Present simple and present continuous; can: requests and permission – A1 English Grammar Test

1  Underline the correct options.

1   I send / am sending emails every day.

2   She goes / is going to drama club on Fridays.

3   The waiter works / is working every night.

4   We never take / are taking pictures.

5   Today we write / are writing a news story.

6   She doesn’t play / isn’t playing her guitar now.

2  Complete the phone conversation with the verb in brackets in the present continuous or present simple.

Mario:   I 1……’m cleaning…… (clean) the kitchen at the moment!

Julia:   I never 2………………. (clean) the kitchen! Today 3………………. (study) for a test!

Mario:   I often 4………………. (study) on Saturdays, but today I 5………………. (not study). My dad 6………………. (work) today so I’m helping my mum at home. He sometimes 7………………. (work) on Sundays, but not this weekend!

3   Circle the correct options: A, B or C.

A = wanting permission to do something

B = asking for something

C = asking a person to do something

1   Can you help me, please?                  A     B     C

2   Can I have the salt, please?               A     B     C

3   Can I go to the park now, Dad?         A     B     C

4   Can you tidy your room, Edu?           A     B     C

5   Can I use the computer, please?      A     B     C

6   Can I see my friend today, Mum?     A     B     C

4  Underline the correct options.

1   A: Can I have a pizza, please?

      B: Yes, of course. / Yes, please.

2   A: Can you help her?

      B: Yes, please. / Sure, no problem.

3   A: Can you tell me the time?

      B: Yes, please. / Yes, of course.

4   A: Would you like to order?

      B: Yes, please. / Sure, no problem.

5   A: Can you do the washing-up, please!

      B: OK, Dad! / Yes, please.

6   A: Would you like sugar in your tea?

      B: No, of course not! / No, thanks.

5   Match the beginnings and endings of the sentences.

6  Complete the phone conversation with the words in the box.

John:   Can you help me, Paula? I’m 1……doing…… my homework, but I don’t understand it.

Paula:   Yes, of course. What subject are you studying?

John:   English. 2……………… you explain the present continuous?

Paula:   Sure, no problem. But my mum’s 3……………… and I usually 4……………… her. 5……………… much time have you got this evening? Can I phone you at seven thirty?

John:   In the evenings, I sometimes prepare the dinner with my dad, but we 6……………… it today. It’s my brother 7……………… turn! He loves Chinese food so he always makes 8………………! At seven o’clock, I usually walk the dog with my mum in the park. Can you phone at quarter past eight?

Paula:   OK!