The Truman Show: Present Perfect x Present Perfect Progressive

This is another awesome activity provided by Nina Hudd, an amazing teacher who also likes sharing. Thanks, Nina, for such enriching activities. I will be using this one next week!

Nina Hudd has been teaching English for over 14 years in England, Hong Kong and France. She currently runs her own English tuition company for all ages and ability from 2 years old to adult, absolute beginners to advanced.

Website: www.coursdanglais71.weebly.com

Video Link at youtube


Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlK5lpB-HZ4 


The Truman Show


A. Read and discuss the questions below.

1. Have you ever watched a reality TV show? If yes, which one or ones.

2. What do you think of reality TV? Please explain.

3. Why do you think reality TV is so popular these days?

4. Would you ever go on a reality TV show? Why?



B. Watch the clip and complete the blanks using either present perfect or present perfect 

continuous. If either is possible, make a choice and explain your reasoning.

1. They _________ (get) about 5,000 camera in the town.

2. Truman __________ (live) in a fake world since he was a baby.

3. He wonders whether his whole life ________ (building) towards something.

4. Truman ____________ (want) to be an explorer since he was a child.

5. Recently, strange things ______________ (happen).

6. His best friend __________ (know) him since he was seven years old.

7. The producer of the show believes he _______ (give) Truman the chance to live a normal 

life.



C. The Truman Show is an extreme example of reality TV, especially since he had no awareness or 

choice in the matter. Usually during a reality TV show, the contestants are interviewed as to what 

has been happening and what they have been doing.


In pairs, talk about what you have been doing recently. Do not use specific time phrases such as 

‘yesterday’ or ‘on Tuesday’ for which you must use the simple past. Instead use general time phrases 

such as ‘recently, lately, this week, already, just etc.’


Consider whether you are talking about a result or permanent state (present perfect), or a duration 

or temporary state (present perfect continuous). Remember, non-continuous verbs cannot be used in 

present perfect continuous. You must use the simple present perfect.


WORKSHEET

MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - THE TRUMAN SHOW

New Moon: Present Perfect x Present Perfect Continuous

The Twilight saga is attractive to students and provides us with different sources for activities. I like it a lot. It is my teen side speaking out loud! I used this scene to practice the difference between the present perfect and the present perfect continuous forms.




WARM-UP QUESTIONS:

1. Have you ever suffered because of a broken heart?
2. How do you react in those moments? Do you prefer to stay home by yourself or go out with friends to have a lot of fun? Explain it?
3. what is worse? To dump or to be dumped? Why?

I. Watch the movie segment and complete the blanks with either the present perfect or the present perfect continuous form of the given verbs. When both are possible, use the continuous form.







1. Bella _________________ (feel) sad for several months.

2. The weather ______________ (change) significantly in this period of time.

3. Both her boyfriend and her best friend, Alice, _________ (leave) Bella alone.

4. The tree leaves ___________ (fall).

5. It ____________ (snow) several times in December.

6. Bella _____________ (miss) her boyfriend all this time.

7. According to Bella, a huge hole ___________ (punch - passive voice) through her chest.

8. She ___________ (cry) several nights since October.

9. She _____________ (write) emails that Alice ____________ (never - receive)

10. Bella's dad ____________ (be) worried about her.


II. Talk to a partner:


1. What should Bella do in order not to be so sad?

2. Is Bella right to react the way she did or is it better to go out with friends and forget about her boyfriend?

3. What would you do if you were in Bella's shoes?

4. Have you ever felt like Bella? Talk about it, if you wish.


WORKSHEET

MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - NEW MOON


Answer key:


I. 1. has been feeling / 2. has changed / 3. have left / 4. have fallen / 5. has snowed / 6. has been missing / 7. has been punched / 8. has cried / 9 . has been writing - has never received / 10. has been

21 - Present Perfect x Present Perfect Progressive

This is a new activity for students to contrast the use of the present perfect and the present continuous tense uses. I hope you enjoy it. The movie is great!




Before watching the segment:

Discuss with a partner the following questions:
1) What's your opinion about gambling? Should it be legalized?
2) Should casinos be allowed to run in your country?
3) Would you bet your money on a game like 21 or poker? Why (not)?
4) What would you do if you won a lot of money gambling? Would you play a litlle more or quit and spend what you won? Why?
5) Should lotteries be prohibited too? Justify it.

Now watch the video segment and fill in the blanks of the exercise with either the present perfect or the present perfect continuous, according to the information presented in the movie segment. If both are possible, use the continuous form. You may use affirmative or negative forms.
Although the narrator is talking about the past, you are to suppose that what you SEE is the present, it's what is happening NOW.
1) The words "winner winner chicken dinner" _____________ (dance) around his head all night.
2) He ____________ (hear) it at least 14 times tonight.
3) He ___________________ (do) anything ilegal.
4) He ___________________ (count) the cards everytime he plays 21.
5) He ______________ (win) more than $640.000,00.
6) He ________________ (win) and _____________ (lose) for years.
7) He _______________ (use) codes to communicate with his partners when they gamble and cheat.
How to prepare your own video activity:
Assessing: Present Perfect x Present Perfect Continuous

- Select a scene in which the characters haven't finished the activity they were performing in the begining of the scene.
- Prepare a fill in the blanks exercise for students to use the target structures.
- Make sure you select activities that allow you to contrast the verb tenses.

If you like the activity or have suggestions, leave a comment, please. Have fun.





WORKSHEET

MOVIE SEGMENT DOWNLOAD - 21