Casa · A2 Elementary · Lesson 12 of 20 · Step 1

Travel & Transport

Journeys & Getting Around

Describe actions happening right now using the present continuous
Use travel and transport vocabulary
Contrast present continuous with present simple

Words · tap a card to see it used

Grammar

Present continuous — actions happening right now

Use am/is/are + verb + -ing for actions happening at this exact moment. Contrast with present simple (habits). Some verbs are not usually used in continuous form: know, like, understand, need, want.

I am sitting on the train — it is leaving the station now.

She is not waiting at the gate — she is buying a coffee.

Are you travelling with any checked luggage?

He usually flies business class but today he is sitting in economy.

Exercises · type, then check

1. Complete each sentence using the present continuous form of the verb in brackets.

1.The passengers (board) the aircraft right now.

2.I (not sit) by the window — I moved seats.

3. the train (stop) at every station?

4.She (read) her book and (listen) to music.

5.We (not travel) first class on this trip.

2. Choose present simple or present continuous.

1. He usually ___ the express train but today he ___ the local.

2. I can't talk now — I ___ through a tunnel.

3. Flights from here ___ at 6 a.m. every day.

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Reading

Delayed in Vienna

I am sitting in Vienna airport right now and my flight is delayed by two hours. The departure board is showing a new time of 19:40. Around me, people are reading, sleeping, or looking at their phones. A family near me is eating sandwiches and their children are running between the seats. I am drinking terrible coffee and writing this message to you. My connection in Prague is almost certainly missed. I am already looking at other options on my phone. Travel is rarely this stressful, but today is an exception.

1. Why is the writer sitting in the airport?

2. What is the writer doing while waiting?

Speaking · say it out loud, with a partner or alone

1Describe what is happening around you right now using the present continuous. Use at least six sentences.

2Tell your partner about the most interesting or difficult journey you have ever taken.

Writing

Imagine you are in a train station or airport. Write 4–6 sentences about what you and the people around you are doing right now. Use present continuous.

0 words

Finished?

Check your exercises first, then mark the lesson done.