Project updates: using the present continuous for ongoing work

Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for B1 learners explores Project updates: using the present continuous for ongoing work through a real article. Across 10 interactive exercises, you'll develop reading 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 simple vs. present continuous with examples and practice
• Real-world phrases for giving a project update
• Gap-fill and cloze exercises to test vocabulary in context
• Matching exercise to connect terms with their meanings
• Error correction to sharpen grammar awareness

Lesson activities (10 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 article, with definitions and usage notes.
4. Matching — Connect words, phrases, or concepts to their correct counterparts.
5. Grammar — Study Present simple vs. present continuous — 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 project update — ready to use in real conversations.
8. Fill the gaps — Complete sentences with the correct vocabulary. Drag and drop or type your answers.
9. 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 article:

• Stay on track — to continue following the plan or schedule without delays.
• Run into a problem — to experience an unexpected difficulty.
• Make progress — to move forward or improve on a task or project.
• So far, so good — an expression meaning that everything has been successful up to now.
• The next step — the next action in a series of actions or in a plan.

Grammar

This lesson focuses on Present simple vs. present continuous.

We use the present simple to talk about routines, habits, and facts about our work. We use the present continuous to describe actions happening now or temporary situations, which is perfect for giving updates on current projects.

Examples from the lesson:

• I'm currently preparing the report for the quarterly review. — Use the present continuous for a specific, temporary action happening around now.
• Our team develops new software features every quarter. — Use the present simple to describe a regular, repeated action or a general responsibility.
• She usually handles client communication, but this month she's helping the development team. — Time expressions like 'usually' (simple) and 'this month' (continuous) often signal which tense to use.

Key rules:

• Use present simple for routines, facts, and permanent job duties.
• Use present continuous for actions happening now and for temporary projects.
• Avoid using stative verbs (like know, need, believe) in the continuous form.

Practical English

giving a project update

Here are some practical phrases for when your manager asks for an update on your work in a team meeting. These will help you sound clear and professional.

Phrases you'll learn:

• "At the moment, I'm focusing on [task name]." — to state your main priority right now.
• "Everything is going according to plan." — to say that the project is on schedule and has no problems.
• "We've hit a small snag with [the problem]." — to introduce a minor problem or difficulty in a natural way.
• "I'm just about to start on the [next task]." — to talk about what you will do in the very near future.
• "I should be done by [date/time]." — to give an estimated time or date for finishing a task.