Unit 0 (Welcome back)
Welcome back starts with a small conversation: Hi, I’m Aya. What’s your name? In this English 2AC semester 1 revision unit, you practise introducing yourself, asking clear questions and talking about your classroom. Choose am, is or are for identity, have or has for possessions, and in, on or under to say where an object is. Then use these patterns to help a new classmate feel welcome.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- Introduce yourself and ask for personal information
- Choose be and have in statements, negatives and questions
- Locate classroom objects with there is/are and prepositions
- Ask for repetition and follow short classroom instructions
- Read a student profile and write a welcome message
Before you startThe English alphabet and common greetings · Numbers, days of the week and simple classroom nouns
Un bon cours, ça se partage.
How do you greet a new or returning classmate?
Say Nice to meet you when you meet someone for the first time. Say Nice to see you again to a person you already know. A short greeting is enough to start; wait for your partner’s answer before asking another question.
| Situation | Useful expression | Possible reply |
|---|---|---|
| Morning arrival | Good morning! | Good morning! |
| Meeting a new pupil | Hi! I’m Aya. | Hello! I’m Sami. |
| Meeting again | Nice to see you again. | Nice to see you too. |
| Asking about someone | How are you? | I’m fine, thanks. And you? |
| Leaving | See you tomorrow! | See you! Have a good afternoon. |
Make room for a new classmate
Aya: Hi! Is this your first day? Sami: Yes, it is. Aya: I’m Aya. What’s your name? Sami: I’m Sami. Aya: Nice to meet you. This is our classroom.
- Aya begins with a greeting and one question.
- Sami gives a short answer and his name.
- Aya introduces a place, so the conversation has a useful purpose.
Which questions ask for a name, age or country?
| Information | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Name | What’s your name? | My name is Sami. |
| Spelling | How do you spell Sami? | S-A-M-I. |
| Age | How old are you? | I’m thirteen years old. |
| Country | Where are you from? | I’m from Morocco. |
| Nationality | Are you Moroccan? | Yes, I am. |
| Possession | Do you have a ruler? | Yes, I do. |
Remember
English uses be for age: I’m thirteen. I have thirteen years is a common translation mistake. Write country names, nationality words and the pronoun I with capitals.
Morocco names a country; Moroccan describes a nationality. Compare I’m from Morocco and I’m Moroccan. You may use an invented identity for the activities. A class profile does not need an address, a telephone number or other private details.
How do you use am, is and are?
Definition
Be in the present : Use am with I, is with he, she or it, and are with you, we or they. Be links a person or thing to an identity, age, feeling or description.
| Subject | Statement | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | I am a student. | I am not tired. | Am I in your group? |
| he / she / it | She is thirteen. | She is not fourteen. | Is she thirteen? |
| you / we / they | They are classmates. | They are not teachers. | Are they classmates? |
Short forms are natural in a conversation: I’m, you’re, he’s, she’s, it’s, we’re and they’re. Is not becomes isn’t; are not becomes aren’t. For a question, move be before the subject. For a positive short answer, use the full verb: Yes, she is, rather than Yes, she’s.
What do subject pronouns replace?
Aya is thirteen becomes She is thirteen. Aya and Sami are classmates becomes They are classmates. The classroom is bright becomes It is bright. You can address one person or a whole group with you; the form is always are.
What is the difference between have and has?
| Subject | Statement | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| I / you / we / they | I have a notebook. | I don’t have a ruler. | Do you have a ruler? |
| he / she / it | Sami has a pencil. | He doesn’t have a ruler. | Does Sami have a ruler? |
Use has only in a positive statement with he, she or it. Does and doesn’t already mark the subject, so the next verb is have: Does she have a bag? No, she doesn’t. You may encounter have got in another book. This lesson practises the have pattern consistently.
| Person | Possessive adjective | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | my | my pencil |
| you | your | your notebook |
| he | his | his bag |
| she | her | her ruler |
| we | our | our classroom |
| they | their | their teacher |
Remember
Choose his or her by looking at the owner: Aya’s brother is her brother. Sami’s sister is his sister. The brother or sister does not choose the possessive adjective.
How do you describe your classroom and locate objects?
| Word or pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| in | inside | The pencil is in the pencil case. |
| on | touching the top surface | The book is on the desk. |
| under | below | The bag is under the chair. |
| next to | beside | The desk is next to the window. |
| there is | one thing exists in a place | There is a board. |
| there are | several things exist in a place | There are two windows. |
Learn classroom nouns with an article or number: a chair, a desk, a ruler, an eraser, two windows. Use a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound. For a negative, say There isn’t a computer or There aren’t any maps. For a question, say Is there a computer? or Are there any maps?
What can you say when you do not understand?
| Your purpose | Classroom expression |
|---|---|
| Ask someone to repeat | Can you repeat, please? |
| Ask for a slower explanation | Can you speak more slowly, please? |
| Ask about a word | What does ruler mean? |
| Ask for spelling | How do you spell window? |
| Ask to use an object | Can I borrow your ruler, please? |
| Check the task | Do we work in pairs? |
Step by step
Listen and act: a partner activity
- Partner A reads slowly: Open your notebook. Write your name. Underline the date.
- Partner B listens and follows the three steps without reading the instructions.
- If a step is unclear, ask Can you repeat, please?
- Swap roles with: Close your book. Point to the window. Sit down.
Listening here means listening to a partner or teacher reading the script; this page does not contain an audio recording. The imperative uses a base verb: Open your book. A negative instruction starts with Don’t: Don’t write on the desk.
Reading: a note on the classroom door
Hello! My name is Ines. I’m thirteen and I’m from Rabat, in Morocco. I’m in 2AC. This is our English classroom. There are two windows and one board. My blue bag is under my chair. I have a notebook, but I don’t have a ruler. Sami has a ruler. We work in pairs on Tuesday. If you are new, come and sit next to us!
Step by step
Read a short profile without guessing
- Read once to identify the speaker and the purpose: Ines welcomes a new classmate.
- Read again and locate the exact words for age, objects and day.
- Check pronouns: my refers to Ines; we refers to Ines and Sami.
- If the note does not give a detail, write Not stated rather than inventing it.
Writing and speaking: welcome a new pupil
Write 40–60 words for a classroom welcome note. Introduce a real or invented pupil, describe two objects and say where one object is. Model opening: Hi! I’m Adam. I’m thirteen. Welcome to our classroom. There are… Read your note to a partner. Your partner asks one personal-information question and one classroom question.
Before you finish, check five things: a capital I, age with be, has only in a positive statement with he/she/it, there are for several objects, and a full stop or question mark. Your note should sound like one pupil helping another, so keep the sentences short and useful.
Frequently asked questions
What does Welcome back cover in English 2AC?
Do I say I am thirteen or I have thirteen years?
Why is Does she have a ruler correct?
What is the difference between there is and there are?
How can I practise classroom listening without a recording?
Quiz: 20 questions
20 questions are randomly selected from this lesson’s 24-question bank. Choose one answer for each question and get an immediate explanation.
Q1You meet a new classmate for the first time. What do you say?
Incorrect answer
Nice to meet you is used at a first meeting.
Correct answer: Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you is used at a first meeting.
Q2You meet a friend from last year. Choose a greeting.
Incorrect answer
Again shows that you already know the person.
Correct answer: Nice to see you again.
Again shows that you already know the person.
Q3Which question asks for an age?
Incorrect answer
How old asks about age; answer with be and a number.
Correct answer: How old are you?
How old asks about age; answer with be and a number.
Q4Choose the correct age sentence.
Incorrect answer
English uses be to express age: I’m thirteen.
Correct answer: I’m thirteen.
English uses be to express age: I’m thirteen.
Q5Complete: My name … Aya.
Incorrect answer
My name is a singular subject, so it takes is.
Correct answer: is
My name is a singular subject, so it takes is.
Q6Complete: You … in my group.
Incorrect answer
You always takes are, for one person or several people.
Correct answer: are
You always takes are, for one person or several people.
Q7Choose the country sentence.
Incorrect answer
From is followed by the country name Morocco here.
Correct answer: I’m from Morocco.
From is followed by the country name Morocco here.
Q8Which word needs a capital letter?
Incorrect answer
Nationality words begin with a capital in English.
Correct answer: Moroccan
Nationality words begin with a capital in English.
Q9Choose the question for She is thirteen.
Incorrect answer
With be, put is before she to make the question.
Correct answer: Is she thirteen?
With be, put is before she to make the question.
Q10Are you Moroccan? Yes, …
Incorrect answer
Use the full form in a positive short answer: Yes, I am.
Correct answer: I am.
Use the full form in a positive short answer: Yes, I am.
Q11Complete: Sami … a pencil.
Incorrect answer
A positive statement with Sami, equivalent to he, takes has.
Correct answer: has
A positive statement with Sami, equivalent to he, takes has.
Q12Complete: Does Aya … a ruler?
Incorrect answer
Use the base form have after does.
Correct answer: have
Use the base form have after does.
Q13Choose the negative of He has a bag.
Incorrect answer
Use doesn’t with he, followed by have.
Correct answer: He doesn’t have a bag.
Use doesn’t with he, followed by have.
Q14Aya owns a notebook. It is … notebook.
Incorrect answer
Her refers to Aya, the owner of the notebook.
Correct answer: her
Her refers to Aya, the owner of the notebook.
Q15Sami has a sister. She is … sister.
Incorrect answer
His refers to Sami, even though his sister is a girl.
Correct answer: his
His refers to Sami, even though his sister is a girl.
Q16The pencil is inside the pencil case. Choose the preposition.
Incorrect answer
In expresses a position inside an object or place.
Correct answer: in
In expresses a position inside an object or place.
Q17The book touches the top of the desk. It is … the desk.
Incorrect answer
On describes contact with the desk’s top surface here.
Correct answer: on
On describes contact with the desk’s top surface here.
Q18The bag is below the chair. It is … the chair.
Incorrect answer
Under expresses a position below something.
Correct answer: under
Under expresses a position below something.
Q19Complete: … two windows in the classroom.
Incorrect answer
Two windows is plural, so use there are.
Correct answer: There are
Two windows is plural, so use there are.
Q20Choose a correct singular question.
Incorrect answer
Use Is there…? to ask whether one object exists in a place.
Correct answer: Is there a board?
Use Is there…? to ask whether one object exists in a place.
Q21You did not hear the teacher. What can you say?
Incorrect answer
This politely asks the teacher to say the instruction again.
Correct answer: Can you repeat, please?
This politely asks the teacher to say the instruction again.
Q22Choose a negative classroom instruction.
Incorrect answer
A negative imperative uses Don’t followed by a base verb.
Correct answer: Don’t write on the desk.
A negative imperative uses Don’t followed by a base verb.
Q23In the reading, who has a ruler?
Incorrect answer
The note explicitly says Sami has a ruler.
Correct answer: Sami
The note explicitly says Sami has a ruler.
Q24What does Ines’s note tell us about Sami’s age?
Incorrect answer
The note gives Ines’s age but does not give Sami’s age.
Correct answer: His age is not stated.
The note gives Ines’s age but does not give Sami’s age.
Your score
0/20
Start with the worked examples
Read the lesson in small sections. Write your own example for each rule and try the Easy exercises before returning to the quiz.
Review: 20 missed questions
You meet a new classmate for the first time. What do you say?
Correct answerNice to meet you.
Nice to meet you is used at a first meeting.
You meet a friend from last year. Choose a greeting.
Correct answerNice to see you again.
Again shows that you already know the person.
Which question asks for an age?
Correct answerHow old are you?
How old asks about age; answer with be and a number.
Choose the correct age sentence.
Correct answerI’m thirteen.
English uses be to express age: I’m thirteen.
Complete: My name … Aya.
Correct answeris
My name is a singular subject, so it takes is.
Complete: You … in my group.
Correct answerare
You always takes are, for one person or several people.
Choose the country sentence.
Correct answerI’m from Morocco.
From is followed by the country name Morocco here.
Which word needs a capital letter?
Correct answerMoroccan
Nationality words begin with a capital in English.
Choose the question for She is thirteen.
Correct answerIs she thirteen?
With be, put is before she to make the question.
Are you Moroccan? Yes, …
Correct answerI am.
Use the full form in a positive short answer: Yes, I am.
Complete: Sami … a pencil.
Correct answerhas
A positive statement with Sami, equivalent to he, takes has.
Complete: Does Aya … a ruler?
Correct answerhave
Use the base form have after does.
Choose the negative of He has a bag.
Correct answerHe doesn’t have a bag.
Use doesn’t with he, followed by have.
Aya owns a notebook. It is … notebook.
Correct answerher
Her refers to Aya, the owner of the notebook.
Sami has a sister. She is … sister.
Correct answerhis
His refers to Sami, even though his sister is a girl.
The pencil is inside the pencil case. Choose the preposition.
Correct answerin
In expresses a position inside an object or place.
The book touches the top of the desk. It is … the desk.
Correct answeron
On describes contact with the desk’s top surface here.
The bag is below the chair. It is … the chair.
Correct answerunder
Under expresses a position below something.
Complete: … two windows in the classroom.
Correct answerThere are
Two windows is plural, so use there are.
Choose a correct singular question.
Correct answerIs there a board?
Use Is there…? to ask whether one object exists in a place.
Exercises with answers
14 exercises, from easy practice to challenges. Try each one yourself, then reveal the answer and explanation.
Exercise 1
EasyChoose the expression: A new student enters your class. You meet last year’s classmate. Use Nice to meet you or Nice to see you again.
Answer and explanation
For the new student: Nice to meet you. For last year’s classmate: Nice to see you again. Again signals an earlier meeting.
Exercise 2
EasyAdd am, is or are: I … thirteen. My name … Younes. We … in 2AC. You … my classmate.
Answer and explanation
I am thirteen. My name is Younes. We are in 2AC. You are my classmate. Choose the form from the subject.
Exercise 3
EasyComplete with Morocco or Moroccan: Aya is from … . Sami is … . Then correct: i’m moroccan.
Answer and explanation
Aya is from Morocco. Sami is Moroccan. Correct form: I’m Moroccan. Both I and the nationality begin with capitals.
Exercise 4
EasyComplete: I … a notebook. Aya … a ruler. The pupils … pencils. Does Sami … an eraser?
Answer and explanation
Have; has; have; have. Does is followed by the base form have, even with one boy’s name.
Exercise 5
EasyUse the three classroom picture cards: Where is the pencil? Where is the book? Where is the bag?
Answer and explanation
The pencil is in the pencil case. The book is on the desk. The bag is under the chair. Each preposition describes the visible position.
Exercise 6
IntermediateReplace the names with possessives: Aya’s bag; Sami’s sister; Aya and Sami’s classroom; the notebook that belongs to me.
Answer and explanation
Her bag; his sister; their classroom; my notebook. His and her match the owner, not the object or relative.
Exercise 7
IntermediateMake questions from: She is Moroccan. They are classmates. Sami has a ruler. There are two windows.
Answer and explanation
Is she Moroccan? Are they classmates? Does Sami have a ruler? Are there two windows? Move be before the subject; use does before Sami and have.
Exercise 8
IntermediateMake negative: I am tired. Aya is fourteen. They have maps. Sami has a computer.
Answer and explanation
I’m not tired. Aya isn’t fourteen. They don’t have maps. Sami doesn’t have a computer. The main verb after doesn’t stays have.
Exercise 9
IntermediateRead Ines’s note. How old is she? Where is her bag? Who has a ruler? What day do they work in pairs? Is Sami thirteen?
Answer and explanation
Ines is thirteen. Her bag is under her chair. Sami has a ruler. They work in pairs on Tuesday. Sami’s age is not stated; Ines’s age does not tell us his age.
Exercise 10
IntermediateOrder each instruction: notebook / open / your ; your / write / name ; desk / don’t / on / write / the.
Answer and explanation
Open your notebook. Write your name. Don’t write on the desk. Start with the base verb, or Don’t followed by the base verb.
Exercise 11
IntermediateCorrect: i have thirteen years. my friend are Sami. she has a ruler. do he has a bag? Here the friend is a boy.
Answer and explanation
I am thirteen years old. My friend is Sami. He has a ruler. Does he have a bag? Correct capitals, age, agreement, the pronoun and does + have.
Exercise 12
ChallengeAsk a partner to read this once while you look away: My name is Hiba. I’m fourteen. My bag is on the desk. Write her name, age and bag’s location. Then listen again to check.
Answer and explanation
Name: Hiba. Age: fourteen. Location: on the desk. This checks information from a spoken script; ask for repetition if one detail is unclear.
Exercise 13
ChallengeWrite four questions about a name, age, country and possession. Give suitable invented replies and finish politely.
Answer and explanation
Model: What’s your name? I’m Nabil. How old are you? I’m thirteen. Where are you from? I’m from Morocco. Do you have a notebook? Yes, I do. Nice to meet you! Other coherent identities are acceptable.
Exercise 14
ChallengeWrite 40–60 words. Include a name, an age, two classroom objects, a location and a helpful sentence.
Answer and explanation
Model: Hi! I’m Meryem. I’m thirteen and I’m Moroccan. Welcome to our English classroom. There is a board and there are two windows. My bag is under my chair. I have a ruler. You can sit next to me. Ask me if you need help.
Check that the note includes all five requested details. Different names and classroom layouts are acceptable; check be, have, there is/are, capitals and punctuation.