Life at a Startup: A Day in the Office
Grammar Focus: Present Continuous vs. Present Simple
- Present simple is used for general facts, routines, and things that are always true.
- “The company develops software for businesses.” (Fact)
- “The employees arrive at the office at 9 a.m.” (Routine)
- Present continuous is used for temporary actions happening right now or around this time.
- “The team is working on an innovative app.” (Temporary project)
- “Today, everyone is focusing on a big presentation.” (Happening now
At BrightTech Solutions, things are always changing. The company develops software for businesses, but right now, the team is working on an innovative app that could change the way people manage their finances.
Every morning, the employees arrive at the office at 9 a.m. and check their emails. However, today, everyone is focusing on a big presentation for potential investors. Sarah, the marketing manager, is preparing slides while Tom, the CEO, is practicing his speech. Meanwhile, the developers are running last-minute tests to make sure the app functions perfectly.
Normally, BrightTech’s office feels relaxed, but today, there is a buzz of excitement. The team knows this presentation could determine the company’s future. “We usually discuss ideas over coffee, but today, no one is taking a break,” Sarah says with a nervous smile.
By 3 p.m., the presentation begins. Investors listen carefully as Tom explains the app’s unique features. The team hopes for success, but for now, they are waiting to hear the final decision.
Grammar – Present Simple vs. Present Continuous
Choose the Correct Tense
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in present simple or present continuous.
- Sarah usually ______ (write) reports, but today she ______ (make) a presentation.
- The CEO ______ (give) a speech right now.
- BrightTech ______ (create) new software every year.
- Right now, the developers ______ (test) the app.
- Investors always ______ (expect) strong business plans before they invest.
Identify the Mistakes
Each sentence has one mistake. Find and correct it.
- Tom practices his speech at the moment. → __________
- The team waits to hear the final decision now. → __________
- Normally, the office is feeling relaxed. → __________
- Today, no one takes a break. → __________
- The company is developing software for businesses every year. → __________
Speaking Practice
With a partner, discuss the following:
- Describe your daily routine using present simple.
- What is something you are doing this week that is different from your usual routine?
- Talk about a company or business you admire. What does it usually do, and what is it working on at the moment?
Comprehension Questions
- What kind of company is BrightTech Solutions?
- What project is the team working on right now?
- How does the office usually feel compared to today?
- What is Sarah doing to prepare for the presentation?
- Why is today an important day for the company?
- BrightTech Solutions is a software development company.
- They are working on an innovative app to help people manage their finances.
- The office usually feels relaxed, but today, it is busy and full of excitement.
- Sarah is preparing slides for the presentation.
- Today is important because they are presenting to investors who could decide the company’s future.