Introduction
In the TOEIC Listening & Reading test, you will often encounter sections where you need to describe or identify actions. This skill is crucial for understanding conversations and written passages in a business context. Being able to accurately describe actions helps you follow instructions, understand processes, and communicate effectively in English.
Explanation
To describe actions, we use verbs, which are words that express what someone or something is doing. In English, verbs change form to indicate the time of the action (past, present, future). Here are some examples:
Present Simple: Used for habitual actions or general truths.
Example: She writes reports every day.
Present Continuous: Used for actions happening right now or around the current time.
Example: He is writing a report at the moment.
Past Simple: Used for actions that happened at a specific time in the past.
Example: They wrote the report yesterday.
Future Simple: Used for actions that will happen in the future.
Example: I will write the report tomorrow.
Common mistakes
Confusing tenses: Learners often mix up tenses. Remember, the present continuous is for actions happening now, while the present simple is for regular actions.
Incorrect: She writes the report now. (Use present continuous)
Correct: She is writing the report now.
Omitting auxiliary verbs: In continuous and future tenses, auxiliary verbs like "is" or "will" are necessary.
Incorrect: He writing the report.
Correct: He is writing the report.
Tips for the TOEIC test
Pay attention to time indicators such as "now," "every day," "yesterday," and "tomorrow" to choose the correct verb tense.
In the Listening section, listen for context clues that indicate when an action is taking place.
In the Reading section, look for time expressions that help you identify the correct tense.
Mini practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses:
Right now, the manager __________ (review) the financial statements.
Every Monday, the team __________ (meet) to discuss project updates.
They __________ (complete) the project by the end of next week.
Answers
is reviewing
meets
will complete