In the Moment: Describing What's Happening Now

Get ready to capture the world around you! In this sub-chapter, you'll learn how to describe actions happening right now using the present continuous tense. You'll practice crafting sentences that bring the present moment to life, whether you're talking about your own actions or what's happening in your environment.

Mission 1. What's Happening Around Me?

Look around your room or environment and write down five actions happening right now using the present continuous tense. Focus on different things happening around you and describe them clearly. Make sure each sentence is in the correct form of the present continuous tense. My dog is sleeping ………………………………………. ………………………………………. ……………………………………….. ………………………………………. ………………………………………..

Mission 2. Picture Description

Look closely at the image and describe what they are doing using the present continuous tense. Write at least three sentences about different actions happening in the picture, making sure each sentence correctly follows the present continuous tense structure (subject + is/are + verb-ing). Double-check your sentences for accuracy and clarity.

How to Form Present Continuous Tense

[Subject] + [am/are/is] + [verb-ing]

Examples: I am reading a book right now. (This means I am currently reading the book and still in the process of doing it.) She is writing an email at the moment. (She is in the middle of writing an email right now.) They are playing football outside. (They are actively playing football right now.) To identify the present continuous tense, look for these two key parts: 1. The verb "to be" (am, is, are) — this verb always comes before the main verb, and its form depends on the subject. Example: I am (singular) / He/She/It is (singular) / You/We/They are (plural) 2. The main verb with -ing added to it Example: He is eating lunch. / We are talking about the project. / I am writing a letter.

Mission 3. What is Happening on TV?

Watch a TV show, sports game, or any video you can find online. Write 5 sentences describing what the characters or people are doing right now using the present continuous tense. Focus on actions happening in the moment, and make sure each sentence follows the structure. Try to include different types of actions, and ensure your sentences are in the correct tense. For example, if you're watching a football game, you might write something like: "The players are passing the ball to each other while the coach is shouting instructions from the sidelines. The referee is blowing the whistle as the crowd is cheering loudly. Meanwhile, the players are preparing for the next play."

Mission 4. Time Lapse Drawing

Draw a simple scene of an activity, such as a person playing soccer, cooking, or studying. Once you've finished the drawing, write 3-5 sentences describing what the person is doing in the present continuous tense. For example, if you draw a person playing soccer, you might write: "The player is running towards the goal, his legs moving quickly as he dodges the defenders. He is kicking the ball with full force, aiming for the goal. The goalkeeper is diving to the left, trying to block the shot, while the fans in the background are cheering excitedly. The crowd is watching eagerly as the ball is about to hit the net." Your worksheet:

Mission 5. 5-Minute Story

Set a timer for 5 minutes and write a short story describing what is happening right now in a made-up scene using the present continuous tense. Focus on describing the actions as they are happening in the moment. Example: "The sun is setting over the horizon, and the children are playing in the park. One child is swinging high on the swing, while another is running around the field with a kite. The parents are watching from the benches, chatting with each other. A dog is running after a ball, and people are walking by, enjoying the warm evening air." Your worksheet:

Mission 6. Find the Present Continuous Tense!

Read the following story carefully. Underline all the sentences that use the present continuous tense. After underlining the sentences, write down the subject and verb of each present continuous sentence you find.

A Day at the Beach

It is a beautiful sunny day, and everyone is excited to spend time at the beach. I am sitting on the towel, enjoying the warmth of the sun on my skin. My friends are playing volleyball near the water, while others are swimming in the cool ocean. Some people are walking along the shore, enjoying the sea breeze, and others are sitting on beach chairs, reading books or chatting with each other. The lifeguard is watching over the swimmers to make sure everyone is safe. A group of children is building sandcastles close to the water's edge, laughing as the waves wash over their feet. The sound of the waves is soothing, and I am feeling very relaxed. Nearby, a couple is taking pictures of each other, capturing memories of the beautiful day. The ice cream truck is playing its cheerful tune as it drives slowly along the beach, and people are lining up to get their treats. It seems like everyone is having a great time and enjoying the day to the fullest.

Mission 7. Complete the Text!

Read the text below and fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in the present continuous tense. Pay attention to the subject of each sentence and choose the correct form of the verb. It's a bright Saturday morning, and I am sitting (sit) in my favorite café, sipping coffee and watching the world go by. The barista __________ (prepare) drinks behind the counter, and some people __________ (chat) with their friends at the tables. Outside, a man __________ (walk) his dog, while a group of joggers __________ (run) along the street. In the park across the road, children __________ (play) on the swings, and their parents __________ (sit) on benches, keeping an eye on them. The birds __________ (sing) in the trees, and a couple of cyclists __________ (ride) their bikes along the path. Inside the café, the music __________ (play) softly, creating a relaxing atmosphere. I __________ (feel) content as I __________ (watch) people enjoying the beautiful day. Some students __________ (study) at nearby tables, and the waitress __________ (serve) a fresh batch of croissants to the customers.

Question Structure

[Am/Is/Are] + [subject] + [verb-ing]?

Examples of Questions: Am I speaking clearly? Is she writing a letter? Are they playing football?

Mission 8. Change the Statement!

Below are several statements written in the present continuous tense. Your task is to rewrite each statement as a question in the present continuous tense. Pay attention to the subject and auxiliary verb and ensure the verb is in correct form. She is playing the piano → Is she playing the piano? They are reading books. → ____________________? I am writing a letter. → __________________? We are going to the store. → __________________? He is eating lunch. → ___________________? She is talking to her friend. → _____________________? The children are playing outside. → ______________________? My parents are watching a movie. → ________________________? The teacher is explaining the lesson. → ___________________________? I am listening to music. → _______________________? They are practicing their English. → ______________________?

Mission 9. Question the Moment!

In this activity, you'll be creating questions based on different real-life scenarios. Read the situations carefully and then form a question using the present continuous tense.

Mission 10. Real Time Event Descriptions!

Read the text carefully and pay attention to the actions happening in the park. After reading, answer the questions based on what you understood from the text. Make sure to use complete sentences when answering and describe the activities happening in the park using the present continuous tense. It is a bright and warm afternoon, and the park is filled with people enjoying the sunny weather. A group of children is playing football near the fountain, laughing and running around. Their parents are sitting on the benches nearby, watching them with smiles. A woman is jogging along the path, wearing headphones and listening to music, while a man is sitting under a tree, reading a novel. In the distance, a couple is having a picnic on the grass, enjoying their sandwiches and chatting happily. Some people are walking their dogs, with one dog chasing a ball, while others are strolling slowly, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. A group of teenagers is riding their bikes, racing each other up and down the hill, and a few older adults are practicing yoga near the park's entrance. The entire park is buzzing with life, and everyone seems to be making the most of this beautiful day. Now answer questions below: 1. What are the children doing near the fountain? 2. Where are the parents while the children are playing football? 3. What is the woman doing as she jogs along the path? 4. What is the man doing under the tree? 5. Describe what the couple is doing in the park. 6. What are some people doing with their dogs? 7. What are the teenagers doing in the park? 8. What kind of activity are the older adults doing near the entrance of the park? 9. How is the park described in terms of atmosphere and activity? 10. What can you infer about the weather in the park?

Mission 11. Mini Interview!

Pair up with your friend, then ask them at least 5 questions about what they are doing right now or what they usually do at this time of day. You can follow guidance below to complete this mission: Take turns asking the questions. For each question, listen carefully to your classmate's response. Write down their answers in the present continuous tense. For example: Question: "What are you doing right now?" Answer: "I am talking to you." Question: "Are you going out later?" Answer: "Yes, I am meeting my friends."

Mission 12. Present Continuous Quiz!

Read each statement carefully. For each sentence, decide if it is correct or incorrect based on the use of the present continuous tense. If the sentence is incorrect, correct it by changing the necessary part.