Simple Present Tense Examples for IELTS

What is the Simple Present Tense?

Simple present tense is used to express general truths, facts or universal laws, habits or routines, and permanent scenarios. It is also known as one of the 12 English verb tenses and one of the strongest pillars of English grammar. Not only students require it in English proficiency tests like IELTS, PTE and TOEFL, it is also used in other standardised tests like GRE and GMAT.

Here is the formula of simple present tense with an example when used in a sentence.

Important Rules for Simple Present Tense

Keep in mind the following rules when you use a simple present in a sentence. Let us explain it better with the help of examples.

1. When the subject in the sentence is he, she or it, you must add ‘s’ or ‘es’ to the verb. Example- He goes to the gym every morning.

2. If the subject is plural in the sentence, do not add s.

Example- They go to the gym every morning.

3. If you wish to form any negative sentence or questions, you must use ‘do’ or ‘does’.

Example- She does not like to read/ Does she like to read?

4. If you have used do or does in the sentence, make use of the base form of the verb.

Example- Does she play guitar (not plays)

Now, let us discuss simple present tense examples for different tasks in the IELTS exam.

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Simple Present Tense Examples for IELTS Writing Task 1

In the IELTS academic writing task 1, students are required to use simple present tense to describe the given graphs, charts and trends that talk about different data sets or facts. Some examples include:

Examples:

• The chart shows the total number of students who study abroad.

• The table illustrates the girl child ratio in the rural areas population.

• The graph indicates that inflation rate remains constant over the years.

• The diagram depicts how solar panels generate electricity.

Tip: Simple present tense is used to describe permanent or factual data, and not historical data.

Simple Present Tense Examples for IELTS Writing Task 2

In the IELTS academic writing task 2, students are required to use simple present tense to express opinions, facts, and general truths. Some examples include:

Examples:

• Education plays a vital role in modern society.

• Many people believe that technology improves communication.

• The government provides free healthcare to citizens.

• Online learning offers flexibility and convenience.

• Climate change affects millions of lives every year.

Simple Present Tense Examples for IELTS Speaking

In the IELTS speaking test, students are required to use simple present tense to talk about routines, habits, likes and dislikes. Some examples include:

Examples:

• I wake up early every day.

• My father works in a government bank.

• I like shopping.

• We go to the temple every Tuesday.

• It rains heavily in July.

Common Mistakes to Avoid while Using Simple Present Tense for IELTS

These are the most common mistakes students make while using simple present tense in any sentence.

Simple Present Tense Signal Words You Must Know

There are some words which signal that the sentence is in present tense. Knowing them helps you use simple present tense in them correctly. These are:

• Always – She always drinks green tea.

• Every day/week/month – I go to the gym every morning.

• Usually – We usually have lunch at 2 p.m.

• Sometimes – He sometimes forgets his keys at home.

• Never – I never watch Hollywood movies.

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