Present simple vs. present continuous – English Grammar Test for A2

Dialogue 1 – At the Office

A: What does your company usually do?
B: We sell electronic equipment.
A: And what are you working on now?
B: I am preparing a presentation for a new project.

Explanation: “usually” → Present Simple (does … do, sell). “now” → Present Continuous (are working, am preparing).

Dialogue 2 – In a Meeting

A: Why is Sarah speaking to the clients today?
B: Because our manager is travelling abroad this week.
A: But usually, the manager handles client meetings.

Explanation: “today / this week” → Present Continuous (is speaking, is travelling). “usually” → Present Simple (handles).

Dialogue 3 – Business Travel

A: Do you often travel for work?
B: Yes, I visit Germany every two months.
A: And where are you going this week?
B: I am flying to Paris for a conference.

Explanation: “often / every two months” → Present Simple (do … travel, visit). “this week” → Present Continuous (are going, am flying).

Dialogue 4 – At the Airport

A: Why are you looking so nervous?
B: Because I am waiting for a connecting flight.
A: Don’t worry. This airline always provides good service.

Explanation: “now” → Present Continuous (are looking, am waiting). “always” → Present Simple (provides).

Dialogue 5 – At the Hotel

A: How often do you stay in hotels?
B: I travel a lot for work, so I stay in hotels almost every month.
A: And what hotel are you staying in now?
B: I am staying at the Hilton near the city center.

Explanation: “how often / every month” → Present Simple (do, travel, stay). “now” → Present Continuous (are staying, am staying).

Dialogue 6 – Talking about Jobs

A: What does your brother do?
B: He works as an architect.
A: And what project is he designing at the moment?
B: He is designing a new shopping mall.

Explanation: “does … do, works” → Present Simple (permanent job). “at the moment” → Present Continuous (is designing).

Dialogue 7 – Vacation Plans

A: Where do you usually go on holiday?
B: We usually spend our holidays in Spain.
A: And where are you going this year?
B: We are planning a trip to Greece right now.

Explanation: “usually” → Present Simple (do … go, spend). “this year / right now” → Present Continuous (are going, are planning).

Dialogue 8 – At the Conference

A: Who is speaking on the stage now?
B: That’s Dr. Brown. He usually teaches at Oxford University, but today he is giving a talk about climate change.

Explanation: “now / today” → Present Continuous (is speaking, is giving). “usually” → Present Simple (teaches).

Dialogue 9 – On a Business Call

A: Are you working from the office or from home these days?
B: I usually work at the office, but this month I am working from home because my child is sick.

Explanation: “usually” → Present Simple (work). “these days / this month” → Present Continuous (are working, am working).

Dialogue 10 – On Holiday Abroad

A: How often do you travel abroad?
B: I usually go abroad once a year.
A: And what are you doing right now?
B: I am enjoying a week in Italy. We are visiting Rome and Florence this week.

Explanation: “how often / usually” → Present Simple (do … travel, go). “right now / this week” → Present Continuous (are doing, am enjoying, are visiting).