Editing

This year in class we’ve been studying endangered species. We’ve already studied the panda and the tiger. Now we’re learning about the African elephant. Elephants have been roaming the Earth for millions of years! I have to write a research paper on the topic. I’ve been researching it on the Web since Monday. It’s now Friday, and I haven’t finished yet. There’s so much information! I’ve ordered a book about endangered species. I really find this topic interesting, and I’ve been learning a lot! The paper has to be ten pages long. So far, I’ve written about five pages. I’ve been thinking about a title for my paper, but I haven’t decided on one yet.

How Long and How Much?

YOU: How long have you been observing Granddad?
OWEN: I’ve been observing him for two years.

YOU: How much vegetation has he been eating?
OWEN: He’s been eating a lot of vegetation.

YOU: How often has he stopped for water?
OWEN: He’s stopped for water four times.

YOU: How much water has he been drinking?
OWEN: He’s not been drinking much water.

YOU: How long has he walked today?
OWEN: He’s walked nine hours.

YOU: How far has he traveled today?
OWEN: He traveled over 30 miles.

Granddad

We’ve been hearing about Granddad since we arrived here in Amboseli Park. He is one of the last “tuskers.” Two days ago, we finally saw him. His tusks are more than seven feet long. I have never seen anything like them.

Granddad has been living here for more than 60 years. He’s experienced everything, and he’s survived countless threats from human beings. Young men have been tested their courage against him, and poachers have hunted him for his ivory. His experience and courage has saved him so far.

For the last two days, Granddad has been moving slowly through the tall grass. He has been eating and resting. Luckily, it has rained a lot this year, and even the biggest elephants have been finding enough food and water.

Watching this elephant has been an incredible experience. I hope he is still here when we come back next year!

What’s Been Happening?

1. She’s been working in her office.
2. She’s been following an elephant in the field.
3. She’s been writing an article.
4. She hasn’t read the newspaper.
5. She’s been drinking coffee.
6. She hasn’t drunk tea.
7. She hasn’t eaten her sandwich.
8. She hasn’t been watching TV.
9. She’s been working hard.
10. It has been raining all day.

Professor Owen’s Work

1. Professor Owen is working on two articles for the next issue of National Wildlife magazine. She has been writing these articles since Monday.
2. National Wildlife magazine has published its annual report on the environment. It is an excellent report.
3. More than 500 African elephants have already died this year.
4. Professor Owen has been giving many talks about elephants in past lecture series.
5. She has spoken at our school many times.
6. Congress has created a new study group to discuss the problem of endangered animals. The group has already met twice.
7. The new group has a lot of work to do. Lately, the members have been studying the problem of the spotted owl.
8. Professor Owen was late for a meeting with the members of Congress. When she arrived the chairperson said, “At last, you’re here. We have been waiting for you.”
9. Professor Owen has lived in Kenya for the last two years, but she will return to the United States in January.
10. She has worked with the environmentalists in Kenya and Tanzania.

Discover The Grammar

Professor Owen has been reading a book about African wildlife.
She finished the book. FALSE

She’s read a book about African wildlife.
She finished the book. TRUE

She’s written a magazine article about the rain forest.
She finished the article. TRUE

She’s been waiting for some supplies.
She received the supplies. FALSE

They’ve lived in Uganda since 1992.
They are still in Uganda. TRUE

They’ve been living in Uganda since 19992.
They are still living in Uganda. TRUE

We’ve been discussing environmental problems with the leaders of many countries.
The discussions are probably over. FALSE

We’ve discussed these problems with many leaders.
The discussions are probably over. TRUE

Editing

I’ve just finished reading a fascinating article about Felicia Mabuza-Suttle. Actually, I’ve read several articles about her this year. She’s a very famous international businesswoman and talk show host in South Africa. Guess what! We have something in common! She and her husband had a “computer marriage” for more than 15 years, and they are still happily married! She’s living in Johannesburg, South Africa; he’s living in Atlanta, Georgia. That’s a whole ocean apart! They met in 1970s. In the first 10 years of their marriage they lived in more than 10 cities. Then, in the early 1990s she returned to South Africa to help her country. It wasn’t an easy life, but they both feel it’s been very worthwhile. Their situation makes our problems seem not that bad. Joe and I are only 3,000 miles apart, and we managed to see each other a lot since we left Detroit. But, to be honest, I was happier when we lived together in Detroit. I hope we can live together again someday soon.