English IV - Unit 1

Grammar | Present Perfect

We use the present perfect simple (have or has + past participle) to talk about past actions or states which are
still connected to the present.

Unfinished time and states:

We often use the present perfect to say what we've done in an unfinished time period, such as today, this week,
this year, etc., and with expressions such as so far, until now, before, etc.

They've been on holiday twice this year.

We haven't had a lot of positive feedback so far.
I'm sure I've seen that film before.

We also use it to talk about life experiences, as our life is also an unfinished time period. We often use never in
negative sentences and ever in questions.

I've worked for six different companies.

He's never won a gold medal.
Have you ever been to Australia?

We also use the present perfect to talk about unfinished states, especially with for, since and how long.
She's wanted to be a police officer since she was a child.

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 I haven't known him for very long.
How long have you had that phone?

I. Fill in the blanks, use for or since:

1. I've had this car _________ years.
2. We've known each other ____________ we were in school.
3. I haven't eaten anything _____________this morning.
4. She hasn't slept ___________two days.
5. I have wanted to be a writer __________I was a child.
6. We've been together ___________over ten years.
7. I haven't seen John ___________last July.
8. It hasn't rained __________a long time.
9. She's worked in this bank __________25 years.
10. She's worked in this bank ___________it first opened.

Finished time and states:

If we say when something happened, or we feel that that part of our life is finished, we use the past simple.
We visited Russia for the first time in 1992.
I went to three different primary schools.
Before she retired, she worked in several different countries.

We also use the past simple for finished states.

We knew all our neighbours when we were children.

I didn't like bananas for a really long time. Now I love them!

Past actions with a result in the present:

We can use the present perfect to talk about a past action that has a result in the present.

He's broken his leg so he can't go on holiday.

There's been an accident on the main road, so let's take a different route.
They haven't called me, so I don't think they need me today.

Again, if we say when it happened, we use the past simple.

He broke his leg last week so he can't go on holiday.

We often use the present perfect with words like just, recently, already, yet and still.

We've recently started going to the gym.

She's already finished season one and now she's watching season two.
Have you checked your emails yet?

II. Choose the correct option:

1. That's the worst film I ___ in my life!

a) saw b)'ve seen

2. You've got a new car? How long ___ the old one?
a) did you have b) have you had

3. Oh dear, it looks like Jan ___ the shopping yesterday. I'll go now.
a) didn't do b) hasn't done

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4. They ___ the documents I sent them! Now I have to send them all again.
a) lose b) 've lost

5. She ___ to swim on holiday in 1995.

a) learned b) 's learned

6. I think you're my oldest friend! How long ___ each other?

a) do we know b) have we known

7. I ___ a chance to call him back yet.

a) don't have b) haven't had

8. I ___ in this flat since I moved here.

a) lived b) 've lived

9. ___ anyone famous when you were in New York?

a) Did you see b) Have you seen

10. It ___ on our holiday so far.

a) doesn't rain b) hasn't rained

11. She loves animals, but she ___ a pet.

a) never had b) 's never had

12. My laptop ___ working last week so I'm using the computers in the office until it's fixed.
a) stopped b) 's stopped

13. We ___ a great new coffee shop near our flat.

a) just discover b) 've just discovered

14. ___ the heating off? It's really cold in here.

a) Do they turn b) Have they turned

15. He ___ very happy for a few days last week, but this week he seems OK.
a) didn't seem b) hasn't seemed

Present perfect: just, yet, still and already

We often use just, yet, still and already with the present perfect because they are related to the present moment.
This page focuses on the meaning and use of these words when they are used with the present perfect.

Just used with the present perfect means 'a short time before'.

I've just seen Susan coming out of the cinema.

Mike's just called. Can you ring him back, please?
Have you just taken my pen?!

Just comes between the auxiliary verb (have/has) and the past participle.

Yet used with the present perfect means 'at any time up to now'. We use it to emphasise that we expect
something to happen soon. Yet (in this context) is only used in negative sentences and questions.

Have you finished your homework yet?

I haven't finished it yet. I'll do it after dinner.
A. Where's Sam? B: He hasn't arrived yet.

Yet comes at the end of the sentence or question.

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Still used with the present perfect means that something hasn't happened. We use it to emphasise that we
expected the thing to happen earlier. Still (in this context) is only used in negative sentences.

I've been waiting for an hour and the bus still hasn't come.
They promised me that report yesterday but they still haven't finished it.
She still hasn't replied to my email. Maybe she's on holiday.

Still comes between the subject (the bus, they, etc.) and auxiliary verb (haven't/hasn't).

Already used with the present perfect means 'before now'. We use it to emphasise that something happened
before something else or earlier than expected.

I've already spent my salary and it's two weeks before payday.
He wanted to see Sudden Risk but I've already seen it.
The train's left already!

Already can come between the auxiliary and the main verb or at the end of the clause.

III. Choose the best option:

1. They say they posted it two weeks ago but it _____ hasn't arrived.
a) yet b) still c) already

2. I haven't found a flat _____. Everything around here is so expensive.

a) just b) yet c) still

3. I've _____ seen this film. Let's watch something else.

a) yet b) still c) already

4. A: Is Al here? B: Oh, he's _____ left, I'm afraid.

a) just b) yet c) still

5. Have they finished painting your house _____?

a) just b) yet c) still

6. He's only 22 and he's _____ written a best-selling book.

a) yet b) still c) already

7. They said they'd have the results yesterday but they _____ haven't phoned.
a) yet b) already c) still

8. I'm sure she's on her way. I've ____ seen her in reception.
a) just b) yet c) still

9. She told me they sent the exam results last week but mine _____ haven't arrived.
a) yet b) still c) already

10. Have you eaten _____? If not, we can go to that new Italian place.
a) yet b) just c) still

11. Have they _____ finished redecorating your house? That was quick!
a) yet b) still c) already

12. I haven't seen the new Marvel film _____. Do you want to go and see it this week?
a) just b) yet c) still

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13. Oh, what a surprise! I've _____ seen your sister. Is your whole family here too?
a) just b) yet c) still

14. It's her birthday tomorrow and I _____ haven't got her a present.
a) just b) yet c) still

15. I doubt he wants to sell that phone. He's only _____ bought it.
a) just b) still c) already

16. I called to make an offer on the flat but it's _____ been sold.
a) yet b) still c) already

17. _____ to Rome?

a) Have ever you been b) Have you ever been c) Have you been ever

18. Have you had lunch _____?

a) yet b) just c) already

19. I _____ the keys that I lost yet.

a) haven't find b) haven't finded c) haven't found

20. I _____ Peter since I was 5 years old.

a) know b) 've known c) 've knew

21. I _____ my pen. Can I use yours?

a) 've losed b) lose c) have lost

IV. Write the sentences in present perfect:

1. He/lose/his keys. ________________________________________________

2. I/have (not)/coffee this morning. ________________________________________________

3. She/never/lie/to us. ________________________________________________

4. You/read/that newspaper/yet? ________________________________________________

5. We/be/to England/many times. ________________________________________________

6. Where/you/be? ________________________________________________

7. David/win/the competition. ________________________________________________

8. My son/break/his leg. ________________________________________________

9. I/never/see/her/before. ________________________________________________

10. They/write/a book. ________________________________________________

V. Complete the sentences using the present perfect form of the verbs in brackets.
1. I ____________________ (not have) breakfast yet. Would you like to have it with me?
2. I ____________________ (never/be) to the Himalayas, but I'd like to go.
3. We __________________ (know) the truth since the beginning.
4. They _________________ (buy) a very expensive car.
5. They _________________ (just/get) married.
6. What _________________ (you/do)?

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7. ______________________ (you/ever/work) abroad?
8. She ____________________ (already/find) a solution.
9. I think I __________________ (see) this picture before.
10. _______________________ (you/ever/meet) a celebrity?

Reading: B1 | Innovation in business

I. Preparation task: Match the definitions (a–h) with the vocabulary (1–8).
Vocabulary Definition
1. …… profits a. using new ideas or ways of doing things
2. …… innovative b. to look at something again to change it if necessary
3. …… a demand c. research and development, the part of a business that develops
4. …… to review d. money that is made by a business after all the costs are paid
5. …… feedback e. a need for something to be sold or provided
6. …… R&D f. to direct a product at a particular person or group
7. …… to target g. to know that something exists
8. …… to be aware of h. information about people’s opinions of something that can be
used to improve it

What does it mean to be innovative in business?

In order for a business to survive in today’s world, it is important that we regularly review what we are doing and
how we are doing it. By considering new ideas and new ways of doing things, and trying to innovate, we can
improve on our products/services, increase sales, reduce costs and make our processes more effective and
efficient. Innovation is key to increasing profits.

There are several ways a company can be innovative with their products and services. Today
we will look at four of them.

1. Using the latest technology to improve your product/service

When we think of innovation, we often think of new technologies. While they might be impressive, we should not
use new technologies just because they are available. It is important to consider how the technology can improve
our product/service and make a difference to our customer. Companies that produce cars, toiletries, household
appliances, etc. often have a large R&D department to work on making their products better.

2. Responding to customer demands by changing what is on offer

By listening to customer feedback, we can get their opinions on how we are doing and find out about what it is
that they want. We also need to be aware of changes in customer demands and keep up with the times. When
fast-food restaurant McDonald’s realised that the market wanted healthier choices, they introduced fruit and
salads, while removing the ‘supersize’ option from their menus.

3. Offering a new product/service to reach new customers

Your business might be doing well, but there is no growth or development and there is a risk that your competitors
might take away some of your customers. Innovation sometimes means developing a new product that targets
a different market. Although video games were often played by boys, in 2006, video games giant Nintendo
introduced the game console Nintendo Wii, successfully targeting girls and older customers with games like
Cooking Mama and Brain Training.

4. Changing the way you provide a service

By looking at the changes to the customer’s lifestyle and needs, we sometimes realise that there might be better
ways to serve them. Customers who do not have a lot of time might prefer to have their food or their shopping
delivered to their homes, or they might like to do their banking online rather than in an actual bank.

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Not all innovation will bring success to our businesses, but it can give us the opportunity to grow and learn more
about what we do and what our customers might want.

II. Complete the text with words from the box.

We need to introduce (1) ……………………………… ideas and ways of doing things so that we can improve and
grow. One way of doing this is to look at the most (2) ……………………………… technologies and see how
they can make our products or services (3) ………………………………. Some companies have a research and
(4)……………………………… department that specialises in this. Another way is to be (5)
……………………………… of changes in what our customers want and make sure we offer products or services
that meet their (6) ………………………………. A third way of introducing innovation is to develop new products
that can help you target new (7) ……………………...…………. You can also change the way your service is
offered to make it more (8) ……………………………… for your customers.

III. Are the sentences true or false?

1. We innovate because we want to increase the amount of money our businesses make. ________
2. Being innovative is all about using the newest technologies in your business. ________
3. Customers often don’t know what they want. ________
4. McDonald’s have not changed their menu since they started. ________
5. If you always target the same customers, you might lose them to your competitors. ________
6. Nintendo understood that only boys will play computer games. ________

Speaking: What are some of the latest innovations in the products/services that you use?

Listening | A phone call from a customer

I. Match the definitions (a–h) with the vocabulary (1–8).
Vocabulary Definition
1. …… an exception a. proof that a delivery has been made
2. …… payment terms b. the conditions of when a customer should make payment
3. …… an invoice c. when more time is allowed for something
4. …… an extension d. an official or organisational rule
5. …… delivery confirmation e. a document which shows how much a customer has to pay, for
what and by when
6. …… cash flow f. when something doesn’t follow the usual rule
7. …… a regulation g. to show someone you are grateful for something they have done
8. …… to appreciate h. the timing and amount of money coming in and going out of a
company

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II. Listen to the phone call from a customer to practise and improve your listening skills.

III. Are the sentences true or false?

1. The delivery hasn’t arrived yet. _________
2. Andrea is having cash flow issues and needs a payment extension. _________
3. Andrea usually asks for an extension of the payment terms. _________
4. Andrea has a new order to place, even bigger than the last one. _________
5. Junko can extend the payment terms on the last order to 60 days. _________
6. Junko will send Andrea an email confirmation. _________

IV. Write the sentences in the correct group.

Let me see what I can do. I promise this won’t become the norm.
I’m happy to help you. I’m not sure if I can do that.
You’ll really be helping us. I appreciate your help.
I need a favour. I think we can make an exception this time.

The customer says: The supplier says:

Speaking: Do you ever do favours or make exceptions for important clients?

Writing: A2 |An email explaining a problem

I. Match the definitions (a–f) with the vocabulary (1–6).
Vocabulary Definitions
1. …… an extension a. to go to class; to be present in class
2. …… to attach b. a long piece of writing for school or university
3. …… an essay c. extra time
4. …… to submit d. to include a file or document in an email
5. …… a lecture e. a university class
6. …… to attend class f. to send a document for somebody (like a teacher or manager) to
check
II. Read an email explaining a problem

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Tips
1. Start with Dear and the person’s title and name.
2. Say what the problem is first. Then, give more details. Finally, offer a solution or say what you hope will happen
next.
3. Make it short and clear. Just include the most important information.
4. Say Thank you for your understanding at the end. It shows that you hope the reader will understand your
problems.

III. Are the sentences true or false?

1. Jameela can’t come to class for two months. ________
2. The problem is with her back. ________
3. She needs to move as much as possible. ________
4. The doctor gave her a piece of paper to say she can’t go to classes. ________
5. Jameela is going to listen to lectures on the internet. ________
6. She needs more time to write her essay ________

IV. Match the part of the email (a–f) with the paragraph (1–6).

Paragraph Part of the email

1. …… Dear Professor Hart, a. Closing phrase
2. …… I’m writing to let you know … b. Reason for writing, i.e. the problem
3. …… I have medicine … c. Sign off
4. …… Until then, … d. Greeting
5. …… Thank you for … e. The solution to the problem (including asking for
help, if needed)
6. …… Regards, Jameela f. Supporting facts and details

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V. Complete the e-mail:

(1)……………………………… Professor Mullany,

I’m (2)……………………………… to let you (3)……………………………… that I (4)………………………………
come to your next class. Unfortunately, I have to have an operation next Thursday. I’ve
(5)……………………………… a copy of the letter from the hospital. Fortunately, it is only a minor operation and
hopefully I will be able to come (6)……………………………… to class on Friday. Please
(7)……………………………… you keep a copy of any handouts from Thursday’s class?
Thank you for your (8)………………………………
Regards,
Sam Wood

Speaking: Have you ever missed several days of work, university or school? How did you keep up with your
work?

Source: https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/a2-writing/email-explaining-problem

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