Past simple v Present perfect

PAST SIMPLE
 We use the Past Simple tense to
talk about a definite finished time in
the past.
 I wrote a letter yesterday.
I wrote a letter at 7 o'clock.
I wrote a letter last Monday.
I wrote a letter several weeks ago.
 PRESENT PERFECT
 Although we can use time phrases with the
present perfect, often we don't even know
exactly when the action happened.
 I have written a letter.
 I have been to France.
 I have worked as a chef before.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN7pP-
5M2nU
 EXAMPLES
 Here is part of an application letter-
Highlight the two tenses.
 Dear Ms Small,
 I am interested in applying for the post of
junior secretary. I have recently completed a
BTEC in business studies. During my course I
went on a number of work placements. I have
also completed a Level 2 typing course.
 In my summer holidays I worked in a small
business as a trainee secretary. I contacted
them during my course and they were keen to
offer me a job during the summer.
 ANSWERS
 Dear Ms Small,
 I am interested in applying for the post of
junior secretary. I have recently completed a
BTEC in business studies. During my course I
went on a number of work placements. I have
also completed a Level 2 typing course.
 In my summer holidays I worked in a small
business as a trainee secretary. I contacted
them during my course and they were keen to
offer me a job during the summer.
 ACTIVITY
 Correct or incorrect- are the
following sentences written
correctly.
 Come to the board and
mark the mistakes, or give
them a tick if they are
correct.
 CORRECT OR INCORRECT?
I have worked in a
restaurant last year.
 I worked in a

restaurant last year.

 CORRECT OR INCORRECT?
I have never studyed
French.
 I have never studied

French.
 CORRECT OR INCORRECT?
I worked as a waitress
in 1998.
 I worked as a waitress

in 1998.
 CORRECT OR INCORRECT?
 She has completed a
computer course last
year.
 She completed a
computer course last
year.
 CORRECT OR INCORRECT?
I went to Southend
Adult Community
College last year.
 I went to Southend
Adult Community
College last year.
 CORRECT OR INCORRECT?
 During my course I visited
Italy twice. I have never be
to Spain though.
 During my course I visited
Italy twice. I have never
been to Spain though.
 CORRECT OR INCORRECT?
I have done a range of
part time jobs since I
left college.
 I have done a range of
part time jobs since I
left college.
 C.V’s
 Now we are going to work on writing
a C.V.