30sEnglish in 30 SecondsPractice
← Back to stories
Present ContinuousA1–A2 · 3 min read

A Rainy Afternoon at the Café

See the present continuous in action during one busy moment.

READ FIRST

Highlighted words show the present continuous.

Rain is falling, coffee is brewing, and everyone is doing something different.

It is raining outside, so the café is unusually busy. Lina is sitting near the window and is writing an email to her sister. Two students are studying at the next table, and a little boy is drawing a spaceship on a napkin.

Behind the counter, the barista is making three drinks at once. A customer is waiting for her order, while another customer is looking for an empty seat. Nobody is rushing to leave. They are enjoying the warm, comfortable room while the rain continues.

UNDERSTAND THE TENSE

Why the Present Continuous?

Use the present continuous for actions happening now or around the present moment.

NOTICE IT

Three examples from the story

  1. Lina is writing an email.

  2. The students are studying.

  3. People are enjoying the café.

YOUR TURN

One quick challenge

Complete the sentence: The barista ___ three drinks.

Check the answeris making