Part A (1) (2)

Part A. Grammar focus

Present Simple and Present Continuous

Present Simple is used:

Present Continuous is used:

1.             for permanent situations.

She works in an office.

1.             for temporary situations.

He's staying with some friends at the moment.

2.             for repeated actions in the present, especially with adverbs of frequency.

He often buys her flowers.

2.             for actions happening at or around the time of speaking.

He's looking for a new job at the moment.

3.             for facts which are permanently true.

The sun sets in the west.

3.             with always to express annoyance or criticism.

He's always telling lies!

4.             for timetables or programmes.

The lesson starts at 10 o'clock.

4.             for fixed arrangements in the near future. I'm flying to London tomorrow. (It's all arranged. I've already bought the tickets. The time of the action is always stated or understood.)