Present Simple vs. Present Progressive: Community and Altruistic Organizations

Right now, the community ______ (help) people affected by the recent hurricane.

1. La expresión Right now indica una acción que ocurre en este momento.
2. Por lo tanto, se usa el presente progresivo: is helping.

The United Nations ______ (focus) its efforts on maintaining international peace and ______ (promote) friendly relations between nations.

1. La ONU realiza estas acciones de forma permanente, no en un momento específico.
2. Se usa el presente simple; con The United Nations (sujeto singular) se añade -s: focuses y promotes.

Your voice ______ (matter) and our organization ______ (try) to find solutions to your problems.

1. Son verdades generales y acciones habituales.
2. Presente simple: matters (tu voz importa) y tries (la organización intenta).

Since the earthquake, volunteers ______ (work) day and night to help people in need.

1. Since the earthquake indica una acción que comenzó en el pasado y continúa.
2. Se usa el presente perfecto progresivo o presente progresivo; en este nivel se acepta are working.

Each year, more women ______ (join) protests against violence.

1. Each year indica una acción repetida o habitual.
2. Presente simple: join.

Think about the name of your organization.

Respuesta orientativa: Helping Hands Community (Manos Amigas).

Make a list of the problems it attends.

Respuesta orientativa:

• Falta de alimentos en familias de bajos recursos.
• Niños sin acceso a útiles escolares.
• Personas enfermas sin medicamentos.
• Falta de agua potable en comunidades rurales.

Write three regular activities of your organization using the present simple tense.

Respuesta orientativa:

1. We collect food and clothes for families in need.
2. We organize free medical campaigns every month.
3. We teach children to read and write.

Write three activities you are doing now using the present progressive tense.

Respuesta orientativa:

1. We are distributing food in the community.
2. We are building a new school library.
3. We are training new volunteers.

Write a letter to your country's government (no more than three paragraphs long) asking for cooperation to help more people and describing the activities you mentioned above. Remember to include the date, the name of the organization you are writing to, the greeting, a complimentary close, and your signature.

Respuesta orientativa:

Mexico City, June 15th, 2026.

To the Ministry of Social Development:

Dear Sir or Madam,

We are writing on behalf of Helping Hands Community, an altruistic organization that supports vulnerable families in our city. We are currently distributing food, clothes, and school supplies, and we are organizing free medical campaigns. However, the demand is growing and our resources are limited.

We are requesting your cooperation to expand our programs and reach more people. With your support, we could help hundreds of families and children who are living in poverty. We are willing to work together and provide reports on our activities.

We look forward to your positive response.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] President of Helping Hands Community