Упражнения

INDEFINITE TENSES

The Present Indefinite

Ex. 1. Explain the use of the Present Indefinite in the following sentences.

1. I live in Minsk, the capital of Belarus. 2. I get up, wash, dress, have breakfast and go to my office. 3. It takes me fifteen minutes to get to the university. 4. My mother is a doctor. Doctors and nurses look after patients in hospitals. 5. She doesn’t care much about her appearance but she always looks nice. 6. Girls make up half of the students in the school. 7. The train leaves at 12.30. 8. The sun rises in the east. 9. Magnet attracts iron. 10. Vegetarians don’t eat meat. 11. Cuckoos don’t build their nests. They use the nests of other birds. 12. If we take a taxi, we’ll come in time there. 13. She will come and see you before she leaves for London.

Ex. 2. Say that somebody or something does or doesn’t do the same. Mind the positive and negative forms of the verbs.

Model: I remember this day very well. (Ann)

Ann also remembers this day very well. (or)

Ann doesn’t remember this day very well because it was long ago.

1. He uses our car very often. (I)

2. They drive too fast. (She)

3. You watch TV too much. (He).

4. We worry too much about our children (This woman).

5. They look nice. (Jane).

6. I agree with you. (My mother).

7. Buses pass our house every ten minutes. (Bus 100).

8. We realize the danger of doing it. (He).

9. My friends like to travel by air. (My sister).

10. Some people like autumn. (Susan).

11. The train from Brest arrives at 8 o’clock. (from Vitebsk).

12. It snows in winter. (In spring).

Ex. 3. Describe your daily activities as in the model. Mind the 3^d person singular.

Model: to get up Student A: I usually get up at 7.

Student B: I never get up at 7.

Student C: Student A usually gets up at 7. Student B never gets up at 7.

1. to have morning juice in bed	7. to return phone calls
2. to have breakfast at 7:30	8. to have dinner at home
3. to be in time for classes	9. to study in the library
4. to be away from classes	10. to go for a walk after classes
5. to walk/drive to school	11. to do one’s homework
6. to take a bus to school	12. to go to bed late at night

Ex. 4. Tell the class what you do: a) often; b) sometimes; c) never.

Ex. 5. Ask your friend:

• if he studies well;

• if he remembers your address;

• which of his groupmates takes part in the conference;

• who helps him with his English;

• if he is used to getting up early;

• how much time it takes him to get to school/work;

• how well he speaks English;

• how often he visits his grandparents.

Ex. 6. Put the indirect questions to the sentences, as in the model. Pay particular attention to the word order.

Model: How often do trains to Edinburgh run? Do you know?

Do you know how often trains to Edinburgh run?

1. When does the 9.30 from King’s Cross arrive? Do you know…?

2. Is the 9.30 a very busy train? Can you find out…?

3. Is it necessary to reserve a seat? Could you inquire for me…?

4. What’s the price of a first class ticket? Will you ask…?

5. Does the 9.30 stop in Newcastle? I wonder… .

6. How long is the return ticket valid for? I’d like to know…?

7. Which platform does the 9.30 leave from? Can you find out for me…?

8. Do the trains usually arrive on time? Would you inquire…?

9. How much does a weekend-return to Edinburgh cost? I wonder… .

10. When do the new train timetables come out? I’d like to know… .

11. Is there a 9.30 train on Sundays? I want to know… .

12. When does the next train for Edinburgh leave? I wonder… .

13. Half a million people pass through the station daily. Could you tell me… .

14. They usually spend Christmas in New York. Do you happen to know… .

Ex. 7. Put questions to the words in italics.

1. Annie comes from Wales. 2. This man usually wears a hat. 3. We pick apples in July. 4. His grandparents live in Gomel. 5. He visits his grandparents once a month. 6. The train leaves at 5 o’clock. 7. Old ladies like to sit by fire. 8. Father usually buys newspapers in the morning.

Ex. 8. Make proper use of the verbs in the Present Indefinite instead of other tenses: a) in the clauses of time and condition; b) with verbs that are not used in Continuous.

a) 1. We won’t move from here until you (to come) back. 2. Don’t worry. You’ll know her when you (to see) her. 3. I don’t think he will phone before he (to arrive). 4. You won’t forget to lock up the house before you (to go) out, will you? 5. You’ll go out when the rain (to stop). 6. As soon as he (to save) $10,000, he will retire from business. 7. After the game (to be) over, let’s go home together. 8. I shall not speak to him until you (to introduce) us to each other. 9. Your electricity will be cut off until you (to pay) the bill. 10. Tell him not to do it before it (to be) too late. 11. If the plane (to arrive) after the fog (to clear), it will be able to land here. 12. If you (not to stop) interrupting the speaker, I’ll ask you to leave 13. Come back as soon as you (to get) a chance.

b) 1. …these shoes (to belong) to him? – I (to believe) so. 2. Who is that man and what he (to want)? 3. … you (to know) him well? – It (to seem) to me I’ve met him somewhere. 4. … you (to need) the dictionary? – I (to think) so. Don’t put it away. 5. I (to see) that the situation is out of control. 6. I (to have) a Siamese cat. I (to like) it very much. 7. … she (to come from) Italy? – Yes, Ann is Italian, but now she lives in Moscow. 8. … you (to understand) what I (to mean)? – Not quite. 8. I (to wonder) who told you this story.

Ex. 9. Fill in the blanks in the conversation below. Use the correct forms of the verbs.

• How do you like to spend your weekends, Martin?

• Well, David, it (to depend). But in general I’m a homestay.

• I (to hate) spending the whole weekend at home. Let’s go out.

• Where you (to want) to go?

• Why (not, to go) to the film club? Most weekends it (to show) good films.

• I (not, to feel) like seeing a film tonight. But look, the newspaper (to say) that Abe Compit, the jazz pianist, is giving a concert tonight. I (to know) you (to like) jazz. Why we (not, to go) to that?

• To be honest, his playing (not, to appeal) to me much.

• Well, why you (not, to go) to the film on your own? It (not, to matter) to me if I (to stay) at home and watch TV for once.

• Let’s better (to go) and see your sister if you (to like). We haven’t seen her for ages.

• That’s a good idea. She (to stay) at home all the time. The buses (not, to go) to that part of the town, so she (not, to get out) at all.

Discuss: a) Your weekends in summer.

b) Your weekends in winter.

Ex. 10. Open the brackets using the appropriate forms of the Present Indefinite.

1. You (to mind) if I ask you a question? – That (to depend) on the question. – It (to concern) your future. – Sorry, but I (not to want) to speak about it till I (to pass) my final exams at school.

2. In London it often (not to snow), but when it (to snow), life (to become) very difficult for everyone. Cars have to go very slowly because the roads (to be) covered with ice and wet snow, so there (to be) traffic jams and lots of people (to be) late for work. The snow usually (to melt) quickly and this (to make) the pavements dangerous. Only children really (to be) fond of snow.

3. In Japan a boy (to begin) to study seriously as soon as he (to start) going to school, because if he (not to pass) all his exams, he (not to be able) to go to a good school. If he (not to go) to a good school he can’t go to a good university – and so he (not to get) the job that he (need). Work (to play) a very important role in Japan. A Japanese (to say). “I (to belong) to my company”, not “I (to work) for my company”.

4. In China before the man (to propose) to the woman, his family (to ask) the professional matchmaker to send a present from them to the bride’s family. Checking of horoscopes (to be) one of the stages of the traditional Chinese wedding. If the matchmaker (to prove) that the horoscope (to say) that the signs (to be) good for the young people, the two families (to ask) the gods for their help. Before starting the celebration, the groom’s family (to pay) the bride’s family for losing a daughter.

Ex. 11. Translate into English.

1. В Великобритании большинство магазинов закрывается в 5.30. 2. Поздно вечером, когда становится темно, они включают телевизор или радио и слушают музыку. 3. Мистер Браун часто ходит в кино. Его жена не любит кино, она предпочитает оставаться дома и смотреть телевизор. 4. Почтальон приносит нам почту два раза в день. 5. Аня играет на пианино, но не очень хорошо. 6. Эти вещи не мои, они принадлежат ей. 7. Она никогда не слушает, что я ей говорю. Она всегда думает о чем-то другом. 8. Джейн часто обедает в ресторане, но иногда она ходит в пункты быстрого питания. Там можно купить гамбургер либо еду в контейнере и забрать ее домой.

Ex. 12. Find Russian equivalents to the following proverbs. Agree or disagree; give your arguments.

All is well that ends well. Barking dogs seldom bite. Beauty lies in the lover’s eyes. Catch the bear before you sell his skin. Clothes do not make a man. Dogs do not eat dogs. After rain comes fair weather. A good beginning makes a good ending. The end justifies the means. Misfortunes never come singly.

Man proposes, God disposes. One man does not make a team. Too much knowledge makes the head bald. Don't trouble troubles till troubles trouble you. Time works wonders. Good clothes open all doors. Fortune favours the brave. A new broom sweeps clean. One lie makes many. Manners make the man.

Ex. 13. Read the texts and do the tasks that follow.

Martin and David work for an important export company in Los Angeles. One day Martin falls ill. He has a sore throat. He can’t come to work and stays in bed. David likes Martin a lot. At 12.30 he gets into his car, drives to a store and buys some fruit for him. He goes to Martin’s apartment and rings the doorbell. Martin’s wife, Stella, opens the door and lets him in. David asks how Martin feels. He gives his friend advice to see a doctor. Then he leaves.

In the evening Martin feels better. He switches on TV and watches an important football game. The game is very exciting, both teams play well, but neither team can score. The crowd cheers and boos. Then at 18.20 Martin’s favourite team scores the goal. Martin jumps out of his chair. He is very excited. He smiles happily. He doesn’t look ill, he doesn’t sound ill either. He smiles happily and cheers wildly.

Task: Describe the situation from the point of view of:

a) Martin; b) David; c) Stella

***

In today’s fast-paced world, we never escape stress. Stress always affects us physiologically but according to Dr Roads, the author of the new bestseller, Calm Down, it also affects us physically. For example, stress causes high blood pressure.

Doctors often prescribe medication for stress-related illnesses. Medicine usually lowers a patient’s blood pressure. But, Dr Roads claims, ‘You don’t always need pills. Relaxation exercises are sometimes as effective as pills. For example, breathing exercises relax you and your blood pressure at the same time – and it only takes a few minutes!’

Task: Express your view point on the problem discussed.

The Past Indefinite

Ex. 1. Explain the use of the Past Indefinite in the following sentences.

1. Many famous people got their education at Oxford and Cambridge. 2. Charles Babbage invented the first calculating machine in 1812. 3. Long, long ago the people of Egypt made paper from the tall grass that grew on the banks of the river Nile. 4. Once there was a man who went to the market every day. 5. A painter used to go to the baker’s and always bought five loaves of bread. 6. The other day he sold his flat and bought a cottage. 7. He stood up, walked across the room, and closed the window. 8. Last night Mary did her hair, put on her beautiful black dress and went to the theater. 9. I understood everything but said nothing. 10. I loved him and he knew about it.

Ex. 2. Fill in “be/got used to”, “used to” or “would”.

a) I used to live in a small house in the country when I was a little girl. I … get up every day at 7 o’clock and get ready for school. My mother … get our breakfast ready and then she … walk to the bus stop with us and wait for the school bus to pick us up. The bus … be on time. We stayed at school until 3.00 p.m. and then we … catch the bus home again. In the afternoon we … walk home alone because mother didn’t pick us up. She … work in an office, but she stopped working last year and now she stays at home. She … the irritating habit of making trouble. But now I … it and pay no attention. I … like lemonade in childhood.

b) 1. Mrs. Black never … go out if it was raining. She … look up at the sky each time she was leaving her house. 2. She … sit by the window looking through indifferently. 3. My sister … own a motorcycle when she was a teenager. 4. I … like thrillers but now they irritate me. 5. My uncle … smoke 20 cigarettes a day. Now he doesn’t smoke at all. 6. Baseball … be the most important thing in my life but it isn’t any more. 7. I … going to bed late. 8. We … meet on Sundays. She always wore red. 9. I … wear tight jeans. 10. I … living in a crowded city. 11. He … be a good football player in his childhood. 12. Oxford … be the capital of England from 1642 till 1645.

Ex. 3. Put all types of questions to the following sentences.

1. They arrived in Minsk an hour ago. 2. We asked the teacher a lot of questions about England. 3. We met him at my friend's birthday party yesterday. 4. She didn’t sing well at the concert yesterday. 5. Her brother made three mistakes in his test. 6. He didn’t enter the Law faculty. 7. The children made terrible noise when their parents were out. 8. My watch stopped some year ago. 9. Charles used to help his friend with Maths at school.

Ex. 4. Your friend has come from holiday. You ask him about it. Write down your questions.

Model: what/happen – What happened to you during your holiday?

where/have a rest? go/alone? food/good? where/stay? how long/stay there? how/travel? the weather /fine?

what/do/in the evenings? how often/go to a dance? meet anybody interesting? enjoy/your holiday? swim/in the sea? how/get home? when/come back?

Ex. 5. Open the brackets. Use the verbs in the correct tense forms.

a) 1. I didn't want to meet Robert so when he (to enter) the room I (to leave). 2. He (to cross) the street and (to go) towards the city park. 3. … you (to use) to read much in childhood? – No, I (not to use) to read at all. 5. He (to leave) the house at 8.00 yesterday. – Where he (to go)? – I (not to see) where he (to go), but at 10.00 I (to see) him at work. 6. I (to buy) this jacket in Bond Street the day before yesterday. – How much you (to pay) for it? – I (to pay) $ 150. – You (to try) it on? – No, I (not to do). 7. You were at the Crimea last summer, ... you? – Yes, I (to spend) my holiday there last year. – You (to have) a good time? No, it never (to stop) raining. 8. When he (to arrive)? – He (to arrive) at 6.00, (to have) dinner and (to decide) to look through the mail. 9. The concert (to begin) at 2.30 and (to last) for two hours. Everyone (to enjoy) it very much. 10. Mary (to feed) the cat in the morning? – Yes, she (to feed) him. – What she (to give) him? – She (to give) him some fish, but he (not to eat) anything. 11. You (to meet) my brother at the lecture yesterday? – Yes, I (…). We (to have) coffee together afterwards. 12. His mother (to use) to tell him that he (to spend) too much money but he never (to listen) to her.

b) 1. Last week I was going to visit an old house where we (use to) play cowboys and Indians. 2. Once I (to tell) him the truth, I (to feel) better. For many years I (to keep) it a secret and that (to depress) me greatly. 3. Imagine my delight when I (to do) really well in all my exams! The dream of my children (to come) true and I (to become) a student of the university. 4.  I (to come) in very late last night and unfortunately the dog (to wake) up and (to start) to bark. This (to wake) my mother who, (to come) to the top of the stairs and (to say), "Who is there?" I (to say), "It’s me"; but she (not, to hear) me because the dog was barking loudly, so she (to go) back to her room and (to telephone) the police. 5. On June 14, 1777 the Americans (to adopt) their own flag. The red and white stripes in the flag (to represent) the original thirteen American states that (to declare) their independence from Great Britain. 6. The Beatles, the first really important pop group, (to come) from Liverpool, a town in the North of England. They (to make) their first record in 1962 and in 1963 they (to achieve) everything in Britain – so they (to turn) to America and (to have) even greater success.

Ex. 6. Translate the following sentence into English.

1. Виктор заболел и пропустил много занятий. 2. Было темно. Ветер усилился, и стало холодно. 3. Она жила здесь раньше почти два года назад. 4. Он поступил в институт в прошлом году, не так ли? 5. Когда начался дождь? – В половине шестого. 6. Кто из вас вчера ходил в магазин? – Я. 7. Где и когда родился А.С. Пушкин? – 6 июня 1799 в г. Москве. 8. Я хотела послать письмо другу, но у меня не было конверта и марок. 9. Вы вчера работали? – Нет, у меня был выходной. 10. Мой брат закончил школу десять лет тому назад. 11. Я открыл окно проветрить комнату. 12. Я сделал все, что мог. 13. Последний автобус ушел, и я отправился домой пешком. 14. Она сделала попытку побить мировой рекорд, но это ей не удалось. 15. Его семья когда-то жила в Калифорнии. Они, бывало, ездили к океану загорать. 16. Вот школа, в которой мы учились. Там находится спорт-площадка, где мы играли в футбол.

Ex. 7. Read the texts and do the tasks that follow.

a) Yesterday I saw an accident. It took place not far from my house. The van crashed into the car. It all happened very quickly. The car came straight out of the side road and the van hit the back of it. The van driver didn’t have a chance. It was the car driver’s fault as he didn’t look to his right and the car didn’t stop in time. I called the police and they arrived very quickly.

Task: You are a police officer. Ask questions concerning the accident.

b) This happened many years ago when people believed in stars. There lived a King who had a daughter. He loved her very much. But one day his daughter seriously fell ill. He used to ask his astrologer to tell him his own future. But this time he ordered him to tell his daughter’s future.

The astrologer looked at the stars through his telescope and said: “Your Majesty, the stars tell me that your daughter is going to die”. Soon after this she died. The King was very upset but then he got angry and decided to punish the astrologer. He ordered him to come to his place and asked him: “Now tell me, what your stars say about your death.”

But the astrologer was clever enough to answer: “Your Majesty, the stars tell me that I’ll die two days before your death.” So the astrologer saved his life in such a way.

Task: Retell the story in the indirect speech.

c) Elvis Presley was a rock and roll singer whose enormous success changed popular culture throughout the world. He was one of the founders of youth culture. When Elvis died on August 16, 1977, radio and television programs all over the world gave the news of his death. He was unique.

Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. His parents were poor and Elvis never had music lessons, but music surrounded him from an early age. His parents were very religious and Elvis regularly sang at church services. Soon he began recording his songs. During his life he made a lot of records and they were all big hits.

He spent some years in Germany where he met Priscilla Beaulien, who became his wife. In 1960 he went to Hollywood where he made several movies during the next few years. In 1972 his wife left him and they divorced in 1973. Elvis died of a heart attack. He left all his money to his only daughter, Liza Maria Presley. She became one of the richest people of the world when she was only nine years old.

Task: Interview one of Elvis Presley’s fans about the life of this famous musician.

d) In many ways, fashion used to be much simpler. Women didn’t use to wear trousers to the office and men’s clothes never used to come in bright colours. People also used to dress in special ways for different situations. They didn’t use blue jeans as business clothes or wear tracksuits when they traveled. Today you can go to the opera and find some women in evening gowns while others are in blue jeans. Even buying jeans used to be easier – they came only in blue denim I’m still not used to buying green jeans and wearing them to work.

Task: Express your viewpoint on the problem discussed.

The Future Indefinite

Ex. 1. Explain the use of the Future Indefinite in the following sentences.

1. Martin will have his own car next year. 2. In five years he will work as a lawyer. 3. Don't bother. I'll drive you home. 4. Don’t worry! I will pay for you. 5. The company will make a good profit next year. 6. I hope you’ll come and see us again. 7. Stop it or I’ll call the police. 8. You will understand everything when you are older. 9. He will not write to you unless you write to him. 10. We’ll be able to make him do it. 11. That will be the doctor calling us.

Ex. 2. Complete the sentences with “will” or “won’t”.

Buying a Computer

“This is an excellent machine which … give you many years of service. We … install it for you. We … even give you a special course to teach you how to use it. But you … find it difficult to learn. You … soon see how easy is to store information and to type letters with this computer.

Now, about the payment. We … ask you for immediate payment. It … be OK if you make a small payment now, and you can pay the rest in three months’ time. We … send you a letter to remind you. What’s more, we … give you a 5% reduction on the market price. And of course, the computer … come to you with a two-year guarantee. But actually, you … need the guarantee, because there … be any problem with the machine. If there are, I … deal with them personally.

So, do you want to buy it? Good! I can tell you, sir, you … be sorry! Actually, I … give you this machine there in the showroom – it’s a demonstration model, and it’s rather dusty. I … get you another one from the store downstairs. Please wait a moment, sir. I … be back in a minute.”

Ex. 3. Ask your friend.

• if he will go to the swimming pool on Sunday;

• if he will have a cup of coffee with you;

• if he will have time to help you tomorrow;

• if he will recognize you when we meet after some years;

• who will accompany him to the party;

• when he will take his final exams, in May or in June;

• when he will be able to play a game of tennis with you;

• where he will go for holidays this summer;

• how many of his friends will be present at the party;

• how old his sister/brother will be next birthday;

• what language he will learn next year.

Ex. 4. Put questions to the words in italics.

1. We’ll move to a new flat next week. 2. He will take this letter to the post office. 3. She has a headache, so she will not go to school. 4. We’ll have supper at 8 p. m. 5. They will remember this day for ever. 6. We’ll make coffee for him. 7. Her cousin will go abroad next week. 8. David will catch the 12:30 train. 9. I’m sure, they will have fun at the party. 10. He doesn’t work hard, he will fail his exams.

Ex. 5. a) Write predictions about 100 years’ time. Give your reasons for the predictions.

Model: Will people live longer? – Yes, I think, people will live longer because …

1. Will there be as many people as there are now in 100 years’ time?

2. Will cars be powered by petrol? Electric batteries? Atomic power?

3. Will robots do most of the home work?

4. Will people still smoke cigarettes?

5. Will people ride bicycles to work?

6. Will people speak the same language all over the world?

7. Will there be drugs against every kind of disease?

8. Will they still make films in Hollywood?

9. Will there be new inventions we can’t even predict now?

b) What are your predictions about you in 10 years’ time?

1. Will you speak English better than you do now?

2. Will you have the same job as you have now?

3. Will you he richer than you are now?

4. Will you be married?

5. Will you have many children?

6. Will you live in a house or in a apartment?

7. Will you live in a big city or a in the country?

8. Will you travel a lot?

9. Will you be in touch with your schoolmates?

10. Will you be happy with your life?

Ex. 6. Act out the following dialogue. Make up similar predictions.

Student 1:	My question is this, Professor Braun: will the cars of the future run on petrol?
Professor:	No, they won’t. They will probably use solar energy.
Student 2:	In what other ways will the car of the future be different?
Professor:	Well, instead of keys cars will have smart cards which will look a lot like credit cards. They will open doors and they will adjust the sits, mirrors and wheels. They will even control the inside temperature.
Student 3:	Will they prevent car thefts?
Professor:	Yes, they will.
Student 4:	How much will these cars cost?
Professor:	I don’t know exactly but they certainly won’t be cheap.

Ex. 8. Open the brackets using the Future Indefinite if necessary.

1. You (to feel) better if you (to have) a meal. 2. There (to be) a meeting in this hall tomorrow. 3. I (to give) this stale bread to chickens. 4. You (to borrow) some money from him, … you? 5. If you (to drop) the bottle it (to break). 6. When I (to get) a better job, I (to have) more money. When I (to get) enough money, I (to buy) a car. I (to feel) happier if I (to have got) a better job. 7. When it all (to end)? 8. They (to be) a General election in the autumn. 9. The Prime-Minister (to resign) because of a political scandal. 10. I don’t think we (to go) swimming after all because the weather has changed. 11. I (to tell) you all our news when I (to see) you.12. I (not to speak) to her until she says sorry. 13. I ( to give) you a ring after we get back from holiday.

Ex. 9. Give Russian equivalents to the following proverbs. Use them in the situations of your own.

1. What will be, will be.

2. When the cat is away, the mice will play.

3. A drowning man will catch at a straw.

4. If you run after two hares you will catch neither.

5. As you sow, so shall you reap.

6. Boys will be boys.

7. If the blind leads the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

8. If you sing before breakfast, you will cry before night.

Ex. 10. Translate the following sentences from Russian into English.

1. Вы не пообедаете с нами? – Пообедаю. 2. Не знаю, где наша семья будет отдыхать следующим летом. 3. – Мне помочь тебе? – Нет, спасибо. Я справлюсь сам. 4. Мой брат заканчивает университет в следующем году. 5. Мы подождем его, пока он не придет с работы. 6. Если завтра будет хорошая погода, мы пойдем в парк. 7. Она уверена, что он ей позвонит. 8. Как только прозвенит звонок, студенты должны сдать работы. 9. Я думаю, завтра не будет дождя. 10. Что мне сказать, если родители спросят где ты? 11. Сделай мне, пожалуйста, одолжение и испеки пирог. – Я сделаю все так, как ты хочешь. 12. Тебе следует сделать еще одну попытку пересдать экзамен по вождению. – Я постараюсь. 13. Несколько дней в деревне не принесут тебе вреда, а только пользу. 14. Мы уйдем, как только прекратится дождь. Чем быстрее отправимся, тем быстрее доберемся домой. 15. Я не разрешу тебе смотреть телевизор, пока ты не выучишь уроки. 16. Я возьму эту газету с собой. Я прочитаю ее по дороге на работу. 17. Я не расскажу тебе о своем секрете, пока ты не пообещаешь никому не говорить об этом. – Я обещаю, что никому ничего не скажу. 18. Она всегда берёт у меня взаймы деньги, но никогда не помнит, что нужно их вернуть. Завтра я напомню ей об этом и надеюсь, что она отдаст мне все долги. 19. Давайте позвоним ему сейчас, завтра будет поздно. 20. Мы опоздаем на автобус, если не поторопимся.

Indefinite Tenses Compared

Ex. 1. Express contrasting present and past actions. Use the proper modifiers of time.

Model: People often argue.

They didn’t argue so much some time ago. (or: They didn’t use to argue.)

1. They often make mistakes. 2. We keep our car in the garage. 3. People go to bed not so early. 4. People spend a lot of time watching television in the evening. 5. People don’t talk to each other much. 6. Women and men often share the housework and women have important jobs. 7. People travel widely and often live and work far away from where they were born. 8. Machines do many jobs, both in the home and at work. 9. Most people spend more than ten years at school. 10. People dress differently. 11. We go to the University by metro. 12. My classes begin at 8. 13. I stay at school till 2 o'clock. 14. Usually it takes me an hour to drive to Minsk. 15. She speaks English fluently. 16. People often go abroad on business. 17. The company makes a big profit every year. 18. I’ m able to cover the expenses.

Ex. 2. Describe the way you were in the past (things you used to do) at present and the way you are supposed to be in the future.

Model: I used to drive to my work but I don’t do it now, I go on foot. But next year I won’t go on foot, I’ll ride a bicycle.

1. I used to go swimming a lot but …

2. I used to have a dog last year but …

3. She used to be rude when she was a teenager but …

4. I used to be very keen on sport in those days but …

5. They used to spend a lot of time together but …

6. I didn’t use to watch the news but…

7. I didn’t use to eat vegetables but…

8. They didn’t use to go along with each other but …

9. She didn’t use to read a lot in childhood but …

Ex. 3. Fill in the blanks with the correct tag questions.

An Interrogation (The Police Detective and Bob Winters)

• You are Bob Winters,…?

• Yes, I am.

• You’re 41, …?

• Yes, that’s right. It was my birthday yesterday.

• You live in Orchard Street, …?

• Yes, I do. I live there.

• You sell used cars, …?

• Yes, I do. And other things too.

• You went to the races at Belmont yesterday, …?

• That’s right.

• You were alone, …?

• No, I wasn’t. I was with my – uh – friend, Bobbie Chase.

• But you’re married, … Mr. Winters?

• Yes, but I haven’t seen my wife for three years.

• I see, you left your apartment at eleven o’clock, …?

• Yes, about eleven.

• You were in your Corvette, …?

• Yes, I was.

• You had lunch at a Chinese restaurant, …?

• No, we didn’t. We had lunch at a fast food place.

• You don’t remember the name of the place, ..?

• No, I’m afraid I don’t.

• You got to the racetrack in time for the first race, …?

• Yes, correct.

• You, won $ 100,000, …?

• I can’t remember exactly how much.

• There was $ 10,000 in your apartment, …?

• Really? You counted it. I didn’t.

• You don’t know where Bobbie Chase is now, …?

• No, I’m not her husband.

• But you left her in midtown Manhattan because she wanted to buy some clothes, …?

• Yes, that’s right.

• It’s interesting,… Mr. Winters? You’ve bought yourself a very, very expensive car.

• Yes, but it’s a used car. My friend will have to repair it, … he?

• What do you mean by asking me silly questions?

Ex. 4. Use the words in brackets in the correct tense.

1. When you usually (to pay) the bills? 2. When you (to pay) the bill that (to come) last week? 3. It (to be) raining tomorrow. 4. It (not to rain) last week. 5. I have seen the play. Now I (to want) to read a book. 6. How I (to get) from here to London Bridge? – I don’t know, but I (to ask) that policeman. 8. I’ve come without any money. – Never mind, I (to lend) you some. How much you (to need)? 9. It usually (to snow) a lot in this country in winter but it (not to snow) last year. 10. I’m sure you (to like) the book. I (to enjoy) it very much. 11. What a lovely necklace! – I (to know), but unfortunately it (not to belong) to me. I (borrow) it for the party yesterday. 12. I (not to understand) this letter. You (to translate) it for me, Miss Grey? – Yes, I (…), but you (to bring) my spectacles? – Excuse me, but where (to be) your spectacles? I (not to see) them anywhere. 13. We (to think) of democracy as a modern invention, but in fact the world’s most perfect democracy probably (to exist) in Ancient Athens in 500 B.C., if you (to be) not a woman or a slave. 14. Life (to be ) different 60 years ago. People (no to have) the things we have nowadays. 15. I (to go) on doing it until he (to tell) me to stop. 16. She was delighted when she (to hear) this. 17. The lift (not to start) until you press that button.

Ex. 8. Complete the texts below using the correct forms of the verbs.

Speaking about my parents I should say that my mother and my father (to be) very different people. Mum has always been very calm; not exactly easy-going, because she (to take) things very seriously sometimes, but she (not to get excited). When we (to be) small, she almost never (to shout) at us. When we (to do) something wrong, she (to talk) to us about it firmly, but in a calm tone of voice. If we (to shout) she (to make) us sit by ourselves in her room until we (to calm) down.

Dad, on the other hand, (to use) to shout and go for a long walk to try to cool off. During the next few days he (to be) cross with us for a long time. Both of us, kids, (to be) worried about what (to be going) to happen, and a bit afraid, but we (not to talk) to him much. Neither (to do) we now, though he (to try) to be more reserved.

CONTINUOUS TENSES

The Present Continuous

Ex. 1. Explain the use of the Present Continuous in the following sentences.

1. I’m waiting for my friend. She’s having dinner. 2. Is it still raining? – No, it is not raining any longer but it is still drizzling. 3. This is an examination. The students are translating the sentences from English into Russian. The teacher is listening to the tape. Some students are taking notes. 4. The writer is still working at his novel. 5. The world is getting hotter. The temperature is increasing because of the greenhouse effect. 6. While the children are playing with toys their mother is having a chat with her friends. 7. I’m not staying in London, I’m going to Scotland. 8. My cousin is coming to see me next Friday and I’m meeting him. 9. You are always talking at my lessons! 10. Why are you typing so fast you are making a lot of mistakes.

Ex. 2. Read this letter. Put the verbs in brackets in the Present Continuous.

Dear Marry,

I (to write) from the gorgeous island of Jamaica! Jim and I (to stay) in a five-star hotel by the sea. Right now, I (to sit) on the balcony and I (to drink) a delicious fruit punch. Jim (to walk) along the beach. He (to collect) shells and rocks to bring back home.

The weather is hot and sunny. Our friends (to relax, to read) under the beautiful palm trees. Tonight, we (to go) to a reggae festival and on Tuesday we (to leave) for Barbados. The Jamaican people (to enjoy) their happy days. They look cheerful and kind. I love it here so much that I don’t want to leave!

Ex. 3. Read the following conversation and answer the questions that follow.

Julia:	Mark? I’m at the station. I’m waiting for the train to London.
Mark:	Hello, Julia. Glad to hear you. I’m waiting for you here.
Julia:	What are you doing? Are you getting the dinner ready? Oh, I can’t hear you. The train is coming. I’m arriving home in an hour. Bye.

1. Is Julia waiting for the train at the station?

2. Where is she going to?

3. Who is waiting for Julia?

4. Is Mark waiting for Julia at home or at the station?

5. Mark is getting the dinner ready, isn’t he?

6. I wonder if Mark is meeting Julia at the station?

Ex. 4. Ask your friend.

• if he is leaving college this year;

• if he is still looking for a flat;

• if he is feeling better now;

• if he is buying a car this year;

• when he is beginning his new job;

• how he is getting on;

• how his mother is feeling today;

• what time he is taking his exams tomorrow morning;

• who he is talking to on the phone;

• why he is wearing sun-glasses today.

Ex. 5. Complete the sentences using the Present Continuous.

Model: I usually get to work by bus, but tomorrow … I’m going in Tom’s car.

1. Tom usually plays golf on Sundays but now …

2. Usually he plays tennis well but today …

3. He works in the garden a lot but at the moment …

4. My mother always makes sandwiches for breakfast but now …

5. We often go to the zoo but tomorrow morning …

6. My friend likes to go to the cinema but tomorrow …

7. We often visit them on Sundays but next Sunday …

8. Usually I go to the library to get ready for my classes but now I …

9. We usually stay at home on Friday evenings but …

Ex. 6. Compare the use of the following verbs denoting action (A) and state (B). Translate the sentences into Russian.

A I’m tasting the soup. Why are looking at me like that? Why are you smelling milk? What are you thinking about all the time? I’m feeling sick at the moment. I’m seeing my lawyer tonight. I’m loving/enjoying this holiday. Ann is being very kind to me.

B The soup tastes awful. You look elegant today. Does the milk smell sour? What do you think of it? Is it a good idea? I often feel sick. I can see a lawyer in his office. I love/enjoy my holidays. Ann is very kind.

Ex. 7. Translate the sentences with the verbs in the Present Continuous expressing annoyance or criticism. Then give them back in English.

1. Jane’s mother is angry with her because she is always speaking on the telephone. 2. You are continually interfering into my business! 3. Ann was constantly lagging behind the group in English. 4. She is constantly complaining on being ill. 5. I am very absent-minded. I’m always losing things. 6. I find the girl terribly annoying. She is always making silly remarks! 7. Never mind what I say, Robert! I’m always saying what I shouldn’t say.

Ex. 8. Translate the sentences into English. Use the Present Continuous for the planned action in future.

1. Он уезжает в Англию через два дня. 2. Я пойду к зубному врачу в понедельник. 3. Мы обедаем у друзей в воскресенье. 4. Они приезжают в 12. 5. Денис женится в августе. 6. Что ты делаешь завтра вечером? 7. Когда придет Анна? 8. Ты встретишь ее на вокзале? 9. Вы уже уходите? 10. Я иду завтра в театр. 11. Ты не работаешь сегодня вечером, не так ли? 12. Ты придешь к нам в субботу? – Извините, но я играю в волейбол. 13. Они уезжают в Испанию на каникулы. 14. Вы готовы? Гости прибудут с минуты на минуту. 15. Они купили новую квартиру и переезжают на следующей неделе. 16. Я делаю доклад во вторник. Ты придешь послушать? 17. Сегодня вечером я встречаю подругу, и мы уезжаем к морю на несколько дней. 17. Он начинает заниматься боксом (take up box) в следующем году.

Ex. 9. Translate the sentences into English. Use the Present Continuous to express actions taking place at the moment or period of speaking.

1. Что происходит? Почему ты опаздываешь? 2. Ты работаешь на этой неделе? – Нет, у меня отпуск. 3. Я не могу сейчас разговаривать, я готовлю обед. 4. Ты знаешь, с кем танцует Таня? – Нет, я не знаю этого молодого человека. 5. Извини, но я чувствую себя слишком уставшим, чтобы пойти куда-нибудь сегодня вечером. 6. Что ты делаешь? – Я собираю чемодан, так как сегодня я уезжаю. 7. Экономическая ситуация в стране улучшается с каждым днем. 8. Мир постоянно меняется, ничего не остается прежним. 9. Я стою у театра и жду тебя. Поторопись.

Ex. 10. Use the Present Continuous of the verbs in brackets.

1. Please, don’t make so much noise. Father (to work) in his study. 2. My teacher (to speak) over the telephone now. 3. Where (to be) Ann? – She (to play) tennis. 4. Be quiet! I (to watch) my favourite programme. 5. Don't disturb me. I (to watch) a war movie. 6. Look at the girl. Why she (to cry)? 7. Don’t take the book back to the library. I (to read) it. 8. I don’t understand what they (to talk) about. 10. Don’t interrupt James! He (to talk) to a very important customer. 11. He is busy now. He (to write) to apply for a job advertised in today’s newspaper. 12. I can hear something downstairs. It sounds as if someone (to try) to open a window. 13. You don’t take any exercises. You (to get) fat. 14. Hurry up. Everybody (to wait) for you. 15. This is my teacher. She (to speak) over the telephone now. 16. He (to feel) miserable because he hasn’t got any money. 17. There is serious concern on the part of language experts that many languages (to disappear). In some parts of the world, only a few people are left who can speak the native tongue. In Ireland, for example, there are only a few small areas where people speak Gaelic, the native Irish language. One expert says that half of the world's languages (to die) because children no longer (to learn) them.

Ex. 11. Read and retell the following texts.

***

A traditional wedding is taking place in the church. The bride is wearing a long white dress and is carrying a bunch of blue flowers in her left hand. The groom is wearing a traditional morning suit and is holding the bride by the arm. They are both smiling because they are very happy.

In a few minutes they are going to get into a Rolls Royce and drive to a big hotel for the reception. They are going to have cocktails and dinner. At three o’clock the bride and groom are going to leave the reception and drive to Heathrow Airport. They are going to spend their honeymoon in a villa by the sea. They are going to be happy for ever and ever and have a lot of children.

***

Dear Helen and Tom,

Well, it’s all arranged! We are spending Christmas with you and then we’re going to Toronto to see Gary and Holly on 27 December. We’re staying with them for three days, then we’re returning home on 31 December in time for New Year at home.

We are coming to Chicago by train because we hate flying, as you know.

We hope you can meet us in Chicago.

With love. Sam Grey.

Ex. 12. Read the conversation. Complete it with the Present Continuous forms of the verbs in brackets. Use contractions whenever possible.

Bev:	Bye, Joe, I’m leaving now.
Joe:	Where you (to go)?
Bev:	Jogging. Ann (to wait) downstairs.
Joe:	Great! Why don’t you take the dog out with you?
Bev:	Why don’t you take him? It’s your turn.
Joe:	I can’t. I (to work) on my book.
Bev:	But you (not to do) anything right now. You just (to sit) there.
Joe:	That’s not true. I (to sit) here but I also (to think) about my work. Can’t the dog go with you?
Bev:	No, because afterwards we want to go to the Plaza. The Airheads (to stay) there this week and Ann wants to get their autographs. You know she’s a big fan of theirs.

The Past Continuous

Ex. 1. Explain the use of the Past Continuous in the following sentences.

1. The secretary was typing the manager's report at 10 a. m. 2. What were the children doing all day long? – They were swimming in the river and running around. 3. Who were you talking to when I came in? 4. My mother was weeding the flower beds while my father was cutting the grass. 5. I fell asleep when I was watching TV. 6. When I came into the classroom the students were writing a test. 7. He was suffering from pneumonia when I visited him. 8. The journalist was interviewing Simon Meldon. 9. When Susan got home, the children where sleeping and the dog was sitting in front of the door waiting for her.

Ex. 2. Transform the following sentences into negative and interrogative forms. Ask questions to the words in italics.

1. At five sharp George was waiting for Kate at the theatre. 2. We were playing chess when the light went out. 3. The children were riding the bicycle when the rain began. 4. I saw my friend when I was crossing the street. 5. He was writing a novel that summer. 6. The students were reading for the exam all day long.

Ex. 3. Ask your friend:

• if she was dancing at the party last night;

• what she was wearing at the party;

• whom she was looking for at the party;

• what she was thinking about when she was sitting by the fire;

• why she was making a lot of noise;

• where she was hurrying to when we saw her afterwards;

• what she was doing when she left the party.

Ex. 4. Complete the sentences using the Past Continuous.

Model: How did Alex hurt himself? (play soccer)

He hurt himself while he was playing soccer.

1. How did Martin burn himself? (iron his clothes)

2. How did Helen cut herself? (slice onion)

3. How did Jennifer meet her husband? (repair the car)

4. How did Martin break his arm? (skate)

5. How did Bob get a black eye? (fight with his brother)

6. How did Martha injure her leg? (wear high-heeled shoes)

7. How did Eric fall off the ladder? (paint the ceiling)

8. How did Ann break the plate? (do the washing-up)

9. How did Susan and Ben get acquainted? (feed ducks in the park)

Ex. 5. Open the brackets using the correct tense forms.

a) 1. What you (to discuss) at the meeting the day before? 2. When I came to the party all guests (to dance). 3. While Kate (to wash up) Ann (to make) sandwiches. 4. When Sam was younger he (to work) from morning till night. 5. The phones still (to ring) when I (to rush) into the room. 6. When we (to leave) the café we (to see) Ann and Harry. They (to laugh) and (to walk) arm in arm. 7. I felt rather worried – it (to grow) darker and colder, and there was still no sign of rescue helicopter. 8. I first (to meet) Mary a couple of years ago. She (to work) at the Royal Hospital at the time. 9. The morning was really beautiful. The sun (to shine), the birds (to sing) and everyone in the street (to smile) and (to say) “hello” to each other. 10. I lit the fire at 6.00 and it (to burn) brightly when Jane came in. 11. The house next to yours was full of policemen and police dogs yesterday. – What they (to do)? – I heard that they (to look) for drugs. 12. “What you (to do) between 9.00 and 10.00 yesterday?” asked the detective. “I (to clean) my house”, said Mrs. Jones”. I always clean my house at this time”.

b) 1. It (to be) a typical summer afternoon: the sun (to beat) down, the cars (to creep) slowly round the corner of the park. Five or six children (to play) by the fountain, their laughter mixing with the noise of the traffic.

2. Yesterday, a man (to talk) on his mobile phone when he (to drive) his car. Maybe he (to check) his diary while he (to make) his next appointment. He certainly (not, to concentrate) on the road when the lights suddenly (to turn) red. The two men in the street (to try) to jump out of the way when they (to see) him but it was too late. No one (to be) badly hurt but that (to be) just luck. Last year the City Council (not, to pass) the “talking and driving law”. We need that law.

3. The wind (blow) and the rain (beat) down. John (to stand) at the bus stop shivering. He (to try) to imagine being at home sitting by a warm fire. Finally he saw the lights of the bus which (to approach) from the distance.

4. At 3 o’clock yesterday a geometry lesson (to go) on. The teacher (draw) diagrams on the blackboard but I (to look) through the window and heard nothing. I (to think) about the coming New Year’s party.

5. She promised not to report me to the police but ten minutes later I saw that she (to talk) with a policeman and from the expression on his face I understood that she (to tell) him about me.

6. The dentist’s waiting room was full of people. Some (to read) magazines, others just (to turn) over the pages. A woman (to knit), a child (to play) with a toy car. Everybody (to wait) for the nurse to say. ‘Next, please’.

Ex. 6. Read the text and answer the questions that follow.

One day last summer I was walking through the local park. It was a hot day and I was eating an ice cream. As I was walking past the boating lake, I saw my friends, Carol and Jim. They were taking their dog for a walk. When we met, we stopped for a chat. While we were talking, the dog suddenly jumped up and tried to get my ice cream. I pulled my hand away and unfortunately the ice-cream came out of the cone. Now there was a bald man behind me. The poor man wasn’t doing any harm. He was just sitting on a bench and reading a newspaper. Well, when I pulled my hand away, the ice cream flew through the air and it landed on the man’s head. I didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry. When I looked at my friends, they weren’t just laughing, they were in hysterics. But I was terribly embarrassed.

1. Where was the girl walking one day?

2. What was she eating?

3. Who was taking a dog for a walk?

4. Was a bald man sitting on a bench or walking along the road?

5. The poor man wasn’t doing any harm, was he?

6. I wonder why Carol and Jim were laughing?

The Future Continuous

Ex. 1. Explain the use of the Future Continuous in the following sentences.

1. We will be having a test at two o'clock tomorrow. 2. The children won’t be sleeping when their parents come home. 3. I will be decorating a New-Year tree while my mother will be making cakes. 4. They will be discussing the matter tomorrow. 5. I’ll be working at home these two days. Call me at any time you want. 6. They will be having a short picnic lunch from 12 till 13 today. 7. I expect I’ll be earning lots of money. 8. I will be passing the post office on my way home, so, I can post the letter. 9. Will you be using the fax machine for long? I have to send a fax.

Ex. 2. Transform the following sentences into negative and interrogative forms. Ask questions to the words in italics.

1. You will be working at the report at five o’clock. 2. Helen will be wearing a blue dress at the party tomorrow. 3. The family will be having dinner at that time. 4. She will be doing her homework from four till six tomorrow. 5. He will be working all week.

Ex. 3. Study Susan’s and Paul’s schedules for tomorrow. Compare them as in to the model.

Model: While Susan will be cooking diner, Paul will be playing chess.

Susan		Paul
8:00	have breakfast	8:00	lie in the bed
9:00	dust bedrooms	9:00	vacuum his room
10:00	do laundry	10:00	repaint kitchen
12:00	make lunch	12:00	take away the rubbish
1:00	give Mr. Green a massage	1:00	have lunch
5:00	help Tony with homework	5:00	shop for food
7:00	play chess with Tony	7:00	take the dog out

Ex. 4. Use the verbs in brackets in the correct tense form.

1. Don’t phone me at 9, I (to put) my baby to bed. 2. I expect I (to run) a big company in future and (to earn) much money. 3. I (to sit) on the train for a long time tomorrow so I will look through your notes. 4. At 9 a.m. he (to be) in my office. He (to have) negotiations. 5. What you (to do) this time next week? – I (to work). I (to work) till five o’clock. 6. The children (to stay) with their grandparents in the country during their summer holidays. 7. On Saturday there is no class. So, the children (not to sit) in the classroom listening to the teacher. 8. They (to do) some other things. Ben (to play) tennis and Ann (to watch) all films on TV. When their parents come from work the children (to sleep). 9. So I (to wait) for you when you get to the station. – OK, that’s fine. I (to carry) a heavy suitcase so I think we’ll have to get a taxi from the station. 10. Tomorrow evening I (not to do) anything. I (to recover) from my week’s work. 11. I (to sit) on the train for three hours tomorrow. So I can finish reading this book.

Ex. 5. Role play the conversations. Do the exercise given below.

***

Dan:	Just think. This time next week we will be doing our exams.
Julie:	I know. Won’t it be great when they are over? Are you going away in the summer?
Dan:	No. No such luck. What about you?
Julie:	Well, actually, I’m going on an archaeological dig to Egypt. I’m quite excited about it.
Dan:	Egypt! Won’t it be terribly hot?
Julie:	I don’t think so. I mean, we won’t be working in the heat of the day.
Dan:	You are not going to catch malaria, are you?
Julie:	I hope not. I’ve got special tablets to take.
Dan:	Well, think of me while you’re digging. I’ll be filling shelves in our local supermarket, worse luck!

True or False?

1. Dan and Julie have just finished their exams.

2. Julie is looking forward to the summer.

3. She is going on touring holiday to Egypt

4. She knows she won’t catch malaria.

5. Dan is going to do holiday job during the summer.

6. He is looking forward to his job.

***

Ann:	Tomorrow I’ll be flying to Rome and you’ll be sorting out the correspondence here in rainy old Birmingham. As you probably know, envy is not very good for your stomach.
Helen:	That’s very clever of you to say so, but my stomach is never out of order. And, besides, I’ll be having a good time, too.
Ann:	Will you really?
Helen:	Yes, I’ll be enjoying playing squash, swimming and chatting with my friends in the pub.
Ann:	You’ll probably be walking along the streets, carrying an umbrella and wearing a raincoat.
Helen:	Going out in such rainy weather is out of question. By the way, when will you be coming back?
Ann:	In a few weeks, I suppose. I’ll send you a postcard from Rome, anyway.

Ask Ann and Helen questions for more information. Use future forms.

Ex. 6. Read and retell the following texts. Mind the use of the Future Continuous tense.

Strange and wonderful things are going to happen to you next week, You are suddenly going to become President of a small distant oil-rich country. This time next week you’ll be sitting in the Palace discussing important problems. But years ago, you treated somebody very badly. You thought they’d forgotten. No. They’ll be looking for revenge this week. But in vain.

***

At last your talent, beauty, intelligence and human warmth are going to be properly recognized. This time tomorrow you’ll be starting a new career. A tall handsome man wearing a uniform will come into your life. Somebody you have always been strongly attracted to will be sending you an invitation. Be careful in your relationships. In the great supermarket of life, you have to pay for anything you break – including hearts. Enjoy the excitement while it lasts; in a few weeks everything will be back to normal.

Continuous Tenses Compared

Ex. 1. Express contrasting present, past and future actions. Use the proper modifiers of time.

1. The child is sleeping now. 2. What are you thinking about? 3. The family is sitting at the table and having dinner. 4. What are you doing tonight? 5. I’m not writing letters now. 6. The students are preparing for their exams. 7. It is snowing hard. 8. I am having my breakfast and my husband is shaving. 9. It is raining outside.

Ex. 2. Read the dialogue, explain the use of Continuous tenses.

• What are you doing, Peter?

• I'm writing a letter.

• And what were you doing ten minutes ago?

• I was doing my lessons. And maybe you want to know what I will be doing in twenty minutes, Alec?

• Yes, Peter, what will you be doing?

• I will be beating you if you don't stop asking me stupid questions.

Ex. 3. Open the brackets using the correct continuous tense forms.

1. Marta still (to work) in the garden. 2. I still (to work) when you arrive. 3. Alec wasn’t at home at 7 o’clock yesterday. He (to take) exams. 4. Where was he when we (to look) for him everywhere? 5. We (to start) a new university course next semester. 6. When my sister graduates from college she (to look) for a job. 7. Don’t worry! I (to meet) with the customer tomorrow morning and I’ll settle the matter. 8. It (to rain) and the cold wind (to blow) all day yesterday. 9. Are you happy with your new colleagues? – Yes, we (to get) on well with each other. 10. Now he (to build) a new house for himself and it will be ready in a year or so. 11. I missed the train and was late for the talks. My boss was angry and said: “You constantly (to come) late to work”. 12. What will you (to do) when it (to rain) all day tomorrow.

The Present Perfect

Ex. 1. Explain the use of the Present Perfect in the following sentences. Translate the sentences into Russian and then back into English.

1. I have just read the book. 2. I can’t go out because I haven’t finished my work yet. 3. Why is your leg in plaster? – I have broken it. 4. I haven’t seen him for three years. I wonder where he is now. 5. The Internet has changed people’s life. 6. Where are my glasses? It is the second time I have lost them today. 7. I have known him for years, but we have never been friends. 8. She has sent us two letters this week but we have received neither of them. 9. What new places have you visited in the past few years? 10. Has Mother returned? – Yes, she has. 11. Have you seen Martin today? 12. Have you passed your driving test? 13. A week has passed since the beginning of the year. 14. The Smith’s have repaired only part of their house so far. 15. I will go for a walk, after I have done my homework. 16. When we have passed out exams we’ll have a holiday. 17. Morning newspapers have reported this shocking news.

Ex. 2. Say that you have already done this.

Model: Do your homework. – I have already/just done it.

1. Make coffee. 2. Pack your things. 3. Close the door. 4. Give up smoking. 5. Tell me the truth. 6. Buy a new coat. 7. Finish the work. 8. Have breakfast. 9. Invite him to come. 10. Clean the room. 11. Do your hair. 12. Have a good rest.

Ex. 3. Say what you have already done and what you have not done so far.

to forget a promise/an address; to climb a tree/a career ladder; to miss the glasses/bus; to drink whisky/Coke; to eat in the Italian restaurant/at a café;

to lose one’s temper/something important; to buy a car/an ice-cream; to smoke/use lipstick; to break an arrangement/window; to see an airport/desert

Ex. 4. Combine the sentences as shown in the model.

Model: a) It is the first/second time I have made this mistake.

b) It is the worst mistake I have ever made.

a) It is the first/second/third time …	to be on a plane to drive a car to ride the horse to apply for a job to participate in the talks to explain the rule to use a computer
b) It is the best film … biggest house most difficult exercise most interesting person longest story most beautiful place longest letter	to see to decorate to do to meet to listen to visit to write

Ex. 5. Answer the following questions using the Present Perfect.

1. Have you seen my watch anywhere?

2. Have you heard from your friend lately?

3. Have you paid the telephone bill?

4. Has the post come?

5. Where have you been? What have you seen?

6. Why haven’t you done your home work yet?

7. How many times have you visited the exhibition?

8. How much time have you spent on organizing the party?

9. How long have you lived in Minsk?

Ex. 6. Ask your friend.

if he has ever get lost in the forest; if he has played any musical instrument; if he has already solved his problems; if he has travelled to many parts of the world; if he has ever been abroad; if he has ever eaten any exotic fruit; if he has ever ridden a camel;

who has just phoned him; where he has been; since when he has known Mary; how long they have been good friends; how long they have been engaged; what exams he has already passed and what he hasn’t.

Ex. 7. a) Answer the questions beginning with “when”. Use the Present Perfect and the words in brackets.

1. When did you finish school? (this year)

2. When did you last see Nick? (recently)

3. When did you last go mountaineering? (for a long time)

4. When did you last phone your parents? (just)

5. When did you last go to England? (never)

b) Ask the questions beginning with “when”. Use the Past Indefinite.

1. She has just gone out.

2. I have passed my last exam this week.

3. They have already had their holidays this year.

4. I have seen Nick recently.

5. He has spoken to the dean during the break.

Ex.8. Chose the most suitable time expression.

1. Jessica has been married to Brian since/for two years. She has known him since/for 2001 when they first met in Boston. 2. It is ages since/ago I last went to the cinema. 3. Have you ever eaten Chinese food before/already? 4. A solution to the problem has already/yet been found. 5. It must have been a month since/before we last had a meal together. 6. I haven’t been to Rom already/yet. 7. I have written to my girlfriend recently/still. 8. I haven’t decided yet/already where to continue my studies.

Ex. 9. Open the brackets and explain the use of the Present Perfect in different situations.

1. They say, you (to buy) a new house. – Yes, the workers (to repair) it already but we (not to move) yet. 2. I already (to wash) the vegetables, (to chop) tomatoes, (to peel) potatoes. And what you (to do)? – I (to wash) the dishes. 3. I like this city very much, it (to change) a lot since I saw it last. 4. Hey! Someone (to drink) all my coffee. My cup is empty. 5. You (to eat) any Spanish food? It’s great! 6. Smog (to damage) the ancient monument which now needs to be restored. 7. I don’t recall having seen you before. Are you sure we (to meet)? 8. Soho is one of the most bohemian areas in London as great changes (to take) place here of late. 9. It seems that they already (to decide) everything without consulting us. 10. I never (to understand) why football is so popular. 11. I (to lose) your telephone number, but when I get to Bristol, I’ll try to contact your friend. 12. Dear Linda, I’m sorry, I (not to write) to you for a long time. I (to be) so busy lately. 13. As you can see from the letter I (to change) my address and live in Oxford now. 14. The house (to be) empty for a year. But today they (to take) the “For Sale” sign so I suppose someone (to buy) it already. 15. How much time (to pass) since she finished school? – She (not to finish) it yet. 16. I often (to see) him lately but I never (to speak) to him. 17. I went to her house, but she wasn’t there. She (go out). 18. The man sitting next to me on the plane is very nervous. He never (to fly) before. 19. She always (to be) the best among the best, and it’s quite natural that she (to pass) all the exams successfully.

Ex. 10. Translate the sentences into English.

1. Вы пробовали этот пирог? 2. Ты слышал эту новость? 3. Вы когда-нибудь смотрели этот фильм? 4. В этом году я уже был в отпуске. 5. Я не видел своего школьного друга уже много лет. 6. Дом, который они недавно купили выглядит намного больше нашего. 7. Представление об идеальном отпуске значительно изменилось за последние несколько лет. 8. Ты уже третий раз опаздываешь на английский. 9. Я живу в этом городе с детства. 10. Я болею уже три дня, но температура уже упала. (to go down) 11. Том и Мэри женаты уже 5 лет. 12. «Это мой дом. Я никогда не хотел жить где бы то ни было еще», – сказал он. 13. Мои часы отстают. – Они не отстают, они остановились. 14. Мы опоздали на автобус, а сейчас нам приходится идти пешком. 15. Дождь прекратился, давайте пойдем погуляем. 16. Я не могу найти свой зонтик. Я думаю, что кто-то взял его по ошибке. 17. Мы собираемся в Италию, мы уже упаковали свои вещи и купили билеты. 18. Я знаю его хорошо, но мы не видели друг друга уже целую вечность. 19. Ты покормил собаку? – Да, только что. 20. Студенты только что сдали экзамен. Хотя это самый трудный экзамен, никто не провалил его. 21. Почему вы пропустили так много занятий по английскому языку в этом семестре. – Я серьезно болею в последнее время.

Ex. 11. Read the text and answer the questions that follow.

A Pretty Carpet

We have just moved into a new house. Today I have worked hard since morning and have got my new room in order. This has not been easy because I own over a thousand of books. As we haven’t bought a new bookcase yet, I have temporarily put my books on the floor and they have covered every inch of the floor space. I actually have to walk on them to get in or out of the room. It is the first time in my life I have walked on the books. I have asked my brother to help me to carry one of my old bookcases up the stairs. He promised but hasn’t come yet. When he enters the room and sees my books on the floor, he will probably say, “This is the prettiest carpet I have ever seen.” But as soon as we have carried my old bookcase into the room, I will put the books on the shelves. Walking on my favourite books is one of the most unpleasant experiences I have had in my life.

1. Where has the family just moved?

2. Why hasn’t it been easy to get the room in order?

3. Why has the owner of the room put all the books on the floor?

4. What experiences has he (she) had while walking on the books?

5. What will they do with the books as soon as they have carried their old bookcase into the room?

The Past Perfect

Ex. 1. Explain the use of the Past Perfect in the following sentences. Translate the sentences into Russian and then back into English.

1. We had reached the place of our destination only by midnight. 2. When we arrived, the performance had just begun. 3. I felt too bad yesterday. I was sure that I had caught a cold. 4. The woman was a complete stranger to me. I had never seen her before. 6. The boy told his father everything what had happened to him. 7. The patient felt better after he had taken some medicine. 9. He was told that the train had already left. 10. Hardly had he entered the room when the light switched on. 11. He had scarcely said the first words when she interrupted him. 12. No sooner had we got home, than it became dark. 13. It was the first time I had been on a plane. 14. The tourists had just arrived in Japan and everything was new to them.

Ex. 2. Say what somebody had already done by that time.

Model: My friend advised me not to read this book but I had already read it.

1. I arrived at midday to give him a lift but …

2. My mother asked me to buy some bread for dinner but …

3. The teacher said that we should translate the article but …

4. I recommended Brian to apply for a new job but …

5. My sister asked me to write a letter to our parents but …

6. I advised my friend to see “Titanic” but …

7. The receptionist asked him to fill in the form but …

8. They wanted me to buy a new Rolls-Royce but …

Ex. 3. Complete the sentences using the prompts.

Model: a) I walked home after (to finish) my work.

I walked home after I had finished my work.

b) I (to work) at a plant before I entered the university

I had worked at a plant before I entered the university.

c) When we arrived the concert already (to begin).

When we arrived the concert had already begun.

d) She was depressed because she (to fail) her exams.

She was depressed because she had failed her exams.

e) I was sure that he (to receive) my letter.

I was sure that he had received my letter.

a) 1. The girl felt better after … (to speak to mother). 2. We went to his birthday party after we … (to buy a present). 3. She wrote a very good article after she … (to study the problem thoroughly). 4. After he … (to get) his first salary he decided to buy presents. 5. After Jane … (to listen to) the latest news she called me. 6. She started to cry after she (to read) the telegramme.

b) 1. I (to buy) tickets before I went to the theatre. 2. The train (to leave) before I reached the station. 3. Before he came home he (to drop) into the shop. 4. Before I left the house I (to lock) the entrance door. 5. The children liked the wild animals because they (not to see) them before.

c) 1. When I heard his voice on the phone I knew that I (to speak) to him before. Then I remembered where I (to meet) him. 2. I forgot to ask a neighbour to look after the plants while we were on holiday. When we got home they all (to die). 3. When the police arrived, the car (to disappear). 4. When I started working for the company I (to be) an architect for six years already.

d) 1. We were happy because our parents (to retire) and could take care of our children 2. They got frightened because the matter (to go) too far. 3. Two cars crashed because the driver (to go) to sleep while he was driving. 4. She looked sunburnt because she (to spend) her holiday at the seaside. 5. He lived alone because his wife (to die) some years ago.

e) 1. I saw from his face that he (to receive) a piece of good news. 2. He told me that he (to send) a cheque a week before. 3. I was sure that we (to meet) in the club. 4. The secretary told the boss that somebody (to phone) him when he was out. 5. I realized that I (to lose) my passport. 6. She knew that something (to happen). We understood that the situation (to change).

Ex. 4. Say why you had done something or why you hadn’t done it.

Model: Why did (didn’t) you phone me? (forget)

I didn’t phone you because I had forgotten your telephone number.

1. Why did you feel irritated? (not to eat)

2. Why did you feel happy when I saw you? (to get engaged)

3. Why did you refuse to go to the cinema with him? (to promise)

4. Why did it become warm? (to make a fire)

5. Why did she apologize? (not to read the report)

6. Why did they call the police? (to break into the office)

7. Why didn’t she come to the party yesterday? (to invite)

8. Why couldn’t you get into your flat? (to lose)

9. Why couldn’t she say anything about this play? (not to see)

Ex. 5. Complete the sentences, supply the missing parts from the right hand column.

Model: He had hardly recovered from illness when the taxi arrived Hardly had he recovered from illness when the taxi arrived.
1. Mr. Brown had hardly begun his speech when …	he was interrupted
2. Hardly had he reached the door office when …	something serious happened
3. Hardly had she occupied the post when…	she decided to give it up
4. No sooner had they packed the things than …	they quarreled
5. No sooner had I come than ….	he fell asleep
6. No sooner had she touched the pillow when…	the lecture began
7. No sooner had they become friends than …	he left for Paris
8. As soon as he had bought the tickets, …	when he met two young men
9. Scarcely had he bought a ticket to Moscow when …	there followed another heart attack

Ex. 6. Open the brackets using the correct tense forms of the verbs in brackets.

1. She told me everything about him after he (to leave). 2. I asked him what countries he (to visit). 3. After he (to give) the police his name and address he was allowed to come in. 4. As soon as the children (to finish) breakfast they went to play. 5. Then there came the sound of a music I (never to hear) before. 6. I couldn’t recollect when I (to promise) to help him. 7. I tried to telephone for several times but she (to leave) the country. 8. Hardly we (to turn) round the corner, when we saw a strange lady again. 9. After I (to write) to my boyfriend I went to post the letter. 10. I already (to translate) the article when my boss phoned and asked if the translation was finished. 11. No sooner Mr. Smith (to leave) the office than the telephone rang. There wasn’t anybody there to answer the call. 12. The flight to New York was not as comfortable as I (to expect). 13. As soon as he saw what (to happen), he switched off the electricity. 14. A lot of people came to the party, most of whom I (to meet) before. 15. No sooner I (to put) the telephone down than it rang again. 16. By the end of the show I (to fall) asleep. 17. Nobody came to the meeting because Angela (to forget) to tell the people about it. 18. The house was much smaller than he (to think) at first.

Ex. 7. Translate the sentences into English.

1. Молодые люди знали друг друга два года прежде, чем они поженились. 2. После того как студенты провели эксперимент, они описали его. 3. Мой дядя жил один после того, как умерла его жена. 4. Они приняли решение после того, как тщательно обсудили все вопросы. 5. Я точно встречал его где-то раньше, но не помню где. 6. Как только он сел за стол, зазвонил телефон. 7. К концу года он прочитал все требуемые по программе книги. 8. Начальник был счастлив. Он подписал важный контакт. 9. В комнате было темно, так как кто-то выключил свет. 10. Мы спросили у доктора, успешно ли прошла операция, но он отказался комментировать. 11. Полиция подозревала, кто ограбил дом. Но у них не было доказательств. 12. К концу месяца они уже снесли большую часть домов на нашей улице. 13. К 1960 году большинство старых британских колоний получили независимость. 14. Не успел я сделать домашнее задание, как мои друзья позвонили мне. 15. Ольга изучала немецкий, прежде чем она начала изучать второй иностранный язык. 16. К пяти часам она уже написала все письма. 17. В офисе никого не было. Мистер Джонсон сказал всем идти домой. 18. Когда родители пришли домой, дети уже легли спать.

Ex. 8. Read the following story and work out the order in which the guests arrived at the party. Mind the use of the Past Perfect.

By the time I got to Paula and Bob’s party, Rob had already left. Pat and Peter were late as usual. Barbara and Tim had just arrived, and Simon, who had been there for ages, was serving them with some things to nibble. Tony was already a bit tipsy, and was picking quarrels with anyone who’d listen. Apparently that’s why Rob had left. He had hardly taken his coat off when Tony started going on at him, so he just left. When Angela had seen Tony arriving, she told Simon to keep an eye on how much he had to drink. Angela had got there early to help Paula, and was busy in the kitchen. When I asked Jim and Chris what Tony had said to Rob, they couldn’t tell me because they hadn’t heard anything. They didn’t even know that Rob had been there. They had arrived soon after Simon, and had been stuck in conversation with Bob ever since. I opened the door to let in Alice, so she and I settled down for a good chat and a gossip about Pat and Peter before they arrived. All in all it was quite a good party.

The Future Perfect

Ex. 1. Explain the use of the Future Perfect. Translate the sentences into Russian and then back into English.

1. From my letter you will have guessed that I’m in China. 2. We will have passed our final exams by the end of June. 3. He will have finished this book by tomorrow. 4. It will have stopped raining before we leave the party. 5. I won’t have retired till 2010. 6. By the time he becomes a multi-millionaire they will have bought a mansion in Beverly Hills. 7. By Monday my neighbour will have been in hospital for two weeks. 8. In September theu will have been married for 25 years. 9. You will have read about it in the Sunday Morning. 10. We expect that you will have changed your mind by tomorrow.

Ex. 2. Transform the following sentences into negative and interrogative forms. Ask all types of questions and answer them.

1. He will have paid the debt by June. 2. It will have stopped raining by noon. 3. The children will have done their homework before their parents come home. 4. They will have left by the time you arrive. 5. The decorator will have painted the room by Tuesday.

Ex. 3. Respond to the following situations using the questions in the Future Perfect.

Model: Your neighbor is building a new cottage. By next spring he is planning to finish it.

– Will you have moved into a new cottage by next spring?

1. Tony and John are planning to finish the work by the evening. They have already done most of the work. (will you, to finish).

2. Gill is going to start her new job. (will you, by Monday).

3. Sarah wants to know if I will be able to sign the contract by tomorrow. (will you, to sign)

4. John is on holiday and he is afraid of spending all his money by the end of his holiday. (will you, to spend)

5. John is in his final year at the university. He is going to graduate from the university before he gets married. (to graduate from, won’t he)

6. Professor Jones retires next month after 40 years of work at the university. (how long, to work)

7. Diana is going to write a diploma paper. (will she, to finish)

8. My grandparents are of the same age. My grandmother has already retired, my grandfather is going to retire soon. (will he, by the age of sixty)

Ex. 4. Bob is an ambitious person. There are some things he believes that he will have done in fifteen years time. Write down about these things as in the model.

Model: to move to Beverly Hills in California →

He will have moved to Beverly Hills in California in 15 year time.

• to become a millionaire;

• to have his own computer business;

• to join an exclusive tennis club;

• to marry a beautiful Japanese actress;

• to have many children;

• to learn Japanese;

Ex. 5. Ask your friend about his/her ambitions for 10 years time. Ask him about:

• his future career (get a higher education, have his own business),

• his plans for further education (get the highest scientific degree),

• his family (wife, children),

• the countries he plans to visit, etc.

Ex. 6. Open the brackets using the necessary tense forms of the verbs.

1. I hope Ted (to come) home from school by 2 o'clock. 2. I (to finish) everything by the time you get back tomorrow. 3. If we don't hurry the sun (to set) before we reach the top. 4. We are late. The performance already (to start) by the time we get to the theatre. 5. By the end of the year the prices for essential goods (to rise) by 10%. 6. I’m going to Hide Park to hear the people making speeches. – You will be too late. By the time you get there they (to finish) their speeches and everybody (to go) home. 7. By the time the second act has finished we (to be) pretty tired. 8. A lot (to change) in my life by that time. 9. The task is so complicated that we (not to complete) it only in a year’s time. 10. The school leavers (to pass) their finals by the end of June.

Ex. 7. Translate the sentences into English.

1. К концу этого года он уйдет в отставку после 25 лет службы. 2. Вскоре они будут женаты уже 10 лет. 3. К тому времени многое изменится в моей жизни. 4. Мы сдадим все экзамены к концу июня и будем поступать в университеты. 5. Задание настолько сложное, что мы не сможем выполнить его к назначенному сроку. 6. Я надеюсь, что найду работу прежде, чем окончу курсы. 7. Я надеюсь получить водительские права к 18 годам. 8. Через два месяца мы закончим подготовительную работу и начнем эксперимент. 8. Я не успею убрать в квартире к тому времени, когда ты придешь. 9. Я надеюсь, что погода изменится к концу недели. 10. Он уже вернется из армии к тому времени, когда я закончу школу. 11. Мы не успеем получить перевод ко дню нашего отъезда.

Perfect Tenses Compared

Ex. 1. Give positive or negative answers to the following questions using the Future Perfect.

Model: Have you finished reading the book? – No, I haven’t. I will have finished reading it only by tomorrow. or: – I won’t have finished reading it by tomorrow.

1. Have you graduated from the university?

2. Has she ended her holiday tour?

3. Have they returned from their wedding trip?

4. Have you taken your exams this year?

5. Have the children come from school?

6. Have you written your report for the conference?

7. Have you repaired you computer?

8. Has your father given up smoking?

Ex. 2. Express contrasting past and future actions in the situations on your own.

1. Colin has worked in a bank for 15 years already.

2. It has been very cold lately.

3. My father has always worked for Phillips.

4. The children have just gone to bed.

5. She has already changed her mind.

6. He has always been an honest man.

Ex. 3. Transform the sentences using the Past and the Future Perfect.

Model: I was reading a book at 5 o'clock.

I had read a book by 5 o'clock yesterday.

I will have read a book by 5 o'clock tomorrow.

1. She was making dinner at that time. 2. We were translating the text when you came. 3. They were writing a dictation when I entered the classroom. 4. The students were taking their exams from 9 till 12 o'clock. 5. He was having a shower when the telephone rang. 6. The boys were playing football when it began to rain. 7. The film was starting when I came. 8. They were saving money during the year.

Ex. 4. Translate the following sentences into English.

1. Ты уже купил билеты? – Нет, но мы купим их ко вторнику. 2. Твой друг закончил проект? – Да, он его закончил к концу прошлой недели. 3. Твои друзья уехали? – Да. Они только что вышли из дома. 4. Рабочие закончили строительство дома к концу прошлого месяца, но люди еще не въехали в дом. Мы получили квартиру в этом доме и переедем к 1 мая. 5. Разбуди меня в 8 утра. К этому времени я уже высплюсь. 6. Я прочитал все инструкции, но самостоятельно не отремонтирую пылесос к моменту прихода мамы. 7. Она сказала, что это было самое важное решение, которое она когда-либо принимала в своей жизни. 8. Мы тщательно изучили все предложения, прежде чем принять какие-либо решения. 9. Я надеюсь, что мы отремонтируем крышу до того, как пойдут дожди. 10. Она провалила свой экзамен по английскому, и я не уверен, удастся ли ей его пересдать к концу сессии. 11. Он сказал, что уже посетил этот музей и сделал много фотографий.

PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSES

The Present Perfect Continuous

Ex. 1. Read and analyze the use of the Present Perfect Continuous in the following dialogue.

Kate:	Sorry I’m late.
Ann:	It’s OK. I haven’t been waiting long. What have you been doing?
Kate:	I’ve been with Mrs. Smith. She has been helping me with my English. For many years I have been dreaming to become a student of the Linguistic University.
Ann:	How long have you been studying English?
Kate:	Ten years now. Since I came to England I have been trying to improve my English accent. I think it has been getting better lately.
Ann:	Your accent is fine. Honestly.

Ex. 2. What have these people been doing? Make sentences using an appropriate verb in the Present Perfect Continuous.

Model 1: Catherine went to the supermarket an hour ago. She’s still there.

Catherine has been shopping for an hour.

1. My mum began cooking three hours ago. She hasn’t finished yet.

1. The teams started playing football twenty minutes ago. They are still playing.

2. The headmaster started speaking an hour ago. He hasn’t stopped yet.

3. Bill began building his house six months ago. He hasn’t finished it yet.

4. She is a teacher. She started working three years ago. She is still teaching.

5. Mark started playing the guitar an hour ago. He is still playing.

6. The children began doing their homework two hours ago. They haven’t finished it yet.

7. He was writing an essay. Two hours have passed and he can’t complete it.

8. She began teaching English last year. She is still doing it.

9. The boss is checking the figures. He began this work at 9 p. m.

Model 2: I began looking for a job two years ago. (since that time)

I have been looking for a job since that time.

1. Bob has a black eye and Bill has a cut lip. (Bob and Bill/to fight).

2. George has just come back from the beach. He is very red. (he/to lie/in the sun).

3. Janet is hot and tired. (she/to play tennis).

4. You look very tired. (I/to work/in the library).

5. He looks exhausted. – Yes. (he/to run/an hour).

6. Hello. You are covered with paint from head to foot. – Oh, (I/to paint the fence).

7. Our chief looks very busy. – Yes. (He/to make/telephone calls/all morning.)

8. Hello. You look very fresh. – Yes. (I/to walk in the park).

9. Tom is a good chess-player. (since childhood?)

10. Sarah is busy. (to work hard/recently?)

11. The boy’s shoes are dirty. (he/to walk in the mud?)

12. Michael’s hands are aching. (he/to carry/two heavy bags?)

13. She’s furious. (to wait/for hours)

14. I’m annoyed. (the stranger/to phone/every night/for the whole week)

Ex. 3. Answer the questions using the words in brackets in the Present Perfect Continuous.

1. Why are you tired? (to work)

2. Why is it still cold outside? (to rain)

3. Why are the boy’s shoes so dirty? (to walk in the mud)

4. Why is Mary’s face so red? (to lie in the sun)

5. Why do her eyes hurt? (to use the computer)

6. Why are you out of breath? (to run for an hour)

7. Why is your hair wet? (bathe)

Ex.4. Transform the following sentences into negative and interrogative forms.

1. It has been raining heavily since morning. 2. The Hollywood company has been making films since 1963. 3. He has been wearing glasses all his life. 4. She has been working in the garden all day. 5. Somebody has been using my computer! 6. The children have been looking forward to this holiday for months.

Ex. 5. Ask your friend:

• if he has been waiting for you for a long time;

• if he has been working hard today;

• if he has been feeling well recently;

• what she has been doing in the library;

• how long he has been studying English;

• since when he has been collecting stamps.

Ex. 6. Ask questions with “what”, “who”,” whose”.

1. My brother has been watching TV programmes since morning. 2. We have been living in a new district of Minsk for two years. 3. He has been trying to open the door for half an hour or so. 4. The engine has been running for a long time. 5. I have been playing tennis all morning. 6. They have been quarrelling since they got married. 7. The police have been looking for a thief for three days. 8. You have been watching TV since morning.

Ex. 7. Ask questions with “how long” or “since when”.

Model: It is raining. – How long has it been raining?

Since when has it been raining?

1. John is smoking. 2. Nick is playing chess. 3. Helen is studying Chinese. 4. Brian is watching TV. 5. Victor is writing a poem. 6. Ann is dreaming of a computer. 7 Jane is suffering from headache. 8. Jessica is wearing glasses. 9. The boy is playing in the park. 10. They are repairing the road. 11. Susan is trying to understand her husband. 12. I’m talking on the phone. 13. Michael’s hands are aching. 14. They started waiting for a bus not long ago. 15. Viktor writes poems. 16. Bill and Andy make films. 17. Jim sells used cars. 18. My grandparents live in Oxford.

Ex. 8. Translate the sentences from Russia into English.

1. Я не ношу очки уже пять лет. 2. Аня страдает от головной боли с детства. Она пьет таблетки, но ничего не помогает. 3. Твой брат уже окончил университет? – Да. Он уже работает два года. 4. Наша семья живет в этом городе уже десять лет. За это время город сильно изменился. 5. Сегодня праздник. С самого утра в парке играет оркестр. Давай сходим послушаем. 6. Вы уже приняли какое-либо решение по этому вопросу? – Нет. Мы обсуждаем его уже давно, но не пришли ни к какому решению. 7. Моя сестра работает в этой школе с тех пор, как она закончила университет. 8. Последний автобус возможно уже ушел. Я жду 20 минут, но безрезультатно. 9. Демократия – не новое изобретение. Она существует еще со времен Древней Греции. 10. Много лет я мечтаю стать учителем английского языка.

Ex. 9. Open the brackets. Use the correct verb forms. Write a letter to your pen-friend. Tell him what you have (not) been doing recently.

Dear Pierre,

I am glad that you are my new pen-friend. Let me tell you something about myself and my hobbies!

I am 12 years old and I (to attend) our local comprehensive school for almost 2 years. I don’t like school too much! I prefer riding my bicycle and playing football. I (to ride) a bicycle since I was 7 and (to play) football for the school team since last January. It is great fun! But I (not to play) with the team for the last weeks, because the weather’s been too wet. I haven’t got any favourite school subject – apart from sports. I (to learn) French at school for a year now, but I don’t really enjoy it. I have some interesting hobbies. I often go to football matches and for 2 years now I (to build) a model railway with my father.

I also have a favourite uncle in France. He (to work) in Paris since last summer. He often writes to us, but I (not to write) to him since his birthday.

I (to lie) in bed ill for over a week now! I (to have) a bad cold and a high temperature since last Saturday, so I haven’t been able to go to school for a week! Isn’t that a great pity? I (no to do) my homework for over a week, either! Please write to me soon!

With best wishes, Tom.

Ex. 10. You’ve arranged to go to the cinema with an English-speaking friend. Complete the conversation. Make up a similar dialogue.

You:	You look hot.
Friend:	I (to run). I’ve been running.
Friend:	Am I late?
You:	I (to wait) for you for the last half an hour.
Friend:	You are wet through.
You:	Yes, it (to rain).
Friend:	You look tired.
You:	I (not to sleep)/well all night.
Friend:	Why’s that?
You:	I (to worry) about my exams.
Friend:	Well, tonight you can forget about them. It’s funny, but in this light your face looks green.
You:	I (to paint) the bedroom ceiling.
Friend:	But apart from the green spots, your face has a really funny colour. Are you feeling all right?
You:	Actually, I (to feel) dreadful all the day long.
Friend:	If you are feeling so awful, why don’t you go home?
You:	I (to look forward) to this film for a month.
Friend:	That’s a pity.
You:	Why?
Friend:	We (to talk) and they have sold all the tickets.

The Past Perfect Continuous

Ex. 1. Explain the use of the Past Perfect Continuous.

1. She had been learning English for three years before she could speak fluently. 2. How long had you been sleeping before I came? 3. How long had this man been standing there and watching you before you noticed him? 4. He had been painting the floor for an hour before he asked me to help him. 5. She retired after she had been working for this company for 25 years. 6. When the boys came into the room their shoes were dirty. They had been playing football in the yard. 7. At last the bus came. I had been waiting for twenty minutes.

Ex. 2. Ask your friend:

• since when he had been waiting for you before you came;

• since when he had been doing his translation before he finished it;

• how long he had been using his car before he sold it;

• how long he had been doing his military service before he returned home;

• how long he had been studying English before he got the job;

• where his grandpa had been working before he retired;

• what he had been writing until 12 o’clock yesterday;

• what he had been reading the whole evening yesterday.

Ex. 3. Put questions to the words in italics.

1. My brother had been studying abroad for some years. 2. He felt tired, as he had been working hard for a long time the whole day. 3. When I returned home children had already been sleeping for an hour. 4. His English was fluent as he had been living in Great Britain for two years. 5. They had been playing football for half an hour before there was a terrible storm. 6. He said that he had been studying English since childhood.

Ex. 4. Join the following sentences as in the model.

Model: They began reading the book. After a few minutes their friends came.

They had been reading the book only for a few minutes before their friends came.

1. Mrs. Brown asked her husband to mend the window several times. After a month he found time to do it. 2. The Browns moved to live in Manchester. After a year their daughter joined them. 3.  Alice was working in the garden. After some time she realized that she had forgotten to close the door. 4. I began watching an interesting film. Soon my TV set broke down. 5. Ruth began to write her report, after a few minutes her sister called her. 6. The boys started to play football at about 7. At about half past seven it began to rain.

Ex. 5. Read a situation and then write a sentence.

Model: I wrote to the firm regularly, but they still didn’t answer (for months).

They hadn’t been answering my letters for months.

1. There was a smell of cigarettes. Somebody (to smoke).

2. The boys were both very dirty. They (to play) football.

3. She spoke English well when she visited Canada. She (to study) English for five years.

4. The machine was still working when I got in. My mother (to do) the washing.

5. At last the bus came. I (to wait) for twenty minutes.

6. Ann’s eyes ached because she (to use) the computer all day long.

7. When he phoned, I (to have) a piano lesson for half an hour.

8. I had to go and see the dentist. One of my teeth (to ache) for weeks.

9. He returned home yesterday. He (to live and to study) in England for four years.

Ex. 6. Describe the situations below in one sentence using the Past Perfect Continuous.

Model: Richard was driving too fast. A policeman stopped him.

Richard had been driving too fast before the policeman stopped him.

1. The children were playing with matches. They started a fire.

2. Mr. Finch decided to save for buying a new house. Three years later he bought the house he wanted.

3. The farmers were making hay in the meadow. Some hours later it started raining.

4. I had arranged to meet Tom in a restaurant. I arrived and began waiting. After 20 minutes I realized that I had come to the wrong restaurant.

5. There was a smell of cigarettes in the room when we came in. Somebody was smoking.

6. The children were playing with toys. Then they went to bed.

7. You were sitting in the café. The rain stopped.

Ex. 7. Translate into English.

1. Они долго искали квартиру до того, как им наконец-то предложили хороший вариант. 2. Я чувствовал себя уставшим, так как вел машину целый день. 3. Ее глаза были красными, так как она плакала по случившемуся. 4. Пожарники боролись с лесным пожаром в течение трех недель, прежде чем они смогли взять под контроль ситуацию. 5. Он помнил, что эти большие деревья росли здесь уже давно. 6. Мальчики были наказаны за то, что они ужасно шумели. 7. Телевизор был включен, так как она целый день смотрела фильмы. 8. На диване лежала открытая книга, так как он читал ее накануне. 9. Земля была мокрая, так как весь вечер шел дождь.

The Future Perfect Continuous

Ex. 1. Explain the use of the Future Perfect Continuous.

Alex:	Bill, how long will you have been studying at the university before you’ve got your first degree?
Bill:	I’ll have been studying for three years before I’ve got a bachelor’s degree.
Alex:	How long will you have been learning English before you’ve passed it?
Bill:	I’ll have been learning English for four years before I’ve passed it.
Alex:	How long will you have been working as a lawyer before you retire?
Bill:	I hope, I’ll have been working as a lawyer for 40 years before I retire.
Alex:	Success attend you!

Ex. 2. Ask your friend:

• how long he will have been driving by 5 o’clock;

• how long Jack will have been talking over the phone by that time;

• how long he will have been waiting for Ann before she finishes her work;

• what they will have been doing all this time;

• where he will had been getting ready for his report;

• who will have been saving money to buy a new house.

Ex. 3. Put questions to the words in italics.

1. He will have been waiting for my telephone call all day long. 2. I will have been waiting for Kate for an hour but not longer. 3. The children will have been decorating the New Year tree for the whole evening before they go to bed. 4. I will have been staying in this hotel for two weeks by the end of my business trip. 5. I will have been working for this company for 10 years by the end of the year. 6. My dog will have been sitting at the door all this time waiting for me to feed him.

Ex. 4. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.

1. From my letter you (to guess) that I’m in Japan.

2. We (to fly) nonstop for six hours by the time the plane lands.

3. By the end of this week, I (to wait) three months for my car to be repaired.

4. I promise, I (to finish) this book by the weekend and then I (to give) it to you.

5. This government (to be) in power for eight years soon but I don’t think they (to win) the next election.

6. We (to admire) the beauty of Italy for ten days before leaving home.

7. The staff of the company (to discuss) the project for a few days before it is signed.

8. We (to fly) nonstop for eight hours by the time the plane lands.

Ex. 5. Translate the following sentences into Russian and then back into English.

1. She will have been reading this book for three days and will have read 400 pages. 2. My friend will have been serving in the army for two years by that time. 3. She will have been sleeping for six hours before she has to get up. 4. They will have been working on the project for ten days by next week. 5. They will have been flying for 3 hours before the plane lands. 6. By next September my mother will have been working as a teacher for twenty-five years. 7. I will have been repairing my car for two days before I dare to drive it. 8. By the time we returned home the children will have been playing football for two hours. 9. How long will you have been discussing the plan by that time? 10. He will have been digging in the garden till afternoon. Why not help him? 11. By September Borisov will have been playing for Arsenal for a year. 12. Before you come I will have been decorating the New Year’s tree. 13. Children will have been running around all afternoon tomorrow. 14. By the end of this week I will have been waiting for the telephone to be installed.

Perfect Continuous Tenses Compared

Ex. 1. Express contrasting past and future actions. Use the proper modifiers of time.

1. I have been learning new words for an hour, but I don't remember them. 2. Jane has been writing letters to her friends since morning. 3. My father has been reading newspapers since he came back from his office. 4. It has been raining heavily all day long. 5. You have bееn speaking on the phone for half an hour already. 6. She has been staying at this hotel for a week. 7. I have been waiting for you since midday.

Ex. 2. Answer the questions using the Present and Past Perfect Continuous and the prompts in the brackets.

Model: Why are your hands dirty? (to dig) I have been digging all day.

1. Why are you angry and cold? (to wait outside)

2. Why is she so upset? (to watch a boring film)

3. Why were the children happy? (to swim)

4. Why were your eyes red? (not to sleep)

5. Why was she wet? (to walk under the rain)

6. Why will the children be punished? (to make noise)

7. Why will they be tired when they get there? (to travel)

Ex. 3. Open the brackets using the proper Perfect Continuous tense forms.

1. It is a very boring novel. I (to read) it for two weeks, though I usually read books quickly. 2. She (to live) in Gomel since she was born. 3. The children (to skate) in the park for two hours before they went to the cinema. 4. I was sorry for keeping you waiting. I (to try) to make a telephone call to Warsaw. 5. Since when they (to work) here? 6. It (to rain) for two days. There will be a flood soon. 7. The police (to look) for the thief for a week already. 8. We were very tired at the end of the journey because we (to travel) for more than 20 hours. 9. Is it all right if I come at about nine? – Fine. I (to watch) the match on TV for about two hours but it will have finished by that time. 10. She (to take) guitar lessons for a year. She is very patient and hardworking. 11. I came home at five o’clock yesterday. My wife (to pack) things for two hours already and was angry that there was nobody to help. 12. Last year our team didn’t win many games but this year we (to play) without losing any game since June. 13. It is snowing heavily. Have you listened to the weather forecast for tomorrow? – I hope it (to stop) snowing by tomorrow morning. 14. She (to walk) in the park since morning. It is time to have dinner but she does not want to come. 15. I hear Tom’s footsteps. I’m going away. I don’t want him to see that I (to cry) for some hours. 16. There is no doubt about their fitness. They (to train) with the same coach. 17. Bill (to do) military service for 18 months. Yesterday he returned home. 18. We (to sit) in the café for half an hour until the rain stopped.

Ex. 4. Translate the sentences. Compare the use of Perfect Continuous tenses.

1. Я устал. Я слушаю твои объяснения уже вторую неделю. 2. Он носит очки всю свою жизнь. 3. Джон проснулся и посмотрел на часы. Он спал уже 2 часа. 4. Я пользуюсь этой машиной уже 10 лет. 5. Он курил много лет, пока наконец-то не бросил в прошлом году. 6. К тому времени, когда наши друзья уйдут в отпуск, мы будем отдыхать уже целый месяц. 7. Они пишут сочинение уже целый час и еще не закончили. 8. Я опоздал на поезд и жду следующего уже целый час. 9. Как долго вы живете в этом городе? – С детства. 10. Дорога была пустой. Он ехал уже полчаса, когда увидел тот дом, о котором ему рассказывал друг. 11. Мы рассматривали альбом уже около часа, когда Мери напомнила, что пора уходить. 12. Я знал имена всех в деревне. Я жил там всю жизнь. 13. Интересно, сколько времени они уже играют в футбол. 14. Рабочие ремонтируют дорогу уже три дня. Идет сильный снег, и они не закончат ремонт до выходных. 15. Девочка долго искала свою куклу, прежде чем нашла ее в постели. 16. Ребенок играл в саду уже два часа, когда мама позвала его домой. 17. Я писала курсовую два месяца, прежде чем защитила ее.

Ex. 5. Read and retell the text.

April Fools’ Day

“To end our special news bulletin”, said the voice of the television announcer, “we are taking you to the macaroni fields of Calabria. The people have been growing macaroni in this area for over six hundred years. Two of the leading growers, Guiseppe Moldova and Ricardo Brabante, tell me that they have been expecting a splendid crop this year and harvesting has began earlier than usual. Here you can see two workers who, between them, have just finished cutting three cart-loads of golden brown macaroni stalks. The whole village has been working day and night gathering and threshing this year’s crop before the September rains. On the right, you can see Mrs. Brabante herself. She has been helping her husband for thirty years now. Mrs. Brabante is talking to the manager of the local factory where the crop is processed. This last scene shows you what will happen at the end of the harvest: the famous Calabrian macaroni-eating competition! Signor Fratelli, the present champion, has been winning it all years since 1961. And that ends our special bulletin for today. Thursday, April 1^st. We are now returning you to the studio”.

TENSE REVISION

Present tenses compared

Ex. 1. Choose between the Present Indefinite or the Present Continuous.

1. Cuckoos (not to build) nests. They (to use) the nests of other birds. 2. He usually (to drink) coffee but now he (to drink) tea. 3. I shan't go out now as it (to rain) and I (not to have got) an umbrella. 4. Tom can't read the newspaper now because his mother (to read) it. 5. I always buy lottery tickets but I never (to win) anything. 6. Tom and Ann (to have) a long conversation. I wonder what they (to talk) about. 7. You (to believe) all that the newspapers say? – No, I (not to believe) any of it. – Then why you (to read) newspapers? 8. You (to hear) the wind? It (to blow) very strongly. 9. Have you seen my car keys anywhere? – No, I (to look) for them but I (not to see) them. 10. She always (to borrow) from me and never (to remember) to pay me back. 11. I (to think) of doing a postgraduate degree. What you (to think), is it a good idea? 12. Ann (to make) all her own clothes. At the moment he (to make) a new dress for herself. 13. She usually (to learn) languages very fast, but she (to have) problems with Chinese. 14. I never (to use) my mobile phone if I (to drive).

Ex. 2. Choose between the Present Perfect and the Present Perfect Continuous.

1. We (to walk) ten kilometres already. 2. We (to walk) for three hours. 3. I'm on a diet, I (to eat) nothing but apples for the whole week. 4. He (to sleep) since ten o'clock. It's time he woke up. 5. The students (to work) very well this term. 6. I (to work) with him for ten years and he never (to say) “Good morning” to me. 7. You (to hear) the news? Tom and Ann are engaged! 8. How many baskets of apples you (to pick)? It seems to me you (to pick) them for 3 hours already. 9. You (to see) my bag anywhere? I (to look) for it for half an hour. 10. Harry (to write) his novel for the last two years without getting further than Chapter One. 11. From the minute he got up this morning Harry (to ask) silly questions. 12. … you (to meet) before? –Yes, we (to know) each other since we were ten years old. 13. This is the first time I (to come) to London. I (to be) to many places but I (not to be) to London before. 14. Mary and James (to save) a lot of money because they (to sell) used cars for many years. 15. The British Oil Corporation (to discover) oil under the sea near the Welsh coast. The company, which (to drill) for oil in the area since 1990, found small amounts of oil near Swansea last month, and since then (to discover) larger amounts under the seabed.

Ex. 3. Choose between the Present Indefinite, the Past Indefinite and the Present Perfect.

1. Have they repaired the road? – No, they … . They only (to repair) part of it so far.

2. Have you made the coffee? – Yes, I … . I (to make) some, we can use that.

3. Have you seen him lately? – No, I … . He (to be) abroad all this time.

4. Have you ever driven a car? – Yes, I (to drive) it once or twice.

5. Have they been through Customs? – No, their luggage (not to be examined) yet.

6. Has his temperature gone down? – Yes, it (to go) down last night.

7. Have you ever flown a plane? – Yes, I (to fly) when I was at university.

8. Have you fed the dog? – Yes, I (to feed) him already.

9. Do you remember my telephone number? – Yes, I (to remember) your telephone number by heart.

10. How long have you lived in this house? – We (to be) here a long time.

11. The computer isn’t on now. – Who (to turn) it off?

12. What are you going to do tonight? – I don’t know. I (not to decide) yet.

13. I (to phone) home all day, but there’s no reply. – I expect your mother (to go) shopping.

14. I (to play) in this team for two years. – Oh, your team (to do) very well lately.

15. Your sister just (to come) to see you? – No, she (to stay) with us for three weeks already.

16. That man (to play) on the computer since early morning. – Oh, he (not to play). He (to repair) our computer all day, but (not to repair) it yet.

17. Where is Tom? – He (to go) to London. He is still there and hasn’t come back yet.

18. Where is Tom? – He (to go) to London some time ago.

19. … you ever (to be) to China? – Yes, I (to go) there last year.

Ex. 4. Choose between the Present Perfect Continuous, the Present Perfect or the Present Indefinite.

Tim: Joe: Tim: Joe: Tim: Joe: Tim: Joe: Tim: Joe: Tim: Joe:

Hello Joe. What have you been doing (you, to do)? I … (to play) tennis with Helen. Who is Helen? She’s my new girlfriend. I … (to go) out with her for two weeks. Does she live here? Yes, she … (to live) here for two months. Why haven’t I met her? Because she … (to leave) home early and she … (to come) back late every day for the last six weeks. Why … (she, to do) that? Because she … (to look for) a job. I must meet her some time. Well, let’s all go out together tomorrow then.

Past Tenses Compared

Ex. 1. Chose between the Past Indefinite or the Past Continuous.

1. He (to have) a bath when the phone rang. Very unwillingly he (to get) out of the bath and (to go) to answer it. 2. He suddenly realized that he (to travel) in the wrong direction. 3. You looked very busy when I saw you last night. What you (to do)? 4. The boys (to play) cards when they (to hear) their father's steps. They immediately (to hide) the cards and (to take) out their text-books. 5. He (not to allow) us to go out in the boat yesterday as strong wind (to blow). 6. When I (to hear) the knock I (to go) to the door and (to open) it, but I (not to recognize) him at first because he (to wear) dark glasses. 7. When I came in they (to sit) round the table. Mr. and Mrs. Brown (to watch) TV, Kate (to knit), the others (to read). Mrs. Brown (to smile) at me and (to say), "Come and sit down". 8. She (to work) quietly at her desk when suddenly the door (to open) and her daughter (to rush) in. 9. I (to see) you in the park yesterday. You (to sit) on a bench with your arm round Nick. 10. Didn’t you (to meet) your wife while you (to walk) along the street?

Ex. 2. Chose between the Past Perfect or the Past Perfect Continuous.

1. He already (to park) the car when I arrived. 2. He (to drive) all day, so he was very tired when he arrived. 3. I (to finish) cleaning the car by one o'clock. 4. What you (to do) in the garden before I came? 5.1 (to live) in Germany before I came to Russia. 6. They already (to write) a letter when the light went down. 7. Last year the plant (to fulfill) the plan by the end of November. 8. The train (not to arrive) yet by that time. 9. The child (to sleep) for an hour before we came. 10. By that time mother (to prepare) dinner. 11. By that time mother (to prepare) dinner for two hours. 12. It (to snow) heavily for two days before our arrival. 13. My mother was very pleased to see her classmates again. She (not to see) them for twenty years. 14. The children (to lie) in the sun for half an hour when it started to rain.

Ex. 3. Chose between the Past Indefinite, the Past Continuous, the Past Perfect, the Past Perfect Continuous Tenses.

a)

1. At the border station passengers (to fill) in the forms and (to go) through the customs. 2. When he (to look) for his passport, he (to find) these old photographs. 3. She (to walk) along the street when someone (to open) the window and (to call) her. 4. Our neighbour (to find) a ring when he (to dig) in the garden. He wonders who it (to belong) to? 5. When she (to leave) school she (to cut) her hair and wears it short. 6. Mr. Bush (to work) as a cashier for twenty-seven years. Then he (to retire) and (to go) to live in the country. 7. Why you (not to lend) him that book yesterday? – I (to read) it myself at that time. 8. I know you (to be) very busy last week, so I (not to disturb) you. 9. Last year the Browns (to go) to France. It (to be) their first time there. They never (to be) there before. 10. The house (to be) very quiet when we (to get) home. Everybody (to go) to bed already. 11. Where your grandmother (to work) before she retired? – She (to work) at the post-office all her life. 12. We were good friends. We (to know) each other for a long time. 13. When I came my boss (to wait) for me. He (to wait) for 20 minutes already and (to be) annoyed because I (to be) late. 14. When I (to wake) up at nine yesterday morning my brother (to sit) in front of TV. He just (to turn) it off. He (to watch) TV programmes since seven o’clock. 15. He (to wait) for the train for ten minutes when suddenly he (to realize) that he (to arrive) at the wrong station. A minute later he (to hurry) to a taxi stop. 16. I (to take) a taxi to my hotel. As I (to sign) the register, someone (to tap) me on the shoulders. I (to turn) round. It was a friend I (not to see) for ten years. He (to stay) at the same hotel. 17. Father was really angry with Andrew because he (to listen) to music while he (to do) his homework. 18. Ann was worn out. The baby (to cough) all night and she (not to get) any sleep. 19. Our team (to play) really well. We (to win) at half time, but in the end we (to lose). 20. Once I (to tell) him the truth, I (to feel) better. For many years I (to keep) it a secret. 21. No sooner I (to get) home than the telephone (to ring). My mother (to call).

b)

1. Two French architects – Frederic Augusta Bartholdi and Alexander Gustave Eiffel (to design) and (to build) in Paris the Statue of Liberty which has stood on Liberty Island in New York Island since 1886. 2. My brother (to work) in a bank for about five years, and actually he wasn’t very ambitious or career-minded. Then a new manager (to persuade) him to take the job more seriously, so he (to start) studying to become a manager himself. For five years he (to go) to evening classes to get qualifications he needed…but it was worth it. 3. It (to snow) when I (to get up) this morning. The children next door (to make) a snowman. I quickly (to put on) my warm clothes and (to race) outside to help them. 4. Kate (to be) a successful model before she (to become) a teacher. She (to earn) a lot of money for a few years but then she (to give) it all up for the classroom. 5. When my mother (to come) downstairs this morning, she couldn’t believe her eyes. We (to do) all the washing –up and (to make) breakfast for her. We (to work) for an hour before she (to wake up). 6. Imagine my delight when I (to do) really well in all my exams! My childhood dream (to come) true and I (to become) a student of the university. 7. She (to live) in Oxford when she (to meet) her husband. They (to go out) for two years before they (to get) married. 8. Long, long ago the people of Egypt (to make) paper from the tall grass that (to grow) on the banks of the river Nile. 9. In 1812 Charles Babbage, a professor of mathematics at Cambridge University (to invent) the first calculating machine which (to do) complicated calculations faster than any mathematician. 10. I found a camera you (to leave) in hotel room 222 where I (to stay) for a week before they offered me a single room. 11. My friend was 26 last month. He (to start) working for the company when he (to be) eighteen. He quickly (to climb) the career ladder and not long ago he (to become) the youngest managing director the company ever (to appoint). 12. She said she (to try) to phone me since morning, but nobody was at home.

Ex. 4. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct form, the Past Simple or the Past Continuous.

Dear Peter,

I’m writing to tell you about what happened to me last week while I (to visit) my aunt who lives by the sea. One afternoon I (to take) her dog for a walk by the cliff when I (to notice) a girl who (to climb) a tree by the edge of the cliff. As she (to hang) there, the branch suddenly (to break) and the girl (to fall) over the edge. I (to run) to the edge, but although the girl (to shout) for help, I (not to be able) see her. I (to think) about what to do when a man (to come) along the cliff path. I (to explain) what had happened and while he (to go) for help I (to talk) to the girl. Well, everything (to end) happily. The girl was rescued and her parents (to thank) me by giving me a large bunch of flowers. The story (to be) in the newspaper too! That’s all my news – write and tell me yours soon.

With love, Lucy.

Future tenses compared

Ex. 1. Read the text and analyze verb forms used for the future.

Oh, Summer!

This is my last year at college, so I’ll be leaving in June. And I’ve already got a job! In September I’m starting work at a bank in London. So I’ll be free for most of the summer. I’m going to spend six weeks travelling around the US. My friend Vicki is coming with me (She finishes college at the same time with me). We’re really looking forward to the trip. We are going to Canada too. Vicki’s friend in Toronto is going to take us round the city. I hope we’ll have a good time there. I think we’ll come back to England at the end of August.

Ex. 2. Chose between the Future Indefinite or the Future Continuous.

1. I can't understand this letter. – I (to call) my son. He (to translate) it for you. 2. What you (to do) when you grow up? – I (to be) a pilot. 3. This time next month I (to sit) on a beach. 4. In a few days time we (to go) to London. 5. That tree makes the house very dark. – Very well, I (to cut) it down. 6. My brother has just returned from America. – Oh, good, we (to ask) him to come to our next party. 7. I’ll come at six o'clock. – Good, I (to wait) for you. 8. You look frozen. Sit down by the fire and I (to make) you a cup of tea. 9. Don't ring her up at 9, she (to put) her children to bed. Ring up later. 10. My son (to be) in the fifth form next year. That means that he (to learn) English. 11. I (to know) the results in some days.

Ex. 3. Chose between the Future Perfect or the Future Perfect Continuous.

1. I (to finish) this book by tomorrow evening. 2. By next winter I (to save) the necessary sum of money. 3. I (to translate) the article for an hour before you come. 4. By the end of January he (to work) at the University for ten years. 5. On September 26 they (to be married) for thirty-five years. 6. By the end of the month we (to live) in this house for two years. 7. If I continue with my diet I (to lose) 10 kilos by the end of the month. 8. The train (to leave) before we reach the station. 9. She (to learn) English for a year before she goes abroad. 10. I (to give) all my debts by new year.

***

1. A hundred people have already died of starvation in that country. By the end of the week two hundred (to die) if foreign countries (not to send) help.

2. Nobody (to fish) in this river next year. The water has been polluted. All the fish (to be) dead soon.

3. The coming election (to be) the main topic of conversation for the next fortnight. The party leaders (to speak) on TV and the local candidates (to address) meetings in the constituencies.

4. Heavens! Look at the time. Father (to come) home in 20 minutes and you haven’t even started getting dinner ready. – Don’t bother, everything (to be) ready by the time he (to come).

5. I (to be) back again at the end of next month. – I hope I (to pass) my driving test by then. If I have, I (to meet) your train.

6. In two months’ time he (to finish) his preliminary training and (to start) working.

7. In ten years’ time all the private residents (to be driven) out of central London and there (to be) nothing but one vast hotel after another.

8. … you (to come) back in an hour? I (to do) my packing by then and we (to be) able to have a talk.

9. I (to cook) any fish you catch, but I (not to clean) them. You (to do) that yourself, … you?

10. You (to have) to be a bit careful about money when you (to retire) because you only (to get) half of your present salary. And of course you (to pay) so much tax.

Ex. 4. Chose between the Future Indefinite, the Future Continuous, the Future Perfect, the Future Perfect Continuous.

1. If you don't work hard you (not to pass) your exams. 2. Will you lend me your season ticket? – No, I (not to lend) it to you because it is against the law. 3. You (to be) angry if I refuse to help you? 4. I (to wait) for you when you come out. 5. Don't ring her at 9.00. She still (to sleep). 6. When I get home my dog (to sit) at the door waiting for me. 7. You (to have) lunch with me? – I'd love to, but I'm afraid I (to do) my exam at that time. 8. It's beginning to get dark, the street lights (to go on) in a few minutes. 9. We (to buy) a new flat if we have enough money. 10. The lift (not to start) until you press the button. 11. I (to finish) reading this book by tomorrow evening. 12. By the end of the year my mother (to work) at school for twenty years. 13. I'm going to Hyde Park to hear the people making speeches. – By the time you get there they (to finish) their speeches and everybody (to go) home. 14. When I leave school our family (to live) in Minsk for ten years. 15. He spends all his spare time planting trees. He says that by the end of next year he (to plant) 1,000. 16. I hope they (to repair) this road by the time we come back next summer. 17. I (not to wear) glasses when you see me next. I (to wear) contact lenses. You probably (not to recognize) me. 18. This time next week I (to have) my first skating lesson. 19. He says he (to meet) us at the bus stop, but I'm sure he (to forget) to do it. 20. The first day of the term (to be) horrible, for everybody (to talk) about their holidays and (to show) photographs of foreign beaches and as I haven't been anywhere I (to feel) terribly out of it. 21. That oak tree still (to stand) there fifty years from now. 22. By the end of next year he (to work) for this company for 10 years.

Ex. 5. Form a suitable “will”/”shall” or “going to” forms from the words in brackets. Point out the blanks in which both “will”/”shall” and “going to” forms are possible.

John:	Look, there isn’t a cloud in the sky. It (to be) a glorious day. We (to go) to a beach?
Carol:	I (to go) to the beach, but I (not to swim). The water’s still too cold.
John:	I don’t think I (to swim) either. But I (to take) my swimming things with me. If the sun gets very hot I expect I (to be) glad to jump into the water.
Carol:	I (to lie) in the sun a lot this year. I need sunshine after all the rain during the winter. I know it (to do) me good.
John:	It’s a holiday today. That means there (to be) a big crowd of people at the seaside.
Carol:	But I’m sure there (not to be) too many at Whitesand Beach. We probably (to have) the place almost to ourselves.
John:	What we (to have for) about lunch? I (to make) some sandwiches?
Carol:	It’s OK. I (to make) them, if you go and get the car ready.

General Review of All Verbs

Chose the proper tense-form of the verbs in brackets.

1. The life of the Greens (to be) full of events this year. Their daughter (to graduate) from university, and their son (to get married) to the woman he (to love) for many years. All their children already (to start) living on their own.

2. I (to put) the £50 note into one of my books, but next day it (to take) me ages to find it because I (to forget) which book I (to put) it into.

3. By 1960 most of Britain’s old colonies (to become) independent countries.

4. By the end of last year they (to pull) down most of the old houses in this street, but they (not to touch) the old shop at the corner yet.

5. The children were punished because they (to make) a terrible noise.

6. Richard (to drive) too fast. A policeman (to stop) him.

7. The farmers (to make) hay in the meadow. Some hours later it (to start) raining.

8. Mr. Finch decided to save for buying a new house. Three years later he (to buy) the house he wanted.

9. They (to get) married next month and they (to want) you to come to the wedding.

10. This tooth (to kill) me lately! So I (to make) an appointment with the dentist for Monday.

11. Ann went into the sitting-room. It was empty, but the television was still on. Someone (to watch) it.

12. I had to go and see the dentist. One of my teeth (to ache) for weeks.

13. Emma returned home yesterday. He (to live and to study) in England for four years.

14. I felt exhausted. I (to drive) for six hours but we (not to get) to the place of destination.

15. Venice slowly (to sink) into the sea. Scientists (to try) to save it and (to work) hard at this problem for many years already. But by the time they (to find) the answer, the city probably (to sink).

16. On the day I left London, it (to rain), but when I (to step) off the plane in Greece, it was a beautiful day. The sun (to shine), and a cool wind (to blow) from the sea.

17. That’s definitely the last time that I (to lend) you any money! – Thinks. I (to give) it back soon.

18. Twenty years ago few people (to realize) that computers (to become) part of our daily lives. This short period of time (to see) enormous changes in business, education and public administration. Many people may now be wondering whether the spread of computers (to bring) us as many problems as it (to solve).

19. In Britain schools (to change) a lot in recent years. Standards (to improve) and there (to be) a wide choice of schools for getting education. Grammar schools still (to exist) in the country. Pupils (to pass) an exam called the Eleven Plus to go to a Grammar School where they (to receive) a good, formal academic education. The name “grammar” (to come) from medieval system of teaching Latin grammar as the basis for education. There (to be) 200 Grammar Schools today in the country.

20. I never (to lend) a friend a large amount of money, because I always (to think) it would almost certainly be the end of our friendship. But one day I (to have) a very good reason for borrowing money myself.

21. After the students (to pass) their exams, they went out to celebrate. Alex (not to go) anywhere because he (to fail) his last exam. He said he (to have) a lovely time and (not to prepare) for the exam properly.

22. When we arrived at the station, Alex (to wait) for us for half an hour already. He (to wear) a white suit and (to look) very handsome.

23. You (to know) Martin quite well, didn’t you? – Yes, we (to work) for the same company for five years before he (to find) another job.

24. It (happen) at ten o’clock last night. Nick (to sit) in his armchair in the living room with his family. They (to listen) to the music when suddenly, the lights (to go out) and everything in the house (to become) quiet. They (to decide) to go to bed when the lights (to come) back but the radio (to be) still silent.

TEST

a) Choose the proper tense form.

1. Your behavior … (to kill) me!

2. I … (to have) no time to help you yesterday. I … (to be) very sorry about it.

3. He … (to walk) along the street when he … (to notice) a strange man behind him.

4. It was evening. Mary … (to read) a book and I was writing a letter. Suddenly the door … (to open) and my brother … (to come) in.

5. She told me to look where I ... (to go) as the road was full of stones and was lit very badly.

6. Just as I ... (to wonder) what to do next, the phone ... (to ring).

7. Jack usually ... (to give) me a lift home, but we both ... (to come) home by train tomorrow as his car is being repaired.

8. Where you ... (to go) for your next holiday? – I don’t know yet, but we probably ... (to go) to Spain.

9. I ... (to lose) my job last month and since then I ... (to look) for another one.

10. This is the second time I ... (to damage) my car.

11. What's the matter? You ... (to hurt) your ankle? How you ... (to do) it?

12. What you ... (to think) you ... (to do) in ten years' time?

13. You… (to let) me know the minute you ... (to hear) any news?

14. Something tells me that you ... (not to hear) to a single word I ... (to say) in the past ten minutes.

15. The last bus ... (to go). Can you give me a lift home?

16. Where is your key? – I don't know. It seems to me I ... (to lose) it.

17. Take these tablets, and in an hour the pain ... (to go).

18. When he hadn't arrived at 11 p.m. ... I (to know) something ... (to happen).

19. Whatever ... (to happen), I ... (to meet) you here in a week's time.

20. I'm not in the list, ... ? I'm still part of the team, ... ?

21. Sam ... (not to receive) the parcel the last time I ... (to speak) to him.

22. By the time you ... (to finish) getting ready, we ... (to miss) the train!

23. How long you ... (to read) this book? How many pages you ... (to read)?

24. We ... (to take) a taxi yesterday after we ... (to miss) the bus.

25. I ... (to feel) too bad yesterday, I was sure that I ... (to catch) a cold.

26. Why your finger ... (to bleed)? You ... (to cut) it with that knife?

27. I hear you ... (to look) for a new job. You ... (to find) one?

28. If she ... (to get) that job she's applied for she ... (to be) delighted. And I think she ... (to get) it.

29. The business usually ... (to make) money, though it ... (not to do) rather bad just now.

30. If you ... (not to tell) him the truth, I'm sure you ... (to regret) it one day.

31. Rice ... (to grow) in this area for hundreds of years, but now the government … (to try) to find an alternative crop because rice ... (not to make) much profit last year.

32. The article … (to read) that unemployment … (to grow) at a rapid speed.

33. When I arrived at the meeting the first speaker just ... (to finish) speaking and the audience ... (to clap).

34. He ... (to keep) looking at her, wondering where he ... (to see) her before.

35. That house ... (to be) empty for a year. But they ... (to take) down the “For sale” sign today, so I suppose someone ... (to buy) it.

36. I ... (to phone) you twice yesterday and ... (to get) no answer.

37. We ... (to buy) a new flat long ago and ... (to move) in very soon.

38. I'm more experienced than you, ... (aren't I, am I not, am I)?

39. Let me help you with the preparations, ... (don't I, will you, won't you)?

40. Let's play a game of chess, ... (shall we, don't we, will we)?

41. No one knows about our plans, ... (don't they, do they, doesn't anyone)?

42. You know why I am angry, ... (do you. don't you, am I not)?

43. It wasn't you who told him the truth ... (were you, weren't you, was it)?

44. I don't think anyone is coming, ... (don't I, do I, are they)?

45. Those flowers are beautiful, ... (aren't those, aren't they, are these)? '

46. There won't be any problem, . . .?

47. Sue ... (to come) to see us tomorrow. She ... (to travel) by train. Her train ... (to arrive) at 10.15. I ... (to meet) her at the station tomorrow.

48. This is our itinerary. We ... (to leave) home on the 8^th, ... (to arrive) in Paris on the 9^ffi. We ... (to spend) a day in Paris and ... (to set out) that night for Venice.

49. Joe ... (to study) at Teeside Polytechnic for 7 years. He ... (to get) his BSc degree in 1987. He ... (to be) a science graduate since 1987.

50. The trouble with you is that you constantly ... (to complain)! You really ... (to think) that you are being found fault with?

51. By the time they ... (to finish) the project next year they ... (to work) on it for over seven years.

52. They won't win unless there ... (to be) a miracle.

53. At Christmas people ... (to spend) their time with families, everybody ... (to eat) special food and ... (to drink) a lot.

54. Where are the children? They ... (to play) in the school garden. They ... (to get) home from school just at about four.

55. He ... (to work) when I came in, and he obviously ... (to work) for a long time, because he was very tired.

56. When I first ... (to come) to this house, it ... (to be) a very quiet area. But since then a new housing estate has been built and it ... (to become) very noisy.

57. This bicycle ... (to be) in our family for fourteen years. My father ... (to use) it for the first five years, my brother ... (to ride) it for the next five, and I ... (to have) it for the last four.

58. When I ... (to buy) my new house I ... (to ask) for a telephone. The Post office ... (to tell) me to wait, but I ... (to wait) for a year now and my phone still ... (not to come).

59. George ... (to collect) matchboxes ever since he left school. Now he ... (to collect) so many that he doesn't know where to put them.

60. I wonder if Mary ... (to reach) home yet? She ... (to leave) too late to catch the bus.

61. I've lost my keys again. I always ... (to lose) things! I ... (to lose) things too often.

62. We ... (to be) extremely tired at the end of the journey that evening. We ... (to travel) for more than 24 hours.

63. You ... (to see) Robert lately? – Robert ... (to leave) just a few minutes ago.

64. Don't make much noise after midnight. I ... (to sleep) soundly, I hope. Wake me up by nine o'clock. –I ... (to sleep) long enough by then.

65. I don't know if the teacher ... (to punish) Bill for cheating.

66. You ... (to be) here before? — Yes, I ... (to spend) my holidays here last year. — You ... (to have) a good time? — No, it never ... (to stop) raining.

67. I ... (to not, decide) yet whether to buy a new car or a secondhand one. But I ... (to think) about it.

68. I ... (to study) at the University of London. I am pretty homesick. I ... (to miss) my old routine. At home we always ... (to have) a big meal at two o'clock in the afternoon. But here I ... (to have) my classes at this time.

69. When I ... (to phone) Helen last night she ... (to wash) her hair and she ... (to not to finish) when I finally ... (to get) to her house.

70. Nobody ... (to watch), so the little boy ... (to take) the packet of sweets from the shelf and ... (to put) it into his pocket.

71. I ... (to think) my train ... (to leave) at 14.33 and ... (to be) very disappointed when I ... (to arrive) at 14.30 and ... (to learn) that it just ... (to leave). I ... (to find) later that I ... (to use) an out-of-date timetable.

72. How many plays Shakespeare ... (to write)? – He ... (to write) 37 plays. Your aunt is also a writer. How many books she ... (to write)? – Only three.

73. By the time we came home mother ... (to fix) supper and ... (to wait) for some time.

74. The first day of the term will be horrible, for everybody ... (to talk) about their holidays and ... (to show) photographs of marvelous foreign beaches, and as I ... (to not to be) anywhere I ... (to feel) terrible of it.

75. When my mother ... (to come) downstairs this morning, she couldn't believe her eyes. We ... (to do) all the washing-up and ... (to made) breakfast for her. We ... (to work) for an hour before she ... (to wake up).

76. I will never forget the impression New York … (to make) on me the first time I … (to see) it.

77. When I ... (to open) the door I ... (to see) a man behind it. He clearly ... (to listen) to our conversation and I ... (to wonder) how much he ... (to hear). But I ... (to ask) him nothing and ... (to invite) to come into the room, The man ... (to turn) round and ... (to run) downstairs. I'd like to know what that man ... (to do) behind my door. But I never ... (to see) him since that time.

78. Venice slowly ... (to sink) into the sea. Scientists ... (to try) to save it and ... (to work) hard at this problem for many years already. But by the time they ... (to find) the answer the city probably ... (to sink).

79. Peter … (to finish) the first chapter of his thesis and now he … (to write) the second one. He … (to work) on his thesis for a year. I think that he … (to finish) it by the end of the year. Usually a post-graduate student must publish some articles before presenting his thesis. Peter … (to publish) two articles this year.

80. Those young people ... (to stand) at the bus stop for the last half an hour. Shall I tell them that the last bus already ... (to go)?

81. What you ... (to do) next weekend? – It ... (to depend) on the weather. If it ... (to be) fine we ... (to go) somewhere in the car; if it ... (to be) wet we probably ... (to stay) at home.

82. When we arrived at the station George ... (to wait) for us for half an hour already. He ... (to wear) a blue suit and looked very handsome.

83. I ... (to not to see) you for ages. Where you ... (to be) all this time? – I ... (to return) from Germany some days ago. – How long you ... (to stay) there? Not very long, we ... (to live) there two years.

84. He always ... (to leave) things till the last minute and you can never be sure if he … (to do) them at all.

85. Yesterday I … (to see) an accident. It … (to take place) not far from my house. The van … (to crash) into the car.

86. Debbie ... (to work) as an administrator at the university. She … ... (to organize) all the timetables and teaching schedules. She … ... (to work) very long hours at the moment because of the start of the academic year but she ... (to go) on a short holiday at the end of the month.

87. When you last … (see) Ann? I … (not to see) her since we … (leave) college.

88. How long you … (to be) in the music business, Paul? – For a year or so.

89. I ... (to phone) about your advertisement for a bicycle for sale, which I (to see) in the local paper. You ... (to sell) it or it … (to be) still available?

90. Mr Blake is the bank manager. He ... (to be) here for twenty-five years. He says he ... (to be going) to retire soon.

91. We ... (to miss) the last bus. Now we ... (to walk) home in the rain and ... (to feel) miserable.

92. I ... (to phone) you twice yesterday and ... (to get) no answer. Where you ... (to be) and what you ... (to do) the whole day?

93. I just ... (to receive) a letter saying that we ... (not to pay) this electricity bill.

94. I just ... (to remember) that I ... (to leave) the bathroom taps on. – I ... (to go) home to turn them off or you ... (to do) it yourself?

95. I ... (not to understand) what you ... (to wait for). Everybody ... (to go) home already.

96. We ... (to sit) in the sunshine for about half an hour when I suddenly ... (to feel) sick. So we ... (to decide) to go home immediately.

97. We ... (to post) a parcel for you three weeks ago. If you still ... (not to receive) it, please inform us immediately.

98. We ... (to go) to Italy next week. We ... (to take) the plane. Usually we ... (to have) two weeks’ holiday but this year we ... (to have) four. We ... (used to stay) at a friends’ house in Verses but this time we … (to stay) at a hotel.

99. This is my new car. What you … (to think) of it? – Splendid! Where you … (to buy) it?

100. He asks my sister if she … (to go) to the concert tomorrow and if she … (to return) home by the time I … (to arrive). My sister says that she … (to work) at home the whole evening and … (not to go) anywhere.

b) Use the correct tense-forms of the verbs in brackets.

Love at First Sight

Last August Tony and Julie were complete strangers. They … even (not to hear) of each other. They first … (meet) at Michael’s twenty-first birthday party and hardly they … (start) a conversation when they … (feel) that they liked each other. After he party they began going out together. They decided to get engaged and then of all … (go) well to get married a year later. Julie said she didn’t believe marriage was a good idea before they both … (find) good jobs. In the end, the wedding … (take) place in August, on the first anniversary of their meeting at Michael’s party. It was held in St Martin’s Church, which was where Anthony … (christen) their baby. Their best man was Michael, who … (invite) them to his party a year before.

A Hectic Time

Dear Trevor,

I know it … (be) ages since I wrote to you but I … (be) busy ever since we … (decide) to move into the country. The house in the village is not quite ready but as you can imagine for the last few weeks we … (have to) chase up builders and plumbers and we’ve still got a long way to go.

We must have started it about seven years ago and we have already spent a small fortune on it. We … (still / live) in our rather cramped flat where you visited us a few years ago. We are still rushing around from morning till night and it … (be) particularly hectic this week. Anyway, while all this … (go) on, Tina … (fall and sprain) her ankle which was the last thing we … (need)!

One of Those Days

Bill wasn’t feeling very well yesterday – he had a headache and was feeling dizzy so he immediately (1) … (decide) to go and see the doctor. He (2) … (not have to) go to the doctor often – in fact he very rarely had a health problem. And he never (3) … (have) any serious health problem before. There probable wasn’t anything seriously wrong with him this time, either, but he quickly (4) … (arrange) the appointment, finished his coffee and a few minutes later he was ready to go outside. It (5) … (rain) lightly but Bill hardly noticed, so (6) … (surprising / surprised) was he to find his car missing. The night before, he (7) … (be) to a party at a friend’s house and he (8) … (have) a great time. He had got back after midnight and parked his car where he usually (9) … (park) it, but now it (10) … (go).

Simply Magic

We (1) … (look) through the paper, trying to find somewhere to spend Saturday evening in London. Luckily, we (2) … (find) a baby-sitter to look after the twins the day before, so we were free for the evening. Suddenly, I (3) … (catch) sight of an advertisement for an ‘All Star Magic Show’ at a theatre not far from where we (4) … (live). I already (5) … (hear) about the Camden popular Theatre from a friend of mine who works in the box-office there. I (6) … (never / see) a magic show performed live before, so we thought we (7) … (give) it a try.

The first magician came on. He (8) … (look) attentively at various members of he audience and asked my wife, Mary, if she (9) … (help) him with his first trick. The magician asked her to have a look at the first line and choose any word. He then told her which word she (10) … (choose).

The Return of the Native

1980 was the year when I first (1) … (go) back to the small village where I (2) … (be) born. I was only three years old when my parents (3) … (go) to settle in the States, which I now (4) … (consider) my home. But like a lot of first-generation Americans whose parents (5) … (constantly / talk) about ‘home’ as another country, I was curious to find out more about this place from where we (6) … (emigrate) more than twenty years before.

The heat, which was unbearable, must have been the first impression I got on arriving in Santa Maria. The people who (8) … (wait) to greet me at the airport were all incredibly friendly. My grandfather, whose eyes (9) … (fill) with tears when he saw me, looked incredibly like my father, whose hair (10) … (recently / start) to go grey.

The Old Lady

When the old lady returned to her flat she saw at once the burglars (1) … (break) in during her absence, because the front door was open and everything in the flat was upside down, The burglars themselves were no longer there, but they probably only just (2) … (leave) because a cigarette still (3) … (burn) on an ornamental table. They (4) … (help) themselves to her whisky too but there was a little left, so she poured herself out a drink. She wondered if they (5) … (find) her jewelry and rather hoped that they had. The jewelry had been given to her by her husband, who had died some years before. Since his death she (7) … (not have) the heart to wear it, yet she (8) … (not like) to sell it. Now it seemed that fate (9) … (take) the matter out of her hands; and certainly the insurance money (10) … (come) in handy.

The Boys

Tom (1) … (pain) the fence for some time when he saw Jim coming out of the gate. Jim (2) … (go) to the town pump for water. Bringing water from the pump always (3) … (be) hateful work for Tom, but now it (4) … (not seem) for him such. The boys were usually fighting, quarrelling or trading playthings while they (5) … (wait) for their turns. When Tom said that he (6) … (bring) water instead of Jim, the latter (7) … (shake) his head and said that he (8) … (do) this work for so long that he (9) … (get) used to it. And he added that Aunt Polly (10) … (instruct) him for the last half hour not to stop and speak with Tom under any circumstances.

An Interview

Last Thursday I … (invite) for an interview for a job. I … (put) on my new jacket and trousers to look my best. I … (walk) quite fast to the railway station when I saw a man just ahead who … (paint) his fence with red paint. Suddenly he … (turn) and … (splash) my new trousers with his paint. He said he was sorry that he … (ruin) my outfit. He went on apologizing and said that he … (pay) the cost of the trousers. I ran to the nearest shop. After I … (buy) a new pair of trousers. I … (hurry) to the station. On the train. I went to the toilet, took of my stained trousers and … (throw) them out of the window. Then I opened the bag to get my new trousers, but al I … (find) was a pink yellow sweater which the shop-assistant … (wrap) up by mistake.