I Am, You Are: practical A1 early English

Notice what you already know

Say these two lines from the earlier introduction lesson: “My name is Ahmed” and “I’m from Pakistan.” The second line is a short form of I am from Pakistan. Nothing new has been added to its meaning.
Now replace Ahmed and Pakistan with facts about you. Say both lines once before reading the rule.

The small pattern behind the sentences

I means the person speaking. Put am after it: “I am ready.” In everyday speech and informal writing, I am often becomes I’m. The apostrophe shows that one letter has been removed.
You means the person or people listening. Put are after it: “You are early.” The short form is you’re. Do not write your here. Your shows possession, as in “your phone.”

A country and a nationality answer different questions. “I am from Pakistan” names the country. “I am Pakistani” names the nationality. Both are complete sentences.

Two mistakes worth stopping early

Build six correct sentences

Say true sentences, then listen back

1. Read the model aloud: “I’m Sara. I’m from Pakistan. I’m Pakistani.”
2. Replace the name and facts. Record your three true sentences.
3. Listen once. Check that every sentence starts with I’m.

Now look at a friend’s name or photo. Say: “You are [name]. You are from [place].” This is practice, so use facts you know rather than guessing about a stranger.

Bring back two useful chunks

Complete these aloud without looking back:

1. My name ___ Bilal.
2. I’m ___ Pakistan.
3. Hello. I ___ Bilal.
4. You ___ early.
5. I ___ Pakistani.