2/8/2020 Pre-Intermediate Grammar | The Old Colonel | esl-lounge Student
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The Old Colonel - Present Perfect Practice.
Read this text about the old colonel. Then use the answer prompts to write
questions using either the present perfect or the past simple.
I think I have had a very interesting life. I'm 73 now and I don't work anymore.
I was in the army for 51 years. I retired when I was 69. I have been to so many
countries that I can't remember all of them. I've been to Australia six or seven
times and to South Africa three times. I have also been once to Russia but I
didn't like it at all: much too cold for me!
They say that love is the greatest thing and I agree. I've been married four times
but never for more than five years. I don't think women really understand me!
I've never been on television, but I've been on the radio once. It was a
programme about life in the military about twenty years ago. I met the Prime
Minister on the same day. Actually, I've met a lot of famous people: members of
the royal family, famous politicians and also famous cinema and television
personalities. I've never met the American President though which is a pity.
Because I've travelled a lot, I've seen a lot of wonderful things and have also
eaten and drunk some strange foods and drinks. I ate cat and rat in India and
drank something called Mirto on a little island in Italy many years ago.
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2/8/2020 Pre-Intermediate Grammar | The Old Colonel | esl-lounge Student
1. What job did he do before retiring?
He worked in the army.
2. How long was he in the army?
For 51 years.
3. How many times has he been to Australia?
Six or seven times.
4. Did he like Russia?
No, it was too cold.
5. why has he been married so many times?
Because women don't understand him.
6. Has he ever been on the radio ?
Yes, he has. But never on TV.
7. When did he meet the prime minister?
When he was on the radio.
8. Has he ever met the American president?
No, he hasn't but he wants to.
9. Where did he eat cat and rat?
In India.
10. Has he ever drunk Mirto?
Yes, he has. In Italy.
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2/8/2020 Pre-Intermediate Grammar | The Old Colonel | esl-lounge Student
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