Grammar point 7: Prepositions with time expressions

·         Use “at” when talking about a specific time: My workday starts at 9:00 am.

The plane leaves at 10:00 am.

·         Use “in” when talking about an amount of time: I have to be there in 10 minutes.

My bus leaves in ½ hour

·         We use the expression “to be on time” when talking about having to be at a specific place at a specific time.

You'd better be on time.

He is never on time, so don’t start the meeting.

She is never on time, she is always late. My classes start right on time.

 Practice:

Describe someone you know who is always on time.

Describe someone you know who is never on time. How does that make you feel?

Practice:

School Schedule: Here is a sample schedule high school students may follow.  Ask the following questions:

·         How does this compare to your schedule?

·         Students have 6 minutes to get from one class to another.

·          Do you think that is enough time? How much time do you have between classes?

·         How much time is there for lunch? Do you think there is enough time?

 

 

Regular Bell Schedule*
1st    period English		8:00 am – 8:40 am
2nd   period Math		8:46 am – 9:26 am
3rd   period History		9:32 am – 10:12 am
4th   period Biology		10:18 am – 10:5 am
5th   period (First lunch shift)		11:04 am – 11:4 am
6th   period(second  lunch shift)		11:50 am – 12:3 pm
7th   period Study Hall		12:36 pm – 1:16 pm
Update*		1:16 pm – 1:28 pm
8th   period Algebra		1:34pm – 2:14 pm
9th    period Art		2:20 pm – 3:00 pm

 

* A “Bell” schedule refers to the practice of sounding a bell to indicate to teachers and students that it is time to change classes. Either students move to another classroom or the teacher moves.

*”Update” refers to the time when the principal, the school secretary or selected students make announcements relating to school events.  This is done over the public announcement system.

Activity Listening: Students listen to the monologue below and fill in the missing information in the grid.

To add a challenge asks them to design their own grid. Then choose the most organized and clear schedule created

Sally/Stanley’s Monologue: A high school student at an American High school describes part of her/his schedule.

8:00 am	School starts
	Spanish
9:06
9:56
	Phys Ed.

 

 

“Hi!  I am a student at Lincoln Lake High School in Ohio.  Even though I am very busy, I love school.   Classes begin at 8:00 sharp, but we have to be at school at least 15 minutes before.  My first class is Spanish and it begins at 8:15 and ends at 9:00.  Our teacher, Mr. Sanchez is really cool.  He always brings in music and we sing a lot in class.  Then I have history at 9:06.   Mr. Williams is old fashioned and I get bored in his class.   I am relieved when the bell rings at 9:50.  Then it’s off to third period Math which begins at 9:56.  Miss Adams is fantastic!  She makes Math interesting.  The time in her class flies by.  I hate to leave when the bell rings at 10:40.  The worst part of my day is fourth period.  Phys. Ed.!! Ugh! At 10:46 we have to go directly to the locker room to change into our gym clothes. Then our teacher makes us run for 30 minutes and …..

 

 

 

These documents are taken from the Terminales curriculum teacher's guide.

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