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IELTS Foundation

Liza: Present Perfect — The Bridge Tense

Student: Liza (B1)
Target: IELTS Band 6.5
Focus: Present Perfect + Speaking Part 1
1 / N
Shadowing: Life Experiences

Objective: Listen to the model and repeat. Notice "have/has + past participle" — the present perfect.

Record yourself, then compare with the model
Listen & Repeat
What to Notice

Listen for have visited, have never been, have lived, have always loved. These are present perfect forms — they connect the past to now.

Present Perfect: The Bridge Tense

Why this tense matters: The present perfect connects the past to NOW. It's the #1 tense for IELTS Speaking Part 1 experiences and life changes.

Timeline

PAST —————————— NOW
↓ I have lived in Moscow  (started in past, still true now)

The Form

TypeExample
AffirmativeI have visited Japan.
NegativeI haven't been to Paris.
QuestionHave you ever seen snow?
3rd personShe has lived here for years.

When to Use It

UseExampleIELTS Context
Life experiencesI have travelled to Europe.Part 1: "Have you ever...?"
Unfinished timeI have lived here for 10 years.Part 1: "How long have you...?"
Recent action + resultI have just finished my essay.Part 1: "What have you been doing?"
Changes over timeMy English has improved a lot.Part 1: "How has your study changed?"
With ever/never/just/yetI have never eaten sushi.Part 1: "Have you ever...?"

Present Perfect vs Past Simple

Present PerfectPast Simple
I have visited Paris.I visited Paris last year.
She has lived here since 2015.She lived in London for 3 years.
Have you ever eaten sushi?Did you eat sushi yesterday?
I have just finished.I finished an hour ago.

⚠ Russian Trap: "Did you ever...?"

Russian has no present perfect equivalent. So the natural impulse is "Did you ever go?" — but this is wrong.
Correct: "Have you ever been to Paris?"

Fill the Gap: Present Perfect vs Past Simple

Choose the correct tense. Some items also test articles, BE verbs, and 3rd person -s from previous lessons.

1. I ___ (visit) many countries, but I ___ (never/be) to Japan.
2. She ___ (live) in Moscow since 2015.
3. We ___ (go) to Paris last summer.
4. ___ you ever ___ (try) Japanese food?
5. He ___ (not/finish) his essay yet.
6. I ___ (see) that film yesterday.
7. My English ___ (improve) a lot since I ___ (start) these lessons.
8. ___ is student at university.
9. She ___ (not/like) studying alone.
10. They ___ (be) very nervous before the test yesterday.
Error Correction

Click each error to see the correction.

I have went to Paris. I have been/gone to Paris. irregular pp
Did you ever see this film? Have you ever seen this film? present perfect
She has lived here for 5 years ago. She has lived here for 5 years. no ago with pp
I have visited Paris last year. I visited Paris last year. specific time
He have never been to Japan. He has never been to Japan. 3rd person -s
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Experiences

Instructions: Answer in full sentences. Use present perfect for experiences. Use past simple only if you mention a specific time.

Experiences

Q1

"Have you ever travelled to another country?"

Experiences

Q2

"Have you learned any new skills recently?"

Duration

Q3

"How long have you lived in your city?"

Changes

Q4

"Have you changed anything about your daily routine this year?"

Experiences

Q5

"Have you ever lost something important?"

Recent

Q6

"What is the most interesting thing you have done this month?"

Fashion & Design

Fashion

Q7

"Have you always been interested in fashion?"

Fashion

Q8

"Have you designed anything recently?"

Fashion

Q9

"Have you ever made your own clothes?"

Fashion

Q10

"How has your style changed over the years?"

Band Score Input

Homework

Task 1: Speaking (Record + STT)

Record 1.5 min: "Talk about 3 experiences in your life. Use present perfect for each one. Then talk about 2 things you did last week using past simple."

Record your answer

Task 2: Writing (Word Counter)

Write 8-10 sentences (100-150 words) about your life experiences. Use "I have visited..." / "I have never..." / "I have just..."

Word count: 0 / 100-150

Self-Check

Task 3: Error Journal

3 present perfect mistakes you caught yourself making + corrections.

Mistake 1:
Mistake 2:
Mistake 3:

BC Sample: Present Perfect in Context

Listen to this conversation. Notice how the speakers use present perfect for experiences and recent changes.

0:00 / 0:00

Interviewer: So, tell me about your work. Have you always been a designer?

Designer: No, I haven't. I used to work in marketing, but I have been a fashion designer for about five years now.

Interviewer: Have you designed anything you are particularly proud of?

Designer: Yes, I have. Last year, I designed a collection for a local fashion show. I have never done anything like that before, and it was a great experience.

Interviewer: Have you worked with any famous brands?

Designer: Not yet, but I have just started collaborating with a sustainable clothing company. We have already produced two lines together.

Interviewer: That sounds exciting. Has your style changed since you started?

Designer: Definitely. I have become much more interested in sustainable fabrics. I have always loved bold colours, but now I focus more on eco-friendly materials.

Q1. What did the designer used to do before fashion?
Q2. How long has she been a designer?
Q3. What has she never done before?
Q4. What has she just started doing?
Q5. What has she become more interested in?