Present Simple or Present Continuous?
Objective:
The overarching learning goal is the accurate distinction and application of the Present Simple and Present Continuous (Progressive) tenses. Learners should be empowered to differentiate between permanent states, habitual actions, and facts on one hand, and temporary processes and snapshots on the other. The aim is to develop a precise sense of time in the english language through the correct assignment of contextual clues and the enhancement of overall expressive ability in the present tense.
Content and Methods:
The worksheet initially introduces learners to the theoretical differentiation of the two tenses, with a focus on specific usage purposes such as official schedules, habits, and current events. The methodological delivery is achieved through a structured sequence of interactive task formats. First, multiple-choice exercises allow learners to select the appropriate verb forms in everyday sentences. This is followed by the identification and marking of key signal words (such as "right now," "every day," or "at this moment") to deliberately train sensitivity to temporal indicators. In a productive phase, learners use drag-and-drop elements and fill-in-the-blank texts to conjugate verbs independently from their infinitive form and place them in the correct context. This constant alternation between passive recognition and active language production ensures that grammatical rules are functionally understood and securely integrated into language use.
Competencies:
- Grammatical Competence: Mastery of the formation and application of Present Simple and Present Continuous, considering the correct auxiliary verbs and endings.
- Temporal Analytical Ability: The skill to correctly classify situations temporally based on contextual signals and signal words and to deduce the appropriate tense.
- Linguistic Flexibility: Confidently switching between different levels of representation (facts vs. temporary actions) within a description.
- Reading Comprehension: Extraction of temporal information from short text passages for correct grammatical implementation.
Target Group and Level:
A2
330 other teachers use this template
Target group and level
English learners at A2 level
Subjects
Present Simple or Present Continuous?
💡Present simple or present continuous?
We use the simple present and the present progressive to talk about things that take place in the present The simple present is used for facts, permanent states, regularly occurring actions and as a narrative form for stories that take place in the present. The present progressive is used for temporary actions and to describe what is happening at the moment of speaking.
We use the simple present with:
actions that occur in a sequence, actions that occur according to an official schedule or programme, permanent actions that occur regularly with signal words such as always, often, never.
We use the present progressive with:
actions that are in progress at the moment of speaking, actions that occur at a time that is personally arranged or organized, temporary actions that occur for a short or fixed time period.