Usually and Today
Original English Drills lesson. Listening uses a teacher-read script. Student print format: two A4 landscape sides.
1. Warmer
Look at the illustration. What can you see? Tell a partner two ideas.
Goal: Use present simple versus continuous in everyday English.
2. Vocabulary
Match the words with their meanings.
1. usually
2. normally
3. heavy rain
4. hall
5. straight home
A. a lot of rain
B. directly to your home
C. on most occasions
D. a large room in a building
E. in the usual way
1 ___ 2 ___ 3 ___ 4 ___ 5 ___
3. Reading
Oliver usually walks to school. He leaves home at eight and meets his friend Ben near the library. Today, heavy rain is falling, so Oliver is taking the bus. Ben is waiting at the bus stop. On most mornings, the boys talk about football as they walk. Today, they are looking at the wet streets through the bus window. Oliver usually eats lunch outside, but today he is eating in the school hall. After school, he normally plays football. Today, he is going straight home. He wants to read his new book and stay warm.
4. Comprehension
Answer using the reading.
- How does Oliver usually get to school?
- Why is he taking the bus today?
- Where is he eating lunch today?
- What does he normally do after school?
5. Grammar focus
Present simple: routines and habits. He usually walks.
Present continuous: actions happening now or temporary activities around now. Today he is taking the bus.
Clues: usually/every day versus now/today.
Some verbs, such as want and know, normally use a simple form: He wants a book.
6. Guided practice
Complete each sentence. Use the forms in brackets where given.
- Oliver usually ___ (walk) to school.
- Today he ___ (take) the bus.
- Ben ___ (wait) at the stop now.
- They normally ___ (talk) about football.
- Oliver ___ (want) to stay warm.
- He ___ (not / play) football today.
Usually and Today — continued
7. Listening
Your teacher will read a short text twice. Complete the notes.
- Usual transport: ___
- Today’s transport: ___
- Bicycle location: ___
- Today’s starting time: ___
- Today’s lunch partner: ___
8. Speaking
Ask a partner. Answer in full sentences.
- How do you usually get to school or work?
- What are you doing differently today?
- What do you usually eat for lunch?
- What is happening in this room now?
Listen and ask one follow-up question.
9. Fun practice
Grammar detective: Correct one mistake in each sentence.
- He usually is walking to school.
- They plays football every day.
- Today she eat in the hall.
- I am wanting a sandwich.
10. Writing and reflection
Write three sentences about your usual routine and three about today. Use usually and today.
Exit check: He usually ___ (walk). Today he ___ (ride) a bike.
□ I can use the grammar. □ I can ask or answer a question.
Usually and Today — Teacher Answers
A2 · Present simple versus continuous · 50–60 minutes
1. Warmer
Invite observations and connect the picture to the lesson topic. Answers vary. Introduce the target pattern before expecting independent use.
2. Vocabulary
1–C; 2–E; 3–A; 4–D; 5–B.
3–4. Reading and comprehension
- He walks.
- It is raining heavily.
- In the school hall.
- He plays football.
5–6. Grammar and guided practice
- walks
- is taking
- is waiting
- talk
- wants
- is not playing / isn’t playing
Accept equivalent full and contracted negative forms. Ask learners to explain their choices using the grammar panel.
7. Teacher-read listening script
Read twice at a natural, clear pace, with a pause between readings. Clarify vocabulary first if needed.
Sara usually cycles to work, but today she is walking. Her bicycle is at the repair shop. She normally starts work at nine. Today, she is starting at ten. She usually has lunch with her team. Today, she is eating with her sister. She likes these small changes.
- bicycle / cycling
- walking / on foot
- repair shop
- ten / 10 am
- her sister
8. Speaking
Personal answers vary. Allow pairs to rehearse. Monitor the target grammar and support follow-up questions with What, Where, When or Why as appropriate.
9. Grammar detective
- He usually walks to school.
- They play football every day.
- Today she is eating in the hall.
- I want a sandwich.
10. Writing and reflection
Check that learners follow the writing task, use the target forms accurately and make complete sentences. Personal examples vary.
Exit answers: walks; is riding.
Suggested timing and support
Warmer/vocabulary: 8 minutes; reading/comprehension: 10; grammar/practice: 12; listening: 7; speaking/game: 10; writing/reflection: 8. Give a word bank or sentence frames for support. For extension, ask pairs to create two more questions. All texts and activities are original English Drills material.