Vocabulary practice for the Cambridge PET exam
Two tenses often used to talk about events that happen in the past are the past simple and the present perfect. Can you work out when we use 'past simple' and when we use 'present perfect'?
A: I read a great book last week.
B: I've read three books so far this week.
A: I lost my keys and strong>had to get in through a window.
B: I've lost my keys. How am I going to get in?
A: I passed my exams in 2008 and went to university.
B: I've passed my exam ... fantastic!
Decide if the missing verbs in the following sentences should be 'present perfect' or 'past simple':
For each question, complete the second sentence so that it means the
same as the first.
Use no more than three words.
1. I started my English course 3 weeks ago.
........................................ on this English course for
three weeks.
2. I haven't seen John since Friday.
The last time ........................................ John was Friday.
3. The last time Claire went on holiday was five years ago.
Claire ......................................... on holiday for five
years.
4. Marie has been married for seven months.
Marie ........................................ seven months ago.
5. Do you know what score you got in the test?
........................................ had the result of your
test?
6. I watched one film this morning and one this afternoon.
I ........................................ 2 films so far today.
To practise adverbs of frequency list some common daily activities and then decide how often you do them. For example:
Watch TV in the evening
Are late for school/work
Have to do homework