These present continuous video activities are a fun and focused way to practise describing what’s happening right now. They work well as speaking, listening, or integrated skills tasks, and are especially useful for revising vocabulary and practising subject-verb agreement in context.
How It Works
Put students into pairs. One student faces the screen and watches a video clip. Their partner sits with their back to the screen.
As the video plays, the viewer describes what’s happening using the present continuous:
A man is walking into the shop.
He’s picking up a watermelon.
The woman is laughing.
The listener tries to imagine the scene. Afterwards, you can ask comprehension questions, reverse roles, or show the video again to check what was missed.
Tips for Using Video in Class
- Use short clips (20–60 seconds) with clear, visible actions
- Mute the audio to keep the focus on visual description
- Pre-teach or review action verbs as needed (run, carry, laugh, fall, wave)
Example Videos for Practising Present Continuous
More Present Continuous Video Activities
1. Pause and Predict
Play a short clip, then pause mid-action and ask:
What’s happening?
What’s she doing right now?
What do you think will happen next?
This blends present continuous practice with light prediction, and works well as a group discussion starter.
2. Wrong Descriptions Game
While a video plays, you describe what’s happening — but intentionally make some mistakes.
Students must listen and raise their hand (or shout “No!”) when they spot something incorrect.
The man is climbing a ladder.
(Actually, he’s dancing.)
Then they correct it using the present continuous:
He’s dancing, not climbing.
Fun, quick, and great for listening accuracy.
3. Live Webcam Descriptions
Use live webcam feeds (from a zoo, public square, beach, etc.). Students watch in real time and describe what people or animals are doing.
The giraffe is walking.
A woman is taking a photo.
People are standing near the fountain.
Tip: https://explore.org/livecams has many usable, safe webcams.
4. Narrate the Scene Like a Sports Commentator
Ask students to watch an action-packed scene and narrate it live in pairs or groups, like a sports commentator.
Encourage exaggeration and fluency:
And now she’s running — she’s running! He’s chasing her with a baguette! What’s happening?!
Great for confident classes or as an end-of-lesson energiser.
Shawn the sheep is also good for this