Substitution Tables
writinggrammaraccuracypracticeindividualmedium prep10-15 min
Learners build correct sentences by selecting items from columns in a structured table.
Example Tables
Negative Imperative:
| Col 1 | Col 2 | Col 3 |
|---|---|---|
| (Please) | don't | cry |
| (Now) | let's not | be afraid |
| (Now please) | worry | |
| be scared | ||
| laugh at them |
Question Forms:
| Col 1 | Col 2 | Col 3 | Col 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| How many | ? | ||
| What | do you | require | |
| Which one | want | it | |
| When | need | that | |
| Why | them |
Procedure
- Write table on the board and demonstrate several sentences from it.
- Point to items; learners produce sentences (choral, then individual).
- Vary the order: predictable first, then random, then increasing speed.
- Gradually erase items ("disappearing table") to build recall.
- Written practice: learners copy sentences, then create their own from the table.
Tips
- Use tables based on high-frequency patterns only.
- Test all column combinations before class -- tables can produce strange unintended sentences.
- Follow up with personalisation tasks so practice goes beyond mechanical production.