be
to have a name, identity, or condition
I am a student.
Lesson 1 of 13 · A1–A2
Meeting people
Introduce yourself and describe people with short sentences.
1. Grammar: Be: am, is, are
Use I am, you/we/they are, and he/she/it is. Add not for a negative. Put am/is/are before the subject in a yes/no question. A name, place, or describing word can follow be.
- I am + name / adjective. → I am Ana. I am happy.
- She is + a/an + job. → She is a teacher.
- Are you + adjective? → Are you ready? Yes, I am. / No, I am not.
- Where are you from? → I am from Japan.
Model conversation
A: What is your name?
B: My name is Ana. I am a student.
A: Are you new here?
B: Yes, I am.
2. Basic words and verbs
Say each word, read its meaning, and make a sentence using the example.
name
the word people call you
My name is Ana.
student
a person who learns at a school
She is a student.
teacher
a person who helps people learn
He is a teacher.
friend
a person you know and like
You are my friend.
city
a large town
My city is Manila.
country
a place such as Japan or Brazil
My country is Japan.
happy
feeling good
I am happy.
tired
needing rest
He is tired.
ready
prepared to start
We are ready.
3. Conversation: 15 questions
Answer with a complete sentence. Open an answer starter if you need help, then replace the dots with your own words. Take turns asking and answering.
What is your name?
Answer starter
My name is …
Where are you from?
Answer starter
I am from …
What is your city like: big or small?
Answer starter
My city is …
Are you a student?
Answer starter
Yes, I am. / No, I am not.
Are you a teacher?
Answer starter
Yes, I am. / No, I am not.
Are you new to this class?
Answer starter
Yes, I am. / No, I am not.
Are you happy today?
Answer starter
I am … today.
Are you tired today?
Answer starter
I am / am not tired today.
Are you ready for the lesson?
Answer starter
I am / am not ready.
Who is your teacher?
Answer starter
My teacher is …
Is your teacher friendly?
Answer starter
My teacher is …
Who is your friend?
Answer starter
My friend is …
Where is your friend from?
Answer starter
My friend is from …
Is your friend a student?
Answer starter
My friend is / is not a student.
What are two things about you?
Answer starter
I am … and I am …
4. Say it again
Choose three questions and answer again without the starters. Use at least three words from the word bank. Your partner can listen for the grammar pattern, then help you repeat the sentence.