Unit 2.

CHARACTER

Grammar: PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE

Checklist
1 ambitious 26 intelligent
2 amiable 27 jealous
3 argumentative 28 loyal
4 assertive 29 meticulous
5 brainless 30 modest
6 brainy 31 moody
7 bright 32 outgoing
8 condescending 33 patient
9 confident 34 quarrelsome
10 considerate 35 reliable
11 conventional 36 reserved
12 cruel 37 responsible
13 daft 38 selfish
14 deceitful 39 sensitive
15 dumb 40 shrewd
16 easy-going 41 sincere
17 flexible 42 smart
18 foolish 43 sociable
19 generous 44 stubborn
20 greedy 45 stupid
21 grumpy 46 tense
22 half-witted 47 tidy
23 honest 48 timid
24 immature 49 trustworthy
25 impatient 50 vulnerable
 Task 1. Read the article and fill in the gaps with words or phrases from the box
(By Edward Diener and Richard E. Lucas
University of Utah, University of Virginia, Michigan State University)

behavior, feelings, sociable, personality, Five-Factor Model, traits,

Neuroticism, influenced, argue, differ from

PERSONALITY TRAITS

Personality traits reflect people’s characteristic patterns of thoughts, (1) ......................................... ,

and behaviors. Personality traits imply consistency and stability—someone who scores high on a specific trait
like Extraversion is expected to be(2) ......................................... in different situations and over time. Thus,
trait psychology rests on the idea that people (3) ......................................... one another in terms of where they
stand on a set of basic trait dimensions that persist over time and across situations. The most widely used
system of traits is called the(4) ......................................... . This system includes five broad traits that can be
remembered with the acronym OCEAN: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and (5)
.......................................... Each of the major (6) ......................................... from the Big Five can be divided
into facets to give a more fine-grained analysis of someone’s (7) ..........................................
In addition, some trait theorists argue that there are other traits that cannot be completely captured by
the Five-Factor Model. Critics of the trait concept (8) ......................................... that people do not act
consistently from one situation to the next and that people are very (9) ......................................... by situational
forces. Thus, one major debate in the field concerns the relative power of people’s traits versus the situations
in which they find themselves as predictors of their (10) ..........................................

Task 2. Match the words/phrases from the box with their definitions (1-10) Use each word only once.
(from Oxford Exam Trainer B2)

condescending, considerate, stubborn, assertive, immature, ambitious,

responsible, selfish, meticulous, conventional

a)
1 Devoted to or caring only for oneself
2 Having a desire to be successful, famous
3 Someone who is not fully grown or developed
4 Displaying a patronizingly superior attitude
5 Traditional and ordinary
6 Kind and helpful
7 Confidently aggressive or forceful
8 Reliable, sensible and able to be trusted to do the right thing
9 Refusing to comply, agree, or give in; obstinate
10 Likes to do things carefully and in detail
 b)

flexible, generous, confident,outgoing ,moody, modest,

deceitful, , impatient, reserved

1 Sure of their own capabilities

2 Liking to meet other people, enjoying their company and being friendly
towards them
3 Often become sad or angry for no particular reason
4 Don’t like talking about their personal achievements
5 Tell a lot of lies
6 Giving or willing to give freely; given freely
7 Low or unwilling to show feelings or express opinions
8 Get easily annoyed when they have to wait for someting
9 Can adopt and change in different situations

Task 3. Fill in the gaps to complete the dialogue between Sonia and Ryan.
The first letters are given. Use the words from the Checklist
a)
Sonia: So Ryan, how’s your new room mate?
Ryan: She’s really (1) g......................................... . She always
helps me with lots of stuff. She’s really good with computers,
and she’s a fantastic cook. But sometimes she’s very (2)
r........................................ She doesn’t say anything for hours.
Sonia: Oh That’s ok. I think, everybody likes to be alone
sometimes.
Ryan: Sure! I understand that. So how’s your new job?
Sonia: The job is going well. But my boss is weird. He’s very
pessimistic.
Ryan: How’s that? Can you give me an example?
Sonia: He always thinks things are going badly, and complains I’m doing things wrong. He seems to
think, I’m a loser. Maybe, that’s because I have tattoos, on my arm and neck. Sometimes I’m (3)
i..................................... with his attitude.
Ryan: Oh don’t worry Sonia. You’re such an (4) o......................................, optimistic and (6)
r.................................. person. He’ll like you for sure, when he gets to know you well . Everyone does!
Sonia: Really? That’s such a nice compliment!

b) Fill in the gaps to complete the sentences. The first letters are given. Use the words from the
Checklist
(from English for life, Inermediate)

1. He always finishes his work on time. He is very r.........................................

2. She doesn’t mind waiting for things. She’s very p.........................................
3. He’s won a lot of prizes, but he doesn’t about them much. He’s very m.........................................
4. She found some money and she took it to the police station. She’s an h................................person.
5. Everything on his desk is always in the right place. He’s very t.........................................
6. He loves meeting people. He’s a s .........................................person.
7. He want’s to be the Director. He’s an a.........................................person.
8. She’s good at understanding people’s feelings. She is very s.........................................
9. He always defends his friends. He’s very l.........................................

Task 4. Put the adjectives into the correct columns:

 intelligent, stupid, foolish, smart, dumb,
shrewd, brainy, half-witted, brainless, daft, bright

Intellectual ability
Positive meaning Negative meaning

pessimist, optimist, sensitive, tense

Attitudes towards life

Positive meaning Negative meaning

sociable, quarrelsome, argumentative, easy going, honest, cruel, jealous,

trustworthy, reliable, sincere, generous, amiable, grumpy, loyal, timid, deceitful

Attitudes towards other people

Positive meaning Negative meaning

Task 5. Read the extracts/sentences and fill in the words appropriately

 (Outcomes, Intermediate)

a) reserved, intelligent, greedy, foolish

This is Martin. He is a very hard working and (1) ......................................... man with a good sense of
humour. But today he is very pessimistic and even aggressive as he has failed his
driving exam and didn’t get the driving license. He doesn’t want to seem (2)
........................................., so he doesn’t want to tell his wife and children about
this.

And this is Rebecca. She is only five years old but no

one wants to make friends with her, because children
consider her to be to (3) .......................................... She
has got many nice toys but she never lets anyone play with
them.
This is Valentine. He prefers to read books quietly
rather than play noisy games. That’s why children find him a bit (4)
.........................................

b) outgoing, bright, easy-going, generous, stubborn

1. He’s very clever – just really (1)..........................................

2. She’s really friendly –really (2).......................................... She is good at making new friend.
3. They’re very relaxed – just very (3) ..........................................
4. She’s very determined. In fact, she can be very (4).......................................... They’re strict, but they
can also be very kind and (5).......................................generous.

Task 6. Read the text below. Choose the correct option (A, B, C or D)
[https://may.alleng.org/engl-top/719.htm]

DESCRIBING PEOPLE: TRAITS OF CHARACTER

There is no doubt that all people have different

character traits. Sometimes you may think that you know a
person’s character well just because you have been friends
for ages, but one particular situation can show how wrong
you were. In lots of cases, people just do not know who
they really are and what they are capable of. Anyway, each
of us has both negative and positive character
(1)....................................... and wants to be a better
person. In life, there is a constant battle between these two
traits.
As far as I am concerned, I am emotional and easy-going. That is why it is easy for me to make new
acquaintances. Besides, my friends say that I am helpful, sympathetic and (2).......................................... Well,
I am supportive as well. As for my negative character traits, I am lazy and (3)..................................... Besides,
I am too touchy and (4).......................................... I dislike when people criticize me because I feel as if I must
be perfect. Another negative trait of character I dislike and suffer from is my hot temper. I get angry very
quickly and fly into a (5)......................................... Sometimes I even cannot control myself when I
(6)....................................... with anyone.
If you ask me to describe a person whose character, I like, I would tell you about my best friend, Anna.
She is sociable and cheerful. She is always in high (7)......................................... Her (8) ....................................
always cheers me up. Besides, she is clever, purposeful and hardworking. She is an excellent student and
already knows three foreign languages. Moreover, she has a wide range of interests. She is fond of music,
reading and painting.
 As for characteristics, which are the least appealing in a person, I think it is envy and hypocrisy.
Unfortunately, appearances are often (9)........................................ It is true when they say, "Don’t judge a book
by its cover." As for other negative characteristics I hate, I can’t stand cruel and ruthless people. Moreover, I
don’t trust people who dislike animals. I find them (10)........................................

1 A feature B traits C quality D distinction

2 A kind-hearted B cruel C rude D cold-hearted
3 A gentle B loyal C stubborn D reliable
4 A grumpy B ambitious C selfish D vulnerable
5 A cruel B rage C rude D angry
6 A insist B argue C maintain D state
7 A spirits B soul C psyche D ghosts
8 A eccentrism B criticism C pessimism D optimism
9 A misleading B deceptive C illusory D ambiguous
10 A cold-hearted B kind-hearted C responsible D gentle

Task. 7. For questions (1–10) choose the best adjective to complete each of the following sentences
(A, B, C or D).

1. John is very sociable and................................................ . He enjoys parties and meeting people.

2. Sarah is so................................................ that she never listens to other people’s advice.
3. Tom is thoughtful and kind. In fact, he’s the most ..............................................person I know.
4. The examiner smiled and was perfectly ................................................towards me, but he was very strict.
5. Although Jeremy is old enough to get married, he is still ................................................to settle down.
6. I let someone jump in front of me in the bus queue. I need to be more................................................next
time.
7. I thought the shop assistant was very ................................................ I don’t think he’s had a very good
day.

1 A responsible B outgoing C well-meaning D assertive

2 A stubborn B dedicated C assertive D selfish
3 A assertive B considerate C conventional D immature
4 A rational B amiable C timid D stubborn
5 A immature B grumpy C stubborn D conventional
6 A timid B responsible C sensible D assertive
7 A ambitious B grumpy C amiable D friendly

Task. 8. Match the idioms to their corresponding meaning

1) he’s the salt of the earth a) a person who is unwilling to try anything new or do
anything exciting.
2) he’s as stubborn as a b) a person who has the desire and the ability to be very
mule successful in their job or studies.
3) he’s a kill joy c) a person who talks too much, and does not say anything
important or interesting.
4) he’s a slave driver d) a person or thing that is very annoying.
5) he’s a trouble-maker e) a person who is determined to do what they want and
unwilling to change his/her mind.
6) he’s a windbag f) a person who is too interested in what other people are
doing.
7) he’s a couch potato g) a person who behaves as if they know everything.
8) he’s got a chip on his h) a person who shows no sympathy, kindness or fear.
shoulder
9) he’s an early bird i) a person who likes to spoil others people’s enjoyment.
10) he’s a busybody j) a person who is lively , entertaining and good at mixing
with people.
11) he’s a stick in theb mud k) a person who is honest, kind and sincere even though
sometimes he/she does wrong.
12) he’s the life and soul of l) a person who often causes troubles.
the party
13) he’s a cold fish m) a person, group or thing that causes problem, usually
because they won’t behave. Hard to deal with.
14) his heart is in the right n) a person who is often alone or who prefers to be alone
place rather than with other people.
15) he’s a bit of a loner o) a person who makes people work extremely hard.
16) he’s an awkward p) a person who seems unfriendly and without strong
customer emotions.
17) he’s a pain in the neck q) a person who gets up, arrives very early.
18) he’s a real know-all r) a person who spends most of his/her time sitting around
watching TV in a very lazy way.
19) he’s as hard as nails s) a person who feels angry because they think they have been
treated unfairly especially because of race, sex and
background.
20) he’s a high-flyer t) a person who is decent, dependable and unpretentious.
Good and honest you can always depend on.
 GRAMMAR

PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE – теперішній тривалий час. В

англійській мові його використовують у випадку, коли хочуть
показати, що дія відбувається в даний момент або почалася і ще не
закінчилася. Теперішній тривалий час утворюється за допомогою
дієслова to be + основа дієслова із закінченням -ing:

Стверджувальна форма Питальна форма Заперечна форма

Affirmative Interrogative Negative
I am reading Am I reading? I am not reading
He (she, it) is reading Is he (she, it) reading? He ( she, it) is not reading
You (we, they) are reading Are you (we, they) reading? You (we, they) are not reading
A dog (усі іменники в однині) Is a dog barking? A dog is not barking
is barking
Dogs (усі іменники в множині) Are dogs barking? Dogs are not barking
are barking

Випадки, в яких необхідно вживати Present Continuous:

1) Коли ми описуємо ситуації, що постійно повторюються, а також коли виражаємо дратування

стосовно якоїсь повторюваної дії. Слова-маркери, які допоможуть вам ідентифікувати Present
Continuous: constantly; permanently; continuously; always; frequently; invariably:

● We are always losing our luggage.

● She is constantly smoking in our flat. It’s disgusting!

2) Коли дія, яку ми описуємо, відбувається в процесі

мовлення. Вам допоможуть слова-маркери now/right now; at the
moment:
● I’m reading a great book right now.
● Tom is sleeping at the moment.

3) Коли говоримо про певні плани на найближче майбутнє (+

вказується конкретна дата їх виконання):
● They are going to the cinema tonight.
● We are going to India next month.

4) Використовуємо Present Continuous, якщо дія почалась і

ще не закінчилась, тобто коли вона охоплює певний період часу:

● She is studying at the institute.

● Are you still working with those designers?

5) Коли в речення відображається ситуація, яка змінюється:

● Is your French getting better now?
● We’re testing a new logo at the moment.

6) Щоб описати тенденцію (to describe trends):

● The number of people shopping online is growing.

7) Якщо дія, яка є в процесі, протікає одночасно з дією, яка виражена в Present Simple. Тоді Present
Continuous ставиться в іншій частині речення після слів when; if; unless; in case; as long as; while:
 ● Try not to chaw when you are eating.

ДІЄСЛОВА СТАНУ (STATIVE VERBS) :

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ТА ПРАВИЛА ВИКОРИСТАННЯ

Деякі дієслова в англійській мові, які називаються “дієсловами стану”, не вживаються в Present
Сontinuous. Ці дієслова часто описують стан предметів, людей, тварин, які тривають деякий час. Ось
список найпоширеніших з них:
Список “дієслів стану”

like – подобатися know – знати belong – належати

love – любити realise – розуміти fit – підходити
hate – ненавидіти suppose – припускати contain – містити
want – хотіти mean – значить consist -утримувати
need – потребувати understand – розуміти seem – бути схожим
prefer – надавати перевагу believe – вірити depend – залежати
agree – погоджуватися remember – пам’ятати matter – значить
mind – думати recognise – дізнаватися see – бачити
own – володіти appear – з’являтися look (= seem) – виглядати
sound – звучати taste – пробувати smell – пахнути
hear – чути astonish – вражати deny – заперечувати
disagree – не погоджуватися please – задовольняти impress – вражати
satisfy – задовольняти promise – обіцяти surprise – дивувати
doubt – сумніватися think – мати думку feel (= have an opinion) – мати
думку
wish – бажати imagine – уявляти concern – хвилювати
dislike – не подобатися be – бути have – мати
deserve – заслуговувати involve – залучати include – включати
lack – не вистачати measure (= have length etc) – possess – володіти
вимірювати
owe – володіти weigh (= have weight) – важити

Дієслово, значення якого – не стан, зазвичай називають динамічним дієсловом, значення

якого – дія.

Деякі дієслова можуть одночасно бути динамічними і дієсловами стану:

Be
● you are stupid – ти дурний = бути / це частина твоєї особистості
● you are being stupid – ти дієш нерозумно = поводитися / тільки зараз, а не завжди
Think
● think (stative) = мати думку
I think that coffee is great – Мені здається, кава відмінна!
● think (dynamic) = думати, міркувати
What are you thinking about? I’m thinking about my next holiday –
Про що ти думаєш? Я думаю про свою наступну відпустку.
Have
● have (stative) = володіти
I have a car – у мене є машина
● have (dynamic) = частина виразу
I’m having a party / a picnic / a bath / a good time / a break – У мене буде вечірка / пікнік /…
See
● see (stative) = бачити очима / розуміти
I see what you mean – Я розумію, що ти маєш на увазі.
I see her now, she’s just coming along the road –
Я бачу її зараз, вона тільки що пройшла по дорозі.
● see (dynamic) = зустріти / мати з кимось відношення
 I’ve been seeing my boyfriend for three years. – Я зустрічаюся з моїм хлопцем вже 3 роки.
I’m seeing Robert tomorrow – Я завтра зустрічаюся з Робертом.
Taste
● taste (stative) = мати певний смак (про їжу), смакувати
This soup tastes great – Суп чудовий.
The coffee tastes really bitter – Кава дуже гірка.
● taste (dynamic) = пробувати на смак, куштувати
The chef is tasting the soup – Кухар пробує суп на смак.

EXERCISES

Exercise 1. Make the present continuous:

a)
1. (he / meet his friend tonight)
____________________________________________________________________________________
2. (he / not / walk to school now)
____________________________________________________________________________________
3. (we / not / watch TV at the moment)
____________________________________________________________________________________
4. (you / not / read a book)
____________________________________________________________________________________
5. (I / visit Linda tonight)
____________________________________________________________________________________
6. (she / not / eat dinner now)
____________________________________________________________________________________
7. (Lucy / not / work in a bookshop this summer)
____________________________________________________________________________________
8. (they / watch a film)
____________________________________________________________________________________
9. (we / buy a new car)
____________________________________________________________________________________
10. (David / have a party tomorrow)
____________________________________________________________________________________
11. (I / get a bike)
____________________________________________________________________________________
12. (you / take a long time)
____________________________________________________________________________________
13. (I / not / come until later)
____________________________________________________________________________________
14. (Jill and Susan / walk)
____________________________________________________________________________________
15. (we / not / listen to the radio
____________________________________________________________________________________
16. (they / not / speak to each other)
____________________________________________________________________________________
17. (he / take a shower)
____________________________________________________________________________________
18. (you / get fat)
____________________________________________________________________________________
19. (I / not / use the computer)
____________________________________________________________________________________
20. (they / not / visit their parents)
____________________________________________________________________________________

b) Make the present continuous:

1. (she / go home now)

2. (I / read a great book)
3. (she / not / wash her hair
4. (the cat / chase mice?)
5. (she / cry?)
6. (he / not / study Latin)
7. (we / drive to London?)
8. (they / watch TV? )
9. (where / she / go now? )
10. (I / not / leave now)
11. (you / not / run)
12. (why / he / leave ?)
13. (how / I / travel ? )
14. (it / not / rain)
15. (when / we / arrive? )
16. (where / they / stay? )
17. (it / rain)
18. (she / come at six)
19. (he / watch a film at the moment)
20. (we / not / sleep)

Exercise 2. Make the present continuous (‘yes / no’ or ‘wh’ questions):

1. (how long / you / stay in Paris?)

____________________________________________________________________________________
2. (you / drink / tea ?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
3. (where / you / stay?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
4. (why / you / watch TV now?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
5. (she / work in a bar?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
6. (what / he / do?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
7. (why / she / call her friend now?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
8. (I / lose weight?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
9. (we / work tomorrow?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
10. (when / you / arrive?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
11. (he / take dance classes?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
12. (she / stay in a hotel?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
13. (how much / he / eat?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
14. (how long / you / stay in China?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
15. (she / study in the library now?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
16. (you / come?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
17. (they / rent a car?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
18. (when / they / have a barbeque?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
19. (what / Julie / do tonight?)
____________________________________________________________________________________
20. (you / feel sleepy?)
____________________________________________________________________________________

Exercise 3. Choose the correct form

a)
1. I ...................................................... an email now.
● am writing
● am writting

2. Susan ....................................... in the bed at the moment.

● lying
● is lying

3. I .......................................... in London this month.

● am staying
● stay

4. Peter .......................................... this week.

● working
● is working

5. My mum and dad .......................................... now.

● is cooking
● are cooking

6. I’d like to know why you ........................................... my bedroom.

● are tiding
● are tidying

7. Jane isn’t at home. She ........................................ .

● is shoping
● is shopping

8. I can see Daniel. He .......................................... over there.

● is siting
● is sitting

9. Can I help you? - No, thank you. We ..................................................... .

● just looking
● are just looking

10. I am in Hastings. .............................................. English this summer.

● I learning
● I’m learning

b) Complete the sentences with the verbs in brackets

Example:
Bill .................. today. (work)
Bill is working today.

1. Look. She ................................................. us. (watch)

2. We ............................................ in Paris this week. (stay)
3. My sister is not here. She .................................... the shopping. (do)
4. Please, stop! You ..................................... so loudly! (sing).
It’s 9 o’clock and I ...................................... a book. (read)
5. Where is Sam? - He ...................................... his car. (mend)
6. Paul, where are you? I .................................................. outside the school. (wait)
7. Sarah and Sue .................................................... in the street at the moment. (play)
8. Debbie .............................................................. her flat in York these days. (decorate)
9. Luke is in the bathroom. He ......................................... a shower. (take)
10. The sun .............................................. and we are sunbathing. (shine)

Exercise 4. Choose the present simple or the present continuous. Watch out for stative verbs:
1. Julie ____________ (read) in the garden.
2. What ____________ (we / have) for dinner tonight?
3. She ____________ (have) two daughters.
4. I ____________ (stay) in Spain for two weeks this summer.
5. He often ____________ (come) over for dinner.
6. The class ____________ (begin) at nine every day.
7. What ____________ (you / eat) at the moment?
8. What ____________ (Susie / do) tomorrow?
9. I ____________ (not / work) on Sundays.
10. She ____________ (not / study) now, she ____________ (watch) TV.
11. How often ____________ (you / go) to restaurants?
12. I ____________ (not / go) on holiday this summer.
13. I’m sorry, I ____________ (not / understand).
14. She ____________ (work) as a waitress for a month.
15. She ____________ (take) a salsa dancing class every Tuesday.
16. It ____________ (be) cold here in winter.
17. Take your umbrella, it ____________ (rain).
18. This cake ____________ (taste) delicious.
19. The bag ____________ (belong) to Jack.
20. When ____________ (you / arrive) tonight?

Exercise 5. Choose the present simple or present continuous (these verbs are sometimes stative):
1. She _____________ (have) a bath every evening.
2. My husband _____________ (always / taste) the food while I’m cooking! It’s very annoying.
3. A: Where’s Luke? B: He _____________ (see) the doctor now.
4. I _____________ (not / think) that’s a good idea.
5. He _____________ (have) a party at the weekend.
6. This coffee _____________ (not / taste) right.
7. We _____________ (see) John and Susie next weekend.
8. What _____________ (you / think) about the war in Iraq?
9. She _____________ (have) a headache.
10. It _____________ (be) cold today.
11. They _____________ (not / have) a car.
12. I _____________ (not / see) anything, I can’t work the telescope.
13. The waiter _____________ (taste) the wine now.
14. She _____________ (not / be) a doctor.
15. A: What _____________ (that child / do)? B: He _____________ (be) silly.
16. _____________ (you / be) hungry? _____________ (you / want) a sandwich?
17. A: What _____________ (you / do)? B: I _____________ (think) about my ex-boyfriend.
18. I _____________ (have) fun today!
19. I _____________ (see) Julie every Tuesday.
20. I _____________ (have) an idea!

Exercise 6. Choose the present simple or present continuous:

1. (You / come) _________________________________ tonight?
2. (He / eat) _________________________________ rice every day?
3. I (work) _________________________________ at the moment.
4. (He / come) _________________________________ to London often?
5. He (play) _________________________________ tennis now.
6. (You / come) _________________________________ to the cinema later?
7. They (not / come) _________________________________ to the party tomorrow.
8. He (not / play) _________________________________ golf now.
9. (You / play) _________________________________ tennis this Sunday?
10. They (go) _________________________________ to a restaurant every Saturday.
 11. She (not / go) _________________________________ to the cinema very often.
12. You usually (arrive) _________________________________ late.
13. He normally (eat) _________________________________ dinner at home.
14. (You / study) _________________________________ every night?
15. (They / work) _________________________________ late usually?
16. You (not / go) _________________________________ out later.
17. I (not / work) _________________________________ tonight.
18. (She / work) _________________________________ at the moment?
19. I (not / drink) _________________________________ coffee very often.
20. Julie (sleep) _________________________________ now.

Exercise 7. Correct mistakes in the following sentences. Use the present simple or present continuous to
express future actions:

1. Mike and Fred is leaving tomorrow early in the

Mike and Fred tomorrow early in the
morning.
morning
2. Look at the programme. The concert is beginning
Look at the programme. The concert at
at 6 o’clock.
6 o’clock.
3. Do you do anything tonight? We could go out.
anything tonight? We could go out.
4. Excuse me, what time the ferry from Dover lands?
Excuse me, what time ?
5. I see doctor Conrad in his surgery this afternoon.
I doctor Conrad in his surgery this
afternoon.
6. Where do you go on your holiday next summer?
Where on your holiday next summer?
7. The train is not leaving at 10.15. It is arriving at
The train at 10.15. It at
10.15.
10.15.
8. Do you give Jill anything for her birthday this
Jill anything for her birthday this year?
year?

9. This winter term classes are ending on 8 March.

This winter term classes on 8 March.
10. A: Why isn’t the exhibition opening on 11th
A: Why on 11th September? - B:
September? - B: It’s starting on 18th instead.
It on 18th instead.

Exercise 8. Complete the sentences with the present simple or present continuous:
1. Look at that guy. I think he ………………………… (listen) to us.
2. We …………………………….. (stay) at a hotel a near the Wicklow Mountains this week.
3. I ……………………(go) to bed early on Saturdays and Sundays.
4. My mother is at the shop now. She …………………….. (buy) a new dress for my younger sister.
5. Jill ………………………. (have) a lot of money because she works very hard.
6. The bus ………………………………… (leave) on Sunday night at about ten o’clock.
7. Please, slow down a little bit. You …………………………………………….. (drive) too fast to my taste.
8. We …………………………………. (meet) in Berlin for our class reunion each year before Christmas
9. We ………………………. (go) to the disco on Friday. You can join us if you like.
10. He usually ……………………………………. (come) on time. I don’t know why he is so late today.
11. Be quiet, please. I ………………………………. (watch) a video about my friend’s trip to Barcelona.
12. My mum and dad ………………….. (have) a rest in their bedroom at the moment
13. I usually wash up and my brother Bill ………………………. (dry) the dishes
14. I’m afraid my grandma is ill. She ……………………… (lie) in bed all day
15. I think we could take this violet perfume. It ……………………. (smell) really good.
Exercise 9. Complete the present simple and present continuous wh-questions:

1. Her brother gets up very early every day.

What time on Saturdays and Sundays?

2. I am working as a receptionist at the Hilton Hotel now.

Why at a hotel? You are a teacher.

3. She studies English history and literature.

Where them? At University of Aberdeen?

4. They want to go to Hastings on their holiday.

When to go? In summer?

5. Sarah’s grandparents are watching a science fiction film with Tom Cruise.

What kind of film ? A sci-fi?

6. I use various techniques when I paint pictures of my family or friends.

Which techniques ? Watercolour, pastel or even oil?

7. He is washing something in the laundrette round the corner.

What ? Let me guess. His football dress?

8. I help Bill and Josh with their maths and physics homework.

Who with maths and physics?

9. I believe he isn’t using your toothbrush.

But which toothbrush ?

10. Look, I always do it like this. It’s really easy.

How it? Show me again, please.

Exercise 10. Make negative sentences in the present simple and present continuous tense:

1. Your classmate Susan looks very good.

Susan very good. She looks awful with her new hairstyle.
2. Why do you read magazines about economics? They are so boring.

Why magazines about exotic holiday destinations? They are so interesting.

3. I am doing housework at the moment. I can’t go out.

I housework at the moment. I’m just relaxing in the whirpool.

4. We go swimming on Tuesdays.

We swimming on Tuesdays. We go to the swimming pool on Saturdays.

5. My penfriend sends me postcards from her business trips.

My penfriend me postcards. She usually writes emails or sends text messages.

6. Are you listening to us? No, you aren’t.

Why to us? You’ll need the information, I’m sure.

7. I do housework every day.

I housework every day. My beloved husband does it.

8. I don’t know if he’s working hard enough.

hard enough? Look at him. He’s sweating all over his body.
9. They sometimes have an argument about money.

They any arguments at all. They are both very tolerant people.
10. He never eats sushi as far as I know.

What ? Sushi? I’m dying for it right now.