Unit 4: Have you tried it?
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
- Describe and discuss food preferences and experiences using the present perfect and simple past to distinguish between general experiences and specific past events.
- Give clear, step-by-step cooking instructions using appropriate sequence adverbs (e.g., first, then, next, after that, finally) and relevant cooking vocabulary.
- Describe and evaluate foods and recipes by expressing likes and dislikes and providing details about ingredients, cooking methods, and favourite dishes.
Unit 4 / Lesson 4A
Level | ESLCO |
Program | ESL Foundations |
Time | Online Lecture: 2 hours Self-study: 5 hours |
Textbook / Digital Pack | Textbook: Pages 22 - 24 |
4A.1 Dialogue / Role Play
Mike: Have you ever tried sushi?
Craig: Yes, I have. I’ve tried it a few times, and I really like it.
Mike: That’s great! When did you try it for the first time?
Craig: I tried it last year at a Japanese restaurant in Toronto. It was really fresh and tasty.
Mike: Nice! I’ve eaten sushi many times too, but I’ve never had it with uni.
Craig: Oh, I tried uni once. It was interesting, but I didn’t love it.
Mike: I see. I’ve also eaten ramen and tempura, but I haven’t tried sashimi yet.
Craig: Sashimi is good! I’ve had it a few times. You should try it next time.
4A.2 Vocabulary
Read each word, say it out loud, check the meaning, and practice it every day.
meatballs
yogurt
stew
appetizer
picnic
spaghetti
sugar cane
4A.3 Grammar
Look at each grammar point, read the examples, and try to make your own simple sentences.
Common Errors
1. Using simple past for general experiences
I ate sushi many times.
I have eaten sushi many times.
Use present perfect for general life experiences without a specific time.
2. Using present perfect with a specific past time
I have tried sushi last year.
I tried sushi last year. Use simple past when you mention a specific time.
3. Forgetting the auxiliary “have/has”
I tried sushi before. (if intended as general experience)
I have tried sushi before.
4. Confusing “ever” and “never” placement
I never have tried sushi.
I have never tried sushi.
Have you ever tried sushi?
5. Using “been” instead of “gone” incorrectly for experiences
I have gone to Japan many times. (if the experience is about being there, not the trip itself)
I have been to Japan many times.
4A.4 Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Exercise 2: Multiple-Choice
4A.5 Textbook
Complete pages 22-24 of your textbook for your homework [before Class 4A].
4A.6 Speaking Task 4
Share Your Favourite Recipe
Record a 1–2 minute audio talking about foods you like. Include the following:
- Your experiences with the food
- Have you ever tried making it?
- When did you try it? (use present perfect vs. simple past)
Optional Sentence Starters
- I’ve tried making… / I made… last week
- I like it because… / I don’t like it because…
When you have finished this lesson, don't forget to Mark lesson complete, below: