⏱️ Pomodoro Timer
Set a timer for 25 minutes. Work through this page using the activities below. When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break!
When to Use the Present Tense
- Things happening right now: Je mange (I am eating)
- Habits and routines: Je joue au rugby le samedi (I play rugby on Saturdays)
- General facts: Paris est en France (Paris is in France)
Regular -ER Verbs Both Levels
Most French verbs end in -ER. Here's the pattern using parler (to speak):
| Pronoun | Ending | Example | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| je | -e | parle | I speak |
| tu | -es | parles | you speak |
| il/elle | -e | parle | he/she speaks |
| nous | -ons | parlons | we speak |
| vous | -ez | parlez | you speak (plural/formal) |
| ils/elles | -ent | parlent | they speak |
Other common -ER verbs: jouer (to play), regarder (to watch), aimer (to like), habiter (to live), manger (to eat)
Regular -IR and -RE Verbs Level 2
-IR Verbs (finir - to finish)
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| je | finis |
| tu | finis |
| il/elle | finit |
| nous | finissons |
| vous | finissez |
| ils/elles | finissent |
-RE Verbs (vendre - to sell)
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| je | vends |
| tu | vends |
| il/elle | vend |
| nous | vendons |
| vous | vendez |
| ils/elles | vendent |
Key Irregular Verbs
These don't follow the regular patterns - you need to learn them individually:
avoir (to have) Both Levels
j'ai, tu as, il/elle a, nous avons, vous avez, ils/elles ont
être (to be) Both Levels
je suis, tu es, il/elle est, nous sommes, vous êtes, ils/elles sont
aller (to go) Both Levels
je vais, tu vas, il/elle va, nous allons, vous allez, ils/elles vont
faire (to do/make) Level 2
je fais, tu fais, il/elle fait, nous faisons, vous faites, ils/elles font
📝 Revision Activities
Pick at least TWO of these evidence-based techniques:
1. Brain Dump (Retrieval Practice)
Time: 3 minutes
Close this page. On a blank piece of paper, write down everything you can remember about the present tense. Include:
- The endings for -ER verbs
- At least 2 irregular verbs with all their forms
- When you use the present tense
Then come back and check. What did you miss? Those are your gaps!
2. The Foldy Method (Look-Cover-Write-Check)
Time: 10 minutes
- Fold a piece of paper into two columns
- Left column: Write the pronouns (je, tu, il/elle, nous, vous, ils/elles)
- Right column: Write the correct form of avoir
- Fold the right column under so you can only see the left
- Test yourself - write the forms from memory
- Unfold and check with a different color pen
- Repeat with être, then aller, then faire
3. Teach the Teddy
Time: 5 minutes
Explain the present tense out loud as if you're teaching someone who knows nothing about French. A teddy bear, pet, or family member works! If you get stuck explaining something, that shows you what needs more practice.
4. Flashcard Boxing (Leitner System)
Time: 15 minutes
- Make flashcards for each irregular verb (front: "je ____" / back: "j'ai")
- Create three piles: "Don't Know", "Sort Of", "Nailed It"
- Start all cards in the "Don't Know" pile
- Test yourself - if you get it right, move it up a pile. Wrong? Back to "Don't Know"
- Focus your time on the "Don't Know" pile
5. Sketch It From Memory (Dual Coding)
Time: 5 minutes
Close this page and draw a simple diagram or table showing the -ER verb endings from memory. Stick figures and rough tables are fine! Then check and add what you missed in a different color.
🧠 Spaced Practice Reminder
Don't just study this once! Return to this page:
- Tomorrow - quick 5-minute retrieval practice
- In 3 days - test yourself again
- In 1 week - final check before moving on
The gaps between sessions are what make the memory stick!