Support students in deepening their understanding of verb tenses with our Analysing Tense in Texts Worksheets. This thoughtful and reflective resource helps students explore the way verb tense shapes meaning, influences reader interpretation, and creates emotional resonance within a text. By comparing two different texts, students actively consider how writers choose tense for effect and how that choice guides the reading experience.

Through a two-part structure, students are guided to identify tense-specific language, analyse its purpose, and reflect on its broader narrative impact. The activity promotes analytical thinking, language awareness, and meaningful discussion. Whether comparing a diary entry written in present tense or a story narrated in past tense, students develop the skills to read more deeply and write more intentionally.

This resource is ideal for upper primary and middle years students working on grammar analysis, narrative comprehension, or language features within various text types. Use it during whole-class lessons, small group discussions, or independent literacy tasks. With opportunities for comparison, rewriting, and reflection, this activity builds strong foundations for understanding tense and tone in both reading and writing.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Identify and label verb tenses used in written texts
• ✅ Analyse how verb tense influences reader understanding and engagement
• ✅ Compare texts written in different tenses
• ✅ Reflect on authorial choices and their impact on tone and perspective
• ✅ Apply understanding of tense to writing and rewriting tasks

What’s Included:

• Structured worksheet with two main sections
• Section 1: Text selection, tense identification, and impact analysis
• Section 2: Comparative reflection question to synthesise understanding
• Space for students to include short sample excerpts from each text
• Clear layout and guiding prompts for independent or supported use

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheet
• Two short written texts (or excerpts) in different tenses
• Pencils or pens
• Optional: tense anchor charts or verb lists for reference

How to Use:

1. Begin with a class discussion about verb tenses and their effect on storytelling or communication.
2. Students choose two texts written in different tenses or use teacher-provided samples.
3. In Section 1, students identify the tense used in each text and analyse how it influences the reader’s experience.
4. In Section 2, students respond to a reflection question comparing the effect of each tense.
5. Encourage peer discussion or sharing to explore different perspectives.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during a grammar or text structure unit to explore tense and narrative style
• 💡 Pair with genre studies (e.g. recount vs. diary entry vs. persuasive) to highlight typical tense use
• 💡 Incorporate into reading groups when analysing author’s craft and language choice
• 💡 Use in writing lessons to prompt students to consider their own tense selection
• 💡 Build into a text comparison task using mentor texts from class novels or picture books

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Use highlighters to mark verbs and signal words in each text
• 💛 Encourage students to rewrite paragraphs in a different tense and analyse the change in effect
• 💛 Display a verb tense anchor chart for ongoing reference
• 💛 Discuss tone, time, and emotional impact as part of your analysis conversations

Analysing Tense in Texts Worksheets offer a rich opportunity for students to examine grammar in context and reflect on how language shapes meaning. A perfect fit for grammar lessons, text analysis tasks, and writing workshops alike!