• Learn to describe trends, habits, and changes over time
• Understand and use "used to," "get used to," and "be used to" correctly
• Practice talking about trends and personal changes in various contexts
Introduction to Describing Trends and Changes
Why is it important?
Being able to describe how things change over time is crucial for discussions about society, technology, personal habits, and more.
Key Topics
• Talking about habits from the past, adjusting to new situations, and describing current norms
• Describing trends in various fields, such as fashion, technology, or personal lifestyle
Examples:
◦ People used to send letters, but now they mostly communicate via email.
◦ I wasn’t used to the cold weather when I moved, but now I’ve gotten used to it.
Grammar Focus
Used to ◦ Get Used to ◦ Be Used to
Used to
To talk about habits or states in the past that are no longer true
I used to play soccer every weekend.
Get Used to
To describe the process of becoming familiar or comfortable with something new
I’m getting used to waking up early.
Be Used to
To describe something that is now normal or comfortable for you
I’m used to the noise in the city now.
Examples:
Used to:
She used to live in a small town.
Get Used to:
It took me a while to get used to working remotely.
Be Used to:
They are used to the fast-paced environment at work.
Fill in the blanks
1. When I was younger, I __________ (play) video games all day. 2. After a few months, I __________ (get) the new schedule.
Vocabulary
Describing Trends and Changes
Key Vocabulary
Trend:
A general direction in which something is developing or changing
Shift:
A change in position, direction, or focus
Transition:
The process of changing from one state to another
Adapt:
To adjust to new conditions
Evolve:
To develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form
Phrases to Use
There has been a shift in…
People are starting to adapt to…
This trend is becoming more popular…
Example Sentences:
◦ There has been a significant shift in how people consume media.
◦ The trend of working from home is evolving as companies adapt to new technology.
Match the vocabulary with the correct definition
1. Trend 2. Adapt
Practice
Discussing Trends and Changes
1. Pair up with a partner and discuss changes you've noticed in your own life or society. Use "used to," "get used to," and "be used to" in your conversation.
Questions:
a. What is something you used to do regularly but no longer do?
b. What new habits have you had to get used to recently?
c. What are you now used to that was difficult at first?
2. Write a short paragraph describing a trend or change in society (e.g., in technology, fashion, or lifestyle). Use the vocabulary and grammar from today’s lesson.
Homework:
Write a short essay (150-200 words) describing a major change in your life or in society over the past five years. Use "used to," "get used to," and "be used to" in your writing.
Homework Example:
Five years ago, I used to go to the office every day, but now I’ve gotten used to working from home. It was challenging at first, but now I’m used to the flexibility and enjoy the work-life balance it provides.
Preview of Next Class:
Discussing technology and innovations using future forms (will, going to, future continuous).