Practical Use of Present Tense with Examples

In this lesson, we’ll focus on the practical use of the present tense. It’s used to describe habits, and we’ll explore how to use it in various scenarios through examples:

Asking About Habits and Occupations

1. Do you like your job? / Do you enjoy your work?
2. Where do you work? / What is your workplace?
3. Do you earn a lot of money in your job? / Is your job financially rewarding?
4. How do you relax after work? / What activities help you unwind?
5. How many hours do you work in a day? / What’s your daily work schedule?
6. What don’t you like about your job? / Are there aspects of your job you dislike?
7. What does he/she do? / What’s his/her occupation?
8. What do you do? / What’s your occupation? What do you do for a living?

Sample Answers:

• a) “Of course. I love my job. I have a lot of excitement and imagination in my job.”
• b) “It is so tiring and stressful when you overwork till night.”
• c) “It changes. I earn $3000 per month. When you work extra hours, you can earn about $4000.”
• d) “He is an architect.”
• e) “I play soccer with my friends, and I also play the guitar.”
• f) “I work in an office for a French Holding Company.”
• g) “I am a research assistant at a university.”
• h) “I work 8 hours a day.”

Matching the Answers:

Based on the answers provided:

1-a, 2-f, 3-c, 4-e, 5-h, 6-b, 7-d, 8-g

For instance, when asked “What do you do?” you can respond in various ways:

• I am a research assistant at a university.
• I’m an engineer.
• I work in a shopping mall.
• I am a student at school.

When inquiring about others:

• He is an actor.
• She is a musician.
• She works as a nurse.
• He works at school as a teacher.
• She’s a journalist.

Asking About Workplace and Timing:

Where do you work?

• a) In an office
• b) In a company
• c) In a hospital
• d) Inside
• e) Outside
• f) At school
• g) At home

When do you work?

• a) In the morning, afternoon, evening
• b) In winter, summer

How do you work?

• a) With a computer
• b) With hands
• c) In a group
• d) With other people
• e) Alone

Text Example – Is a man still a child when he is 30?

Stephan Richardson, a school psychologist, studies the lifestyles of young people in Britain and the USA. He observes that many young individuals continue living at home even when they are fifteen or older. They find contentment in residing with their parents, going out at night, and spending money on mobile phones and designer clothes.

It’s noteworthy that not only university students but also employed young people follow this trend. In various European nations, children tend to leave home at a later age. For instance, in Italy, 30% of men and 18% of women between 30 and 34 years old live with their parents.

This week in Naples, a judge ruled that Giuseppe Andreoli, aged 70, must pay 750 Euro per month to his ex-wife for their son Marco. Although Marco lives with his mother, he’s not a child; he’s a 30-year-old lawyer!

The Mystery of Okinawa

Takanashi always walks three km a day and occasionally rides a motorbike. He frequently tends to his garden and typically practices martial arts in the morning. He remains stress-free and seldom falls ill.

Takanashi, residing on Okinawa Island in Japan, leads a long and healthy life. He rarely falls ill, and many individuals here live up to the age of 100. What’s their secret?

1. The Okinawans prioritize a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, soya, and rice. They aim for seven portions of fruits and vegetables daily. Alcohol and smoking are uncommon, as is excessive consumption of meat and fast food.

2. Physical activity holds immense importance. Martial arts, walking, traditional dancing, and gardening are widely popular across age groups.

3. While healthy diets and exercise are common in many countries, Okinawans stand out for their stress-free lifestyle. They embrace relaxation and time management. Buses rarely adhere to schedules, and people often arrive an hour late for meetings. Every evening, young and old alike gather at the beach to watch the sunset, often practicing meditation for relaxation.

4. Another significant factor is the extended working age. Some individuals continue working until they are 80 or even 90. The Okinawan dialect lacks a word for “retired,” as they lead active lives well into old age. Elderly individuals remain social and outgoing.