General English Level 2 V 3
UNIT 01 Talking about the past TOPIC 02 My diary
LANGUAGE FOCUS 05 Writing a recount

Read about Mauro's weekend.

Listen to Mauro talking about his weekend.

Read Mauro's words.

I had a very busy weekend.
I worked as an instructor at the gym on Saturday. I taught 2 exercise classes.

Then on Saturday night I went to my friend, Nat's, place. After we had take-away pizza we watched a video. It was a good night and I really enjoyed it.

On Sunday I got up early and studied all day for my computer test. Then a friend from New Zealand phoned and we talked for a long time. I want to go there soon and see my family again. I really miss them.

After that I relaxed and watched TV. Finally I went to bed at 10.30.
I was tired but I enjoyed my weekend.

Mauro writes about what happened in the past. We call this a recount .

1. Parts of a recount

First we write an introduction .
Mauro writes:
I had a very busy weekend.

Mauro tells us his recount is about the weekend.

Then we write what happened .
Mauro writes:
I worked as an instructor at the gym on Saturday…
Then on Saturday night I went to my friend, Nat's, place…
On Sunday I got up early…
After that I relaxed and watched TV .
Finally I went to bed at 10.30…

Mauro tells us what he did first, what he did second etc.
He also tells us when he did these things.

Finally we write a conclusion.
Mauro writes:
I was tired but I enjoyed my weekend.

Mauro tells us how he felt about what happened.

2. Verbs in a recount

We use past tense verbs in a recount.

Mauro writes:
I had a very busy weekend…I worked as an instructor…I taught 2 exercise classes…I went to my friend, Nat's, place…we watched a video…I studied all day…we talked for a long time…After that I relaxed …

Find out more about past tense verbs.

3. People in a recount

We use personal pronouns to talk about the people.

Mauro writes:
After we had take-away pizza we watched a video.
Naomi writes:
I went to the movies with Susan… we had a good time.

Now go to 06 PRACTICE Writing a recount.