Form the Present Continuous with am / is / are + the main verb ending in -ing. This is the most common structural error: students forget the verb "to be" entirely, writing "She playing" instead of "She is playing."
To form a question, invert the subject and the verb to be. Also watch out for three spelling rules when adding -ing — these are frequently tested in B1 exams.
At B1, you must use the right tense at the right moment. The Present Continuous is not for permanent facts or habits — that is the Present Simple. Learn the four uses and their signal words.
Two advanced uses distinguish a B1 speaker from a B2 learner. First: complaining about repeated habits using "always + -ing". Second: describing someone acting unusually right now using "is being + adjective". Both are classic exam questions.
My name is Sofia. Usually, I live alone in a small flat in London, but currently, I am staying with my cousin's family while my flat is being renovated. It is quite a shock to my routine! I am an only child, and I am not used to noise. My cousin has three young children, and they are always leaving their toys on the stairs. It drives me crazy! Despite the annoying habits, I am actually enjoying my time here. We are spending a lot of time together. Right now, my cousin is cooking dinner, and the kids are playing a board game. I usually prefer a quiet life, but this temporary situation is reminding me how important extended family is. I am moving back to my flat next Monday, and honestly, I think I will miss the noise.
1. Why is Sofia staying with her cousin's family?
2. What annoying habit does Sofia mention about the children?
3. What is Sofia's usual preference for her living environment?
4. 🔍 Inference: How has Sofia's attitude changed during her stay?
5. When is Sofia's living arrangement going to change?
Tom and Alex have been best mates since childhood. Everyone says they are like two peas in a pod — same taste in music, same terrible jokes. Next weekend, Alex is getting married, and Tom is acting as his best man. Because of the upcoming wedding, their usual routines are completely disrupted this week. They aren't hanging out at their favourite pub or playing football on Thursday night. "Right now, I am writing my speech," Tom explains. "I am feeling nervous because I'm quite shy." Alex is currently picking up the suits from the tailor. He is being very stubborn about the tie colours today, which isn't like him at all. Tom adds: "He is always changing his mind about the details — it is exhausting!" Despite the temporary stress, both friends are excited. They are hosting a dinner for the in-laws tomorrow evening to make sure everyone meets before the ceremony.
1. What idiom is used to show that Tom and Alex are very similar?
2. Why are Tom and Alex not following their usual routines this week?
3. What is Tom doing at the moment of writing?
4. 🔍 Inference: Why does Tom describe Alex as "being stubborn" rather than "stubborn"?
5. What future arrangement is planned for tomorrow evening?
It is Sunday afternoon and the whole family (1) gathering at my parents' house. My brother normally (2) in Barcelona, but he is (3) with us for the whole week. He takes (4) our father completely — same stubborn personality, same dark humour.
Right now, my mother (5) cooking in the kitchen while my father is (6) in his armchair. My sister and her husband are getting (7) very well with my brother, which is a relief — they used to fall (8) all the time when they were younger.
Tomorrow, we are (9) our grandparents for lunch. My grandmother is always (10) that we don't visit enough, but today she is being very easy-going about it!
The most common structural error: forgetting "am/is/are" before -ing, or misspelling the -ing form.
Are you using the right tense? Remember signal words, the "always + -ing" complaint structure, and "is being" for temporary behaviour.