6.8 What’s going on?

Free practice

Here is part of a letter, in which the writer is giving some current news:

Work in groups. Look at the sentences below. How might they continue?

1. I’ve decided to go on a diet...

2. There’s a water shortage at the moment...

3. I’m very short of money at the moment...

4. Spring is almost here ...

Writing

Choose two of the topics you discussed, and develop them into paragraphs.

6.9 A telephone call

Listening

Listen to the telephone conversation between Sue and Mike and answer the questions.

1. Choose the correct answers, (a) or (b).

• Sue is on holiday in [ a) Spain / b) England ] with her [ a) sister. / b) boyfriend.] She is ringing up her [ a) boyfriend, / b) brother,] Mike, because it’s [ a) her / b) his ] birthday. Mike has stayed at home because [ a) he’s ill. / b) he’s working.] When she phones, he is just [a) having breakfast. / b) making coffee.]

2. What is the weather like in England?

3. What does Sue mean when she says:

a) ‘It’s absolutely boiling!’

b) ‘I’m living in my bikini!’

4. Why is she sending Mike a postcard?

5. What does Sue say people are doing where she is?

6. What does Mike say people are doing where he is?

7. What do you think Mike does for a living?

8. Listen to the last part of the conversation and fill in the missing words.

Sue: Oh dear, still, I expect .

How’s it going?

Mike: Oh, fine. I’m . Actually, at this

very moment and ................................ .

Good God, that .. Can you ........................... ?

The kettle ......................................................................... . Just a tick.

Sue Hey, Mike, don’t go ............................................................. This ............................

............................... . I’ll ...................................................................................., OK?

Writing

Some of the things Sue says in the conversation could also be written on a postcard. Write down as many as you can.

Using these expressions, write the postcard Sue might have sent to Mike. Add any details you like.

Unit 6 Summary of language

In this unit you have learnt how to:

1. talk about what is happening at the moment

2. talk about long-term changes in progress

3. talk about current activities

4. describe what is happening in pictures

KEY POINTS

1. Present Continuous tense

She’s having a bath at the moment.

The sun is gradually cooling down.

A lot of people are wearing white jeans this year.

2. There + Present Continuous

There are some men mending the road.

Look – there’s someone standing outside the window.

Is there anyone sitting here?

3. Present Continuous Passive

Someone’s recording our voices. Our voices are being recorded.

They are completely reorganising the office. The office is being completely reorganised.

Activities