1. The Simple Past

The Simple Past is used for actions that are completely finished at a specific point in the past. It often answers the question "When?"

• Finished Time: The action happened in a time period that is over (e.g., yesterday, last year, in 1995).
• Specific Details: We use it to tell stories or give specific information about a past event.

Examples:

• I baked a cake yesterday.
• They visited Japan in 2018.
• She wrote three emails this morning (and the morning is now over).

2. The Present Perfect

The Present Perfect is used for actions that happened at an unspecified time or have a connection to the present.

• Unfinished Time: The action happened in a time period that is still continuing (e.g., today, this week, so far).
• Life Experience: We use it to talk about what we have done in our lives without saying exactly when.
• Present Result: The action happened in the past, but the result is important right now.

Examples:

• I have baked a cake. (It is on the table now; you can eat it.)
• They have visited Japan three times. (In their whole lives, up until now.)
• She has written three emails today. (The day is not over; she might write more.)

Comparative Examples

Simple Past: I lost my keys yesterday. (I’m telling you about a past event. I might have found them by now.)

Present Perfect: I have lost my keys. (I don't have them right now. Help me look!)

Simple Past: I saw that movie on Friday. (A specific point in time.)

Present Perfect: I have seen that movie. (I know the plot; I don't need to see it again.)

Simple Past: He lived in London for five years. (He doesn't live there anymore.)

Present Perfect: He has lived in London for five years. (He still lives there.)

Now read the text below and answer the questions that follow.

The Unfinished Journey

Last summer, Adam traveled to Italy for a two-week vacation. He visited the Colosseum, ate authentic gelato, and walked through the narrow streets of Venice. It was a specific trip with a clear beginning and end. However, Adam is a traveler at heart, and his journey through life is far from over.

Since that trip, he has started a travel blog to share his experiences. He has uploaded dozens of photos and has connected with thousands of readers worldwide. While his trip to Italy finished months ago, the impact of that journey has shaped his new career. He has already planned his next adventure, but he hasn't booked the tickets yet. Adam loved his time in Rome, but he has discovered that he loves sharing his stories even more.

Part 1: True or False

Decide if the statement is True or False based on the text.

1. Adam traveled to Italy last summer.
2. He has visited the Colosseum many times this year.
3. The trip to Italy is still happening.
4. Adam has started a blog since he returned.
5. He has already booked his next flight.

Part 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct tense to complete the sentence.

1. Adam _______ (ate / has eaten) authentic gelato during his vacation last year.
2. He _______ (uploaded / has uploaded) many photos since he started the blog.
3. The trip to Rome _______ (was / has been) a specific two-week event.
4. Adam _______ (connected / has connected) with many readers so far.
5. He _______ (walked / has walked) through Venice when he was in Italy.

Part 3: Answer correctly.

1. Why is "traveled" used in the first sentence instead of "has traveled"?
2. Find one sentence in the text that uses the Present Perfect to show a life experience.
3. Which tense is used to describe the "narrow streets of Venice," and why?
4. Does the phrase "has already planned" imply the action is finished or part of an ongoing process?
5. Rewrite this sentence in the Simple Past: "He has discovered that he loves sharing stories." (Hint: Use "Last year" to start).

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks.

Choose the correct form of the verb in parentheses. Look for "time markers" (like yesterday or since) to help you decide.  

1. I __________ (lose) my keys yesterday.
2. I __________ (lose) my keys! Can you help me find them?
3. She __________ (live) in Paris for three years when she was a child.
4. She __________ (live) in Paris for three years, and she loves it there.
5. We __________ (not/see) that movie yet.
6. We __________ (not/see) that movie when it was in theaters.

Exercise 2: Find the Mistake

Each sentence below has one error. Can you find it and fix it?

A: I have gone to the grocery store two hours ago.

B: She has been a doctor since ten years.

C: Did you ever eat sushi before?

D: I worked here since 2022.

E: My brother has broken his leg last summer.

Exercise 3: The "Interview"

Complete the dialogue using the verbs in the box. Use either Simple Past or Present Perfect.

Verbs: be, start, travel, visit, meet

Anna: So, tell me about your travels. __________ you ever __________ to Asia?

Ben: Yes, I __________ Japan last year.

Anna: Wow! How was it?

Ben: It __________ amazing. I __________ a lot of interesting people while I was there.

Anna: I __________ never __________ to Japan, but I __________ learning Japanese three months ago.

Andi: What do you think about war between countries?

Sinta: In my opinion, war causes more harm than good. Many innocent people suffer.

Andi: I agree. War destroys homes and schools. Education is often interrupted.

Sinta: Yes, and the economy becomes unstable. People lose their jobs.

Andi: Some people argue that war is sometimes necessary to defend a country.

Sinta: I understand that point, but I believe diplomacy should always come first.

Andi: That’s a good point. Negotiation can prevent violence.

Sinta: Exactly. I think peace is always the best solution for long-term stability.

Andi: So, we both agree that war should be the last option.

Sinta: Yes, countries should prioritize dialogue and cooperation.

Choose the best answer!

1. What is the main idea of the dialogue?
   A. War improves education
   B. War brings economic stability
   C. War has serious negative impacts
   D. War increases cooperation
   E. War is entertaining

1. Why does Sinta believe diplomacy is better than war?
   A. It is faster
   B. It is cheaper
   C. It prevents violence
   D. It increases power
   E. It creates fear

1. If a country chooses war as the first solution, what might happen based on the dialogue?
   A. Schools improve
   B. People feel safer
   C. Homes and schools are destroyed
   D. Jobs increase
   E. Prices decrease

1. The word “prioritize” in the dialogue is closest in meaning to …
   A. ignore
   B. delay
   C. consider first
   D. avoid
   E. cancel

1. Which statement reflects Sinta’s perspective?
   A. War is exciting.
   B. War should be avoided if possible.
   C. War always solves problems quickly.
   D. War is the best economic strategy.
   E. War improves relationships.

1. What value is promoted in the dialogue?
   A. Violence
   B. Competition
   C. Peaceful negotiation
   D. Revenge
   E. Isolation

1. If education is interrupted because of war, what long-term effect might occur?
   A. Increased literacy
   B. Better economy
   C. Decreased human resources quality
   D. More innovation
   E. Stronger international relations

1. Which sentence shows critical thinking about war?
   A. War is always fun.
   B. Everyone loves war.
   C. War should be used anytime.
   D. War has complex impacts on society.
   E. War has no effect on people.

1. Why do some people argue that war is necessary?
   A. To defend their country
   B. To make friends
   C. To improve tourism
   D. To reduce population
   E. To increase homework

1. Based on the dialogue, what conclusion can be drawn?
   A. War is the best solution.
   B. War has no disadvantages.
   C. Dialogue and cooperation are better than war.
   D. Violence should be encouraged.
   E. Education is not important.

Expressing opinion means saying what you think or feel about something.

In daily life, we give opinions about:

• School rules
• Social media
• Environment
• Homework
• Technology
• Public issues

Useful Expressions

Giving Opinions

• I think …
• I believe …
• In my opinion, …
• In my view, …
• From my perspective, …
• As far as I’m concerned, …
• It seems to me that …

Example:

• I think online learning is effective.
• In my opinion, students need more practical activities.

Asking for Opinions

• What do you think about …?
• What is your opinion about …?
• Do you agree with …?
• How do you feel about …?

Example:

• What do you think about school uniforms?
• Do you agree with the new school policy?

Agreeing

• I agree with you.
• That’s a good point.
• I think so too.
• Exactly!
• You’re right.
• We are on the same page.

Disagreeing

• I’m not sure about that.
• I don’t agree.
• I see your point, but …
• I have a different opinion.
• I don’t think so.

Language Features

• Use present tense.
• Use thinking verbs (think, believe, feel).
• Use polite expression.

Read the following dialogue and answer the questions.

Rina: What do you think about bringing smartphones to school?

Budi: In my opinion, students can bring smartphones for learning.

Rina: I’m not sure about that. They might use them for games.

Budi: That’s true, but teachers can control their use.

Rina: I agree that smartphones can help learning, especially for research.

Budi: Exactly. We just need clear rules.

Rina: Yes, I think rules are very important.

1. The purpose of expressing opinion is to …

A. tell a story

B. describe a person

C. say what we think

D. give instructions

E. ask permission

2. Which expression is used to give an opinion?

A. Thank you very much

B. I think it is useful

C. Excuse me

D. See you later

E. Congratulations

3. Which question is asking for opinion?

A. Where do you live?

B. What time is it?

C. What do you think about this rule?

D. How old are you?

E. Who is your teacher?

4. "I agree with you” means …

A. disagreement

B. asking

C. confusion

D. agreement

E. apology

5. "I don’t think so” shows …

A. agreement

B. happiness

C. disagreement

D. invitation

E. gratitude

6. From the dialogue, Budi thinks smartphones …

A. are dangerous

B. should not be used

C. are expensive

D. can help learning

E. must be banned

7. Rina is worried that students might …

A. study harder

B. use phones for games

C. call parents

D. read e-books

E. join competitions

8. The tense commonly used in expressing opinion is …

A. past tense

B. future tense

C. present tense

D. past perfect

E. present perfect

9. “From my perspective” has similar meaning to …

A. However

B. In my opinion

C. After that

D. Because of

E. Suddenly

10. Which sentence shows polite disagreement?

A. You are wrong!

B. That is stupid.

C. I see your point, but I disagree.

D. No!

E. Impossible!

Thesis

While concerns regarding digital well-being are valid, social media serves as a vital platform for modern teenagers by fostering community building, providing educational resources, and offering a safe space for creative self-expression. When used mindfully, these platforms are essential for social and cognitive development in the 21st century.

Arguments

Strengthening Social Connectivity: Social media allows teenagers to maintain friendships across distances and find "micro-communities" that share their niche interests. For marginalized youth or those in isolated areas, digital spaces provide a sense of belonging that may be unavailable in their immediate physical environment.  

Educational Opportunities and Digital Literacy: Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest have become informal learning hubs. Teens use these to discover DIY projects, historical facts, or coding tutorials. Furthermore, navigating these platforms teaches them "digital citizenship"—the ability to discern information and interact respectfully in a globalized world.  

Creative Outlet and Identity Formation: Digital platforms offer various tools for content creation, from graphic design to video editing. This allows teenagers to experiment with their identities and showcase their talents to a wider audience, which can significantly boost their self-esteem and career aspirations.  

Reiteration

In conclusion, social media is not inherently detrimental. By acting as a bridge for social support, a library for diverse knowledge, and a canvas for creativity, it provides teenagers with opportunities for growth that were previously unimaginable. The focus should therefore remain on promoting digital balance rather than total avoidance.

Now answer these questions correctly.

1. What is the main idea of the text?

A. Social media is primarily used for doom-scrolling and drama.

B. Social media offers significant benefits for teenagers’ social and personal growth.

C. Teenagers should avoid social media to maintain their mental health.

D. Digital platforms are the only way for teens to learn new skills.

E. Technology has replaced traditional schooling for the modern teenager.  

2. In the argument about social connectivity, what does the word "marginalized" most likely mean?

A. Extremely popular and well-known.

B. Treated as insignificant or peripheral.

C. Geographically located in a city center.

D. Highly skilled in digital technology.

E. Wealthy and influential.

3. "This allows teenagers to experiment with their identities..." (Paragraph 3). The underlined word refers to...

A. Tools

B. Platforms

C. Teenagers

D. Talents

E. Careers

4. Which of the following is an example of "digital citizenship" mentioned in the text?

A. Gaining as many followers as possible.

B. Learning how to edit high-quality videos.

C. Spending several hours a day on TikTok.

D. Discerning information and interacting respectfully online.

E. Finding niche interests in micro-communities.

5. What is the synonym of the word "detrimental" as used in the reiteration?

A. Beneficial

B. Constructive

C. Harmful

D. Irrelevant

E. Expensive

6. What can be inferred about teenagers who live in isolated areas?

A. They have no interest in social media.

B. They are unable to learn digital citizenship.

C. They may find more social support online than in their physical surroundings.

D. They prefer traditional learning over digital learning.

E. They use social media only for video editing.

7. According to the text, how does social media help with future careers?

A. By allowing teens to skip college.

B. By providing a platform to showcase talents and boost aspirations.

C. By replacing the need for a professional resume.

D. By ensuring they never have to work in a physical office.

E. By teaching them how to ignore negative feedback.

8. What is the author’s tone toward social media in this text?

A. Cynical and dismissive

B. Alarmed and fearful

C. Balanced and encouraging

D. Completely neutral and indifferent

E. Sarcastic and humorous

9. Based on the thesis, what is the author’s stance on digital well-being concerns?

A. They are completely fake and should be ignored.

B. They are valid but do not negate the benefits of social media.

C. They are more important than the benefits of social media.

D. They only apply to adults, not teenagers.

E. They are the primary focus of the entire text.

10. What does the author suggest as the best approach to social media?

A. Total avoidance to prevent drama.

B. Using it only for school-related tasks.

C. Promoting a balance in digital usage.

D. Allowing teens to use it without any supervision.

E. Restricting access to only one platform.

Thesis

In the current digital era, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X have become an inseparable part of a teenager's daily life. While these platforms offer a way to stay connected, the hyper-connected nature of these apps can often be detrimental to their development. I personally believe that excessive social media use poses significant risks to the mental health and social skills of adolescents.

​Arguments

Firstly, social media is a primary catalyst for mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Many teenagers feel an immense pressure to post "perfect" photos to gain likes and validation. This constant comparison to the curated, unrealistic lives of influencers often leads to low self-esteem and body image issues. Furthermore, the fear of missing out (FOMO) keeps them glued to their screens late into the night, resulting in sleep deprivation, which further worsens their emotional stability.

​Secondly, social media can diminish real-life social skills. Although it is designed to "connect" people, many teenagers find it difficult to engage in face-to-face conversations. They become more comfortable communicating through screens where they can edit their words and hide behind filters. This lack of physical interaction prevents them from learning essential non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice, which are crucial for healthy adult relationships.

​Lastly, the digital world is a breeding ground for cyberbullying. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can follow a teenager home, 24/7. The anonymity provided by the internet often emboldens individuals to say things they would never say in person, leading to severe psychological trauma for the victims.

​Reiteration

In conclusion, while social media has its benefits for communication, its negative impacts cannot be ignored. The risks of mental health decline, the erosion of face-to-face social skills, and the threat of cyberbullying are real concerns. Therefore, it is obvious that teenagers need to limit their screen time and use these platforms more mindfully.

​Now answer these questions.

​1. What is the main idea of the text?

A. Social media is the best tool for modern communication.

B. Teenagers should avoid the internet entirely to stay healthy.

C. Excessive social media use has several negative impacts on teenagers.

D. Cyberbullying is the only major problem found on social media.

E. Influencers are responsible for the low self-esteem of all teenagers.

​2. Based on the first argument, why do teenagers often feel anxious?

A. Because they don't have enough followers.

B. Because they feel pressured to maintain a "perfect" online image.

C. Because social media apps are too expensive to use.

D. Because they are bored with the content they see.

E. Because they cannot find any influencers to follow.

​3. The word "detrimental" in the thesis paragraph is closest in meaning to...

A. Beneficial

B. Harmless

C. Harmful

D. Significant

E. Essential

​4. "This constant comparison to the curated... lives of influencers..." (Paragraph 2). The underlined word can be replaced by...

A. Random

B. Neglected

C. Organized/Selected

D. Natural

E. Messy

​5. What does the word "them" in the second paragraph (sentence 4) refer to?

A. Screens

B. Influencers

C. Platforms

D. Teenagers

E. Body image issues

​6. "This lack of physical interaction prevents them from learning..." (Paragraph 3). What does the word "them" refer to?

A. Social skills

B. Teenagers

C. Face-to-face conversations

D. Non-verbal cues

E. Adult relationships

​7. According to the text, how does social media affect a teenager's social skills?

A. It makes them more confident in public speaking.

B. It helps them understand body language better.

C. It makes them too comfortable with digital communication, hindering real-life interaction.

D. It teaches them how to edit videos and photos professionally.

E. It encourages them to meet new people offline every day.

​8. Which of the following is a relevant issue mentioned in the text regarding cyberbullying?

A. It only happens during school hours.

B. It is less dangerous than physical bullying.

C. It can happen at any time because it follows the victim home.

D. It is easily stopped by deleting the app.

E. It is caused by the high price of smartphones.

​9. What is the author's suggestion in the reiteration?

A. Teenagers should delete all their social media accounts.

B. Teenagers should become influencers to gain confidence.

C. Teenagers must limit their screen time and use social media wisely.

D. Parents should stop buying smartphones for their children.

E. Schools should ban the use of social media for all students.

​10. What is the purpose of the text?

A. To describe the history of social media platforms.

B. To persuade the readers that social media use for teens has negative effects.

C. To explain how to create a popular social media account.

D. To entertain the readers with stories about teenagers and TikTok.

E. To inform the readers about the latest social media trends in 2026.

Thesis

This text explains why supporting entrepreneurship is important for inclusive economic growth. The writer believes that encouraging people to start and grow businesses can create more job opportunities and reduce economic inequality.

Arguments

Entrepreneurship helps people from different backgrounds build their own businesses. With training, mentoring, and access to resources, especially for people from disadvantaged communities, more individuals can take part in economic activities.

A strong entrepreneurial environment also increases innovation and healthy competition. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often create new ideas, new products, and new business models that improve the economy.

Supporting entrepreneurship makes the economy stronger and more stable. When there are many small businesses and startups, the economy is not dependent on only a few big companies. Small businesses can adapt quickly to changes and help local communities grow.

Entrepreneurship also helps create a fairer distribution of wealth. Successful entrepreneurs from different backgrounds can inspire others and show that anyone can succeed with effort and opportunity.

Governments can support entrepreneurship by making friendly business regulations, helping entrepreneurs access funding, and creating special support programs. These actions can make economic opportunities available to more people.

Reiteration

In conclusion, supporting entrepreneurship is an important way to achieve inclusive economic growth. Governments, businesses, and communities need to work together to create an environment where entrepreneurship can grow and benefit everyone.

Now answe these questions based on the analytical text.

1. What is the main idea of the text?

A. Big companies are more important than small businesses.

B. Entrepreneurship helps create inclusive economic growth.

C. Governments should control all businesses.

D. Innovation only comes from large companies.

E. Economic growth is impossible to achieve.

2. What does the word “inclusive” in the text most nearly mean?

A. Limited to certain groups

B. Focused on large cities

C. Involving many different people

D. Expensive and complex

E. Controlled by the government

3. According to the text, how can marginalized communities benefit from entrepreneurship?

A. By receiving free products

B. By getting training and access to resources

C. By working only in large companies

D. By avoiding economic activities

E. By depending on government aid

4. The word “vibrant” in the text is closest in meaning to:

A. Weak

B. Boring

C. Strict

D. Active and energetic

E. Traditional

5. Why do small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in the economy?

A. They reduce competition.

B. They only operate locally.

C. They create innovation and new ideas.

D. They replace large companies completely.

E. They avoid risks.

6. What can be inferred about an economy that depends only on a few big companies?

A. It is always stable.

B. It may be less resilient during economic shocks.

C. It grows faster than other economies.

D. It supports innovation better.

E. It helps marginalized groups more effectively.

7. The word “resilience” in the text is closest in meaning to:

A. Weakness

B. Popularity

C. Ability to recover quickly

D. High profit

E. Strict regulation

8. According to the text, successful entrepreneurs can inspire others because they:

A. Control the government

B. Show that success is possible for different people

C. Avoid competition

D. Only work in cities

E. Focus only on personal profit

9. Which government action best supports entrepreneurship according to the text?

A. Increasing taxes for small businesses

B. Limiting access to capital

C. Creating difficult regulations

D. Providing access to funding and support programs

E. Closing new startups

10. Which statement best reflects the author’s analytical view?

A. Entrepreneurship benefits only business owners.

B. Economic growth should depend on large corporations.

C. Supporting entrepreneurship can reduce inequality and strengthen the economy.

D. Innovation is not important for economic growth.

E. Governments should not interfere in the economy at all.