You are likely to be tested on your knowledge of present and present perfect tenses in Parts 2 and 4 of Paper 1 Reading and Use of English.

Present Simple
The present simple is used to talk about permanent actions or situations such as habits or routines.
Example:
I live in Birmingham.
She speaks 3 different languages.
It usually gets cold around this time of the year.

Present Continuous
The present continuous is used to describe situations that are more temporary, happening now or changing.
Example:
I'm living at my friend's house while the builders are working on mine.
He's speaking to his wife on the phone at the moment.
The nights are getting colder.

Present Perfect
The present perfect is generally used to link the past with the present. This might be in order to talk about experience, with the meaning 'up until now', or a past action that has present importance.
Example:
I've never eaten Japanese food.
She's lost her purse and hasn't got enough money for the ticket.

Present Perfect Continuous
The present perfect continuous is used to emphasise actions that are of a continuous or temporary nature.
Example:
I've been living in this house for 5 years.
You've been smoking heavily lately. Is there anything wrong?

Note also the following differences between the present perfect simple and continuous.
I've been painting the living room today. (focus on the action - maybe finished, maybe not)
I've painted the living room today. (focus on a completed activity)
The class have been doing tests all day. (focus on duration)
They have done three exams today. (focus on completed activities)

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Present and Present Perfect Tenses >> Part 2: Open Cloze
Reminder: Part 2 consists of a short text which has 8 gaps. For each gap you have to add the missing word.

Example:
..... you ever met anyone famous?

Answer: 'Have'

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Present and Present Perfect Tenses >> Part 4: Key Word Transformation
Reminder: You are given a complete sentence followed by a second, incomplete sentence. You have to complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning as the first using a word given that must not be changed.

Example:
He was the best squash player I have ever played against.
NEVER
I .......... squash against such a good opponent before.

Answer: 'have never played'