![[C+] What Have You Been Doing Lately?](https://images.ctfassets.net/r30ratzbtbbf/5AvoKW9pRrx85eo6qNgf43/fe693eabfad98a03752d588fefb3b8bc/WHAT_HAVE_YOU-VE_BEEN_DOING_LATELY-02.png)
LET'S READ! 📖
Direction: Read the conversation below. Then, exchange roles with your mentor.
Situation:
Anna and Keiko haven't seen each other in ages so they decide to catch up over coffee. The last time they've seen each other was after graduation.
Keiko
Anna
Nothing exciting. I've been working two jobs for the last six months.
Actually, I was taking a break at work when you called.
Keiko
How come?
Anna
I'm saving up money for a trip to Maldives.
Keiko
Maldives? Well that's exciting!
Anna
Yeah. It has been always a dream of mine to visit Maldives.
What about you? What have you been doing nowadays?
Keiko
Well, I've only been spending money. I'm pursuing a full-time modeling career.
Anna
Really? How long have you been modeling?
Keiko
Since I graduated. But I have been having trouble getting a job. I need to find one soon. My money is running out!
Anna
What about a career in acting. Didn't you once have a dream about that?
Keiko
Yeah, but I guess it's really hard to start an acting career these days.
Anna
Why not? You're good at it, and on top of that, you're already a model.
Keiko
Even so, that's still not a guarantee for an acting career. You really have to go through a lot.
Anna
Well, I guess patience is the key. So what are your plans now?
Keiko
I have just started selling online. I still have a lot of accessories and clothing from my modeling days. It's better to sell them online than keep them in my closet forever.
Anna
That's actually a great idea! I think I should try looking at your online shop to see if I can buy from you, too.
Keiko
Thanks! I appreciate it!
QUESTION
1. Why is Anna working two jobs?
2. Why didn't Keiko consider acting?
3. What is Keiko doing now?
LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚
A. Past continuous vs. Simple past
- Use the past continuous for an action in progress in the past.
- Use the simple past for a completed action.
I was watching a good TV show, but I fell asleep before the end.
I was working at a low-paying job, when someone offered me a higher-paying one.
While I was grocery shopping one day,, my favorite singer walked into the store.
- NOTES
-
-
When a past continuous is used with the simple past, both actions happened at the same time but the past action started earlier. The simple past action interrupted the past continuous action.
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A-1. Complete the conversations with the correct forms of the verbs in the parentheses. Use the past continuous or the simple past.
What happened to you?
I (fall) while I (jog) in the street.
you (see) the big storm yesterday?
Yes. It (start) while I (drive) back home.
B. Present perfect continuous
- Use the present perfect continuous for actions that start in the past and continue into the present.
What have you been doing lately?
I've been working two jobs for the last six months.
How long have you been modeling?
I've been modeling since I graduated
Have you been saving money?
No, I haven't been saving any money. I've been spending it!
- NOTES
-
-
The same time expressions used with the present perfect can also be used with the present perfect continuous.
-
Don't confuse for and since: I've been working here for five years. | I've been working here since 2017.
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B-1. Complete the sentences with the present perfect continuous form of the verbs in parentheses.
What you (do) all day?
I (clean) the house, and Peter (watch) TV.
He (not feel) very well lately?
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
A. About yourself
Direction: Complete these statements with interesting information about yourself. Use the simple past or the past continuous.
-
Two years ago...
-
During my childhood...
-
Last month...
B. Lucky breaks
Directions: Listen to these stories about lucky breaks. What were the people doing before they got their lucky breaks? What were there lucky breaks?
| What they were doing | Lucky break | |||||||
| 1. Yang Zhifa | ||||||||
| 2. Gwyneth Paltrow |
Hey, Anna! I haven't seen you in ages! What have you been doing lately?