Using the present perfect is not only essential for answering basic questions, but it also shows the examiner complex grammar.
1) Work 💼 / Studies 📚 / Hobbies 🎨
One of the best opportunities for students to demonstrate their knowledge of the present perfect is when talking about these common topics, which more often than not will be asked! It’s a wasted opportunity when students answer these types of questions only with the present simple!
The key is to answer the question directly and then use the present perfect simple or present perfect continuous to add background information. Do not just answer with the present perfect immediately because this will sound very unnatural!
2) Giving Opinions & To reflect 💭
There are piles of different ways we can use present perfect to give our opinion on something and also to show thought and reflection about a topic. Let’s look at some different options.
a) Information from the past until now ➔ ➔ ➔:
B) Talking about the future 🤔
You can talk about the future by mentioning what you felt/ thought/ wanted etc from the past to the present.
C) Part 2 Questions 🗣️
In Part 2, there are plenty of opportunities to use the present perfect to give background information about the given topic.
Describe a hobby you enjoy.
Well I’ve always been into photography…
Describe a place you would like to visit.
Well I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights…
Describe a restaurant you liked.
Well I’ve always been a big fan of Italian food, so last month, some friends and I headed to a great little place in the city centre …
Describe something you would like to learn.
Well I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the piano…
Describe a Friend you Admire.
Well I’ve always looked up to my uncle, who’s an engineer…
D) Part 3 Global Discussions ⚖️
In part 3, you can use the present perfect to express what your opinions have always been.
3) Past Experiences 🕰️
Particularly in Part 1, we often get asked about our likes, dislikes and preferences. We can use the present perfect to support our answers by mentioning our past experiences.
4) Long-term Trends 📈
Particularly in Part 3, we can use the present perfect continuous to highlight trends that we notice. We can mention a trend that started in the past and is continuing today.
5) Major Shifts 🌊
We can often use the present perfect simple to mention the profound changes that have occurred. These are considered completed events.
