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Steps 4 - Unit 4 - Present Perfect (vs simple past)

Last updated about 6 years ago
28 questions
ACTIVITY 1: Questions 1 to 10
Identify the sentences in the simple past and those in the present perfect.
1

I have waited in line to get concert tickets many times.

1

Fans appreciated the entertainment during the transmission.

1

That group had only one new song last year.

1

Michael has developed an obessession for video games.

1

Have you ever seen what happens at the festival called La Tomatina?

1

Fans of historical buildings have saved many beautiful structures.

1

The band Sixth Sense gave fans their money's worth.

1

I've been called a coffee connoisseur by many people.

1

Dean has discovered the ultimate store for sports fanatics.

1

The last time I counted, there were 15 pairs of black shoes in my closet.

ACTIVITY 2: Questions 11 to 23
Read the interview with famous mystery author Genevieve Neville.
Look at the verb in brackets.
Choose the right verb tense (the simple past OR the present perfect).
Pay attention to the subjects and the key words!
Q: How many books have you written, Ms. Neville?
A: I (write) _______11_______ six books in the mystery series called The Detective's Den.

Q: Which book is the most popular of the series?
A: Dead or Alive, which is still on the bestsellers list, (sell) ______12_______ more than a million copies since 2001.

Q: That's my favourite one! Is it true it's being made into a movie?
A: Not yet. There (be) _____13______ some discussions about that recently, but nothing definite.

Q: Did you know that two years ago, one of your fans (start) ____14_____ a fan community in your name?
A: Fascinating! I'm touched by the fervour of some of my fans.

Q: Since I joined the fan community last year, I (love) ____15____ reading the critiques for the books I (read, negative) ____16____ yet.
A: I hope you enjoy the other books too.

Q: Are you currently working on a new book for the series?
A: I (be) ____17____, but the next book is suspended. I needed to take a break from writing.

Q: Oh, but your fans will be disappointed! They are waiting impatiently to see what happens next in the life of detective Desiree Dekkers.
A: Desiree (take) ____18____ a temporary holiday for a couple of months, but she will return.

Q: So, then, the rumour I (hear) ____19___ was not true?
A: That depends. Was the rumour about Desiree or me?

Q: Some newspapers said that you (have) ____20_____ writer's block for the last year.
A: Really? The truth is the newspapers (say) ____21_____ that for more than a year.

Q: Then, it's true. You do have writer's block.
A: I prefer to say I (experience) _____22_____ the "blank page syndrome", but it's over now.

Q: Thank goodness! Your fans (wonder) ____23____ for a long time about Desiree's next mystery.
A: Time will tell.

Q: When?
A: (Laugh) No, Time Will Tell is the title of the next mystery book.
1

(write)

1

(sell)

1

(be)

1

(start)

1

(love)

1

(read)

1

(be)

1

(take)

1

(hear)

1

(have)

1

(say)

1

(experience)

1

(wonder)

ACTIVITY 3: Questions 24 to
Rewrite the sentences using the present perfect with SINCE or FOR.
Look at the underlined information to help you.

Example

Sentence: Sylvie bought 20 pairs of black shoes. She began to buy shoes when she got a job.
Answer: Sylvie has bought 20 pairs of black shoes since she got a job.
2

My brother is in Mexico. His girlfriend moved there in 2006.

2

The Internet gives fans a place to meet. It all started 15 years ago.

2

They are in love. They first met over the Internet.

2

I want to eat that luscious chocolate cake. This desire started two minutes ago.

2

The rock band's fanbase grew. Their new hit song made its debut last month.