Tenses the present simple

EXERCISE № 120. Spell the 3d person singular of the following verbs. Distribute them according to the spelling (-s, -es, -ies).

Dance, brush, open, try, fix, buy, kiss, like, dry, go, catch, wash, sit, fly, copy, teach, play, pass, begin, say, put, wear, lose, get, hear, dress, take, find, deal, point, gain, repair, forget, rise, switch, give, set, tell, fetch, stop, come, stress, look, match, catch, refer, regulate, criticize, finish, study, help, express, clean, wash, go, think, turn, do, wait, march, know, sleep, run, sit, freeze, make, close, develop.

EXERCISE № 121. Distribute the verbs according to the pronunciation of the ending –s: [s], [iz], [z].

Laugh, look, miss, stand, speak, drink, put, catch, drive, brush, ride, walk, open, jump, stay, know, cough, see, dance, rise, help, listen, match, wish, travel, write, lose, eat, rain, arrange.

EXERCISE № 122. Explain the use of the Present Simple in the following sentences:

1. “I just want you to know, I don't text messages” Lyne purred. “Technologically deficient, are you? I am glad to know there are some things you can't do.” “Don't want to do”.	1. a state at the moment of speaking with a verb denoting wish; 2. a person's ability to perform some actions
2. If the film is nominated for Best Picture and it wins, Wendy won't have to worry for a couple of years.	2. a future action in a subordinate clause of condition
3. Jemima Jones is overweight. When she meets Brad, an eligible Californian hunk, over the Internet, she reinvents herself as JJ, the slim, gym-obsessed glamour girl. But when her long-distance Romeo demands that they meet, she becomes the bone-thin model of her e-mails – no small feat.	3. a succession of past actions in narration
4. When he gets to know you, he'll realize what a lovely person you are.	4. a future action in a subordinate clause of time
5. I move my cursor on to VIEW, and click once. The picture comes on to the screen.	5. a succession of actions at the moment of speaking
6. String of attacks kill dozens in Iraq.	6. a past action in a newspaper headline
7. GLOBE 2010 kicks off with an evening designed around great food and celebration at the GLOBE 2010 Welcome Reception.	7. a fixed future action in a conference programme
8. It's the early bird that catches the worm.	8. a proverb
9. What the hell do we republicans do now? The “what next?” question pertains to the days further ahead.	9. an immediate future action when asking for instructions
10. People say that you have great self-discipline and that you never let a day go by without working. At what time do you start?	10. a repeated, habitual action
11. Mammals feed their babies on milk.	11. a law of nature
12. The morning performance starts at 10.	12. a timetable
13. Every object in a state of motion tends to remain in that state of motion unless an external force is applied to it.	13. a general truth (Newton's First Law of Motion)

EXERCISE № 123. Practise the following sentences in the 3-d person singular, making the necessary changes.

Model: We eat our breakfast in a hurry. - He eats his breakfast in a hurry too.

We don't know how to do it. - He doesn't know how to do it either.

1. My parents keep their cars in the garage. What about your father?	1. He keeps his car in the garage too.
2. The kids like painting. What about their mother?	2. She likes painting too.
3. They don't buy canned food. What about their son?	3. He doesn't buy canned food either.
4. They take their dog for a walk twice a day. What about their neighbour?	4. He takes his dog for a walk twice a day too.
5. You like sitting by the fire. What about your wife?	5. She likes sitting by the fire too.
6. I don't like noisy parties. What about your girlfriend?	6. She doesn't like noisy parties either.
7. Her brothers use glasses for reading. What about her?	7. She uses glasses for reading too.
8. They don't speak foreign languages. What about the receptionist?	8. She/he doesn't speak foreign languages either.
9. The children come back home at four. What about their mother?	9. She comes back home at four too.
10. I don't go out on Sunday evening. What about your sister?	10. She doesn't go out on Sunday evening either.

EXERCISE № 124. Express your surprise or doubt.

Model: This basket belongs to my sister. - Does it?

I don't like chips. - Don't you?

1. We listen to very good records.	1. Do you?
2. We study Chinese.	2. Do you?
3. He begins his work at eight.	3. Does he?
4. My father drinks coffee in the morning.	4. Does he?
5. We want to send a telegram.	5. Do you?
6. She travels a lot in summer.	6. Does she?
7. They watch TV every evening.	7. Do they?
8. Mother doesn't cook.	8. Doesn't she?
9. I never understand you.	9. Don't you?
10. It doesn't suit him.	10. Doesn't it?
11. Our teacher likes rock'n roll.	11. Does she/he?
12. I have no close friends.	12. Don't you?
13. You disappoint me.	13. Do I?
14. This medicine doesn't work.	14. Doesn't it.

EXERCISE № 125. Ask questions to the subject.

1. Their friends speak three foreign languages. (Whose?)	1. Whose friends speak three foreign languages?
2. My sister often goes to the pictures. (Who?)	2. Who often goes to the pictures?
3. Boy-students never work hard. (What students?)	3. What students never work hard?
4. We listen to the news in the evening. (Who?)	4. Who listens to the news in the evening?
5. My parents spend their holidays at the seaside. (Whose?)	5. Whose parents spend their holidays at the seaside?
6. John’s sister studies chemistry. (Whose?)	6. Whose sister studies chemistry?
7. Students often make mistakes in Grammar. (Who?)	7. Who often makes mistakes in Grammar?
8. Granny doesn’t do the shopping. (Who?)	8. Who doesn’t do the shopping?
9. Mother wakes me up at seven. (Who?)	9. Who wakes you up at seven?
10. These lazy boys don’t know the rule. (Who?)	10. Who doesn’t know the rule?
11. His sister practices the piano regularly. (Whose?)	11. Whose sister practices the piano regularly?
12. My relatives live in Moscow. (Who?)	12. Who lives in Moscow?

EXERCISE № 126. Ask special questions beginning with the word in brackets.

1. They love going to the pictures. (Where?)	1. Where do they love going?
2. These men go to town every day. (How often?)	2. How often do these men go to town?
3. Birds fly to the South in winter. (When?)	3. When do birds fly to the South?
4. Mary does her work quickly. (How?)	4. How does Mary do her work?
5. She swims a lot in summer. (What?)	5. What does she do in summer?
6. We want to catch the six o’clock train. (What train?)	6. What train do you want to catch?
7. They want to buy some toys for their children. (For whom?)	7. Who do they want to buy toys for?
8. We always do history on Monday. (When?)	8. When do you do history?
9. The book costs one hundred roubles. (How much?)	9. How much does the book cost?
10. They go to the library twice a month. (How often?)	10. How often do they go to the library?
11. I like that green hat best. (Which?)	11. Which hat do you like best?
12. The train leaves at nine. (When?)	12. When does the train leave?
13. She doesn’t like winter because of the cold. (Why?)	13. Why doesn't she like winter?
14. They live in a new house. (What?)	14. What house do they live in?
15. It takes him 20 minutes to get to his office. (How long?)	15. How long does it take him to get to his office?
16. They have coffee for breakfast. (What?)	16. What do they have for breakfast?
17. They usually have lunch in the café. (Where?)	17. Where do they have lunch?
18. The Browns have three meals a day. (How many?)	18. How many meals a day do the Browns have?
19. She looks after sick people in hospital. (Who?)	19. Who does she look after?

EXERCISE № 127. Complete the sentences reading the sentences as fast as you can.

1. Jim speaks English but his friend… 2. I hate porridge but my little sister…3. I like serious music but my friend… 4. My teacher speaks three foreign languages but his son… 5. Mary does her work quickly but her husband… 6. I don’t want to go to the South but my parents… 7. They want to meet at ten but their relatives… 8. I live far from the University but she … 9. She never has milk for supper but her aunt… 10. He seldom watches TV but we… 11. He never sleeps after lunch but his uncle… 12. They go to work by bus but we… 13. They like to dance but she… 14. Her parents live in the country but she… 15. She doesn’t smoke but her daughter… 16. It doesn’t often rain here in summer but in autumn…17. I don't like dancing but my parents …

EXERCISE № 128. Work with your partner and role-play short dialogues.

Model: I’ve got a toothache. – Why don’t you see your dentist then?

• I’ve broken my favourite cup.

• I feel lonely.

• I’m hungry.

• I’m dying for a drink.

• My son wants a new laptop.

• Could you lend me some money?

• I feel fat and ugly.

• It’s getting dark in the room. I can’t see anything.

• It’s stuffy in here.

• Your room looks messy.

• If you think marriage is screwing you up….

• I’ve been under the weather for some days.

• We’ve run out of bread.

• I feel desperately in love with her/him.

• I want to read a book by Peter Mayle. He’s a famous writer.

• I don’t know the word. What does it mean?

EXERCISE № 129. Say how often you do this or that activity.

Model: get up at 7 – How often do you get up at 7? – Once a week.

You ask me how often I get up at 7. Well…usually twice a week.

• get up before 6 a.m.

• play computer games

• watch commercials on TV

• go out with your friends

• get presents

• give women flowers

• walk you dog

• gossip

• watch the Olympic Games

• see your dentist

• sing karaoke

• have snacks

• talk about politics

• change your mind

• go to the movies

• eat candies

• shout

• have milkshakes

• go shopping

• watch horror movies

• get a haircut

• surf the Net

• use a drill

• vote at elections

• take public transport

• drink green tea for breakfast

EXERCISE № 130.

1. Think of a film or book that you really enjoyed. Give a brief summary of the main events.

Model: There is a boy called Harry, who has got magical powers. Unfortunately, he lives with his horrible aunt and uncle, the Dursleys. They are “muggles” – ordinary human beings….

2. Think of some jokes in English and tell the class.

Model: There’s a bloke who goes into a pub. He’s got a mouse in his pocket. ..

3. Retell the following fairy-tales: The Ugly Duckling, Cinderella, Gingerbread boy.

4. How do people in Russia celebrate the following events: New Year, birthday parties?

EXERCISE № 131. Give instructions. Use the Present Simple.

1. Explain how to get to the nearest post-office/bus stop/drugstore.

Model: How do I get to the nearest supermarket? - You go straight on to the traffic lights, then you turn left, ...

2. Explain how to cook an apple pie/a cabbage soup.

EXERCISE № 132. React with the help of the performative verbs.

1. I’ll help you. I……………

2. Please, please, don’t be strict with me. I’ll never do it again. – OK, I……………

3. “Vera Drake” is a very sad film. What do you think? – I……………

4. I’ve broken you favourite tea set and I .……………

5. I’ve graduated with honours! - I……………

6. The Earth is oval. – I ……………

7. Mum, can I go to that fantastic night club with Bob and Denis? – No, I ……………

8. Sir, will this battery serve me long? – I ……………

9. Which book should I read: “A year in the Merde” or “A year in Provence”? – I ……………

10. I don’t like the question. So, I ……………

EXERCISE № 133. Answer the questions. Use the verbs say, warn, order, etc.

1. What does the notice say?

2. What does today’s paper say?

3. I see you've got a letter from your aunt. What does she say?

4. What does the government advise us to do under the circumstances?

5. What does Lenin say?

6. What does your doctor warn you against?

7. What does the manual say?

8. Do these sleeping pills have any side effects? What does the instruction say?

9. What does the rule say?

EXERCISE № 134. Express your indignation or surprise with Why-questions.

Situation 1. Your friend is laughing when you say you can't find your student's record book.

You ask: Why do you laugh?

1. The teacher is dictating new words to the class. But your friend is not writing.

2. Your friend is looking at you in a strange way.

3. You have asked a question and your friend keeps silent.

4. It's your friend's turn to read the following passage. He/she is not reading.

5. You switch on the recorder but there is no sound.

EXERCISE № 135. Put the verbs in brackets into the future simple or the present simple.

A. 1. I (go) and see the Eiffel Tower as soon as I (reach) France. 2. If the sun (be) red, it is a sign that we (have) a fine day tomorrow. 3. If you (not be) at home by five, I (eat) without you. 4. If Mom (not go) to the market early, she (not get) fresh meat. 5. If Den (sell) his car he (afford) a holiday in the Maldives. 6. Take some cash in case you (need) to top up. 7. If nothing (go wrong), they (deliver) the furniture today. 8. Unless you (change) your mind we (not be able) to help you. 9. I (take) an umbrella in case it (rain). 10. If you (not wear) sensible shoes, you (get) blisters. 11. If Alan (not win) it (be) the end of his sport career. 12. I (be) happy if my dream (come) true. 13. If the situation (get) worse, she (lose) her job. 14. Unless they (hurry) they (miss) the 7.30 train. 15. If your daughter (not work) hard enough, she (forget) what she (know).

B. 1. He (become) a lawyer he (graduate) from the University. 2. I (have) to stop my daughter before she (get) into trouble. 3. The new President (make) any changes in the coun­try's policy when he (come) to power? 4. Mum (visit) you when the baby-sitter (arrive). 5. She (relax) after she (get) the re­sults of the interview. 6. My elder sister often (have) a splitting headache when the weather (change). 7. Tonight the old man (go) to bed as soon as the sun (set). 8. He (not buy) a new car until the company (pay) him all the money it (owe) him. 9. Little Mike (not be able) to leave the house till his mother (come) back and (unlock) the door. 10. Life (seem) won­derful to you again as soon as all your worries (be over). 11. The weather certainly (change) for the better after the rain (stop) and the sky (clear up). 12. He (not recover) soon unless he (take) the prescribed medicine.

C. 1. He (tell) you today if he (play) tennis with you on Friday evening. 2. I (be) not sure if this friendship (last) long. 3. I wonder when he (return) my finest collection of stamps. 4. Many people believe that the time (come) when there (be) no violence. 5. The poor boy (wonder) if the next mail (bring) better news from home. 6. He (not know) if the local people (be) friendly to his family in future. 7. The secretary (want) to know if the new Head (make) any changes. 8. The doctor can't say now when the patient (recover). 9. Tell me if you (finish) your book in summer and when exactly you (do) it. 10. Nobody (know) if he (keep) his promise. 11. I wond­er if he (be) late again. 12. My dressmaker (have) no idea when my evening dress (be) ready. 13. Why are you meas­uring the fridge? ‒ I'd like to see if it (fit) in my new kitchen. 14. Tell me the exact time when Maggie (come).

D. 1. Mr Waldorf (doubt) if he (agree) to occupy the vacancy but if he (do) it (be) great. 2. Harry (wonder) if his business (prosper) in case things (go on) like this. 3. Everybody is cur­ious if Julia (marry) Bill when he (propose) to her. 4. Fiona always (ask) Charlie if he (love) her when she (get) old. 5. Tell us if you (come back) when he (need) your help. 6. He (be) not sure at all if life always (run) smoothly for him but if it (do), he (achieve) all he (wish). 7. I (take) an um­brella in case it (rain), though I still doubt if it (rain). 8. Wear your coat and hat in case the weather (turn) colder. I wonder if it (snow) as well. 9. My friend (feel) much better if she (lose) some weight. I am not sure, though, if she (make) an effort to eat fewer sweets. 10. Kate (ask) if she (get) the job as soon as she (learn) the language. 11. We (not know) yet if we (get) our visas, but as soon as they (give) we (see) Rome. 12. I (take) all the files with me in case my boss (need) them. But God knows when he (remember) about them! 13. You (feel) great relief when the temperature (fall). But it's difficult to say when it (go down). 14. I wonder if the plane (come) on time if the weath­er (change) for the worse.

EXERCISE № 136. Give instructions to your imaginary husband/wife. You are leaving for a month on business, and he/she is staying at home. Begin the sentences with the verbs see to, make sure and take care. Remember that after these verbs no future tenses are used. Make as many sentences as you can.

Model: See to it that kids leave for school in time. Make sure they do their homework. Take care that the door is locked.

Use the ideas: have breakfast, water the flowers, smoke in the room, make beds, go to the gym, wash up, cook dinner, feed the dog, go to bed early, eat junk food.

EXERCISE № 137. Respond to the following. Take into account your circumstances both favourable and unfavourable.

Model: Kate’s having a birthday party on Saturday. Will you go? - I will if Mother is better. If she isn't, I will have to stay in.

1. We are going for a ride in the country one of these days. Will you join us?

2. There is a concert this evening in the student's club. Would you like to go?

3. Will you give Mish my message?

4. I know you are good at knitting. Will you help me with a difficult pattern, please?

5. You like cycling? Why don't you buy a bicycle?

6. I'd like to have an evening out. Can you look after my kids on Friday evening?

Model: When are you going to give my book back? - As soon as I am through with it.

1. When are you going to have the photo scanned?

2. When are you going to do your homework?

3. When are you going to have your hair cut?

4. When are you going to visit your Granny?

5. When are you going to give up smoking?

6. When are you going to return the books to the library?

EXERCISE № 138. Finish the sentences. Pay attention to the tenses in the principal and in the subordinate clauses.

1. When I get to be her age, …………… 2. I will catch up with you unless ……………3. As soon as he sees you ……………. 4. What her life will be like if ……………5. You will be late unless …………… 6. As long as you live with your parents …………… 7. I'll be in the office for another ten minutes till …………… 8. As soon as we agree upon the time …………… 9. I wish you a wonderful trip today in case …………… 10. Will it be OK if …………… 11. If you borrow some of my clothes …………… 12. When you are ready …………… 13. Don't forget to check the oven before …………… 14. After I take a shower …………… 15. I will check the e-mail as soon as …………… .

EXERCISE № 139. Fill in the blanks with the missing conjunction.

1. Before crossing the road you must wait … the light changes to green. 2. We’ll be ready … you come. 3. … you bring me that book, I will read it. 4. We’ll go … he is ready. 5. I'll call you … I arrive in Moscow. 6. I'll tell you about it ... you return from the University. 7. They'll get rooms … the hotel is full. 8. I shall wait … the shop is open.

EXERCISE № 140. Retell the story in Present Indefinite to make the narration more vivid. Begin like this A funny thing happened to me last Friday. Imagine... I go to London ...

A Funny Story

A funny thing happened to me last Friday. I went to London to do some shopping. I caught an early train to London, so soon I bought everything that I wanted. I took a taxi to Waterloo station as I wanted to get the 3:30 train. Unfortunately, the taxi got stuck in a traffic jam, and by the time I got to Waterloo, the train had already left. So I had to wait for an hour for the next one. I bought an evening newspaper and wandered over to the station buffet. I bought a cup of coffee and a packet of chocolate biscuits. There were plenty of empty tables and I found one near the window, sat down and began doing the crossword.

After a couple of minutes a man sat opposite me. I didn't say anything and carried on with my crossword. Suddenly he reached across the table, opened my packet of biscuits, took one, dipped it into his coffee and ate it. I couldn't believe my eyes! I was too shocked to say anything. Anyway, I didn't want to make a fuss, so I decided to ignore it.

When the man took a second biscuit, I didn't look up and I didn't make a sound. I pretended to be very interested in the puzzle. After a few minutes, I put out my hand, took the last biscuit and glanced at the man. He was staring at me very angrily. I nervously put the biscuit in my mouth, and decided to leave. I was ready to get up and go when the man suddenly stood up and hurried out of the buffet. I felt very relieved and decided to wait two or three minutes before going myself. I finished my coffee and stood up. And there, on the table, under my newspaper I saw my packet of biscuits!