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B1At School

Catch Up: Staying on Track at School

Phrasal Verb: catch up |Grammar: Present Continuous

Objective

Students will learn how to use the phrasal verb 'catch up' in the present continuous tense to talk about getting up to date with missed schoolwork.

Article

At school, sometimes students miss classes because of illness or other reasons. When this happens, they need to catch up with their lessons. Catching up means working to learn what they missed. Many students are currently catching up on their homework after being away. Teachers are helping by giving extra exercises. Some students are catching up by studying with friends or using online resources. Catching up is important because it helps students understand new topics better and keep up with the class. Right now, many students are catching up to avoid falling behind. It can be hard, but catching up shows dedication and helps students feel more confident in their studies.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The phrasal verb 'catch up' means to get to the same point or level as others, especially after falling behind.

Grammar Note

The present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are happening right now or around the current time. It is formed with the verb 'to be' + verb + -ing.

Usage Tips

  • Use 'catching up' to describe ongoing efforts to improve or update knowledge.
  • Remember to use the correct form of 'to be' with the subject (am, is, are).
  • This phrasal verb can be used in many contexts, but here it focuses on schoolwork.

Examples

I am catching up on my math homework after missing last week.

Student updating missed work

She is catching up with the rest of the class in science.

Student reaching the same level as classmates

We are catching up by reviewing yesterday’s lessons together.

Group study to update knowledge

The teacher is catching up with students who were absent.

Teacher helping students learn missed content

They are catching up on reading assignments during break time.

Students studying during free time

Dialogue

Context: Two friends discuss their plans to catch up on missed schoolwork after a holiday.

A:
I’m catching up on the history notes I missed last week.
B:
That’s good! I’m also catching up with the science project.
A:
Are you catching up with anyone to help you?
B:
Yes, I’m catching up with Sarah after school today.
A:
Great! Catching up together makes it easier.
B:
I agree. We’re catching up fast this way.

Vocabulary

catch up
To reach the same level as others after falling behind
Example: She is catching up on her science lessons.
Synonym: keep up
missed
Not attended or lost (a class or event)
Example: He missed two days of school last month.
Synonym: skipped
homework
Assignments given to students to do outside class
Example: I am doing my homework now.
Synonym: assignment
lesson
A period of teaching about a subject
Example: Today’s lesson is about geography.
Synonym: class
teacher
A person who helps students learn
Example: The teacher is explaining the new topic.
Synonym: instructor
study
To spend time learning about a subject
Example: We are studying for the exam.
Synonym: learn
absent
Not present at a place, especially school
Example: She was absent yesterday because she was ill.
Synonym: missing
project
A task or assignment, usually longer and more detailed
Example: We are working on a history project.
Synonym: assignment
notes
Written information taken during lessons
Example: I am reviewing my notes before the test.
Synonym: records
review
To look over or study something again
Example: They are reviewing the lesson before the exam.
Synonym: revise

Tips

  • Use 'catching up' when talking about ongoing efforts to update knowledge.
  • Remember to use the correct form of the verb 'to be' with the subject in present continuous.
  • Don’t confuse 'catch up' with 'catch on' – the latter means to understand something.

Summary

This lesson taught you how to use the phrasal verb 'catch up' in the present continuous tense when talking about schoolwork. You learned that 'catching up' means working to reach the same level as others, especially after missing classes. Practising this helps you discuss your progress clearly.

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