About the Program

How ‘A Simple English Lesson’ Works

What I am doing that is different! The standard approach to teaching English leaves one of the most challenging grammatical elements – the preposition – off to the sidelines. Even though they appear on the page as frequently as verbs, prepositions receive less than 2% of the focus in ESL texts. It is the failure to master this element which complicates all further progress. A Simple English Lesson treats this element as the core foundation to master, since once it is understood all further progress builds on this right to the advanced level.

The current system introduces the verbs “am, is, are, be, have,” and “do” as being equal in Unit 1 of most Beginner workbooks. Furthermore, they do not differentiate between the roles these words play in statements such as: “I have a car.” and “Have you seen Bob?” Students are faced with three transformation patterns – without explanation as to why – as they negotiate from, “I am Hal.” to I am not Hal.” and then from, “I drive a car.” to “I do not drive a car.” and then from, “Have you seen Betty?” to “I haven’t seen Betty.” The “GRAMMAR” of these patterns is left unexplained.
I do not follow this system.

I have found a way to explain these differences. A way that makes sense to students and provides an overview of what they are working on as well as how this fits into the greater scheme of communications. This “overview” returns to using “Primary verbs” and ‘Secondary verbs’ to differentiate the functions of the three Dimensions: BE, DO, & HAVE. It explains where the 3rd person singular “s” comes from in such statements as “He writes books.” and The doctor examines his patients.”

Why it works?

It is because I can explain, illustrate and demonstrate these differences that my students are able to practice real conversations with confidence – knowing what they are practicing and why it needs to be this way and not that.
Practice is emphasized over both lessons and testing, which while necessary, in themselves do not lead to mastery. 
Practice and clear goals lead to mastery
My system is not a “NEW” grammar, it is an “ALTERED VIEW” of our grammar, using most of the same terms – but not all – and simply adding a few easy-to-understand terms where necessary.

Will J. Moore

Presented at;
10+

Conferences

Worked in;
4

Countries

Taught in;
12+

Institutions

Taught
2000+

Students

What People Have to Say

Professor David Crystal, FBA, FLSW, FCIL – author of the Cambridge Encyclopedia (1940 – ) of the English Language. I think your focus on prepositions is illuminating and full of potential…
Professor – David CrystalMay 10, 2025
Thank you for teaching me. I learned many things and improved my English skills pretty well. I can’t tell how much I appreciate what you’ve done! I really miss you and your classes…
Student – Sodam, JeonSpring 2013 ​
Thank you so much William; I so enjoyed your presentation and truth be known, although I’ve been the Editor in Chief for a national magazine, I hate grammar and really don’t get it! You made it so much more approachable. Thank you.
Journalist –Terry-Lynn StoneOct 3, 2016
Will Moore has generally covered the following areas: clarity of objectives, level of preparation, time management, variety of activities and teaching methods, rapport with students, and achievement of goals.
Director – Dr. Phil Quirke, PhDMarch 2003​