Table of Contents
Introduction
The word “like” can be a source of confusion for learners, as it serves multiple functions in English. It can act as a verb or a preposition, and, quite commonly, it appears in questions. Understanding these different uses is crucial for mastering English conversation.
This “like in questions lesson plan” is designed to help your students grasp the nuances of “like” when used in questions, ensuring they can apply it correctly and confidently.
Let’s begin by exploring why “like” might be particularly challenging for your students!
Why Is “Like” Confusing?
The word “like” can be particularly challenging for beginners and pre-intermediate students when used in questions. This complexity arises primarily because “like” serves two grammatical functions: it can be used as both a verb and a preposition.
Moreover, the meaning of questions that include “like” can vary significantly depending on the context, adding another layer of difficulty. For instance, “What do you like?” asks about preferences, while “What is he like?” inquires about someone’s characteristics or personality. These subtle differences can be perplexing for learners.
This “like in questions lesson plan” addresses these issues by focusing on improving students’ understanding of the various meanings and uses of “like” in questions. By the end of this lesson, students will be better equipped to recognize and use “like” appropriately in different contexts.
Like in Questions Lesson Plan
Lesson Overview
Level: Pre-intermediate to Intermediate
Objectives:
- To differentiate between the grammatical functions of “like” as a verb and a preposition.
- To understand the varying meanings of “like” in different question contexts.
- To practice using “like” in questions through speaking, writing, and matching activities.
Materials:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with matching and gap-fill exercises
- Survey sheets for the production activity
Timing: 45-60 minutes
Activity: Understanding “Like” in Questions
1. Introduction (10 minutes)
Begin by writing the following questions on the board:
- What would you like to eat?
- What do you like doing?
- What is your best friend like?
- What does he look like?
Ask the students to identify the grammatical function of “like” in each question (whether it is a verb or a preposition). Encourage them to discuss their answers and complete the following table on the board:
| “Like” as a verb | “Like” as a preposition |
|---|---|
| … | … |
2. Discussion of Meanings (10 minutes)
Next, guide the students in discussing the different meanings of “like” in the questions. Use the following table to categorize the questions:
| Question about physical appearance | Question about hobbies | Question about personality | Question about preferences |
|---|---|---|---|
| … | … | … | … |
3. Matching Exercise (10 minutes)
Distribute the following matching exercise handout to the students:
Questions:
- What do you like doing?
- What is your best friend like?
- What does your best friend look like?
- What would you like to do next weekend?
Answers:
- Handsome; he’s got short black hair, brown eyes, and he usually wears jeans and a t-shirt.
- Reading science fiction, watching classic films on late-night TV.
- Kind and helpful.
- Stay at home.
Instruct the students to match each question with the most appropriate answer.
4. Gap-Fill Exercise (10 minutes)
Provide the students with the following sentences and ask them to fill in the blanks with the correct form of “like”:
- What ______ you ______ to do this weekend? (preference)
- What ______ your brother ______? (physical appearance)
- What ______ you ______ doing in your free time? (hobbies)
- What ______ your teacher ______? (personality)
5. Personal Response (5 minutes)
Ask students to give their own answers to the questions listed earlier:
- What do you like doing?
- What is your best friend like?
- What does he/she look like?
- What would you like to do next weekend?
Production Stage: Survey Activity (15 minutes)
Instructions:
- Pair up the students and give each pair a survey sheet containing questions that use “like” in various contexts.
- Have each student interview their partner using the questions on the sheet.
- After the interviews, ask each pair to summarize their partner’s answers and report back to the whole class.
Sample Survey Questions:
- What do you like doing in your free time?
- What is your best friend like?
- What does your ideal weekend look like?
- What would you like to eat for your next meal?
Class Reporting: Each pair will share what they learned about their partner with the class, focusing on using “like” in the appropriate contexts.
