Scope and Sequence of Verb Tenses and Vocabulary for Better Learning

 

Teaching English can greatly benefit from didactic resources that organize content in a progressive and coherent manner. In this article you can find the 12 English verb tenses organized into individual rows, associating each tense with the corresponding CEFR level and suggesting specific vocabulary and verbs for each stage. Below, I also explain the main advantages and the benefits of using this tool in the classroom.

Let’s start by answering the big question: What is "scope and sequence"? 

In the world of education, scope and sequence is a twofold concept. “Scope” refers to the range of content – the topics, concepts, and skills that should be covered in a course. Meanwhile, “sequence” outlines the order in which these contents are taught. This structured roadmap ensures that learning builds gradually and coherently, allowing students to master basic elements before moving on to more complex structures.

Now, imagine integrating this approach into an English language curriculum. For example, consider how verb tenses are distributed across CEFR levels—from A1 to C2. I’ve broken down the 12 English verb tenses and aligned them with the respective CEFR level. For each tense, you can find suggested  relevant vocabulary, and practical example verbs.

Below are the six CEFR levels along with their commonly associated names:

A1 – Beginner

A2 – Elementary

B1 – Intermediate

B2 – Upper Intermediate

C1 – Advanced

C2 – Proficiency

And what follows is an example table that breaks down each of the 12 English verb tenses by CEFR level.

Each row in the table above details a specific verb tense, allowing teachers to easily identify at which level each grammatical structure should be introduced. For example:

• A1 – Present Simple: This is the first step for students, introducing basic vocabulary that allows for simple conversations.
• A2 – Present Continuous, Past Simple, and Future Simple (will): This level introduces the dynamics of ongoing actions and past or future events using simple expressions.
• B1 to C2: As the levels progress, the verb tenses become increasingly complex and are accompanied by more specialized vocabulary, helping students develop greater precision and fluency in a variety of contexts.

This organization supports a natural progression in learning, ensuring that each student solidifies a strong foundation before moving on to more complex structures.

The table not only categorizes the verb tenses but also suggests appropriate vocabulary for each level. This is essential for two reasons:

• Contextualization: Connecting grammar with specific vocabulary helps students understand the practical utility of each structure. For instance, when working with the Present Perfect at the B1 level, vocabulary related to personal experiences and travel is suggested, making the grammar more relevant and contextualized.

• Linguistic Enrichment: By introducing suitable vocabulary for each level, the overall language development is enhanced, combining grammar with semantics, which results in more fluent and natural communication.

For teachers, having such a detailed table means having a structured guide to design the course curriculum. This allows for:

• Structured Lesson Planning: Teachers can plan lessons sequentially, ensuring that each topic is addressed at the appropriate time in line with student progress.

• Continuous Assessment: With a clear reference of what needs to be learned at each level, it becomes easier to evaluate student progress and adjust teaching strategies as necessary.

While the table offers a general structure, it is also adaptable to the specific needs of the student group and the educational context. Teachers can adjust both the grammatical content and the suggested vocabulary based on:

• The pace of student learning.
• The cultural or professional context of the students.
• The specific goals of the English course or program.

This table is a versatile and practical tool that helps English teachers effectively organize the teaching of verb tenses along with the associated vocabulary. By integrating a clear and coherent progression based on the CEFR, educators can design more structured lesson plans, accurately assess student progress, and adjust the content to the specific needs of their groups. This approach fosters a gradual yet comprehensive learning experience, promoting the development of essential communicative competencies for academic and professional success.