Help learners express likes and dislikes in English while practising free-time vocabulary and the verb + -ing form. This no-prep ESL worksheet combines guided grammar, vocabulary, speaking and writing activities for beginner and elementary learners.
Students interpret a visual preference table, complete sentences with expressions such as like, quite like, really like, don’t like, really dislike and hate, and then write about their own interests. They also identify and form common -ing forms before using them in complete sentences about hobbies and free-time activities.
WHAT STUDENTS PRACTICE
- Expressing likes, dislikes and personal preferences
- Using like, quite like, really like, don’t like, really dislike and hate
- Using preference verbs followed by the -ing form
- Forming the -ing form of common verbs
- Talking and writing about hobbies and free-time activities
- Writing personalized sentences about their own preferences
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
Exercise A — Likes and dislikes
Students study a visual table and complete sentences using the appropriate preference expression. They then add their own preferences to the table and write sentences about themselves.
Exercise B — Forming the -ing form
Students identify verbs in the -ing form, match infinitives with their corresponding -ing forms and review common spelling patterns.
Exercise C — Grammar in context
Students write complete sentences about free-time activities using preference expressions followed by verb + -ing. The prompts can also be used for pair speaking practice.
FREE-TIME VOCABULARY
The activities include useful expressions such as:
- doing homework
- going shopping
- hiking
- learning English
- playing computer games
- reading a book
- scrolling on social media
- watching TV
- working out at the gym
- running along the beach
- playing cards
- hanging out with friends
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 📝 Student worksheet (2-page PDF)
- 🖥️ Classroom-ready PowerPoint (8 slides with answer key)
- 🔑 Answer key (PDF)
WHO IS THIS RESOURCE FOR?
This likes and dislikes ESL worksheet is best suited to A1–A2 learners, including teenagers and adults. It can be used in ESL, EFL and ELL classes for whole-class instruction, pair work, independent practice, homework, grammar review, fast finishers or substitute lesson plans.
LEARNING GOALS
By the end of the activities, students should be able to:
- express different degrees of likes and dislikes;
- recognize and form common verbs ending in -ing;
- use preference expressions followed by verb + -ing;
- talk and write about their own free-time activities.
Frequently asked questions
What grammar does this worksheet teach?
It teaches preference expressions followed by the verb + -ing form, as in “I like reading” and “She hates doing homework.”
Does the resource include answers?
Yes. A complete answer key is included in PDF format and in the PowerPoint presentation.
Can it be used for speaking practice?
Yes. Students can compare their preferences, interview a partner and use the sentence prompts to discuss their hobbies and free-time activities.
Is the resource suitable for online lessons?
Yes. The PowerPoint presentation can be used for screen sharing and is compatible with Google Slides.
