TENSES FCE

As you may see, the chart ........ an increase in the number of the population.

• showed

• showing

• shows

• will show

Answer explanation

We use present simple to describe facts and data

The weather .... extremely cold when I opened the window this morning

• was

• were

• had been

• is

Answer explanation

We use past simple to talk about past events, especially when they are chronologically ordered or they happen at the same time simultaneously.

Mark's son ............. on the phone while he's baking

• have talked

• was talking

• is talking

• talks

Answer explanation

We use present continuous to describe events in progress / unfinished.

As I ........... late, I had to take a taxi instead of the bus.

• was running

• has run

• were running

• has been running

Answer explanation

We use past continuous to describe actions in progress in the past. They are usually interrupted by something else or happen at the same time other events occur simultaneously.

We're so late! By the time we arrive to the airport, the gate ....... and we won't be able to board!

• will closed

• will have closed

• will be closing

• will close

Answer explanation

We use future perfect to talk about things we expect to be done/completed at a certain time in the future

By 2050 I ... still ... on my thesis. I guess I may never finish it.

• am going to ..... work

• will .... be working

• will .... have worked

• will ... have been working

Answer explanation

We use future continuous to talk about thinks we believe/suppose to be in progress/unfinished in the future.

I haven't finished my project yet because I ............. on the monthly presentation for today.

• have been working

• was working

• will be working

• have worked

Answer explanation

We use present perfect continuous to talk about things that were in progress since an indefinite time in the past until now, usually to denote the effort put in the task (emphasis on the action), or the fact that it is incomplete.

I ..... the President on his helicopter yesterday!

• have seen

• was seeing

• had seen

• saw

My best friend ....... to the USA several times.

• has travelled

• travelled

• had travelled

• was travelling

Answer explanation

We use present perfect to talk about general life experiences; to say how many times or for how long we've done something.

Everyone.......... to the party tonight, why don't you want to come?

• will go

• is going

• are going

• will be going

Answer explanation

We use present continuous for future arrangements. The word "everyone" is singular.