Doctors express concern over heavy school bags

Present Simple

Elementary

Exercise 1. Form the 3^rd person singular of the following infinitives paying attention to the spelling rules. Read the words paying attention to the way the suffix is pronounced.

To play, to copy, to do, to stop, to cry, to win, to wash, to see, to understand, to stay, to try, to say, to crash, to live, to have, to pass, to make, to love, to carry, to watch, to go, to lie, to lose, to box, to study.

Exercise 2.Change the Present Simple sentences using the word in brackets as the subject.

1. They go to the country every weekend (Mary). 2. I never talk to strangers on the train (He). 3. Some people like to have bread with every meal (My brother). 4. Many people don’t drink coffee (Alice). 5. Some countries have more than one official language (Canada). 6. Do you want to become famous? (Nikita). 7. Some people remember their early childhood (Sally). 8. Some people watch TV every evening (My granny). 9. They don’t get up very early (The child). 10. Some animals like bathing (My dog). 11. I don’t understand Japanese (Kate). 12. Some metals don’t react with acids (Gold). 13. Her sons play basketball (Eric). 14. Do they live in Manchester? (Your cousin). 15. Where do they keep their car? (Your father)

Exercise 3.Make the Present Simple sentences interrogative and negative.

1. We get a lot of presents for Christmas. 2. They study Economics. 3. I speak several foreign languages. 4. Sandra loves cats. 5. My mother washes clothes in the washing machine. 4. You do the dishes in the dishwasher. 6. Jeremy works as a journalist. 7. Mary and Sarah live next door. 8. Jenny reads a lot of books on space exploration. 9. The train arrives at 8.45. 10. The English prefer to take their tea with milk. 11. I usually start work at 11 o’clock on Fridays. 12. The fable stresses the importance of regular work.13. Teenagers use social networks. 14. Many students do their homework in front of a computer.15. The kitten always sleeps after eating. 16. Emily sometimes goes to work on foot. 17. Many people jog in the morning. 18. We send many e-mails every day. 19. You cook Mexican dishes well. 20. Ann waters the flowers in the garden every other day.

Exercise 4.Ask Present Simple questions to the following sentences beginning with the words in brackets.

1. My brother lives in a small town in the North. (Who? Where? What kind?) 2. J.K. Rowling writes interesting books for children and adults. (Who? What? What kind? Who…for?) 3. The train to Manchester goes every hour. (Which? How often? ) 4. Martha goes to the gym on Friday. (Who? What? Where? When?) 5. Thomas studies Engineering at University. (What? Where?) 6. Bill drives an old car because he has no money for a new one. (Who? What kind? Why?) 7. Carla’s children speak four languages fluently (Who? Whose? How many? How?) 8. They live 25 kilometers from Novosibirsk. (Where? How far?) 9. Uncle Bob listens to country music.  (Who? What kind?) 10. Her son usually has macaroni and cheese for lunch. (Who? What? When?)

Exercise 5.Put all the possible questions to the following sentences using the Present Simple.

1. My friend lives in a big new block of flats. 2. Steve drives a Japanese car. 3. Dr. Brown treats many difficult patients. 4. Every Sunday all the family goes for a walk in the park. 5. I often go to the cinema on Saturdays with my friends.

Exercise 6.Use the prompts to write Present Simple questions and complete the dialogue.

A: (how often / use / a computer) ?

В: A lot. I like computers.

A: (where / use / them)     ?

B: At home and at school.

A: (what / do / on your computer) ?

B: At home? I do my homework on it and use a Messenger for chatting.

A: (play / games / it) ?

B: No, I don’t. I play games on my PlayStation – it’s better.

A: (surf / Internet) ?

B: Yeah, sometimes I look at stuff about football.

A: (how long / spend / on the computer each day)?

В: I don’t know. One or two hours.

A: (learn / computers / school)     ?

B: A bit. We have an IT lesson on Fridays.

A: (interesting). ..  ?

B: Well, sometimes it is.

A: (who / fix / the computer / if it goes wrong)    ?

B: My dad. He knows a lot about them.

Exercise 7.Complete the sentences with the correct Present Simple form of the verbs in brackets.

1. I (play) tennis after school. 2. You (start) school at nine o’clock. 3. We rarely (have) lunch at the university cafeteria. 4. They (watch) TV after dinner. 5. She (not / get up) at seven o’clock. 6. We (go) to bed at nine o’clock. 7. What time Mark (get) up? 8. What she (do) after school? 9. Zlatan (play) football very well. 10. Susan (go) to the cinema once or twice a month. 11. My mother (start) work at half past seven. 12. What they (do) in the evening? 13. How you (spell) that in English? 14. Brian (get) up at eight o’clock.15. Where John and Martin (work)? 16. Serena (not /know) what to do. 17. Wendy (not/ like) to do shopping. 18. My grandfather (not /live) in London. 19. My sisters (walk) to school every day. 20. My best friend (like) math. 21. My brother and I (have) breakfast half past seven. 22. My cousin (study) biology. 23. We (go) to the country at the weekend. 24. When Mary (start) school? 25. Gill (not /work) in a supermarket.

Exercise 8.Complete the sentences with the correct Present Simple form of the verbs in brackets.

1. Anne (not/ watch) TV because she (not / like) it. 2. Peter (not/ study) French. 3. Jerry (watch) TV every evening. 4. Antonio (play) computer games after he (come) home from school. 5. Mike (not / read) magazines. 6. Martha (listen) to music? 7. Bob (tidy) his room every week? 8. My parents (not / read) The Sun, they (read) The Guardian. 9. When your brother (surf) the internet? 10. Who you (play) football with? 11. What your sister (do) on Saturday? 12. Blanca (go) to college. 13. Isabel (not/ phone) her friends in London because it’s too expensive. 14. I (eat) a hamburger every weekend. 15. My Mum (like) classical music. 16. Marcy is a ballet dancer. She (keep) to a strict diet. She (not / eat) pizza or sweets. She (not/ drink) Cola, she (drink) only water or green tea. 17. Gordon (be) good at Math and he always (help) his friends with their homework. 18. Carlos (have) a good sense of humour. He often (make) people laugh. 19. Alan (be) shy. He (not / like) talking to new people. 20. Chris (do) the housework for her parents. 21. I (want) to join Daniel’s fan club. 22. Isabel and I (see) each other every week.

Exercise 9.Complete the sentences with the correct Present Simple form of the verbs in brackets.

1. Uncle Joe (wear) glasses. 2. Ducks (love) water. 3. The sun (rise) in the east.4. The children (not/ go) to school by bus. 5. Joanna (enjoy) singing. 6. Banks (lend) money to customers. 7. Monkeys (like) bananas. 8. Peter (not / collect) stamps. 9. The earth (go) around the sun. 10. It often (snow) in winter. 11. We (wash) our hands before meals. 12. We (eat) three meals a day. 13. He (type) very fast? 14. Lucy (work) as a lawyer. 15. Everyone (make) mistakes. 16. Winter (not / come) after spring. 17. You (like) my new bike? 18. She (walk) to school? 19. Pedro (speak) English very well. 20. My dog (bark) very loudly. 21. Sara (read) in bed? 22. Babies (sleep) during the day? 23. Eva (be) a doctor. She (try) to help her patients. 24. Eagles (fly) high in the sky. 25. My sister (cook) all our meals.

Exercise 10.Make sentences about yourself using the Present Simple and the time expressions from the box.

Model: I go to the dentist once a year.

Exercise 11.Rephrase the sentences using the Present Simple and the adverbs in brackets.

1. I get up late (often). 2. She goes to work by bus (usually). 3. I am late for class (never). 4. I sleep well (always). 5. My neighbours listen to loud music (sometimes). 6. His brother calls him (never). 7. She is tired after work (often). 8. Melissa goes to the theatre (rarely). 9. I am sleepy in the morning (usually). 10. They cook dinner together (often). 11. He watches the news on TV (never). 12. Martin and Jane eat out (seldom). 13. We visit our granny in the country (sometimes). 14. He swims in the river in summer (usually). 15. Do you go to work on foot (always)? 16. I finish work at 6 (normally).

Exercise 12.Translate into English using the Present Simple.

1. Я обычно завтракаю в 8, а обедаю в 4. 2. Иногда мы ходим в бассейн. 3. Земля вращается вокруг солнца. 4. По выходным ее сын просыпается поздно, около 12. 5. Спортсмены тренируются каждый день. 6. Стивен очень хорошо готовит. Мне особенно нравится его шоколадный торт. 7. В хорошую погоду он ездит на работу на велосипеде, а когда погода плохая – на автобусе. Он никогда не ездит на работу на машине. 8. Ты ходишь в спортзал? – Да, 2 раза в неделю. 9. Как часто вы едите рыбу? – Очень редко. 10. Джеймсу не нравятся фильмы ужасов. Он предпочитает комедии. 11. Когда ты обычно выходишь из дома? – В понедельник и в среду я начинаю работу рано, поэтому я выхожу из дома в 8. А в остальные дни я работаю с 12 до 8, поэтому выхожу из дома в 11. 12. Марк живет в центре города. 13. Марта работает юристом в большой компании. У нее всегда много работы. 14. Кошки не едят шоколад. 15. Твои дети спят днем? – Эшли любит спать днем, а Том думает, что он уже большой, и поэтому не хочет ложиться спать.    

Exercise 13.Translate into English using the Present Simple.

1. На занятиях по английскому мы обычно читаем и переводим тексты, слушаем диалоги, делаем грамматические упражнения. 2. – Летучие мыши едят фрукты или кусают животных? – Я не знаю. 3. Ты не любишь медленную музыку, не так ли? 4. Стив не ест орехи, у него аллергия. 5. – Ты занимаешься спортом? – Я иногда хожу в бассейн. 6. Как часто ваш сын ложится спать поздно? 7. Я редко смотрю телевизор. Если я хочу посмотреть какой-нибудь фильм или сериал, я нахожу его в интернете. 8. – Какие книги он обычно читает? – Разные, но мне ни один из его любимых авторов не нравится. 9. Раз в год она ездит в отпуск к морю и берет с собой детей. Они проводят там 2-3 недели. 10. Джерри свободно говорит на 3 языках. 11. Минди ведет здоровый образ жизни. Она бегает по утрам, не курит, ест много овощей и фруктов. 12. Вы принимаете душ утром или вечером? 13. Вы пьете чай или кофе? – Я предпочитаю зеленый чай. 14. Весной тает снег, начинает расти новая трава, птицы возвращаются с юга. 15. Чем занимаются твои родители? – Моя мама работает бухгалтером, а отец – врач. 

Intermediate

Exercise 14.Explain the use of the Present Simple in the following sentences. Translate them into Russian.

1. My sister lives in Moscow. 2. Trams run on rails. 3. A lot of people in the USA never have breakfast. They just drink a cup of coffee on the way to work. 4. The concert next Tuesday begins at 7 p.m. 5. I think you’re right. 6. Do you see that girl over there? 7. Every summer a lot of tourists come to this seaside resort. 8. I hope you’ll be fine. 9. First you take two eggs and then you beat them lightly with a little milk. 10. He goes to bed at midnight. 11. The Volga flows into the Caspian Sea. 12. My birthday is next week. 13. I don’t agree with you on that point. 14. “The Hornet Flight” by Ken Follet: The summer of 1941. Hitler’s army occupies most of Europe. Harald Oluffsen, a Danish teenager, loves jazz, nuclear physics, motorbikes, planes, and Karen Dukwitz, his classmate’s sister. 15. Parliament Lashes Out With Criticism Over Taxes. 16. I feel sorry for you. 17. An elderly lady calls the technical support and says, “My computer’s not working!’. The tech support replies, “Try pressing any key and say what happens”. After some time the old lady says, “Nothing”. The tech support: “What key did you press?” The old lady: “First, my car key, and now my house key!” 18. If you leave now, you’ll catch the train.

Exercise 15.Put the verbs in bracket in the correct Present Simple form.

1. The plane (leave) in half an hour but Nick (not / be) at the airport yet. 2. My best friend (love) science     fiction films but they (not / interest) me. 3. I (not / study) chemistry because it (be) difficult, and I (not / dance) because I (think) I (look) stupid. 4. The Sun (not / go) round the Earth, the Earth (go) round the Sun! 5. My new computer (do) lots more things than my old one, and it (not / crash). 6. My dad (not / have) any qualifications but he (have) a really good job. 7. Fire (need) oxygen to hum. It (not/ burn) without oxygen. 8. My teacher (not/ own) a mobile phone because some people think they (be) bad for your health. 9. According to scientists, animals (live) longer if they (not / eat) too much. 10. He (seem) to know everything about computers. 11. You (hear) this noise? – No, I (not / hear) anything. 12. If he (call) you, tell him what I said to you. 13. First you (put) the frying-pan on the stove and (pour) some cooking oil. Make sure that the oil (not / become) too hot. 14. After the accident he (need) help with many everyday tasks. 15. Coffee (grow) is the so-called coffee belt near the equator. It (not / grow) anywhere in Europe. 16. The colour of the flower (vary) from light pink to rich purple. 17. How often you (swim) in the swimming-pool? – Twice a week. 18. Who (bring) you food when you stay at work during your lunch break? 19. How long you (walk) your dog in the morning? – About half an hour. 20. This bag (not / belong) to me, I (not / know) who it (belong) to.

Exercise 16.Read the text and put the verbs in bracket in the correct Present Simple form (affirmative, interrogative or negative). NB! You decide when the form should be negative according to the context.

Immunity

What (do) the body do to protect itself? Your body (prevent) harmful microorganisms entering and causing harm. The skin, for example, (allow) microorganisms    to enter. Hairs and mucus in your nose (catch) invaders, and then       you (push) the mucus out when you cough, sneeze or blow your nose. Enzymes and acids in the body, and white blood cells also (destroy) bacteria. Antibiotics (help)? Doctors (use) antibiotic drugs to fight bacterial infections, but antibiotics (work) against viruses. This is why doctors (give) antibiotics to patients with a common cold or flu. How (work) immunization? Immunization or vaccination is another way of protecting the body, by injecting the body with dead or inactive microorganisms. After vaccination, the body (start) to make antibodies that destroy the microorganism. Because the microorganisms in the vaccination are not dangerous, the person (get) ill. When they (come) into contact with a live dangerous microorganism, then the antibodies (destroy) the infection before it makes them ill.

Exercise 17.Use a dictionary when necessary and write an example for each of these verbs using the Present Simple:

Belong; consist of; contain; cost; depend on; deserve; matter; own; possess; resemble.

Exercise 18.Translate into Russian using the Present Simple.

1. Если подняться в горы, вода закипает при более низкой температуре. 2. Дети заслуживают похвалы. 3. Размер кратеров варьируется от 2 до 15 метров. 4. Действие книги происходит в средневековой Англии. Компания бродячих актеров приезжает в маленький городок. Все идет хорошо, пока один из актеров не обнаруживает тело девушки в их повозке. Разгневанные жители обвиняют актеров в убийстве. 5. Маркес выбегает в центр поля, обходит защитника, передает мяч Рамиресу. Рамирес бьет и забивает! Гоол! 6. Новое здание напоминает старый особняк, который стоял здесь раньше. 7. Кому принадлежит этот чемодан? 8. Сначала берешь картошку и лук, чистишь их и нарезаешь кубиками. Затем добавляешь нарезанную кубиками ветчину или колбасу и жаришь все на сковородке. 9. Нью-Йорк состоит из 5 частей, называемых “boroughs”. 9. Идет человек по городу и видит объявление: «Продается (to be for sale) говорящая собака». Он решает посмотреть и заходит в магазин. Владелец показывает ему собаку и говорит: «Можешь поговорить с ним». Пес рассказывает ему про свои способности и удивительные приключения по всему миру. Посетитель поражен, он спрашивает продавца, сколько стоит такая удивительная собака. «10 долларов», отвечает продавец. «Почему собака с такими чудесными способностями стоит так мало?», спрашивает покупатель.  «Я хорошо знаю этого пса, он все время врет!», отвечает продавец. 10. К сожалению, решение вашей проблемы не зависит от меня. 11. В своей статье профессор Блэк подчеркивает важность тщательного анализа данных. 12. Он должен банку огромную сумму денег. 13. (заголовок) Астронавты начинают год в космосе. 14. «Не имеет значения, насколько медленно ты идешь. То, что имеет значение – это то, что ты не останавливаешься» (Конфуций).

Present Continuous

Elementary

Exercise 1.Form the Participle I of the following infinitives. Mind the spelling rules.

To go, to leave, to play, to carry, to plan, to step, to greet, to try; to serve; to lie; to sit; to write; to let; to tie; to drink; to occur; to offer; to feel; to expel; to begin; to arrive; to forget; to tidy; to organize; to hit; to buy.

Exercise 2.Fill in the correct form of the verb ‘to be’.

1. He _____ taking a shower now. 2. I _____ lying on the beach and relaxing. 3. We _____ travelling to Spain next week. 3. They ______ staying with their aunt at the moment. 4. Martha _____ making a cake now. 5. Alison and Jack ______ getting married next June. 6. He ____ talking on the phone right now. 7. Average temperatures ____ rising now because of the climate change. 9. _____ you listening to me? 10. I ________ trying to open the window, but it won’t open. 11. It ______ raining hard. Don’t forget your umbrella. 12. Amanda _____ waiting for you in the room.

Exercise 3.Use the prompts to write full sentences in the Present Continuous tense

1. I/eat dinner now. 2. You / do your homework at the moment. 3. She / go to the park 4. John and Sven / buy new trainers.      5. My parents / talk to my teacher right now. 6. We / listen to CDs 7. He / write a book about his life. 8. It / snow today. 9. I / work hard at my grammar now.

Exercise 4.Read the information about John’s day:

7:05 have a shower

7:30 have breakfast

7:45 leave the house

8:30 arrive at school

9:00 start classes

12:30 have lunch

16:00 go to football training

19:00 arrive home and have dinner

19:30 start homework

21:00 relax and watch TV

22:00 go to bed

A. What is John doing now? Look at the information and use the prompts to write Present Continuous sentences.

Model: 7.03 / John / get up – It’s 7.03 a.m. John is getting up.

1. 7.10 / he / shower 2. 07.35 / he / have / breakfast 3. 08.00 / John / go / school 4. 09.15 / John and his friends / sit / in class 5. 12.45 / he and his friends / have / lunch 6. 16.10 / he / play / football 7. 22.45 / he / sleep

B. Now write negative Present Continuous sentences using the prompts.

1. 07.05 / he / sleep 2. 08.45 / he / go to school 3. 10.00 / John and his friends / do / their homework 4. 12.35 / he / have / breakfast 5. 15.00 / his team / playing football 6. 18.45 / he / have / lunch 7. 20.00 / he / watch / TV 8. 23.00 / he / do / homework.

C. Use the prompts to make a Present Continuous question. Then write a short answer.

 1. 07.05 / John / having breakfast ? 2. 08.00 / he / go to school ? 3. 09.30 / he / sit / class ? 4. 12.00 / John and his friends / play / football ? 5. 12.45 / you / have / lunch ? 6. 19.15 / John and his family / have / breakfast ? 7. 21.15 / he / relax ?

Exercise 5.Ask Present Continuous questions to the following sentences beginning with the words in brackets.

1. They are writing a composition now. (What? Who?) 2. He is translating an English article. (Who? What? What kind of?) 3. The dog is running after the cat. (What? What... after?) 4. He is having dinner in the canteen now. (Who? Where?) 5. She is looking for her glasses. (Who? Where? What... for? Why?) 6. I’m learning this poem by heart. (Who? What? How?) 7. They are building a new school in our street. (What? Where?) 8. She is opening a letter from her mother. (What? What kind of?) 9. She is constantly nagging her husband. (Why? When?) 10. Tony is painting a new picture. (Who? What? What?) 11. You are talking too fast. (How? Why?) 12. My parents are redecorating our dining-room now, because they never liked its style. (Who? What? What? Why?)

Exercise 6.Ask questions to the underlined parts of the following sentences using the Present Continuous.

1. It is raining heavily outside. 2. They are trying to translate this exercise. 3. He is drinking tea in the garden. 4.  Cinema audiences are declining now. 5. She’s listening to the rock music. 6. You are trying to persuade him, but he won’t listen. 7. They’ve moved to a new house and are buying new furniture. 8. You are constantly mispronouncing this word because you’re inattentive. 9. None of them is taking part in the discussion: they are not ready. 10. Ellen is reading a book on the veranda. 11. No one is trying to help him: he doesn’t like it.

Exercise 7.Ask all possible questions about the following sentences using the Present Continuous:

1. The students are writing a dictation. 2. She is reading a letter from her mother.  3. The Browns are leaving on Monday. 4. Betty is swimming in the sea. 5. Mike is waiting for Lucy at the bus stop. 6. Miss Smith is having tea at the moment.

Exercise 8.Complete the text with the Present Continuous form of the verbs in brackets.

Live Report

Good afternoon, everybody. I (speak) to you from Mount Surprising, the giant volcano. A team of scientists (visit) the volcano, and I’m here for Big TV, just in case anything exciting happens. I (stand) here near the top of the crater, and (look) down into the volcano. At the moment the four scientists (climb) down into the crater. It doesn’t look very dangerous, I must say, but they (wear) special clothes and a rescue team (stand by). A little bit of smoke (rise) from the volcano, but that’s normal. Now the scientists (set) up their equipment. They (try) to collect some gas, which will help them understand what exactly (go on) under the volcano. Wait a minute! Something (happen)! The ground (shake)! The four scientists (climb) out of the volcano as quickly as they can. They (shout) something as well. I think it’s time to leave!

Exercise 9.Translate into English using the Present Continuous tense.

1.– На кого вы сейчас смотрите? – Я смотрю на эту девушку. 2.– С кем разговаривает Ваш друг?– Он разговаривает с нашим преподавателем. 3.– О чем вы рассказываете своим друзьям? – Я рассказываю им о новом фильме. 4.– Вы сейчас пишете диктант? – Нет, мы делаем упражнение 9. 5.– Куда вы идете вечером? – Мы идем в парк. 6.– Когда они приезжают в Москву? – Они приезжают утром. 7. Мы уезжаем в Минск. 8. Эти студенты делают упражнение или переписывают текст? 9.– Кого встречают эти студенты? – Они встречают иностранных студентов. 10. Куда вы идете? – Я иду домой. 11. – Где Джек? – Он принимает душ. 12. Какой прекрасный день! Светит солнце, поют птицы, дует легкий ветерок. 13. Какой ужасный шум! Мальчики громко спорят о чем-то, их младшая сестра плачет, собака лает, а еще звонит телефон. 14. На картинке трое мальчиков. Они строят замки из песка на пляже. 15. Алло, Стив? – Да, мама. – Что ты делаешь? – Я сижу в ресторане и обедаю. – А что ты ешь?

Exercise 10.Choose the correct form (the Present Simple or the Present Continuous).

1. The river Nile flows / is flowing into the Mediterranean. 2. My parents are living / live in Moscow. 3. He usually stays / is staying at the Baltimore Hotel when he is in London. 4. Don’t forget to take your umbrella. It rains / is raining outside. 5. I am leaving / leave. Good night. 6. My dad is a teacher, but he doesn’t work / is not working at the moment. 7. The boy does / is doing his homework now. 8. They seldom quarrel / are quarrelling. 9. The Earth moves / is moving round the Sun. 10. Now they are crossing / cross the street. 11. Birds fly / are flying to warm countries in autumn. 12. The children often laugh / are laughing at their funny little friend. 13. She always talks / is talking to him on the telephone. 14. – What does your sister do / is your sister doing? – She’s a lawyer.

Exercise 11.Translate into English using the Present Simple or the Present Continuous tense.

1. По вечерам мы смотрим телевизор. 2. Сейчас вечер. Мы смотрим телевизор. 3. Я встаю в восемь часов. 4. Сейчас восемь часов. Я встаю. 5. Посмотри в окно! Идет проливной дождь. 6. В Петербурге часто идет дождь. 7. Миссис Браун, пройдите в свой кабинет – звонит телефон. 8. Звонит телефон, и миссис Браун идет в кабинет. 9. Я вхожу в комнату, но никто меня не замечает: все заняты: мать накрывает на стол, отец включает телевизор, сестра режет хлеб, и даже моя собака не поворачивает головы, потому что лижет лапу. 10. – Куда ты идешь? – Я иду в кино. – Ты часто ходишь в кино? 11. Ты пьешь кофе по утрам? 12. – Пойдем в кино! – Нет, я занят, я чиню велосипед. 13. Сегодня суббота, и вся семья Джонсов занята. Мистер Джонс стрижет газон. Его жена стирает. Дети убираются в своей комнате. 14. – Том, ты сам стираешь одежду? – Нет, обычно моя мама делает это. 15. Кто в вашей семье готовит? – О, я ненавижу готовить, поэтому Ричард обычно готовит, а я мою посуду.

Intermediate

Exercise 12.Explain the use of the Present Continuous in the following sentences.

1. It’s such a nice day today. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and a light wind is blowing. 2. I’m going on foot today because my car is broken. 3. The people in the flat upstairs are always having loud parties late at night! I can’t sleep! 4. It’s 2 o’clock. Mr. Brown and Ms. Clark are meeting the Japanese delegation. 5. The tax rates are rising, and the profits are falling. Many businesses are closing because of it. 6. We are leaving on Friday night. 7. It’s getting cold. I think I’ll go inside 8. We are beginning to see the effects of the investments in the industry. 9. You are always leaving your stuff lying around! I am forever picking up after you! 10. Where’s Jamie? – He’s playing tennis.

Exercise 13.Complete the text with the Present Continuous form of the verbs in the box.

Global warming

Power stations, cars and factories produce carbon dioxide (CO2).Trees and plants change it back to oxygen, but we 1.______ down trees in the Amazon rainforests, so the amount of carbon dioxide in the air 2._______. The carbon dioxide allows radiation from the sun to enter the atmosphere but not to leave it. This 3_______ the atmosphere to       heat up. Scientists think that the polar ice caps and glaciers around the world 4._______. This is creating more water and the level of the sea 5.______. In many parts of the world there is a possibility of floods on land near the coast. In general, the world’s climate 6._______ . This means warm areas 7.______ colder winters, and previously cold areas 8.______ warmer.

Exercise 14.Complete the text with the Present Continuous form of the verbs in the box.

Simon and Sylvia live in London, but they 1. ___ in a cottage in the Yorkshire Dales this month. The cottage belongs to a cousin of Sylvia’s, but she’s 2.___________ now. She 3._________ around Norfolk for a few weeks. Simon and Sylvia 4.________ themselves on holiday. Normally, they get up at around six, eat at fast food places, and get practically no exercise as they’re too busy, but these few weeks they 5. ____________ late, 6.________ for long walks and 7._______ healthy food.

Exercise 15.Imagine you’re hosting an American friend. What is s/he doing while s/he is here? Make sentences using the Present Continuous.

Model: She’s using my car while she’s here.

Exercise 16.Translate into English using the Present Simple or the Present Continuous tense.

Трудный день

Мистер Брэдли – хозяин небольшой гостиницы. В гостинице работают 6 человек, но сегодня на работе никого из них нет, и мистер Брэдли работает один. Он отвечает на телефонные звонки и печатает документы, потому что секретарь, которая обычно это делает, у зубного врача. Он работает с финансовыми документами, потому что бухгалтер, которая обычно их составляет, в больнице со сломанной ногой. Он чинит компьютер, потому что у системного администратора, который работает с компьютерами, грипп. Он готовит завтрак для гостей, потому что повар, который готовит еду в гостинице, сегодня женится. Он убирает комнаты, потому что горничная, которая обычно их убирает, присматривает за больным ребенком. Он даже чинит кран (a tap), потому что сантехник, который делает это, в отпуске. Бедный мистер Брэдли! У него такой трудный день!

Exercise 17.Complain about someone using the prompts below and your own ideas. Use the Present Continuous tense.

Model: My sister is always borrowing my clothes without asking!

Worry about nothing; lose one’s temper; ask too many questions; lose things; complain about one’s health; talk nonsense; boast; quarrel; find fault with someone; forget about one’s promises; make fun of people, etc.

Exercise 18.Comment on the use of the Present Simple and the Present Continuous.

1. I never talk when I am working, and never listen to her. 2. I hope that by the time she gets into the public school system, things will be different. 3. Can’t you see he is laughing at you? 4. I suppose it sometimes happens that letters arrive for people when in actual fact no one of that name is staying here. 5. Do you know where Mary is? — I expect she is talking to Mother. 6. “Oh, mummy! The coffee is boiling over!” 7. If anyone comes to the door I’ll go and let them in. 8. I’m staying right here until she is out of trouble. 9. He’s going back to America. 10. I can easily look the article through while you are having your bath. 11. Isn’t mother coming? — No. She is not feeling well. 12. “So it all passes,” he was thinking, “passes and begins again.” 13. She is always telling me that I should have some serious purpose in life. 14. What are you listening to? — It seems to me I hear a strange noise outside. 15. You are always dozing when there is something unpleasant to face. 16. Can we go over to Ann’s today, Mummy? — You can, on your bike, if you keep to the side of the lane and are very careful.

Exercise 19.Put the verb in brackets into the Present Simple or the Present Continuous tense.

1. What’s the matter? Why the child (cry)? 2. She seldom (come) home so early. 3. Hurry up! The train (start) in five minutes. 4. They (not get on) very well. They (quarrel) always. 5. We (read) many books in the original, now we (read) The Fairy Tales by Oscar Wilde. 6. Don’t disturb her, she (work) at her essay. 7. You (see) well what (go) on the stage? 8. – Where (be) the children?  – They (play) computer games. 9. – What (do) you now? –  I (make) an apple pie. 10. John (come) tomorrow to spend his holidays with us. 11. – Where is Kitty? – Susan (put) her to bed. 12. Light (travel) more quickly than sound. 13. – Sorry, Ted. I must go. I’m late. – Where you (go)? – I (go) to have tea with Nurse Hopkins. 14. He (laugh) best, who (laugh) last. 15. Actions (speak) louder than words. 16. Robert (speak) just now to my uncle, and they (shake) hands. 17. “Why you (not answer)?” – she cried. – “Because you (talk) nonsense”. 18. Every star (have) its own orbit. 19. A stitch in time (save) nine. 20. "I’ve got fever, Kong," gasped Skelton. "Get me the medicine chest and blankets. I (freeze) to death!" 21. That’s the way she always (talk). 22. I’m so careless. I always (leave) my bag about. 23. I (come) to your house next Thursday.

Exercise 20.Put the verb in brackets into Present Simple or Present Continuous. Explain your choice.

1. It’s 2 a.m. Everybody (sleep). 2. I (not / believe) you. You (lie)! 3. He (think) she (not / love) him. 3. Every day I (go) to the gym. I (run) on the treadmill and (lift) some weights. 4. Look! The dog (play) with the kitten! They’re so cute! 5. The IT industry (develop) very fast at present. 6. Usually I (take) the bus to work, but this week buses (not / run) in my neighbourhood because of road repairs. 7. What you (read)? – I (read) “David Copperfield”. – You (read) it in English? – Yes. I always (try) to read books in the original. 8. Alex is a physicist. He (read) articles in his field in English, German and Dutch and (understand) everything, but he (not / speak) these languages very well. That’s why he (take) an English class at a language school now. He (want) to present his research at conferences. 9. He (have) lunch now. He usually (have) lunch at 12 o’clock. 10. Mindy is a biologist. She (study) different sea animals. Now she (study) the effects of pollution on seals. 11. What you (study) at University? – English. – You (want) to be a teacher when you (graduate)? – I (not / know) yet. 12. I (begin) to get tired. My backpack is too heavy. 13. I (use) my sister’s old phone because mine is broken. It’s being repaired and I (get) it back next Friday. 14. You (have) any spare change? I (need) 10 p. 15. What’s that noise? You (hear) it? It (sound) like a cat mewing! – No, it’s not a cat. The wind (blow) and (make) this sound. 

Exercise 21.Complete the text with the Present Simple or Present Continuous forms of the verbs in brackets.

Population (mean) the number of people who live in a particular area. The population of the world (not stay) the same. At the moment it (grow) at an increasing rate. In fact, scientists (believe) that the world population will increase until 2200, and then stop growing. However, things are not the same in all parts of the world. At present in many Western industrial countries the population (fall). This (happen) because families are small, and health conditions are good. In developing countries, on the other hand, the population (rise) sharply. In Ghana, for example, most families (have) several children. Many children in Ghana (die) from illness, so it is important to have lots of children. They earn money for the family and (look after) their parents in old age.

Exercise 22.Translate the sentences into English using the Present Simple or the Present Continuous tense.

1.Возьми зонтик. Идет дождь. 2. Поезд прибывает через 5 минут. 3. Не говорите так громко. Я хорошо вас слышу. 4. Они часто говорят о вас. 5. Послушай, она поет какую-то новую песню. 6. Мне не нравится ваш приятель, он все время ворчит и жалуется. 7. Кто это стоит у окна? Я не знаю эту женщину. 8. Мы обычно ужинаем в 7 часов. 9. Я не понимаю, что он говорит. 10. Мой друг уезжает в этот город завтра. 11. На уроках мы переводим тексты, а дома учим грамматические правила. 12. На каком языке они говорят сейчас с вашим другом? Они говорят по-английски, но мой друг знает также и немецкий. 13. Вы часто навещаете своих друзей? – Мы встречаемся каждую субботу. 14. Я пишу письма каждое утро. 15. Она постоянно говорит по телефону.

Exercise 23.Translate into English using the Present Simple or the Present Continuous tense.

1. Каждый год он проводит каникулы в горах. 2. Мама на кухне. Она печет торт. 3. Наши дети любят играть в саду. 4. – Где Том? – Он играет в саду. 5. – Что вы сейчас читаете? – Я читаю "Прощай, оружие!" Э. Хэмингуэя. 6. Кто-то стучит в дверь. Откройте, пожалуйста. 7. – Что-то дети очень присмирели. Сходите, пожалуйста, и посмотрите, что они там делают. – Они что-то рисуют. 8. Он всегда пьет кофе утром, а сегодня он пьет чай. 9. Он обычно так быстро говорит, что я его не понимаю. 10.– Вы понимаете, что говорит лектор? - Конечно.

Exercise 24.Translate into English using the Present Simple or the Present Continuous tense.

1. Что она обычно делает по вечерам? – Она обычно читает или слушает радио. 2. Каким поездом вы уезжаете в Петербург на следующей неделе? 3. В следующее воскресенье к нам приезжают друзья из Глазго. 4. Аня сейчас шьет себе платье. Она всю одежду шьет себе сама. 5. На ней сегодня шляпа, потому что солнце очень жаркое. 6. Я не могу сейчас дать вам газету, потому что я ее читаю. 7. – Вы много читаете? – Да, довольно много. 8. Вы видите где-нибудь мои очки? – Нет, я их ищу. 9. Что у вас обычно на завтрак ? – Я обычно ем бутерброд и выпиваю чашку кофе. 10. Почему вы так быстро идете сегодня ? – Я спешу, так как я встречаюсь со своей сестрой в 4 часа. 11. В следующее воскресенье я уезжаю в Эдинбург.

Advanced

Exercise 25.Complete the text with the Present Simple or Present Continuous form of the verb in brackets.

Everybody (know) that the world’s rainforests (disappear). Although rainforests (cover) only six per cent of the Earth’s land surface, they (contain) about 50% of all species of life on the planet. They also (remove) carbon dioxide (СО2) from the air and (produce) oxygen (O2). As they are important, why (they / vanish)? Most scientists (agree) that there are two main reasons. First of all, the way of life in these forests (change). In some forests, big companies (cut) down more and more trees (which is called deforestation) and (cause) damage to the land. In other places, another kind of deforestation (happen). Here farmers (burn) more and more of the forest and (use) the land to feed cattle. Now that governments (understand) the problem, they (begin) to control these activities.

Exercise 26.Complete the sentences with the Present Simple or the Present Continuous form of the verb in brackets. Comment on the difference in meaning.

1. a) I must stay in because I (expect) a parcel. b) I (expect) he’ll be happy to see you. 2. a) They may not accept my plan but at least they (consider). b) Most critics (consider) him to be the best actor of the year. 3. a) I (see) a young man in the corner. b) Brenda (see) John, and she hopes it will become serious. 4. a) The jug (hold) one liter exactly. b) They (hold) the meeting to discuss the matter. 5. a) What you (think) about? b) What you (think) about the new book? 6. a) He (taste) the wine to see if it’s all right. b) The soup (taste) funny. What is it made of? 7. a) We’ll discuss it later when we (have) more time. b) We (have) a lovely time, don’t you think so? 8. a) I’ve lost my handbag. – What it (look) like? b) I (look) for a place to live. 9. a) He (appear) to be very ill. b) He (appear) in “Aida” tonight. 10. a) This bag (weigh) a ton! b) The doctor (weigh) the baby. 11. a) The soap (smell) like roses. b) Look! The dog (smell) the roses! 12. a) He (be) so stubborn! I can never persuade him to do anything. b) I don’t understand why he (suddenly / be) so stubborn about it. He didn’t seem to care one way or the other.

Exercise 27.Underline the correct form (the Present Simple or the Present Continuous).

1. Some kinds of fish contain / are containing high levels of dangerous metals. 2. Scientists nowadays slowly begin to understand / are slowly beginning to understand more about how the brain works. 3. What do you think/ are you thinking of Kate’s new hairstyle? It’s unusual, isn’t it? 4. Loud music can be really annoying. Some people don’t realize / aren’t realizing what a nuisance it can be. 5. You can’t really have seen a UFO! You imagine / are imagining things! 7. The technicians report that they have / are having difficulty installing the new computer system. 8. No wine for me! I take / am taking antibiotics for an ear infection. 9. In career terms, having a good degree appears  / is appearing to make little difference. 10. The National Theatre considers / is considering putting on a new production of “Uncle Vanya”. 11. Does this wallet belong / is this wallet belonging to you? 12. Does Jane come / Is Jane coming to the party tonight? 13. I sell / am selling this car. Do you want to buy it? 14. Does Jane come / Is Jane coming to your lectures? – Sometimes. 15. Who exactly owns / is owning this house? 16. What do you do / are you doing for a living? – I’m a physician. 17. What time does the post arrive / is the post arriving? – Usually at 3 o’clock. 18. Why does the post arrive / is the post arriving so late this week? – Because of the snow, I suppose. 19. What do you get / are you getting when you add magnesium to water? – A big flash of light! 20. First, you take / are taking 2 cups of flour and add / are adding 3 eggs and melted butter. 21. I see / am seeing the manager this afternoon.

Exercise 28.Put the verb in brackets into Present Simple or Present Continuous.

1. Somebody (knock) on the door. Can you see who it is? 2. First you (cook) the onions in a little oil until they are golden brown. 3. Carlos (forever lose) his temper with people! He must learn to calm down. 3. Here (come) the bus! You’d better hurry! 4. ‘Where’s Jack? – He (read) the paper in the kitchen. 5. Whenever I put up my hand, Harry (kick) me under the desk. 6. I’m sorry, but I (not understand) you. 7. Maria (leave) now, so could you get her coat? 8. Come and eat your dinner. It (get) cold. 9. I (hear) you did really well in your exams. Well done! 10. You (do) anything at the moment? I need some help with the computer. 11. This product (contain) no added chemicals of any kind. 12. Nobody (visit) Rome without going to see the ruins of the Roman Forum. 13. Sarah (begin) to regret not taking the job in France she was offered. 14. Martin (see) Tina at the moment. They’ve been going out together for the past month. 15. I’m sorry, but I (not know) where George is at the moment. 16. ‘Is Helen ready yet?’ ‘She (take) her time, but she says she’ll be ready soon. 17. The larger of the two rooms (measure) 8m by 4m. 18. What (happen) in the street now? I can’t see anything from here. 19. There’s nobody else to do the job, so I (suppose) I’ll have to do it. 20. They (forever / whisper) behind my back! They (think) I (not / hear) them, I wonder?

Exercise 29.Put the verbs in brackets in the correct form (Present Simple or Present Continuous).

1. I (think) you (behave) rather foolishly, darling. 2. I (think) about your behaviour. What you (think) you (do)? 3. Your German (get) better? – Yes, but very slowly. 3. I (see) that you (have) some problems with your computer. Can I be of any help? 4. He (to understand) the rule, but he (make) mistakes very often. 5. How many parts this text (consist) of? 6. – Listen! You (hear) that noise? – That’s our neighbours. They (shout) again. They never (tire) of it. – They always (shout) like that? 7. Who this palace (belong) to? – Marquis of Carabas! 8. – Hello there! Where you (think) you (go)? I (wait) for an explanation! – I (want) to go to the disco. – No, go and do your homework, now! And I (mean) it! 9. – Why he (look) so gloomy? – Oh, he (have) a headache. 10. – Who you (look) at? – I (look) at the girl over there. 11. What you (mean), you’re not letting me go? Please, you just (be) pig-headed! I (know) you’re not like that, normally. 12. How long it usually (take) you to do your homework? – Not very long. 13. I (not / understand) him. He (say) he (want) to invite her to his wedding, and that’s after all those mean things she’s done to him! – Come on, he just (be) nice. 14.You (say) that I must go alone? You (kid)? 15. – Why she (complain)? I (have ) the same problems, but I never (complain)! – What? Come off it! You always (complain)! 16. – Where is John? – He (have) a shower. – Oh, tell him to hurry up! We (have) very little time left! 17. – What’s that noise? – Oh, it’s the kids. The (play) Indians. – Why you (allow) them to make such a terrible noise? Why you (not tell) them to keep quiet? – Oh but they can’t! Children always (be) noisy. 18. Oh, now I (see) the stage very well. Thank you! 19. – You two (date) or are you just friends? – Well… We (see) each other. 20. You (believe) in Santa Claus? 21. I (live) at my aunt’s until I (find) a place to live. 22. – Shhh! I (not hear) anything! – It’s because you (not listen). 23. –You (threaten) me? – No, I (warn) you. I (try) to avoid trouble, can’t you understand? 24. At a very boring party the hostess asked Bernard Shaw, who was one of her guests: “You (enjoy) yourself, Mr. Shaw?” – “Oh, yes. But it’s the only thing I (enjoy) here, I’m afraid”. 25. Normally, I (stay) at my friend’s when I (be) in St. Petersburg. But this time my company (pay), so I (stay) at the hotel.

Exercise 30.Put the verbs in brackets in the correct form (Present Simple or Present Continuous).

1. – What your brother-in-law (do) for a living? – B: Oh, this and that, you know, he (not / have) any permanent job. 2. We (move) house next week and the removal company (come) at 5 o’clock this afternoon. 3. – Why you (taste) the stew? – To see if it (need) any spices. 4. – Jake (seem) to be rather nervous. – Well, he (appear) in the evening TV news, that’s why. 5. We haven’t made any serious plans for the summer holidays, but we (think) of visiting Majorca this year. 6. Louise, why you always (leave) your dirty coffee mug on my desk? It’s really irritating. 7. Life is so difficult! The unemployment rate (get) higher, the prices (get) higher, everything (get) higher, only our salaries are still the same! 8. Brenda is away this week. She (do) a nursing course in Coventry. 9. Let’s go over there! They (feed) the seals. 10. My Indian friend Vishnu (think) it is wrong to eat meat. 10. You (know) who this watch (belong) to? 11. Joan is downstairs in the kitchen. She (have) breakfast. 12. – What your mother (do) now? – The thing that she really (hate) – she (iron) clothes. 13. My husband’s sense of direction is not very good. Actually he (get) lost very easily. 14. Our old refrigerator has broken down completely and we (look) for a new one. 15. Mary (do) the shopping and she’ll be back in about half an hour. 16. I am not at all a religious person and I (not/believe) in reincarnation, ghosts or life after death. 17. This is a historic moment. The President’s car (arrive) in front of the palace.

Exercise 31.Complete the newspaper articles with the Present Simple or Present Continuous form of the verb in brackets.

Doctors express concern over heavy school bags

Every year thousands of children (go) to the doctor because of back pain, and in fact, this kind of problem (rapidly become) one of the most common childhood complaints. And what exactly (cause) this outbreak of back strain and muscle fatigue? It (seem) that even quite young children (take) more and more in school – not just books, but also clothes and games players – and their backpacks I simply (weigh) too much. ‘Some kids (carry) more than 25% of their body weight in a bag that has a nice cartoon character on the back, but which (actually give) them serious backache,’ reported Dr Kimberly Sachs, a GP in North London. ‘Most parents (simply not realize) what (happen) to their children.’