Objectives & Sequence: This lesson is intended to be used as a preview of Grammar - Present Perfect: Indefinite Past.

Part One

Work with a partner and practice the following conversations. Use the recordings to help you with the pronunciation and intonation of the words. Try to mimic the style of the speakers.

A: Have you ever learned to play an instrument?

B: Yep. I learned to play the saxophone when I was a kid.

A: Did you take lessons?

B: Well, I had a special class in high school called "Band." There were about twenty other students in my class, and they all played different instruments. Our teacher knew how to play all of them and taught us. It was a pretty cool class now that I think about it.

A: That does sound cool. Do you still play the sax?

B: Not really, no. I've stopped playing it.

A: Oh, that's too bad.

A: How's your photography project going?

B: Pretty good. I've taken some really nice shots so far.

A: What are you taking photos of?

B: I'm trying to get shots of all the different sculptures on display around town.

A: Oh, interesting. Yeah, the city has certainly put up a lot of works of art all over the place. Have you seen the one at the entrance to Stanley Park?

B: Yes, I have. That's one of the sculptures I've taken photos of already.

A: Cool. Well, let me know if you need any help.

B: I will. Thanks.

A: What do you think of this pizza?

B: It's awesome. You?

A: Yeah, it's really good. How many pieces have you had so far?

B: Just two. What about you?

A: I've already eaten three.

B: So, that means there's one piece left for you and two left for me, right?

A: I guess so.

A: Jean, you're a painter, right?

B: I guess you could say that. It's just a hobby, though.

A: Would you ever be interested in doing a painting of my dog?

B: Your dog? Um, I could try. I've only ever done landscapes. Why do you want a painting of your dog?

A: Because Charlie's my best friend, and he's getting old. I want something to remember him by when he's gone.

B: Oh, that makes total sense. Okay, I'll try, but like I said, I've never done a painting of a dog before.

A: That's okay. I'm sure it'll be great.


Part Two

Look at the parts of the conversations that are in blue. These parts use the Present Perfect tense. With a partner, decide and discuss the time meaning of these parts. When did the actions they are describing happen?

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