Present Simple or Continuous 2

Question 1

Stories and jokes in INFORMAL spoken English.

Answer 1

She goes up to this man and looks straight into his eyes…

Question 2

The main event in SIMPLE and background event in CONTINUOS.

Answer 2

Listen, this man is playing golf when a kangaroo bounds up to him, grabs his club and hits his ball about half a mile.

Question 3

In narratives or anecdots, use SIMPLE after PAST, with SUDDENLY or ALL OF A SUDDEN.

Answer 3

I was sitting in the park when all of a sudden this dog jumps at me.

Question 4

SIMPLE or CONTINUOS in live commentaries (on sports events).

Answer 4

King serves to the left-hand and Adam makes a wonderful return. She’s playing magnificent tennis in this match.

Question 5

SIMPLE or PAST

Answer 5

It says here, I gather, I hear, I see, I understand…
I hear she is an excellent speaker.
Sophia tells me you’re thinking of emigrating.

Question 6

SIMPLE with news headlines, events that just happened. With content of books, films and newspapers.

Answer 6

Second quake hits Japan.
In the film, Lory takes the paper of a dog.
At the beginning of the book, three men find 4 million dolars.

Question 7

CONTINUOUS with always, constantly, forever, continually.

Answer 7

You’re constantly changing your mind.
He’s always offering to help me with my work.

PAST: Was Olivia always asking you for money, too? (disapproval)

Question 8

CONTINUOUS with things we regularly do at a certain time.

Answer 8

Seven o’clock is a bit early. We are generally eating then.