Making plans: using prepositions of time and place

Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for A2 learners explores Making plans: using prepositions of time and place through a real article. Across 10 interactive exercises, you'll develop reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, practical communication, speaking skills — all built around authentic English content.

What you'll practise:

• 5 key vocabulary items with definitions and usage notes
• Grammar focus: prepositions of time and place with examples and practice
• Real-world phrases for checking if someone is free
• Gap-fill and cloze exercises to test vocabulary in context
• Matching exercise to connect terms with their meanings
• Error correction to sharpen grammar awareness

Lesson activities (10 exercises)

Each exercise builds on the previous one. Work through them in order for the best learning experience.

1. Warm-up — Discussion questions to activate what you already know about the topic.
2. Comprehension — Answer questions to check your understanding of the main ideas and supporting details.
3. Vocabulary — Learn key words and expressions from the article, with definitions and usage notes.
4. Fill the gaps — Complete sentences with the correct vocabulary. Drag and drop or type your answers.
5. Grammar — Study prepositions of time and place — explanation, examples, and key rules.
6. Error correction — Find and fix the mistake in each sentence — a great grammar workout.
7. Practical English — Learn phrases for checking if someone is free — ready to use in real conversations.
8. Matching — Connect words, phrases, or concepts to their correct counterparts.
9. Discussion — Reflect on the topic and share your opinions using the language you've learned.

Vocabulary

This lesson introduces 5 key terms drawn directly from the article:

• How about...? — a friendly way to suggest an idea or a plan.
• Sounds good. — a phrase you say to agree to a plan.
• catch up — to talk to someone you have not seen for some time and find out what they have been doing.
• I'm afraid I can't. — a polite way to say "no" to an invitation or suggestion.
• make it — to be able to go to an event or a meeting.

Grammar

This lesson focuses on prepositions of time and place.

When we make plans, we need to say *when* and *where*. We use small words called prepositions like 'in', 'on', and 'at' to give this information. Using the correct preposition is important for clear communication.

Examples from the lesson:

• Let's meet on Friday at 3 pm. — Use 'on' for days of the week and 'at' for specific times.
• The café is in the city center, on Park Street. — Use 'in' for larger areas like cities or neighborhoods, and 'on' for streets.
• Are you free in the afternoon? — We use 'in' for parts of the day (in the morning, in the evening) and for months or years.

Key rules:

• Use 'at' for specific times (at 8 o'clock) and specific places (at the station).
• Use 'on' for days (on Monday) and dates (on June 5th).
• Common mistake: don't use a preposition with 'next' or 'last'. Say 'see you next week', not 'see you on next week'.

Practical English

checking if someone is free

When you want to make plans with someone, you first need to ask if they have time. Here are some simple and friendly ways to start the conversation and suggest something to do.

Phrases you'll learn:

• "''Are you free on Saturday?''" — to ask directly if someone has time.
• "''What are you doing this weekend?''" — a friendly way to ask about someone's plans.
• "''Do you want to get a coffee?''" — to suggest a simple activity.
• "''Yes, I'd love to.''" — a warm and positive way to accept a plan.
• "''I'm busy then. How about another time?''" — to say no politely and suggest trying again.