Lesson 1 of 13 · Intermediate · B1

Work, study, and current projects

Compare your usual responsibilities with what you are working on now.

1. Grammar: Present simple vs. present continuous

Use the present simple for routines and facts. Use am/is/are + verb-ing for actions happening now or temporary situations around now. Usually and every week often introduce routines; currently and this week can signal a temporary situation. Stative verbs such as know and need usually stay in the simple form.

I usually + verb, but this week I am + verb-ing. → I usually work alone, but this week I am helping a colleague.
She + verb-s. → She manages the schedule.
What are you working on? → I am preparing a presentation.
I need more time. → Not: I am needing more time.

Model conversation

A: What do you usually do in the morning?

B: I organize my tasks. This week, I am preparing a presentation.

A: Are you working with anyone?

B: Yes, I am helping a colleague meet a deadline.

2. Useful words and verbs

Read each meaning and example. Make your own sentence, then try to use the word during the conversation.

manage

to organize or be responsible for something

I manage my weekly schedule.

prepare

to make something ready

I am preparing a presentation.

organize

to arrange things in a useful order

I organize my notes every evening.

improve

to make something better

I am improving my speaking skills.

colleague

someone you work with

My colleague usually starts early.

task

a piece of work to complete

I finish difficult tasks first.

deadline

the latest time to finish something

We are working toward a deadline.

responsibility

something you are expected to take care of

My responsibilities include answering messages.

3. Conversation: 15 questions

Use complete sentences and add a reason or example when it fits. Open an answer starter if you need help. You may use imagined details.

What responsibilities do you usually have at work, at school, or at home?
Answer starter
I usually … My responsibilities include …
How do you organize your tasks each morning?
Answer starter
I organize … before I …
What are you working on this week?
Answer starter
This week, I am working on …
Are you preparing anything for a deadline?
Answer starter
I am preparing … / I am not preparing anything at the moment.
What do you usually do when you start a difficult task?
Answer starter
I usually … because …
What skill are you trying to improve at the moment?
Answer starter
I am trying to improve …
Who usually helps you with your work or studies?
Answer starter
… usually helps me with …
Are you helping anyone with a task this week?
Answer starter
I am helping … with … / I am not helping anyone this week.
Where do you usually work or study?
Answer starter
I usually work / study … because …
Are you following your usual schedule today?
Answer starter
I am following … / Today, I am … instead.
What does a colleague or classmate usually do well?
Answer starter
My colleague / classmate usually …
What is that person working on now? You can imagine a project.
Answer starter
He / She is working on …
How often do you check your messages?
Answer starter
I check my messages …
Are you spending more time on anything this month?
Answer starter
I am spending more time on …
How is this week different from your usual week?
Answer starter
I usually …, but this week I am …

4. Extend your answer

Choose three questions and answer again without the starters. Use at least three words from the word bank. Add a reason with “because,” an example with “for example,” or a contrast with “but.” Ask your partner one follow-up question.