Are you struggling to express actions happening right now in your IELTS speaking and writing? Do you want to boost your grammatical range and accuracy? Understanding and using the present continuous tense is essential for achieving a high IELTS band score. This tense is frequently used in all sections of the IELTS exam and demonstrates your ability to discuss ongoing situations, temporary events, and future plans.
For example, you might use the present continuous tense to:
- Describe a photo in the Speaking test: “In the picture, a group of people are having a picnic in the park.”
- Talk about your current studies in the Speaking test: “I am currently preparing for the IELTS exam.”
- Describe a process in the Writing test: “The graph shows that the number of people using smartphones is increasing rapidly.”
Understanding the Present Continuous Tense
The present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are happening at the moment of speaking or writing. It is also used for actions that are happening around the present time, even if they are not happening at this exact moment. This tense is particularly useful for describing temporary situations and future arrangements.
Present Continuous Tense: Form and Usage
The present continuous tense is formed using the following structure:
Subject + am/is/are + present participle (-ing form of the verb)
Here’s a breakdown of the formula:
| Subject | Verb (to be) | Present Participle | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | am | studying | I am studying English grammar. |
| He/She/It | is | reading | She is reading a book. |
| You/We/They | are | playing | They are playing football. |
Using the Present Continuous in Different IELTS Sections
Here are some specific examples of how the present continuous tense can be used in different sections of the IELTS exam:
Speaking Part 1:
- Examiner: “What do you enjoy doing in your free time?”
- You: “Well, I am really enjoying learning to play the guitar at the moment. It’s challenging but fun.”
Speaking Part 2:
- Describe a time you helped someone.
- You: “I remember one time when I was walking home from school and I saw an elderly woman who was struggling to carry her shopping bags. I offered to help her and she was very grateful.”
Writing Task 1:
- The graph shows the percentage of people who used different modes of transport in London between 2000 and 2020.
- You: “As can be seen from the graph, the use of private cars is declining, while the number of people using public transport is steadily increasing.”
Writing Task 2:
- Some people believe that the government should spend more money on public transport, while others think that this is a waste of money.
- You: “It is undeniable that investing in public transportation is becoming increasingly important in our rapidly urbanizing world.”
Boosting Your Score: Achieving a Band 7+
To score a Band 7 or higher in grammar, you need to demonstrate a wide range of grammatical structures accurately. Here’s how you can use the present continuous effectively:
- Use a variety of time expressions: Don’t just rely on “now” or “at the moment.” Use phrases like “currently,” “these days,” “this week,” or “at present” to add sophistication.
- Describe trends and changes: The present continuous is ideal for describing trends shown in graphs or charts for Writing Task 1. For example, “The unemployment rate is falling steadily.”
- Show temporary situations: Highlight the temporary nature of an action. For instance, “I am living with my parents while I look for a new apartment.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the present continuous for stative verbs: Remember that some verbs are not usually used in the continuous form. These are often verbs of state, such as “like,” “believe,” “want,” and “understand.”
- Incorrect auxiliary verb agreement: Ensure that you use the correct form of the verb “to be” (am, is, are) with your subject.
- Forgetting the “-ing” ending: This is a basic error but one that can easily be avoided with careful proofreading.
Conclusion
Mastering the present continuous tense is essential for achieving your desired IELTS score. By understanding its form, usage, and common errors, you can confidently express yourself in a variety of situations on the exam. Remember to practice using this tense regularly, and refer to resources like this article on using different tenses or this one on present perfect tenses for further guidance on perfecting your English grammar.