Will vs Be Going To: Fun Grammar Story with Quiz for ESL Learners
- Rose Sensei
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
Learning English grammar doesn’t have to be boring!
Today, let’s look at a fun story about a group of friends planning a picnic.
Through their conversation, you’ll see how to use “will” and “be going to”—including the negative forms.
🎬Watch the YouTube video with 🎙️voice narration + interactive exercises:
🎥Shorts Video: Will vs Be Going to? Here's a Quick Clue
🌳 The Predictive Picnic - [Will vs Be Going To] Grammar Story
Emma and her friends were planning a picnic. While chatting, they discussed the weather forecast and their plans.
👩Emma: “I will bring sandwiches and lemonade.”
👨Jake: “Great! I am going to bake some cookies. I’ve already bought the ingredients.
👩🦱Sophia: “I will check the weather app now to see if it’s sunny tomorrow.”
(After a few seconds, Sophia looked worried.)
👩🦱Sophia: “Oh no, it says there’s a chance of rain! But don’t worry; I will bring an umbrella, just in case.
👨Jake: “If it rains, I am not going to bake cookies. Instead, I’ll make hot chocolate.
👩Emma: “I won’t cancel the picnic even if it rains. I am going to bring a waterproof blanket!”
(Later, Sophia sighed.)
👩🦱Sophia: “Maybe the weather forecast won’t be accurate. Let’s hope for the best.”
(The next day, the weather surprised everyone.
There were a few clouds but no rain.)
👩Emma: “I told you it would be fine! Let’s set up under that tree.”
👩🦱Sophia: “I am going to enjoy every moment of this picnic. It’s going to be a perfect day!”
📘 Grammar Explanation
✅ Will (Negative: won’t)
Use will when:
Making decisions at the moment → “I won’t cancel the picnic.”
Giving predictions based on opinion/feeling → “The forecast won’t be accurate.”
Making promises or offers → “I will bring an umbrella.”
✅ Be going to (Negative: am not / isn’t / aren’t going to)
Use be going to when:
Talking about planned actions → “I am not going to bake cookies.”
Making predictions based on evidence → “It’s not going to rain—look at the sky!”
🔑 Key Difference
Will → often shows spontaneity, decisions, or uncertainty.
Be going to → often shows clear intentions or predictions based on evidence.
Negative forms help express refusal (won’t) or a change of plan (am not going to).
📝 Practice Time!
👉 Try writing your own sentences using will and be going to in both positive and negative forms.
Example:
“I will help you with your homework.” (positive)
“I won’t watch TV tonight.” (negative)
“I am going to meet my friend tomorrow.” (positive)
“I am not going to eat dessert today.” (negative)
🎯 Final Thoughts
The next time you talk about the future, think:
Is it a decision right now or a prediction based on opinion? → Use will.
Is it a plan or a prediction with evidence? → Use be going to.
Grammar Quiz: "Will" vs. "Be Going To"
Instructions:
Choose the correct form of the verb: "will," "won't," "be going to," or "isn't going to." Use each only once.
Look at those dark clouds! It _______ rain very soon.
a) will
b) won’t
c) is going to
d) isn’t going to
I forgot my umbrella! Don’t worry, I _______ lend you mine.
a) will
b) won’t
c) am going to
d) isn’t going to
Emma _______ bake cookies because she’s already bought the ingredients.
a) will
b) won’t
c) is going to
d) isn’t going to
We _______ bring the picnic indoors if it starts to rain.
a) will
b) won’t
c) are going to
d) isn’t going to
Jake thinks the weather forecast _______ be wrong this time.
a) will
b) won’t
c) is going to
d) isn’t going to
Sophia _______ forget to bring an umbrella—it’s always in her bag!
a) will
b) won’t
c) is going to
d) isn’t going to
🎁Bonus Question:
Write your own sentence using "will" and another using "be going to" to describe your future plans or predictions.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
🔑Answer Key: Grammar Quiz
c) is going to
Explanation: The dark clouds provide evidence, so we use "is going to" to predict the rain.
a) will
Explanation: The decision to lend the umbrella is made on the spot, so "will" is correct.
c) is going to
Explanation: Baking cookies is a planned action, supported by the fact that Emma already bought the ingredients.
a) will
Explanation: The decision to bring the picnic indoors is spontaneous and based on a possible future event.
a) will
Explanation: This expresses Jake's opinion or belief about the weather forecast.
b) won’t
Explanation: The sentence expresses a confident prediction that Sophia won’t forget because she always carries an umbrella.
📺 Learn More With the Video + Quiz
Want to see this story come to life and test your grammar?
👉 Watch the full video lesson and quiz on YouTube:
🎥 The Predictive Picnic – Will vs. Be Going To https://youtu.be/a8yl82F3png
And don’t forget—you can also download the FREE quiz worksheet to practice!
😊Enjoyed this 'will be vs going to' grammar story? Try our other lessons:
🎥 Check out our YouTube Channel Playlist:
🔗English Tenses Made Simple: Lessons & Stories https://tinyurl.com/5n6s4zp5
🔗Learn Grammar Through Engaging Stories https://tinyurl.com/bvwvckfu
🔗ESL Listening Practice With Engaging Stories https://tinyurl.com/37rf8e23
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🔗Related Posts
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Thank you for reading & Happy Speaking!
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