TALK ABOUT ACTIONS HAPPENING NOW AND THESE DAYS

 Talking about actions happening now or around the current time is a fundamental skill in English. It helps describe what is currently taking place or what is ongoing in someone’s life. The Present Continuous tense is typically used for this purpose. This topic focuses on identifying and expressing actions that are in progress now (e.g., "I am studying English") or temporary activities happening these days (e.g., "I’m reading a new book").

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GRAMMAR

Present Continuous Tense

• Usage:

  1. To describe actions happening at the moment of speaking.
     • I am writing a message.
  2. To talk about temporary actions happening these days.
     • She is taking a painting class this month.

• Structure:
  Subject + am/is/are + verb (base form + -ing)

Examples:

• I am watching TV now.
• They are studying for their exams these days.
• Is he working today?

Time Expressions

• Now, right now, at the moment (used for actions happening immediately).
  • He is cooking right now.
• These days, this week/month/year (used for temporary actions).
  • They are learning Spanish these days.

Spelling Rules for Adding -ing

1. Most verbs: Add -ing.
   • Read → Reading
2. Verbs ending in -e: Drop the -e and add -ing.
   • Write → Writing
3. Verbs ending in a consonant-vowel-consonant: Double the final consonant and add -ing.
   • Run → Running

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VOCABULARY

1. Currently: At the present time. (I am currently reading a book.)
2. Ongoing: Continuing to happen. (This is an ongoing project.)
3. Temporary: Lasting for a limited time. (He is staying in a temporary apartment.)
4. Daily: Happening every day. (She is practicing daily.)
5. Routine: A regular schedule. (My routine is changing these days.)
6. Pause: A short stop or break. (He is pausing to rest.)
7. Focus: To concentrate on something. (I am focusing on my studies.)
8. Change: To become different. (The weather is changing quickly.)
9. Improve: To get better. (She is improving her English skills.)
10. Explore: To look around and discover. (They are exploring new places.)

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USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

• What are you doing right now?
• Are you busy these days?
• I’m working on something new.
• She is taking a break from her usual routine.
• They are trying to improve their skills.
• We’re having a great time this week.
• Things are changing quickly these days.
• I’m focusing on my health now.

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SENTENCES

Positive Sentences

1. I am learning English these days.
2. She is cooking dinner right now.
3. We are preparing for the big event.

Negative Sentences

1. I am not watching TV at the moment.
2. He isn’t practicing his guitar these days.
3. They aren’t running in the park now.

Questions

1. What are you doing right now?
2. Are they studying hard these days?
3. Is she working from home this week?

Answers

1. I’m writing an email.
2. Yes, they are. / No, they aren’t.
3. Yes, she is. / No, she isn’t.

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CONVERSATION

Emma: Hi, Alex! What are you doing these days?
Alex: Hi, Emma! I’m taking online courses to improve my skills. What about you?
Emma: That’s great! I’m working on a big project at the moment. It’s keeping me busy.
Alex: Sounds exciting! Are you enjoying it?
Emma: Yes, I am. It’s challenging but fun. Are you enjoying your courses?
Alex: Definitely! I’m learning a lot.

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READING

"Busy Days Ahead"

These days, people are doing more than ever. Many are working from home, studying online, or focusing on personal development. For example, Sarah is learning French because she wants to travel to France next year. She is also taking yoga classes to relax after her busy workday.

Meanwhile, her brother, Mark, is building a new website for his business. He is exploring different design ideas and improving his coding skills. Their parents are enjoying their time outdoors. They are gardening and spending time with their neighbors.

Everyone is trying to make the most of their time and learn new things. What are you doing these days?

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Questions and Answers

1. Q: What language is Sarah learning?
   A: Sarah is learning French.

2. Q: Why is Sarah taking yoga classes?
   A: She is taking yoga classes to relax after her busy workday.

3. Q: What is Mark working on?
   A: Mark is building a new website for his business.

4. Q: How are Sarah’s parents spending their time?
   A: They are gardening and spending time with their neighbors.

5. Q: What is the main idea of the reading?
   A: People are busy with different activities these days, focusing on personal growth and enjoyment.