Project updates: using the past simple tense

Project updates β€” a B1 English lesson. Practise using the past simple and expand vocabulary for business reports and project management.

Project updates: using the past simple tense
Photo by Eden Constantino / Unsplash

Summary

This ESL lesson for B1 English students explores Business English reports. Using a real audio as the basis for discussion, students develop listening comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar skills across a 90-minute class.

The grammar focus is Past Simple Tense. Key vocabulary includes phase (noun), completed (verb), developed (verb) and more, all drawn directly from the source material. The practical English section gives students useful phrases for real-life situations: You are in a weekly team meeting and need to report on your progress..

Activities

Last quarter, we finished the initial phase of Project Alpha. We completed all the necessary research and developed the core features. However, we faced some unexpected challenges with the budget, which we quickly addressed. Our team worked hard and delivered ahead of schedule. We also started planning for Project Beta. Overall, it was a productive period.
audio-thumbnail
Past simple for project updates and quarterly reports
0:00
/0

Vocabulary focus

The vocabulary section introduces B1-level words and phrases related to Business English reports. Key terms include phase (noun), completed (verb), developed (verb), faced (verb), challenges (noun). Students practise using these terms in context through exercises drawn from the source material.

Grammar focus

This lesson focuses on Past Simple Tense. We use the Past Simple to talk about actions that started and finished at a specific time in the past. It's perfect for reports and updates because you are talking about what is already done.

CTA Image
Past simple for project updates and quarterly reports
Access lesson

Related

Workplace chat: mastering small talk
B1 Business Work Lifestyle Practical English Audio

Workplace chat: mastering small talk

Workplace communication β€” a B1 English lesson. Practise the Past Simple and future forms while expanding your vocabulary for making small talk at work.