Global Mobility 1.1 How to talk about your plans to move

An illustrated map with a pin dropped on a location

Where in the world are you going?

In this lesson, you will learn how to talk about future plans and intentions. This will help you create an "elevator pitch" that explains your destination, timeline and plans.

Introduction

Tell your teacher where you are going. How do you feel about it?

Warm Up

When are you moving? Tell your teacher.

Now take a look at the timeline below and answer your teacher's questions. Use complete sentences.

A timeline showing now and moving day

 

Language

1. Future plans

1.1 Which of the following sentences can be used in English to talk about future plans?

  1. Present simple—I go;
  2. The present continuous—I am going;
  3. Be going to—I am going to go;
  4. Future simple—I will go; or
  5. Modals of possibility—I might go.

1.2 Match each sentence with the meaning.

1. I go tomorrow. a) a guess or speculation
2. I am going tomorrow. b) a prediction or promise
3. I am going to go tomorrow. c) an intention
4. I will go tomorrow. d) a scheduled event
5. I might go tomorrow. e) a plan or appointment

1.3 Your choice of future pattern can communicate something extra to the person you are speaking to. 

A cartoon showing a person answering and the impression that creates in the mind of the listener.

Consider the following question: "Have you booked your flight?" 

Match the answer to the impression it creates in the mind of the listener.

Answer Impression
1. I am doing that next week. a) I have thought about it. I intend to do it next week.
2. I am going to do that next week. b) I haven't really thought about it. But it can wait till next week.
3. I will do it next week. c) I have an appointment at the travel agent next week.

2. Elevator pitch

2.1 Now, let's craft a pitch. This should include:

  1. Where you are going;
  2. When you are going;
  3. What you will be doing when you are there; and
  4. Your intentions once you arrive.

Fill the gaps with the correct verb:

I (1)________ (move) to the UK. I (2)________ (leave) in May. I (3)________ (work) in the London office for 3 years. I (4)________ (look for) a place to live once I arrive. 

2.2 Explain your moving plans to your teacher.

Practice

Roleplays: 

  1. Imagine your teacher is a friendly neighbour. They notice you are moving out. Talk to them about your plans.
  2. Your teacher is a managing partner at work. They heard you are transferring. Tell them about it.
Reflect & Review

Have a quick chat to your teacher about what you have learned in this lesson.

Next Steps

In the next lesson, you will use formal and informal questions to find out about your new home.