Writing Practice: Structured Writing: Free-Time Activities

Write about free time

A strong short answer usually includes what you do, an opinion, and something you did recently. German word order matters when you add the perfect tense.

Useful writing chunks

Use these to build short, accurate sentences.

Opinion plus evidence

Move from a simple opinion to a fuller sentence.

Match the writing chunk

Add a reason

Which word commonly introduces a reason and sends the verb later in the clause?

• weil
• gern
• gestern
• und

Draft a free-time answer

I like playing football = ich spiele _____ Fußball. Yesterday I watched a film = gestern habe ich einen Film _____. I prefer music = ich höre _____ Musik.

Build the past sentence

Put the words in order: Yesterday I played football.

• gestern
• habe
• ich
• Fußball
• gespielt

Good writing choices

Select the TWO sentences that would improve a free-time answer.

• Ich spiele gern Fußball, weil es spannend ist.
• Gestern habe ich Musik gehört.
• Fußball gut Musik.
• Ich habe Fußball spielen.

Find the time phrases

Tap the TWO time phrases.

• gern
• gestern
• spannend
• am Wochenende

Choose the next sentence

Pick the sentence that best develops each answer.

• You have said: Ich spiele gern Fußball. Add a reason.
• You need a recent past sentence.
• You need an opinion phrase.

Write the answer

Write a short German answer about free time.

• Say what you like doing
• Give one reason or opinion
• Say what you did recently using the perfect tense

Upgrade it

Rewrite your answer with one extra detail, such as a time phrase, a contrast, or a second activity.

• Keep the German word order accurate
• Use at least one capitalised German noun
• Check that the past participle sits at the end