A2 - TALKING ABOUT THE FUTURE

Talking about the future

Present Continuous to talk about the future

We often use present continuous with a future meaning for future arrangements, i.e. plans we have made at a fix time or place in the future. (Personal arrangements and fixed plans) Examples: I´m meeting my friend tonight. They aren´t coming to the party tomorrow. Are you meeting us at the restaurant?

Present Continuous or Be going to + inf

We can often use either with no difference in meaning. I´m going to see Anna on Tuesday or I´m seeing Anna on Tuesday.

It is very common to use present continuous with the expressions tonight, tomorrow, this weekend, etc. and with verbs describing travel arrangements, e.g. arrive, go, leave... I´m leaving on Monday is more common than I´m going to leave on Monday.

Task Your sister’s friends want to throw her a surprise party. They need you to email them about what she’s doing next week. Write an email to your sister’s friends using the info on her fridge about her plans. Keep it short, around (80 words)

Present Simple, Present Continuous or Be going to + inf

1. The train___at 11:45. (to leave)
2. We___ dinner at a nice restaurant on Saturday, but we haven't booked a table yet. (to have)
3. On Sunday at 8 o'clock I___my friend. (to meet)
4. They___to London on Friday evening at 8:15. (to fly)
5. The English lesson___ at 8:45. (to start)
6. I___ my sister in April. (to see)
7. Look at the clouds - it___ in a few minutes. (to rain)
8. I___to the doctor tomorrow. I have an appointment at 11 am (go)
9. The concert ___on Saturday at 10 pm (be)
10. Feed the cat when you___ home (get)

1. The train leaves at 11:45.
2. We are going to have dinner at a nice restaurant on Saturday, but we haven't booked a table yet. (to have)
3. On Sunday at 8 o'clock I am meeting my friend.
4. They are flying to London on Friday evening at 8:15.
5. The English lesson starts at 8:45.
6. I am going to see my sister in April.
7. Look at the clouds - it is going to rain in a few minutes.
8. I am going to the doctor tomorrow. I have an appointment at 11 am
9. The concert is on Saturday at 10 pm.
10. Feed the cat when you get home.

WILL FOR PREDICTIONS

1. We often use will /won't + infinitive for future predictions, i.e. to say things we think, guess or know about the future. The film is French. We won't understand anything.

2. We often use I think / I don't know / I'm sure + will. I think he'll fail the exam / I don't think he'll pass the exam.

1 James is standing on the side of the pool. He will / is going to jump in.2 Look at those dark clouds. It will / is going to snow.3 I think Barcelona will / are going to win the Champions League this year.4 I’m sure Jane will / is going to like the present you’ve bought for her.5 This time next year we will / are going to be in France.6 ‘Why are you turning on the radio?’ ‘I will / am going to listen to the news.’7 ‘What are you doing later?’ ‘I will / am going to play basketball.’

Choose will or going to.

1 James is standing on the side of the pool. He is going to jump in.2 Look at those dark clouds. It is going to snow.3 I think Barcelona will win the Champions League this year.4 I’m sure Jane will like the present you’ve bought for her.5 This time next year we will be in France.6 ‘Why are you turning on the radio?’ ‘I am going to listen to the news.’7 ‘What are you doing later?’ ‘I am going to play basketball.’

Answers

1 I don’t think Chelsea will / are going to win the Champions League next year. Their team isn’t strong enough.2 Look at those clouds. It ‘ll / ‘s going to snow. 3 Kat hasn’t done any revision. She won’t / isn’t going to pass her exams. 4 That car is going much too fast! It ‘ll / ‘s going to crash!5 I will / am going to email you tonight – I promise!6 Jack’s holding a tennis racket. He ‘ll / ‘s going to play tennis!

PREDICTIONS

Positive thinking

In your opinion, what is positive thinking? How would you describe a positive person? Think of all the adjectives you can. What tips or advice would you give to someone who wants to be more positive?

WILL FOR DECISIONS / OFFERS / PROMISES

We often use will /won't + infinitive for making instant decisions, offers, and promises. We do not use present tense. DECISION: I won't stay for dinner / I think I'll leave early.

OFFERS: I'll help you with your homework. / Shall I open the window? PROMISES: I will not tell anybody.

Complete the sentences with the correct future form (will, be going to, or Present Continuous).

1. We ___ to Madrid on Monday. (go) 2. Mark’s mother believes that he ___famous. (be) 3. Look at those clouds! It ___soon. (rain) 4. I hope you___ after the party. (stay) 5. Rachel thinks you___ what she means soon. (understand) 6. I___ my uncle at the airport. (meet) 7. We___ a dinner party. Everything is ready. (have) 8. The Browns___ to the country next month. They have already sold their house in the city. (move) 9. We___ to London tonight. (fly) 10. Do you think your brother___ you? (help) 11. I don’t think it___ . (snow) 12. Lilly___ the dentist tomorrow. (see)

1. We ARE GOING to Madrid on Monday. (go) 2. Mark’s mother believes that he WILL BE famous. (be) 3. Look at those clouds! It IS GOING TO RAIN soon. (rain) 4. I hope you WILL STAY after the party. (stay) 5. Rachel thinks you WILL UNDERSTAND what she means soon. (understand) 6. I AM MEETING my uncle at the airport. (meet) 7. We ARE HAVING a dinner party. Everything is ready. (have) 8. The Browns ARE MOVING to the country next month. They have already sold their house in the city. (move) 9. We ARE FLYING to London tonight. (fly) 10. Do you think your brother WILL HELP you? (help) 11. I don’t think it WILL SNOW . (snow) 12. Lilly IS SEEING the dentist tomorrow. (see)

My crystal ball is cloudy

Laura: Will I be rich? Fortune Teller: No way! David: Will I pass all my final exams? Fortune Teller: Yes, it is in the cards

Speaking activity

Talk about your plans for next weekend/your next holidays for 2´5 minutes. Include the following information:

1. What are you doing next weekend/ on your next holidays? Share your upcoming plans for the weekend or holidays. 2. Who are you going with? Describe the companions accompanying you on your weekend or holiday adventure. 3. How will you get there? Explain the mode of transportation you've chosen for the journey. 4. What are you going to do there? Detail the activities and plans you have for your time at the destination. 5. How long will you stay? Specify the duration of your stay, whether it's a weekend getaway or an extended holiday.