Will vs Be Going To: Fun Grammar Story with Quiz for ESL Learners
Updated: Aug 14
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.
📕 Related post
👀 Watch and Learn! For English grammar story video lessons that bring this content to life, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
🌳 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. (phrase) - Cambridge Dictionary
👨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!”
Short form:
Will → 'll
am going → 'm going
is going → 's going
are going → 're going
📘 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.
📺 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 below:
🎥 The Predictive Picnic – Will vs. Be Going To
🎥 Shorts Video: Will vs Be Going to? Here's a Quick Clue
And don’t forget—you can also download the FREE quiz worksheet for practice!
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.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
✏️ Share your answers in the comments below ⬇️
Learn more
🔑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.
💬 Discussion & Conversation Topics: Will vs. Be Going To
These questions help learners practice talking about future plans, predictions, promises, and decisions.
⭐ Quick Challenge
For every discussion question:
✅ Answer once using will.
✅ Answer once using be going to.
✅ Add one negative sentence using won't or isn't/am not going to.
Example:
"I will probably go shopping tomorrow."
"I am going to meet a friend tomorrow."
"I won't stay at home all day."
Small daily speaking practice can make a big difference in your fluency and confidence! 🚀📚
🌟 Future Plans (Use be going to)
What are you going to do this weekend?
Are you going to learn any new skills this year?
What are you going to have for dinner tonight?
Are you going to travel anywhere soon?
What is one thing you are not going to do this month?
🔮 Future Predictions (Use will)
What do you think the weather will be like tomorrow?
How do you think technology will change in the next 10 years?
Do you think people will work more from home in the future?
What do you think English learning will look like in the future?
Which trends do you think will become popular next year?
⚡ Quick Decisions (Use will)
Your friend forgot a pen. What will you do?
Someone drops their shopping bags. What will you do?
Your friend is feeling sad. What will you say?
You see a lost dog in the park. What will you do?
Your teacher asks for a volunteer. Will you help?
☁️ Predictions Based on Evidence (Use be going to)
Look outside the window. What do you think is going to happen?
A football team is leading 5–0. What is going to happen?
A student has studied every day for a month. What is going to happen in the exam?
Dark clouds are gathering. What is going to happen?
The café is full of customers. What is going to happen next?
🌟 Self-Study Tips: How to Practise These Discussion Questions
🗣️ 1. Answer Out Loud
Don't just think about your answer—say it aloud. Speaking helps you remember grammar and build confidence.
Example:"I am going to visit my cousin this weekend."
✍️ 2. Write Before You Speak
Write 1–2 sentences first, then read them aloud.
Example:"I think it will be sunny tomorrow."
🎙️ 3. Record Yourself
Use your phone to record your answers. Listen again and check:
Did you use will correctly?
Did you use be going to correctly?
Is your pronunciation clear?
🔄 4. Give Two Answers
For prediction questions, try answering with both forms.
Example:
Will: I think it will rain tomorrow.
Be going to: Look at those clouds! It's going to rain.
This helps you notice the difference in meaning.
💭 5. Personalise Your Answers
Talk about your real life, plans, and opinions. Personal answers are easier to remember.
Example:"I am going to start a new book this weekend."
⏱️ 6. Practise for Just 5 Minutes a Day
Choose 2–3 questions each day. Short, regular practice is more effective than long study sessions.
🎯 Speaking Challenge
Answer each question twice:
Example: "What do you think the weather will be like tomorrow?"
Opinion: I think it will be sunny.
Evidence: Look at the sky. It is going to be sunny.
(This helps learners understand the difference between the two future forms.)
❓FAQ: Will vs. Be Going To
1. What is the difference between will and be going to?
Will is often used for spontaneous decisions, promises, offers, and predictions based on opinions.
Be going to is used for plans, intentions, and predictions based on evidence.
Examples:
I will answer the phone. (decision made now)
I am going to call my friend tonight. (planned action)
2. Can I use will and be going to for predictions?
Yes. Both can be used for predictions, but the reason behind the prediction is different.
✅ Will = opinion or belief
I think it will rain tomorrow.
✅ Be going to = evidence
Look at those clouds! It is going to rain.
3. Which future form is better for plans?
Usually, be going to is better for plans that have already been decided.
✅ I am going to visit my grandmother this weekend.
This suggests the plan already exists.
4. How do I make negative sentences?
Use:
Will → won't
I won't be late.
We won't cancel the trip.
Be going to → am not / isn't / aren't going to
I am not going to buy it.
She isn't going to come.
They aren't going to join us.
5. How do I make questions?
Will
Will you help me?
Will it rain tomorrow?
Be Going To
Are you going to study tonight?
Is she going to travel next month?
6. Can native speakers use both forms in the same conversation?
Absolutely!
Example:
I'm going to make a cake this afternoon. Great! I will bring some coffee.
The first sentence is a plan. The second is a decision made at that moment.
What are the most common mistakes learners make?
❌ I will going to visit my friend.
✅ I will visit my friend.
✅ I am going to visit my friend.
❌ I going to study tonight.
✅ I am going to study tonight.
❌ It will to rain tomorrow.
✅ It will rain tomorrow.
8. Can will and be going to sometimes mean almost the same thing?
Yes. In everyday conversation, native speakers sometimes use either form when talking about the future.
Example:
I will see you tomorrow.
I am going to see you tomorrow.
Both are possible, but the second sentence often suggests a more definite plan.
9. How can I practise will and be going to?
Try these activities:
✅ Write 3 future plans using be going to.
✅ Write 3 predictions using will.
✅ Watch weather forecasts and make predictions.
✅ Keep a future diary about your plans for the week.
✅ Practise with grammar stories and quizzes.
🏆 Quick Learner Tip
Ask yourself:
🔹 Is it a plan I've already decided? → Be going to
🔹 Am I deciding right now? → Will
🔹 Do I see evidence? → Be going to
🔹 Is it my opinion or prediction? → Will
This simple rule will help you choose the correct future form more confidently. 😊
😊 Enjoyed this 'will be vs going to' grammar story? Try our other lessons:
🎓 Take your learning further
🎥 Related Videos: YouTube Channel Playlist
Watch and Learn! For more ESL reading and listening practice video lessons, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
🔗Related Posts
Learn more about related Tenses below ⬇️
💡 Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more grammar stories, quizzes, and English learning tips every week!
Thank you for reading & Happy Speaking!
Comments