15.3 Points and periods Practice

Examples: I know your sister. (September)

A: How long have you known her?

В: I’ve known her since September.

С: (to A) When did he meet her ?

A: He met her in September.

I play bridge. (five years)

A: How long have you been playing bridge ?

В: I’ve been playing for five years.

С: (to A) When did he start playing bridge ?

A: He started playing five years ago.

W ork in threes. Have similar conversations, based on the remarks below. Use the points or periods of time given.

1. I’m engaged now, you know. (July)

2. I’m writing a novel, (a few weeks)

3. I go to evening classes, (three months)

4. I’ve got a movie camera. (Christmas)

5. I’m a graduate now. (a fortnight)

6. My leg’s hurting. (8 o’clock this morning)

7. I know that joke already, (years and years)

15.4 ‘Since’ with clauses Presentation and practice

A: I see you’re driving a Volvo these days.

В: Yes, I’ve been driving a Volvo (ever) since I crashed my old Rover.

C: Yes, I’ve had a Volvo (ever) since I was promoted.

D: Yes, I’ve been driving a Volvo (ever) since I gave the Aston Martin to my daughter.

Work in groups. Give as many explanations as you can of why you’re:

1. drinking a lot 5. living with your mother

2. using a walking stick 6. reading The Times

3. riding a bicycle 7. carrying a gun

4. learning the guitar

15.5 Talking about yourselves Free practice

Work in groups. Find out from the others how long they have been doing and when they started doing things. Talk about:

where they live interests friends work and routine

15.6 The last time Presentation

‘... Of course, you can live very cheaply if you know what you’re doing. For example, if you go round to someone’s house at about 7 o’clock, they’ll always invite you to stay for a meal. I haven’t bought any food for over a week now. And then there’s transport. It’s ages since I paid a taxi fare. Why bother, when there are people with cars who can give you a lift? I used to buy my own cigarettes, too - but then I realised that people always offer them around when they have one themselves. I think I last bought a packet of cigarettes, ooh, about two years ago. And I haven’t been to a launderette since last September, either ... It’s just a matter of taking what’s offered to you - and it doesn’t do anybody any harm really, does it?... Oh, by the way, I couldn’t just use your phone for a moment, could I?...’

In the passage there are four sentences which show when the speaker last did things. Write them below.

1 ........................................................................................................................

2 ........................................................................................................................

3 ........................................................................................................................

4 ........................................................................................................................

Say each of them in two other ways.