B2.1 - unit 2: Present Perfec and Past Simple

Present Perfect

• it focuses on the result of the action and this result happens in the present time: I've already eaten, thank you.
• the reference of time is not precised and it usually means up to now: I've seen that fillm many times; I think I've seen you before.
• this tense usually goes with expressions like 
• EVER/NEVER;
• ALREADY/YET
• JUST
• FOR and SINCE.

Present Perfect Continuous

This is a tense that also connects past actions with the present time but it has the idea of a continuous action. For Spanish speakers it's very easy to translate to the expression "llevo haciendo eso durante/desde hace mucho tiempo" like in this example: I've been living here since 1998.

To see a further explanation you can go to this link; at the bottom of the plage you'll find some exercises like the one we did in class: click here

To practise with the use of FOR and SINCE go to this link

Past Simple

• it focuses on the past action; it's usually referred to memories or past events. The refence of time is quite clear so it goes with expressions such as : 
• (time)___ AGO; 
• LAST ____ ; 
• IN ___  ; 
• WHEN ____ , 
• YESTERDAY

Here you can find some useful links to practise with these tenses but the best way is to do it speaking:

• exercise 1     exercise 2  (explanation and exercise)    exercise 3    exercise 4

Remember how useful it's to refresh your knowledge of irregular verbs from time to time. As we did in class, you can do it in these ways, if you fancy:

• Alphabetical order: say as manu verbs as possible starting with letter...
• According to the pattern of the verb:
• A - A - A (the easiest pattern)
• A - B - B (the most frequent)
• A - B - C (mind the pronunciation!)
• A - B - A (not many)
• Topics:
• daily routines
• money
• learning
• senses

Listening practice

Here you are some exercises to work with:

• Inside Google's office: click here
• A filling the gaps exercise: look at this video
• Not exactly the topic but another kind of activity: click here