The 3 Main Futures

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English Grammar & Use - B1+ Collection

B1 BASE

Mid B1

B1 TOP

WILL

The 3 Main English Futures

• WILL for Reactions/Instant Decisions & Making Plans
• Going To for Reporting Decisions & Personal Plans
• Present Continuous for talking about Mutual Arrangemenets

CONTENT:

• CONTENT
• CONTENT
• CONTENT

Learning Outcome:

This module REVIEWS AND HELPS STUDENTS CONSOLIDATE the use of WILL, GOING TO & PRESENT CONTINUOUS for talking about the immediate future, reacting to news, making plans and reporting on decisions and mutual arrangements

STUDY TIME: 30 - 40 Mins Exit Quiz: 30 questions (Timer: 30 Mins)

Returning user?JUMP TO MODULE MENU

1. WILL & Other Modals

• Reacting to the present
• Instant Decisions
• Making Plans for the Future

The 3 Main English Futures

2. GOING TO

• Talking about things people have decided to do

3. PRESENT CONTINUOUS

• Talking about things people have arranged to do

4. REVIEW

Scaling The Pyramid of

Will

Going To

Present Continuous

INFO about 'Scenarios' used in AIM4 modules

Module Worksheet Archive

B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - 4 REACTIONS, MAKING PLANS & TALKING ABOUT DECISIONS OR ARRANGEMENTS

The "WILL" Problem!

• Learner's of English sometimes think that the modal verb 'WILL' is equivalent to "the future tense" in their language. This is incorrect and creates lots of problems for learners.

• WILL is a Modal Auxilliary verb.
• WILL has many different uses in English (see the AIM4 'MindMap of WILL' for an overview of all its uses)

• This unit of the module explores how we use WILL and other Modal Verbs when Reacting to something which is happening now and when we are Making Plans for the Future

Using WILL to express a REACTION to something happening in the PRESENT

A major use of WILL for 'the future' is to express our reactions to something happening now, i.e we use WILL when we REACT TO a PRESENT EVENT Key Points to remember about this use of WILL:

• There is no 'pre-meditation'
• Our reaction is spontaneous

So, what are these 'Present Events'? Well, they can be just about anything that is happening now and is new. Anything that we have not previously thought about, or have not had time to think about.

Now click HERE for examples

Learning Pont 1: We use 'WILL' for Reacting to Present Events & Situations

EXAMPLE 1

EXAMPLE 3

EXAMPLE 2

NEXT: Scenarios which illustrate 'WILL' for Reacting & Making Spontaneous Decisions

• Because he was REACTING to the unexepectedly high ticket price,

A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - 4 REACTIONS, MAKING PLANS & TALKING ABOUT DECISIONS OR ARRANGEMENTS

SCENARIO 1

SCENARIO 3

SCENARIO 2

You can drag me out of the way if you want to read the panel again

Bob asked Jane "What will to do with all that money?"

• Because WILL is the STANDARD QUESTION when asking about A NEW SITUATION.
• Jane's email was NEWS

Jane answered "...I think I will give up work and go on holiday"

• Because WILL is the STANDARD EXPRESSION for telling people about INSTANT DECISIONS
• Jane had not had enough time to seriously reflect and make a meditated decision.

Why did Jane say "Good idea, I'll do that now" ?

• Because she was REACTING to Bob's advice ("I think you should check it isn't a scam")

Scenario 3: Reflections

Use WILL when REACTING to NEWS & TO MAKE INSTANT DECISIONS

Scenario 2: Reflections

Bob said "I'll get on Ticketmaster right now"

• Because he was REACTING to the news about the Oasis reunion.

Bob asked "How many tickets shall I get"

• Because SHALL is used in QUESTIONS . It means "Do you want me to", so Bob's question meant "How many tickets do you want me to get?"

Jane said "I'll sell my car to pay for them" ?

• Because she was REACTING to Bob's news about the ticket price

Bob said "I don't think I'll buy one"

• Because he was REACTING to the unexepectedly high ticket price.
• We typically use I think & I don't think with WILL for MAKING DECISIONS

The Oasis reunion was big news in August/September 2024. We Typically use WILL when REACTING to NEWS & MAKING INSTANT DECISIONS

Scenario 1: Reflections

We typically use WILL for REACTING/MAKING INSTANT DECISIONS

• We use WILL because we don't know what dishes are on the menu until we read it!

Scenario 1 gave you a soft start: the next scenarios are a little more challenging

• We read the menu and make our decisions!

• If we can't decide, we can always say "I'll have what they're having"

Watch the video clip from "When Harry Met Sally"

So, in a restaurant:

Scenario 2: Preparation

Vocabulary:

The Oasis reunion was big news in August/September 2024. Scenario 2 is based on that.

Ticketmaster: a website for buying tickets to events online

A Gig: a concert. Usually used only for pop/rock/rap etc, not classical music.

To Text Someone: to send someone a text message, e.g. by WhatsApp

Now go through Scenario 2 CLICK HERE

'WILL' for REACTIONS & SPONTANEOUS DECISIONS has several FUNCTIONS

STORY SOURCE: The Guardian, 03 Sept 2024

THE FUNCTIONS OF WILL

• Because he was REACTING to the unexepectedly high ticket price,

A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - 4 REACTIONS, MAKING PLANS & TALKING ABOUT DECISIONS OR ARRANGEMENTS

Common Functions of Will

Reacting to something:

Promising

Jo: Peter, you're so clumsy. Please don't break anymore plates

Jim: Don't be late again, or I will fire you!

Offering

Threatening

Jack: I've got so much work to do and I'm so tired too

REQUESTING & Refusing

Jenny: Will you help me do the cleaning? (request)

Peter: Sorry Mum. I'll be more careful in future, I promise.

Jane: I'll help you with some of the work, then you can have a rest.

Chris: Ok Boss, I promise I won't be late again.

Graham: No, I won't. (refusal)

Clumsy (adjective): When someone is clumsy, they move in a way that is not careful or graceful, often causing accidents or mistakes. For example, a clumsy person might drop things or bump into furniture.

Threaten (verb): to say that you will hurt someone or cause problems for them if they don’t do what you want. To fire someone (verb): To make someone leave their job because they did something wrong or are not doing their work well. It means they are forced to stop working for the company.

TELL ME MORE!

SO the MODAL VERB, 'Will', when reacting or making spontaneous decisions, at its core, expresses that we do something VOLUNTARILY.

Will (noun)refers to a person's conscious choice, determination, or desire to do something. It is the mental faculty by which an individual decides on and controls their actions e.g. I have a strong will - means you are determined and can stay focused on what you want to do. My willpower is non-existent - means you find it hard to control yourself or stick to decisions. Do humans really have free will, or are we controlled by nature? - Free will means your decision making power is really yours, it isn't controlled by external factors Other words from the same family: My dog is a bit wilful (= stubborn or does what it wants, not what you want). He's willing to help! (= he wants to help ) I helped willingly (I chose to help without any coercion - I was happy to help) He's unwilling to help (=He doesn't want/refuses to help)

DID YOU KNOW THAT 'will' IS ALSO A NOUN?

NEXT: WILL for MAKING PLANS

WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD

• Because he was REACTING to the unexepectedly high ticket price,

So far, we've seen:

Now we are ready to investigate our next FUTURE FORM:

2. How we Will to make Personal Plans and to confirm Appointments

The functions of these reactions include:

• Promising
• Offering
• Accepting
• Refusing
• Threatening

1. How we use Will to express our spontaneous reactions to things that are happening in the present

A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - 4 REACTIONS, MAKING PLANS & TALKING ABOUT DECISIONS OR ARRANGEMENTS

SCENARIO 2

SCENARIO 1

You can drag me out of the way if you want to read the panel again

Making Plans & Appointments: Will, other Modal Verbs & Present Simple

Before we 'have' plans, things such as appointments with the dentist, aperitifs with friends and so on, we need to make them. To make plans we use will, other modal verbs and present simple.

• We typically use the present simple to find out when people are busy or available, e.g. Are you free/available tomorrow at 7pm?

• Then use Will & other Modal verbs to finalise the plan or appointment.

LET'S EXPLORE

Scenario 2: Making & Confirming an Appointment - Language Review

• Is Dr Smith free tomorrow afternoon?

Present Simple to check availability

Present Simple to describe 'schedule'

• He has someone at 2pm.

Should to describe 'expectations'

• He should be free by 3.

NB: also > I think he will be free by 3.

Might to describe 'possibilities' & 'uncertainty'

• The 2pm appointment might overrun.

Will to indicate an instant action

• I'll just add the appointment to our system

Would...? to make polite offers / requests

• Would you like me to email you a reminder?

Will/Won't to make promises

• I won't forget

Will to confirm the appointment

• I'll see you at 3.30 tomorrow, then.

We use:

When you are ready, click

NEXT

Scenario 1: Making Personal Plans - Language Review

We use:

Present Simple to ask about someone's plans for a future moment

• Do you have plans for the weekend?

NB: We also use going to & Present continuous for asking about people's plans. These forms are covered later in this module:

• Are to going to do anything this weekend?
• What are you doing this weekend?

Might to describe 'possibilities' & 'uncertainty'

Qu: Do you have plans for the weekend? A: Nothing certain, I might go hiking if the weather is nice.

NB: 'I might go hiking if the weather is nice' is a First Conditional Form. You can review Conditionals with the relevant SURFACE Module.

I think I will to express tentative* plans

tentative* plans = Plans that are not certain and may change later.

• I think I'll visit my sister.

I'd like to to express desires

• I'd like to see her again.

Why don't you + verb to make suggestions

• Why don't you come with me?

Perhaps/Maybe I will* to express possibilities

*similar to MIGHT, but a little more DECISIVE

• Perhaps I will.

TO BE GOING TO

REVIEW 'WILL for REACTING'

REVIEW 'WILL for PLANNING

A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - 4 REACTIONS, MAKING PLANS & TALKING ABOUT DECISIONS OR ARRANGEMENTS

SCENARIO 2

In Unit 1 of this Module, you reviewed how we use WILL when REACTING to PRESENT EVENTS and for MAKING PERSONAL PLANS and APPOINTMENTS

In this unit, we are going to investigate the difference between WILL and GOING TO

Click Buttons 1 then 2 below to read about THE BIG DIFFERENCE

SCENARIO 1

You can drag me out of the way if you want to read the panel again

I think I'll have a break now Jim. Do you want anything from the bar?

We use TO BE GOING TO + VERB to talk about DECISIONS WE HAVE ALREADY TAKEN

• WILL is sponataneous but GOING TO is premeditated

Key Points To Remember:

• 'Going to + verb' is equivalent to the Present Perfect phrase 'I have decided to + verb'

• WILL is used for making decisions whereas GOING TO is used for reporting decisions.

We typically use WILL for REACTING/MAKING INSTANT DECISIONS

• What a lovely morning it is. I think I'll go for a walk.

With WILL there is no prior planning, no premeditation: there is a present event or situation & will expresses our reaction to it

Jim: The phone's ringing.

Bob: I'll answer it.

WILL > DECIDING AT THE MOMENT OF SPEAKING

Lexical Preparation for Scenario 1

e.g.

Household Chores = Tasks done regularly to keep a home clean and organised.

To do the tidying or To tidy upTo do the shopping To do the washing up To do the ironing To do the cleaning

To sort out the chores = Decide who does which chore & then actually do the chores

I don't mind doing XX = Expresses that doing something (XX) is not a problem for you

To pick up = (Phrasal verb with several uses) In the scenario it means 'buy things at the shop'

What are you up to this weekend? = Common idiomatic way of asking "do you have plans for the weekend?"

You've got it all worked out! = Common idiomatic way of expressing "you have made good plans/created good solutions"

Now, go through Scenario 1. It is in 2 parts PART 1: Deciding who does which chore. PART 2: Reporting the decisions.

• 'You agreed that you were gonna do the washing up'

Scenario 2 Review

WAS/WERE GOING TO (GONNA) + Verb

We use this form when something that was decided for the future is not then actually done. This is known as 'Future in the Past' & is commonly used to:

Other forms from Scenario 2

1. Indicate that plans we previously made have now changed

• I was gonna buy a new car, but I changed my mind.

2. To complain that people have not done what they promised to do (or not to do)

First Conditional used as a threat

• If you don't do the washing up now, I won't give you the beer I bought...

The Causative Form (with get)

• I'm gonna get my hair cut now.

If you want to pfind out more about these forms, there are dedicated SURFACE modules on each.

OK, we have seen how WILL is used AT the MOMENT OF DECISION and GOING TO is used AFTER the MOMENT OF DECISION. We have learned that it's often used to REPORT DECISIONS

Now, go through Scenario 2.

Review & Pronunciation Notes

Simple, right?

Pretty simple, but we need to remember that when mothertongue people are speaking together, they rarely pronounce 'going to' in the way it is written in a dictionary.

I'm going to versus I'm gonna

When speaking normally, mothertongue people use the shortened pronunciation of 'going to', i.e. gonna This form is also used in informal writing, e.g. in text messages. You can also hear people say 'I'm una'. This cannot be used in writing. Get as much listening practice as possible to build your comprehension.

When you are ready, click

FOCUS

This man is deciding and speaking at the same time. so, he uses 'WILL'

WILL versus GOING TO A Visual Review Click Me

GOING TO >> SPEAKING ABOUT DECISIONS WE TOOK BEFORE SPEAKING

I'll have a break at midday

Jim, I'm going to have a break at midday, Do you want to join me?

IN 5 MINS IT'S...

AN HOUR AGO he thought

NOW he says >>

PAST

• You said you weren't gonna spend anymore money this week, so how come you're wearing a new jacket??

NEXT: PRESENT CONTINUOUS

NOW

WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD

REVIEW 'WILL for REACTING'

REVIEW 'WILL for PLANNING

A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - 4 REACTIONS, MAKING PLANS & TALKING ABOUT DECISIONS OR ARRANGEMENTS

PRESENT CONTINUOUS: The Key Points

• I'm teaching Jane on Monday at 11.30am

It's sometimes called 'The Diary Future' We use it to talk about ARRANGEMENTS & APPOINTMENTS that we have made with other people These are things we usually write in our diaries/on our calendars

1.

The difference between GOING TO & PRESENT CONTINUOUS is:

2.

• I'm going to walk the dog at 12.45

2.2. Use PRESENT CONTINUOUS TO TALK ABOUT THINGS

2.1. Use Going To to talk about personal plans and decisions

WE HAVE ARRANGED TO DO

I didn't arrange the walk with the dog! Dog's don't make arrangements or appointments!!

I'M SEEING XXX TOMORROW = I'M MEETING/I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH XXX

• I'm seeing the dentist on Monday 2nd at 10am

REAL ENGLISH

NEXT

• What a lovely morning. I think I'll go for a walk.
• I'm hot and thirsty, I'll get a drink from the fridge.

Jim: The phone's ringing.

Bob: I'll answer it.

We use WILL for REACTING/MAKING INSTANT DECISIONS

1.

With WILL there is NO PRIOR PLANNING, NO PREMEDITATION: there is a present event or situation & we use will to express our reaction to the event/situation

2.

We often use 'I THINK' with WILL when REACTING, MAKING INSTANT DECISIONS AND PLANS

3.

• I think I'll go to Florence this weekend

We often use PERHAPS & MAYBE with WILL to express UNCERTAINTY/POSSIBILITY

4.

• Perhaps I'll have dinner out tonight

• Maybe I'll call my mum this weekend

PERHAPS I WILL & MAYBE I WILL are basically equivalent to I MIGHT, but I MIGHT sounds less decisive

4.1

• I don't think I'll have another coffee

We use TO BE GOING TO + VERB to talk about DECISIONS WE HAVE ALREADY TAKEN, i.e when we report our decisions to other people.

1.

• This evening I'm going to cook that chicken we bought yesterday

These decisions can be PERSONAL, INDIVIDUAL DECISIONS, i.e. things we decide to do ourselves without involving other people in the decision making process

2.

• I'm going to wash my hair now.

• I'm going to have a break now.

TO BE GOING TO + VERB is the equivalent to the Present Perfect phrase 'I HAVE DECIDED TO + VERB

3.

• I'm going to have lunch early = I have decided to have lunch early

'GOING TO' is USUALLY PRONOUNCED AS 'GONNA' by mothertongue speakers. GONNA is also common in informal writing.

4.

You can drag me out of the way if you want to read the panels again

So far we've looked at WIll & GOING TO

Now we're going to investigate when we use PRESENT CONTINUOUS with a Future meaning.

But before we go into detail, click the buttons to my right >>

PRESENT CONTINUOUSThe Key Points

WILL

GOING TO

A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - 4 REACTIONS, MAKING PLANS & TALKING ABOUT DECISIONS OR ARRANGEMENTS

• 'You were seeing him at 3.30...'

Scenario 2 Review

WAS/WERE SEEING

We use this form when something that was ARRANGED for a specific future time has now been changed. This is a form of 'Future in the Past'*

We have now finished investigating Present Continuous for Appointments & Arrangements.

• I was going on holiday next week, but something's come up at work, so I can't go.

*If you want to find out more about these forms, there are dedicated Modules

• Click HERE to go directly to the REVIEW unit.

In scenario 2, Janet is going to call the dental surgery to change the Jim's appointment

Now, go through Scenario 2.

Preparation for Scenario 2

Lexical Notes:

I'm calling on behalf of... = phrase used on the phone when calling for someone else

He can't make it = a common expression that means the time of an appointment is no longer possible.

Oh, I see... = I see means 'I understand'

Let me see = let me see means 'let me check'

He should be seeing... = a Modal Continuous form to express that a present or future event is expected. You can learn more about modal continuous forms in the relevent SURFACE Module.

Something urgent has come up = a common expression used when changing or cancelling appointments. It means something has happened that makes the appointment impossible.

6 instead of 3.30 = instead means 'in place of'

All sorted with... = 'all sorted' means that a problem or issue has been resolved

You can drag me out of the way if you want to read the panel again

Preparation for Scenario 1

You probably don't remember Mr Jones. In Scenario 2 of the 'Going To' unit, he made an appointment to see his dentist, Dr Smith. Anyway, in scenario 1, we are going to read an exchange between Mr Jones and his PA, his personal assistant.

Lexical Content: Click each one for the definition

What've I got on today? =

What've I got on today? = a common colloquial way of asking what appointments & arrangements are scheduled on our work calendar

My battery died =

My battery died = a common colloquial way of saying that the battery on your phone or tablet finished its charge

To go through something e.g. a document = a expression which means to look in some detail at every page of a document

To go through something e.g. a document =

To bring an appointment forward =

To bring an appointment forward = a common phrasal verb used when rescheduling appointments. It means 'change the appointmet to an EARLIER time'

To put an appointment off to/until =

To put an appointment off to/until = a common phrasal verb used when rescheduling appointments. It means 'change the appointmet to a LATER time'

I'll get on that now =

I'll get on that now = a colloquial way of saying 'I'll do that now'

CEO =

CEO = The top manager of a company (Chief Executive Officer)

SCENARIO 2

SCENARIO 1

REVIEW THE PREVIOUS PAGE

A4E B1 SURFACE SUITE 'FUTURES - 4 REACTIONS, MAKING PLANS & TALKING ABOUT DECISIONS OR ARRANGEMENTS

Reflection:

All of the animations used GOING TO, because the situations involved either

1. the reporting of decisions people already made

• When we speak to someone about decisons we have already taken, we must use going to

2. the evidence of prior planning

• if you plan to do something and then actuate the plan, it's going to even if there is no speaking

The important point to remember is: DON'T USE WILL TO TALK ABOUT PLANS YOU HAVE ALREADY MADE: USE GOING TO

Jane: Sorry Jim, I will have dinner with my sister

What a gaffe! Jim is now upset.

Jim: Hi Jane, would you like to have dinner with me?

Reflection:

We only use Present Continuous for the Future when we have ARRANGED to do things with OTHER PEOPLE. i.e. we use it for MUTUAL ARRANGEMENTS.

NB: In English we commonly use Present Continuous questions to ask about people's upcoming weekends/evenings etc:

Please remember not to say:

• What are you doing at the weekend?

• Are you doing anything tonight?

• What will you do at the weekend.

We use PRESENT CONTINUOUS because we want to find out if people have ARRANGEMENTS

It is also common to hear:

• Are you going to do anything at the weekend?

We use GOING TO when we want to find out if people have PLANS

We don't use 'will' because we believe people have plans!We only say "What will you do" when we are asking someone to REACT to a NEW, PRESENT EVENT or SITUATION.

Reflection:

All of the animations simply used WILL, because the decisions where either

1. taken and then, almost immediately, done

• lots and lots of decisions are like this: we decide to do something and then do it almost immediately.

2. taken, but not reported to anyone after the decision was taken

• lots and lots of decisions are like this: we decide to do something, don't do it immediately, but also don't actually talk to anyone else about it.

The point to remember is: We use will when we decide to do something and then do it right then.

• I'm thirsty. I'll have a drink

• I'm tired. I'll go to bed now

• This film is boring. I'll change channel.

The point to remember is: Will only becomes going to if we speak to someone about our decisions after we have taken them

at 9am

• I'll have a break at 10.30 (I made a decision)

at 10.15

• Hi Bill, I'm going to have a break at 10.30 and go to the bar. Do you want to come with me?

(I'm talking about the decision I made at 9am)

It's a pyramid because we use will much more often than going toand, in turn, we use will & going to much more often than Present Continuous

FOCUS

MODULE WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD WILL vs GOING TO vs PC

Why is Jim upset?

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

e.g. I'm watching a film with Jim on Friday evening

3. And only a few decisions we take (using will) become Mutual Arrangements

GOING TO

Will

e.g. Hey, Jim I'm going to go to the cinema on Friday - wanna come?

2. Not all our decisions become Personal Plans or are reported to other people after we make them

FOCUS on Going To

FOCUS on will

FOCUS on Present Continuous

WELL DONE!YOU HAVE FINISHED THE 3 FUTURES MODULE click here for next steps

e.g. I think I'll go to the cinema on Friday

1. Because all decisions start with WILL!

Scaling the Pyramid of

So, why do I use this 'Pyramid' metaphor?

Welcome to this short review unit.

Now, close the window

I've got a really busy day tomorrow. Not much actual work though!

He's seeing the dentist at 10am

He's teaching Jane at 11.30

He's attending a Pilates class at 12.45

He's doing his Yoga class at 2pm

He's sure to be tired after all that!

He's playing in a football match at 3.30

Now, close the window

She is reporting her decision to Bob

Hi Bob, this is the chart I'm going to show our boss

OK kids, we're going to study algebra after lunch. Don't be late

She has a lesson plan

He's going to change the wheels of his car

The wheels show priorplanning of his next action

Now do the practice exercises on the site

Come back soon to review & consolidate.

Before we start, did you know that English Has No Future (Tense)!!

Click on the bars to reveal the learning points

• In English, when we talk about the future, we don't use a special future tense forms like in many other languages.

• Instead of dedicated, declined future forms, we use present forms and modal verbs to express future events.

Some examples

• We use the Simple Present to talk about impersonal, scheduled events: "The train leaves at 6 p.m."

• We use Will to talk about something we decide at the moment of speaking: "I think I will go for a walk."

• We use Going to when we have already decided to do something: "I am going to have a break after I finish writing this report."

• We use the Present Continuous when we have already arranged to do something: "I am going to Milan this weekend."

The Good News: The Bad News:

English allows us to express different levels of certainty and planning about future events using the forms of verbs we already know. Because it's so different from how many other languages function, it can be difficult for learners to use the English 'futures' sytem correctly and fluently. Maybe you translate from your mother tongue. If you do, you probably overuse WILL. Many learners think that WILL always expresses a future. It doesn't. WILL is a present tense modal verb and it has various uses, one of which is to express future events.

This free B1 level module is mainly about the use of:1. Will for Reactions & Will plus other Modals for making Instant Decisions 2. To Be Going To for Personal Plans 3. Present Continuous for Arranged Future Events

close the window when you are ready

FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.

Hey Bob, you agreed that you were gonna do the washing up, but there are dirty dishes everywhere in the kitchen!

Yeah, Sorry, I know. I got sidetracked. I'll do them tomorrow.

If you don't do them now, I won't give you the beer I bought for you and your friends!

Alright, I'll do them now!

Well, I'm gonna get my hair cut now. Just make sure they are done when I get back.

Sorry, I got sidetracked. I'll do it now TO GET SIDETRACKED means to become distracted from what you were doing or talking about because you start focusing on something else. Example: "I was doing my homework, but I got sidetracked by my phone." Means you stopped focusing on your homework because something else caught your attention.

Yeah, Sorry, I know. I got sidetracked. I'll do them tomorrow.

Hey Bob, you agreed that you were gonna do the washing up, but there are dirty dishes everywhere in the kitchen!

If you don't do them now, I won't give you the beer I bought for you and your friends!

Well, I'm gonna get my hair cut now. Just make sure they are done when I get back.

Alright, I'll do them now!

FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.

close the window when you are ready

Do you have plans for this weekend?

Nothing certain. I might go hiking if the weather is nice.

That sounds a bit too energetic for me. I think I'll visit my sister. I haven't seen her in a while. You remember her, don't you?

Josy? Oh yes, she's a lot of fun. I'd like to see her again.

Well, why don't you come with me?

Perhaps I will. Can I let you know for certain tomorrow?

Sure!

That sounds a bit too energetic for me. I think I'll visit my sister. I haven't seen her in a while. You remember her, don't you?

Nothing certain. I might go hiking if the weather is nice

Josy? Oh yes, she's a lot of fun. I'd like to see her again

Perhaps I will. Can I let you know for certain tomorrow?

Do you have plans for this weekend?

Well, why don't you come with me?

Sure!

Now, close the window

Wow, it's hot today. I'll go to the beach and have a swim!

She is REACTING to today's temperature and MAKING A DECISION.

WHEN WE MAKE A DECISION AS A REACTION TO THE PRESENT SITUATION WE EXPRESS THE DECISION WITH

WILL

A4 CREATIONS © 2024 by JONATHAN BOYDELL is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

Jim is upset because Jane used 'will' to answer his invitation to dinner

• 'Will' expresses a spontaneous decision

so, the meaning of Jane's communication was: "Rather than have dinner with you, I have just decided to have dinner with my sister" This dialogue removes any problem:

Jim: Hi Jane, would you like to have dinner with me?

Jane: Sorry Jim, I'm going to have dinner with my sister.

Jim: Ah, Ok. You already have plans.

SO, USE 'GOING TO' WHEN YOU WANT TO POLITELY REFUSE INVITATIONS!!

In reality, when we are speaking, the difference betweenGOING TO & PRESENT CONTINUOUS is not always important

Most mother tongue speakers actually use the Present Continuous when they should technically use Going To!e.g. they often say

• I'm washing my hair tonight!

But, because we don't need to 'arrange' to wash our own hair, the phrase should be:

• I'm going to wash my hair tonight

So, when you are speaking, don't worry too much. But if you are doing an exam, Cambridge FCE for example, you must follow the rules "I'm washing my hair tonight" would be marked as 'incorrect usage'

FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.

close the window when you are ready

Good morning. I'm calling on behalf of Mr Jones. He should be seeing Dr Smith at 3.30, but something urgent's come up and he can't make it I'm afraid.

Good Morning Smith & Turner Dental Surgery.How can I help you?

Oh, I see. Would you like me to cancel the appointment or reschedule it?

I'd like to reschedule it, if possible. Would 5 or 6 pm be possible?

Let me see...Yes, Dr Smith has a free slot at at 6. Shall I book that?

Yes please, So that's 6pm today instead of 3.30. Thank you so much.

Happy to help, bye.

Oh, I see. Would you like me to cancel the appointment or reschedule it?

Good Morning Smith & Turner Dental Surgery.How can I help you?

Let me see...Yes, Dr Smith has a free slot at at 6. Shall I book that?

Happy to help, bye.

Good morning. I'm calling on behalf of Mr Jones. He should be seeing Dr Smith at 3.30, but something urgent's come up and he can't make it I'm afraid.

Yes please, So that's 6pm today instead of 3.30. Thank you so much.

I'd like to reschedule it, if possible. Would 5 or 6 pm be possible?

LEARNING NEW VOCABULARY: Reading newspaper articles is a great source of new vocabulary. If you read online you can use an online dictionary to instantly check the meaning of new terms. Remember to write the terms down in your vocabulary notebook.

Read THE ARTICLE

NB: A swindle is when someone tricks or cheats another person to take their money or things in a dishonest way. It’s like a scam, where someone lies to get what they want, usually money. For example: "He was part of a swindle and tricked people into giving him money for a fake business." Swindling is illegal and unfair because it involves lying or cheating.

Now, close the window

FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.

Yes! I'll have the carbonara please.

Are you ready to order?

and I'll have a steak

I'll have the carbonara, then a steak please!

Are you ready to order?

I'll have the carbonara, then a steak please!

and I'll have a steak

Yes! I'll have the carbonara please.

WORKSHEETS

The worksheets are present in units 1 - 3, but re-presented here for convenience.

FULL MODULE WORKSHEET DOWNLOADWILL vs GOING TO vs PC

WILL vs GOING TO: WORKSHEET DOWNLOAD

WILL: WORKSHEETDOWNLOAD

Now, close the window

I'm tired, I'll stop cycling soon

I'll hit the next ball really hard

I'll email my friend now

What a great idea! I'll write it down so I don't forget it

An email from my friend! I'll read it later.

close the window when you are ready

PART 1

OK, let's make a list and divide things up

Hey Bob, we really need to sort out the chores this weekend. The house is a mess and the fridge is empty!

LATER THE SAME DAY

So we need to do the cleaning, the shopping, the ironing, the washing up and there's a lot of tidying to do

I don't mind ironing and washing up so I'll do those chores.

That's right, but he doesn't mind. So I'm going to do the shopping. I'm going to get him lots of beer too, because he's going to watch the match with friends on Saturday night.

Great, I'll do the shopping then. Apart from the usual, do you want anything from the supermarket?

Can you get me some beer? There's a match tomorrow evening that I want to watch.

Let's leave the cleaning and tidying up until Sunday, I want to invite some friends over to watch Saturday's match.

Great, I'll do the shopping then. Apart from the usual do you want anything from the supermarket?

So we need to do the cleaning, the shopping, the ironing, the washing up and there's a lot of tidying to do

Ok, I'll pick up some beer. Now what about the cleaning and tidying up?

I Know, that's why we're not going to do the cleaning on Saturday, we're going to do it on Sunday!

I don't mind ironing and washing up so I'll do those chores.

Can you get me some beer? There's a match tomorrow evening that I want to watch.

So Jane, what are you up to this weekend? Anything special?

OK, let's make a list and divide things up

Hey Bob, we really need to sort out the chores this weekend. The house is a mess and the fridge is empty!

Oh that's good, you hate doing the ironing, don't you?

Yes, we've made a plan. He's going to do the ironing and the washing up

They will really mess the place up!

But Bob will help you, won't he?

No, nothing special it's all chores for me I'm afraid!

Sounds like you've got it all worked out.

Let's leave the cleaning and tidying up until Sunday, I want to invite some friends over to watch the match.

Ok, I'll pick up some beer. Now what about the cleaning and tidying up?

PART 2

So Jane, what are you up to this weekend? Anything special?

But Bob will help you, won't he?

No, nothing special it's all chores for me I'm afraid!

Yes, we've made a plan. He's going to do the ironing and the washing up

Oh that's good, you hate doing the ironing, don't you?

They will really mess the place up! To mess somewhere up = to transform a place that was clean and tidy into a place that is messy/untidy To mess something up = to make so many mistakes that something is ruined, e.g. Unfortunately I crashed the car during my driving test, that really messed it up!

That's right, but he doesn't mind. So I'm going to do the shopping. I'm going to get him lots of beer too, because he's going to watch the match with friends on Saturday night.

They will really mess the place up!

I know, that's why we're not going to do the cleaning on Saturday, we're going to do it on Sunday!

Sounds like you've got it all worked out.

Scenarios

Scenarios are windows containing animations which are designed to illustrate language points in context You can access the scenarios by clicking these buttons in the module pages:

SCENARIO

The scenarios are animated chats between characters on screen >>>>>>>>>>>>>

The animations start a few seconds after you open the window and play automatically. NOTE:

• The animations cannot be paused.
• You can replay the animations as many times as you want by closing then opening the window again.

• If you cannot follow the dialogue, don't worry! At the end of each animation all the text is re-presented for review

The text of every chat is available for review at the end of the animation >>>>>>>>>>>>>

FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.

close the window when you are ready

Hi I'd like to make an appointment with Dr Smith for tomorrow. Is he free in the afternoon? Say 3pm...

Let me check his appointments. He has someone at 2, but he should be free by 3. Let's say 3.30 to be on the safe side because the 2pm appointment might overrun.

3.30? Great, that works for me. I'll see you at 3.30 tomorrow then

OK, I'll just add the appointment to our system. Sorry, will you give me your name?

Of course, sorry, I forgot to say. It's Mr Jones

Thank you Mr Jones. All entered and confirmed. Would you like me to email you a reminder tomorrow morning?

No Thanks, I won't forget.

VOCABULARYTO BE ON THE SAFE SIDE - an expression used when you schedule extra time so that you are sure you have enough time. TO OVERRUN - a verb which means something continued for longer than its scheduled time. THAT WORKS FOR ME - an expression we use when arranging appointments. It means that the suggested appointment time is good. e.g 3pm works for me.

Let me check his appointments. He has someone at 2, but he should be free by 3. Let's say 3.30 to be on the safe side because the 2pm appointment might overrun.

Thank you Mr Jones. All entered and confirmed. Would you like me to email you a reminder tomorrow morning?

Hi I'd like to make an appointment with Dr Smith for tomorrow. Is he free in the afternoon? Say 3pm...

3.30? Great, that works for me. I'll see you at 3.30 tomorrow then

Of course, sorry, I forgot to say. It's Mr Jones

OK, I'll just add the appointment to our system. Sorry, will you give me your name?

No Thanks, I won't forget.

FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.

close the window when you are ready

Good Morning Janet. What've I got on today? The battery on my IPad died, so I haven't checked my calendar

Morning Jim. Let me just check....Well you're free all morning, but you're seeing the CEO at 3 to go through the marketing plan.

What? 3pm today. Oh no, I'm seeing the dentist at 3.30!

Well, would you like me to call the CEO's PA and try to bring the meeting forward?

er, no, please call the dentist and try to put my appointment off until 5 or 6pm, even to tomorrow.

Ok, I'll get onto that now and let you know.

Thanks Janet

Good Morning Janet. What've I got on today? The battery on my IPad died, so I haven't checked my calendar

What? 3pm today. Oh no, I'm seeing the dentist at 3.30!

Morning Jim. Let me just check.... Well you're free all morning, but you're seeing the CEO at 3 to go through the marketing plan.

er, no, please call the dentist and try to put my appointment off until 5 or 6pm, even to tomorrow.

Thanks Janet

Ok, I'll get onto that now and let you know.

Well, would you like me to call the CEO's PA and try to bring the meeting forward?

RING

WHEN WE REACT TO THINGS WHICH ARE HAPPENING NOWWE EXPRESS THE REACTION WITH

RING

RING

RING

Now, close the window

WILL

Hey Jack, the phone's ringing.I'm busy with the baby...

No problem.I'll answer it

Now, close the window

WHEN WE REACT TO THINGS PEOPLE SAY TO US AND MAKE A DECISIONWE EXPRESS THE DECISION WITH

WILL

I don't think so. It's late. I think I'll go to bed now.

Do you want to watch another film?

She is REACTING to his question and MAKING A DECISION

close the window when you are ready

FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.

Hey Bob, This email says I've just won €1m !

Wow, what will you do with all that money?

I haven't had time to think about it, but I think I will give up my job and go on holiday!

Well Jane, before you make any hasty decisions, I think you should check that it isn't a scam!

Good idea. I'll do that now.

Lexical Notes:

1. Give Up Work = Stop working permanently2. Hasty Decisions = Decisions made without enough thinking or reflecting. Also 'rash decisions'3. A Scam = A dishonest scheme to deceive people which usually involves the loss of money

I haven't had time to think about it, but I think I will give up work and go on holiday!

Well Jane, before you make any hasty decisions, I think you should check that it isn't a scam!

Wow, what will you do with all that money?

Hey Bob, This email says I've just won €1m !

Good idea. I'll do that now.

Now, close the window

FOLLOW THE DIALOGUE.

Hi Bob, have you heard that Oasis have reformed and are going to play some gigs in Italy?

Really! Great!! I'll get on Ticketmaster right now. How many tickets shall I get?

I want to go and I think my sister would like to go too, but I will text her now to check. Try to get 2 for me anyway.

Bad news I'm afraid. The only tickets left cost €500 each. I don't think I'll buy one, do you still want 2?

90 minutes later!

Yes please Bob, I'll sell my car to pay for them

Wow, you really love them, don't you!

90 minutes later!

Really! Great!! I'll get on Ticketmaster right now. How many tickets shall I get?

I want to go and I think my sister would like to go too, but I will text her now to check. Try to get 2 for me anyway.

Wow, you really love them, don't you!

Hi Bob, have you heard that Oasis have reformed and are going to play some gigs in Italy?

Bad news I'm afraid. The only tickets left cost €500 each. I don't think I'll buy one, do you still want 2?

Yes please Bob, I'll sell my car to pay for them