Using have/has + past participle to discuss experiences without a specific time (e.g., I’ve visited Japan ). Using for and since to describe duration.
The primary focus of the first half of the Pre-Intermediate course, and consequently the mid-course test, is the consolidation of essential grammatical structures. Units 1 through 6 typically introduce or reinforce the core tenses: the Present Simple and Continuous, the Past Simple, and the future forms (going to, will, and present continuous). In the context of the test, these items are not merely academic exercises; they are tested to ensure students can distinguish between describing habits and current actions, or narrating past events versus planning for the future. Mastery of these tenses is the bedrock of the syllabus, and the mid-course test serves as a diagnostic tool to ensure this foundation is solid before more complex narrative tenses are introduced later in the book.
Example: "I (Past Continuous) home when it started (Past Simple) to rain." 2. Present Perfect vs. Past Simple (Unit 3) speakout pre-intermediate mid-course test units 1-6
If you have access, the interactive exercises for Units 1-6 are the closest thing to the real test format. Do the "Mid-Course Review" section twice.
Students often use the past continuous for both actions. Use past continuous for the longer action and past simple for the shorter action that interrupts it. Using have/has + past participle to discuss experiences
If you’re using Speakout Pre-Intermediate and you’ve reached the mid-course test covering Units 1–6, this post will help you understand the test format, the skills assessed, and practical strategies to maximize your score. I’ll also include a study checklist and sample practice tasks aligned to the book’s typical contents.
Used for background actions that were in progress in the past. It often sets the scene or gets interrupted by a Past Simple action. Example: "I was cooking dinner when the phone rang." Units 1 through 6 typically introduce or reinforce
At the end of Units 1 through 6, complete the dedicated revision pages. These exercises mimic the exact format of the actual test items.
Using be going to for pre-planned intentions and the Present Continuous for fixed arrangements with a specific time and place. Present Perfect vs. Past Simple (Unit 6)