4 Present Continuous Dialogues: English Listening and Speaking (A2)
- Alex
- Oct 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 17
Level: pre-intermediate (A2)
Dialogues are a great way to practice your English speaking and listening skills. This page has four short dialogues that use the present continuous tense. You can use these dialogues in a number of ways. Here are some suggestions:
Listen and read at the same time. This helps you to understand how words are pronounced and how words link together to make phrases and sentences. This is also the easiest way to understand the dialogue.
Listen, read, and repeat. Try to mimic the speakers. You can pause the audio when you do this, but it is not necessary if you are comfortable speaking while the characters are speaking. This helps you to practice your speaking skills.
Listen and repeat without the text. Just listen and repeat what you hear. This boosts comprehension and allows you to practice your speaking skills.
Just listen and answer the comprehension questions.
Just listen. Do you understand what the speakers are saying? If not, read and listen at the same time. Explain the situation in the dialogue in your own words. You can do this orally or by writing your explanation.
Read the dialogue by yourself or with a partner. This gives you simulated English conversation practice. Make sure you know how to pronounce the words and try to speak as fluently as possible.
Are you ready? Let's practice listening to and recognizing the present continuous tense!
4 English Dialogues: Present Continuous Listening and Speaking Practice
Dialogue 1: At the Office
Comprehension
What is Dan doing?
How many colleagues are going for lunch?
Why does Brenda stop talking?
Transcript
Brenda: Hey, Dan. What are you doing?
Dan: Not much. I'm just checking my email.
Brenda: Are you still coming for lunch with Jack and me?
Dan: Yes. I'm still coming. Where are we going again?
Brenda: We're going to the new Korean place.
Dan: Oh, yeah. I can't wait. I love Korean food.
Brenda: Me too. Oh! Uh, I should stop talking. The boss is coming this way.
Dialogue 2: Our Next Vacation
Comprehension
Where is Laura going on her next vacation?
Where is Laura staying?
Why is Laura only bringing one book with her?
Transcript
Glenda: Laura, where are you going on your next vacation?
Laura: My family and I are going to Jamaica.
Glenda: Oh, nice. You're going to the Caribbean. Where are you staying?
Laura: We're staying at a five-star resort. Everything is included.
Glenda: That's so cool. How many books are you bringing with you? I know you love to read.
Laura: I'm only bringing one book with me, but it's over six-hundred pages.
Glenda: I hope it fits in your suitcase!
Dialogue 3: Who's Winning?
Comprehension
What is Ricky checking on his phone?
Who is winning the game?
Is the winning team playing at home or away?
Transcript
Gabriel: Hey, Ricky, why are you looking at your phone?
Ricky: Oh, I'm just checking the score for the baseball game.
Gabriel: Oh, yeah! I forgot that was today. Who's winning?
Ricky: The Toronto Blue Jays are winning...for now.
Gabriel: Are they playing at home or away?
Ricky: They're playing at home.
Gabriel: Nice. Go Jays! I hope they win.
Dialogue 4: What's New with You?
Comprehension
What is James starting next month?
Which program is he taking?
Why does James say "No way"?
Transcript
Robin: James! It's good to see you. What's new?
James: Hi, Robin. It's good to see you, too. What's new? Actually, I'm starting university classes next month.
Robin: University? That's great! What program are you taking?
James: I'm taking art history 101.
Robin: That's very interesting. Are you excited?
James: For sure. I can't wait to start. And you? What's new with you?
Robin: Actually, I'm teaching an art history 101 class that starts next month.
James: No way!
Do you want more listening exercises? Go to my listening page.