Present Continuous, Three

 

Review

The present continuous describes an action that is taking place at the moment of speaking. It also talks about short-term activities, or activities taking place in general, though not necessarily at the moment.
See PRESENT CONTINUOUS

Basic Structure of the Present Continuous:

(+): Subject + am/is/are + ing-form. (-): Subject + am/is/are + not + ing-form.

Examples:
• I am fishing.
• You are not listening to me.
• The teacher is telling a story to the students.

Yes-No Questions in Present Continuous

Am/Are/Is + subject + ing-form.

Examples

• Am I doing this right (correctly)? —> No, you aren’t. You’re supposed to add that chemical last.
• Is Ronald bird watching again? —> Uh, actually…he’s spying on his neighbours.
• Are they playing…or are they working? —> Good question. I think they’re actually working.
• Is your ex-housemate still flipping burgers? —> No. Now he’s working on board a cruise liner.

Open-Ended (WH) Questions

WH-Q: Q-word + am/are/is + subject + ing-form.

Examples

• What are you reading? —> I‘m reading “How to Win Friends and Influence People”.
• Why is Casper cleaning up the house? —> (He’s cleaning up the house) because some guests are coming over.
• Who is James dancing with? —> He’s dancing with Mrs. McDonald.

What Would you Say?

1. Mr. Rossini sees his nephew focused intently on his computer. What does he ask him?
2. You see your flatmate in the kitchen surrounded by all kinds of vegetables, meat, herbs, spices. What do you ask him or her?
3. Sam and Delilah find their neighbour doing various things in his back garden. What do they ask each other?

Answer or Complete the Following. Say Why and Give Examples

Business, Work, Career

1. Alfred has drunk a lot of beer and whiskey. What is he doing now?

2. Mr. Cartwright is running for president. He is campaigning to become president. Why is he running for president? He is running for president because . . . .

3. Tricia . . . . . because she wants to be happy, discover the truth and find the meaning of life.

4. What are teenagers doing on Friday and Saturday night?

5. What are the tourists doing?

Leisure

6. It is summertime. What are you (former) teachers doing?

7. Someone in your company or organization is giving a speech or presentation. Why is he or she giving a presentation?

8. Thousands of people have paid and come to hear Mr. Brady. Why is Mr. Brady speaking to an audience?

9. Many people are attending a workshop presented by Jennifer Lawrence, Ph.D. Why are they attending the workshop?

10. Your friend is listening to his or her favorite music collection. Why is your friend listening to her or his favorite music?

11. Carol is always making and uploading videos. Why is she doing this?

12. Neil is writing a book. Why is he writing a book?
 
 
 
 
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