A Trip Around the World
Engage novice-high/intermediate world language learners with the “Trip Around the World” past-tense narrative project. Students choose between a written essay or visual presentation to describe a real or imagined trip using accurate past tense verbs, transitions, and cultural details. The project culminates in an oral presentation demonstrating clear communication and mastery of narrating in the past. Perfect for multi-day assessments focused on travel, storytelling, and grammar in context.
Theme: Travel and Narrating in the Past
Level: Intermediate
Duration: Multi-day project and presentation
Project Overview
As part of your assessment on narrating in the past, you will complete either Project A or Project B, followed by an oral presentation. You will demonstrate your ability to describe and reflect on a real or imaginary trip using past tense verbs accurately and effectively.
Project A: Written Essay
Requirements for an “A” grade:
- Write an essay of 150–200 words about a trip you have taken (real or imagined).
- Correctly use past tense verbs to describe completed actions and background details.
- Include transition words to make your writing flow smoothly.
Grading Scale:
A: Meets all requirements with strong, accurate use of past tenses and transitions.
B: Meets all requirements with some verb or transition word errors.
C: Meets requirements but includes several errors in verb use or transitions.
D or below: Missing elements and/or numerous grammatical errors.
Project B: Visual Presentation (Scrapbook, Slideshow, or Digital Board)
Requirements for an “A” grade:
- Create a visual project (scrapbook, slideshow, or digital board) about a trip you have taken or imagined (125–175 words).
- Use past tense verbs accurately to describe events and details.
- Include transition words to connect ideas.
- Add images and accurate information about the places you mention.
Grading Scale:
A: Meets all requirements with accurate use of grammar and visuals.
B: Meets all requirements but includes some errors.
C: Meets basic requirements but includes several verb or transition errors.
D or below: Missing elements and/or frequent errors.
Part B: Oral Presentation
Each student will present their trip (essay or visual project) to the class.
Requirements for an “A” grade:
- Presents clearly without reading directly or using another language for support.
- Asks and answers at least ten questions (from both presenter and audience).
- Uses past tense forms accurately throughout.
Grading Scale:
A: Meets all requirements, accurate grammar and natural delivery.
B: Meets all requirements with a few minor errors.
C: Meets all requirements with several errors.
D or below: Missing elements and/or frequent mistakes.
Grammar Reference: Narrating in the Past
Two Main Uses of the Past Tense:
- Completed Actions: Used for specific events or actions that are finished.
Example: Yesterday, I visited the museum. - Background or Ongoing Actions: Used to describe emotions, time, weather, or repeated actions.
Example: When I was little, I loved going to the park.
Expressions for Narrating in the Past
For completed actions:
yesterday
last night
last year
two days ago
this morning
For ongoing or repeated actions:
always
often
every day
while
when I was a child
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