

5) Get used to + noun /pronoun/ - ing from = become accustomed to

e.g. I am getting used to the  weather (present)

He didn’t like using the computer at first, but he got used to it (past)

She will soon get used to wearing contact lenses (future)

4. Chapter III: Future Tenses

4.1 Future Simple

We use the future simple:

a) in predictions about the future  usually with the verbs think, believe,  expect etc, the expressions be sure, be afraid etc, and the adverbs probably, perhaps, certainly etc.

e.g. I’m afraid we won’t be on time for the meeting.

b) For on the spot decisions

e.g. I’ll take this leg of lamb.

3. for promises (usually with the verbs promise, swear, guarantee, etc.) threats warnings, requests, hopes and others

e.g. I don’t  understand this exercise will you help me with it? (request)

Of course! I’ll explain it to you (offer)

4. for actions /events/ situations which will definitely happen in the future and which we cannot control

e.g. The  temperature will reach 40 C tomorrow.

BE GOING TO!!!  

 WE USE TO BE GOING TO:  A) for plans, intentions or ambitions we have to                                      

        the future.

                                        e.g. I’m going to be a teacher (ambition)

        B) for actions we have already decided to do in

                the near future.

                e.g. they are going to get married in three                                              

                                                           month .(they have already decided to do it.)

                                                     BUT: they’re getting married next month

                C) In predictions when there is evidence that

                                                      something will happen in the near future.

                                           Look at the clouds! It’s going to rain.

The future simple and be going to are  used with the  following time expressions: tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, tonight, soon, next week/month, year, in a  week/ month, year, in 2/3 days, weeks, etc.

4.2 Future Continuous

We use the future continuous:

1. for an action which will be in progress at a stated future time.

e.g. This time next week we’ll be cruising round the islands

b) for an action which will definitely happen in the future as a result of a routine or arrangement

e.g. Don’t call Julie. I’ll be seeing her later, so I’ll pass the message on.

c) When we ask politely about someone plans for the near future.

e.g. Will you be using the photocopies for long!

4.3 Future Perfect

We use the future perfect:

It is used with the following time expressions:        before

        by

        by then

        by the time

        until/till

2. for an action which will be finished before a state future time.

                e.g. She will have  delivered all the  newspapers by 8 o’clock

NOTE: Untill/till are only used in negative sentences.

e.g. She will have finished the report by tomorrow

She won’t have completed the report until/till 5 o’clock

4.4 Future Perfect Continuous

We use the Future Perfect Continuous

To emphasize the duration of an action up to a certain time in the future

e.g. By the end of next month, she will have been teaching for 20 years

NOTE:          1) We use the present simple for future actions when we                  rater to programmers timetables, etc

        e.g. the bus arrives in Liverpool at 7:30

                         2)We use the present continuous for actions we have decided and arranged to do in the near future.        

        e.g. I’m flying to Lisbon tomorrow morning        

        3) We use the present simple or present perfect, and not future forms, after words and expressions such as:         while        

                before

                after

                until/till

                as

                unless

                when

                when ever

                if

                suppose / supposing

                once

                as soon as

                as long as

                by the time

                in case

                on condition that,

e.g. Call me as soon as  you get back.

4)We use future forms:

a) with when  it is used as a  question word. When it is used as a time word we us the present simple.

e.g. When will you get married?

        I’m not sure when they will visit us.

    But: I will let you know when I decide.        

b) with if (=whether ) when it is used after expressions which show ignorance, uncertainly,      such as: I don’t know; I wonder; I doubt

e.g. I don’t know if/ whether he’ll move house

I doubt if she’ll pass her exams.

But: If he call her, give her my regards.

1) Will/Won’t – Shall                                    We use:

 Will you…….?                                         to give an order or make a request

e.g. Will you stop talking, please?(= Please stop talking.)

2)won’t                          to express unwilling ness or an emphatic refusal, even                                                      

        when the subject is not a person.        

e.g. I’ve told him not to do that, but he won’t listen.        

We use wouldn’t to refer to the past

e.g. I asked him to help me, but he  wouldn’t.

( he was unwilling to help me)

3) Shall I/we?

        a) to make an offer        

        e.g. shall I do the washing – up for you? (= Do you want me to do the washing – up for you?)        

        b)to make a suggestion        

        e.g. Shall we go out for dinner to right?(=Why don’t we go out?)        

        c)to ask for suggestions or instructions        

e.g. «where shall I put the vase?» On the table.        

Other ways of expressing the future.

We can also express the future with:

1. be to +  Infinitive ( formal English)

e.g. The President is  to visit Poland next Monday/

2. be about to + infinitive/ be on the pont of+  -ing form.

        ( to refer to the near future)

3. be due to+ infinitive (timetable)        

        e.g Their flight is due to arrive at 6:15

4. verbs such as decide plan, intend, arrange, mean+ to -infinitive (for plans or intentions)         

5. be sure to/ be certain to/ be bound to + Infinitive.

(to express certainty about the future)

        e.g. This plan is sure to  succeed.        

THE FUTURE IN THE PAST

We use the following, patens to talk about things we intended to do or plans we had for the future.

a) was going to / was to / was about to/ was due to + Infinitive.

        e.g. Mr. Simon was going to resign, but the manager offered him a letter salary.( So  he didn’t resign)

        b) was on the pont of + -ing  form        

        e.g. They were on the point of leaving        

The house when the phone rang.(So, they didn’t leave)

5. The Opinions of my classmates about English Tenses.

As I have already noticed, my favorite subject is English. My classmates are interested in English too. They try to understand English tenses and use the in correctly. But some of my classmates sometimes say that it is difficult for them.

It was interesting for me to find out if my classmates have many problems with The English tenses and what these difficult are.

    That’s why I asked them 4 questions such as:

1. It is easy for you to understand English tenses?
2. Do you use them correctly?
3. Does the table of English tenses help you in studding English tenses?

    And I got the following answers:

3. English tenses are rather easy to understand.
4. I have some problems in using them correctly.
5. The table of English tenses helps us to find similar points.
6. I’m not able to understand them.

As we can see, many my classmates have problems in using English tenses.

So, we can see that the answers are different. They make us think that not all pupils are able to use English tenses correctly first of all it depends on how hard they work, on the other hand pupils have  different abilities. As for me I advise them to work regularly, read and speak more at the lessons.

   Finally, I’d like to say that this work helps me to understand English tenses better. To my mind, it is not difficult to understand and learn English tenses. Besides I want to connect my future profession with the English language.

I’m sure will help me in future correctly and communicate with other people.

7. The list of literature

Presenting the work.

    1слайд.    Hello! I’m glad to see you and to take part in this scientific conference. The theme of my work is «The system of the English Grammar tenses in the Active voice.»

         2 слайд.    First of all I’d like to say some words about myself. My name is Mary. My surname is Panysheva. I am 14 years old. I study in the 8th form of Bolshemuraskinskaya secondary comprehensive school. I’m fond of dancing and I like learning English. I have many favorite subjects and one of them is English.

         3слайд.       Do you want to know why I have chosen the topic? To my mind the system of English tenses is rather complicated one at a glance, that’s why I decided to find out if it is difficult or easy to remember them.

So, the aims of my work are:      -to learn more about the system of English tenses

        -to improve my English speech

       4слайд.   Of course I cannot but say some words about the table of contents of my work. It consists of:          1.Introduction:

                                                2. Chapter I: About Present Tenses

                                                3. Chapter II: About Past Tenses

                                                4. ChapterIII: About Future Tenses

                                                5. The name of my classmates About English tenses.

                                                     6. Conclusion

             5слайд.       As I have already said  I want to know more about the system of English tenses. Now have a look at the table. You can see that the system of the English tenses consists of 16 forms and they are all presented here.

      We often use the table  at our English lessons and it helps us to understand English  grammar better.

            6 слайд.       Then comes Chapter I. Here you can find interesting facts about Present Tenses. They are 4 and they express different actions. And here you can see words and expressions which help us to define what tense form can be used in this or that situation.

          7 слайд.      let’s go on. Chapter II tells us about Past Tenses. They are 4 too: Simple, Continuous, Perfect and Perfect Continuous.

          8 слайд.     Chapter III has the information about Future Tenses. As we can see they are 4 too. If you are interested in them, turn to Chapter III, please.

         9 слайд.   It was interesting for me to find out if my classmates have some problems with the English tenses and what these difficulties are, that’s why I asked them 3 question such as:    -I s it easy for you to understand English?

                                          - Do you use them correctly?

                                          -Does the table of English tenses help you in studding English tenses?

I got the following answers:       -they are rather easy to understand (70%)

                                                     -I can’t explain if I understand them or not  (

                                                     -they are not difficult if we use the table ( 80%)

                                                      -I can’t use them correctly (50%)

    10слайд. In conclusion I want to say that different answers of the pupils make us think that not all pupils one able to use them correctly, first of all it depends on how hard they work, on the other hand pupils have different abilities. As for me I advise them to work regularly, read and speak more at the lessons.

That’s all what I wanted to tell you about my work. I think that the aims of my work are achieved. Thank you for your attention.