Unit 1: The verb be

am · is · are

In this unit

Learn to name things, describe people, say who you are and ask simple questions.

Look at the example first. Then try the questions. Check your answers and try again if you need to.

1

One thing: “This is …”

An apple

Look at the apple.

This is an apple.

Look at the book.

This is a book.
A book

Use This is … for one thing.

Choose the right word.
1. This ___ an apple.
2. This is ___ book.
2

Two or more: “These are …”

Three chairs
These are chairs.

One: This is an apple.

More than one: These are chairs.

Choose the right word.
1. These ___ tomatoes.
2. ___ is a book.
3. ___ are apples.
3

He is … / She is … / It is …

A manA womanA dog
He is cold.
She is happy.
It is a dog.

Use he for a man or boy, she for a woman or girl, and it for an animal or thing.

Choose the right word.
1. A woman: ___ is happy.
2. A dog: ___ is a dog.
3. He ___ cold.
4

Talk about yourself: “I am …”

I am happy.
I am a student.
I am Ted.

With I, use am. We often say I'm instead of I am.

I am happy. = I'm happy.
Complete the sentences.
1. I ___ happy.
2. I ___ a student.
5

Say “no”: use “not”

Read the first sentence. Then read the sentence with not.

She is happy.
She is not happy.
They are here.
They are not here.

You can also say isn't and aren't.

She isn't happy. They aren't here.
Write the whole sentence.

Use not, as in the example.

1. He is cold.
2. They are tired.
6

Ask a question

Look at the change.

You are tired. → Are you tired?
She is at home. → Is she at home?

Short answers:

Are you tired? — Yes, I am. / No, I'm not.
Is she at home? — Yes, she is. / No, she isn't.
Choose the first word.
1. ___ you tired?
2. ___ she at home?
3. ___ they here?
7

Put it together

Complete the conversation.

Sam: Hi! I ___ Sam.

Lee: Hello, Sam. I ___ Lee.

Sam: ___ you a student?

Lee: Yes, I ___.


Now you!

Write five sentences about yourself. You can write your name, where you are from, how you feel today, whether you are tired, and whether you are a student or have a job.

Your writing stays on this page. It is not sent anywhere.

Teacher note: introduce one step at a time. Real objects, gestures or classroom pictures can be used instead of the illustrations.