Project updates: using the present continuous for status reports

Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for B1 learners explores Project updates: using the present continuous for status reports through a real audio recording. Across 11 interactive exercises, you'll develop listening comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, practical communication, speaking skills — all built around authentic English content.

What you'll practise:

• 5 key vocabulary items with definitions and usage notes
• Grammar focus: Present continuous for current actions and future plans with examples and practice
• Real-world phrases for giving a status report
• Gap-fill and cloze exercises to test vocabulary in context
• Matching exercise to connect terms with their meanings
• Error correction to sharpen grammar awareness
• A reading passage to practise newly learned language

Ready to practise? This interactive lesson includes vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension exercises — all based on real English content.

Start the lesson

Lesson activities (11 exercises)

Each exercise builds on the previous one. Work through them in order for the best learning experience.

1. Warm-up — Discussion questions to activate what you already know about the topic.
2. Comprehension — Answer questions to check your understanding of the main ideas and supporting details.
3. Vocabulary — Learn key words and expressions from the audio recording, with definitions and usage notes.
4. Matching — Connect words, phrases, or concepts to their correct counterparts.
5. Grammar — Study Present continuous for current actions and future plans — explanation, examples, and key rules.
6. Error correction — Find and fix the mistake in each sentence — a great grammar workout.
7. Practical English — Learn phrases for giving a status report — ready to use in real conversations.
8. Fill the gaps — Complete sentences with the correct vocabulary. Drag and drop or type your answers.
9. Reading — Read a short passage on the topic and answer comprehension questions.
10. Discussion — Reflect on the topic and share your opinions using the language you've learned.

Vocabulary

This lesson introduces 5 key terms drawn directly from the audio recording:

• be on track — to be progressing as planned and likely to be completed on time
• run into an issue — to experience an unexpected problem or difficulty
• sign off on (something) — to give formal approval for a piece of work
• the next step — the next action or stage in a process
• meet a deadline — to finish something by the agreed time or date

Grammar

This lesson focuses on Present continuous for current actions and future plans.

We use the present continuous (be + verb-ing) to talk about actions happening now or around the present time, and also for fixed future plans. This tense is very useful when giving a project update because you can describe what your team is currently doing and what you are planning to do next.

Examples from the lesson:

• We are currently reviewing the feedback from the client. — Use 'are reviewing' to describe an action that is in progress now or around the present time. It's the team's current focus.
• I am meeting with the design team tomorrow morning to finalize the plans. — Use 'am meeting' for a fixed future arrangement. It's a confirmed plan, not just a possibility.
• The project is progressing well at the moment. — This describes an ongoing situation. Remember to include the verb 'be' (is, am, are) before the -ing verb.

Key rules:

• Use for actions happening now or around the present time.
• Use for fixed plans and arrangements in the future.
• Common mistake: Forgetting the verb 'to be' (e.g., 'He working' instead of 'He is working').

Practical English

giving a status report

Here are some common phrases you can use in a team meeting to talk about your progress on a project. They will help you sound clear and professional.

Phrases you'll learn:

• "Just a quick update on..." — a simple and direct way to start your report.
• "So far, so good." — to say that everything is progressing well and there are no problems yet.
• "We've hit a small snag with..." — to describe a minor problem or difficulty.
• "I'd like to get your input on..." — a polite way to ask for opinions or advice from your colleagues.
• "My main focus for this week is..." — to state your top priority for the near future.

Ready to practise? This interactive lesson includes vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension exercises — all based on real English content.

Start the lesson