Vocabulary for sport, training, and success. Grammar: present perfect continuous — have/has been + -ing to show ongoing actions and their results.
Progress
0% complete
Vocabulary
Sport, training, competition, and achievement.
Endurance
The ability to continue doing something difficult for a long time
Marathon runners need exceptional endurance to finish the race.
Rival
A person or team competing against another
The two rivals had been competing against each other for over a decade.
Qualifying
A round or stage that determines who can compete in the main event
She has been training hard to prepare for the qualifying rounds.
Stamina
The physical and mental strength to do something for a long time
Cycling long distances requires both stamina and good technique.
Breakthrough
An important achievement after a period of effort
Winning the regional championship was a real breakthrough for the young athlete.
Coach
A person who trains athletes or sports teams
The coach has been developing new training routines for months.
Setback
A problem or difficulty that delays or prevents progress
The injury was a serious setback, but she recovered and went on to win.
Podium
The raised platform where the top three competitors stand at an award ceremony
He has been aiming for a podium finish all season.
Dedication
Strong commitment and hard work towards a goal
Her dedication to training has been extraordinary — six days a week for three years.
Tournament
A competition involving multiple teams or players over several rounds
The team has been preparing for the national tournament since January.
Pace
The speed at which someone moves or does something
He has been working on his pace to improve his finishing time.
Discipline
The ability to control behaviour and follow a strict routine; also a sport or activity
Swimming is a discipline that demands both physical and mental discipline.
Vocabulary exercises
Grammar
Present perfect continuous — have/has been + -ing
Use the present perfect continuous to talk about an action that started in the past and is still continuing, or that recently stopped but has a visible result now.
She has been training for six months. (still ongoing) He has been running — look how tired he is! (recently stopped) They have been competing at the highest level since 2019.
Subject
Form
Example
I / You / We / They
have been + verb-ing
I have been practising every day.
He / She / It
has been + verb-ing
She has been training since January.
Negative
haven't / hasn't been + verb-ing
He hasn't been sleeping well before the race.
Question
Have/Has + subject + been + verb-ing?
How long have you been playing tennis?
Use for + a period of time (for three years) and since + a point in time (since 2020). Some verbs are not usually used in continuous forms: know, like, want, believe — use present perfect simple with these.
Grammar exercises
Reading
Read the article carefully, then answer the questions.
The making of a champion
What separates a good athlete from a great one? Scientists and coaches have been debating this question for decades, and the answer is more complex than natural talent alone.
Research into elite performance has been growing rapidly since the 1990s. One of the most influential findings is the so-called "10,000-hour rule" — the idea that world-class performers have typically been practising their skill for around ten thousand hours before reaching the top. While this figure has since been questioned, the underlying point remains: consistent, focused practice over a long period is essential.
Mental strength is equally important. Athletes who have been succeeding at the highest level for many years consistently describe the ability to manage pressure as a key factor. Many elite competitors have been working with sports psychologists for years to develop techniques for concentration, visualisation, and recovery from setbacks.
The role of the coach should not be underestimated either. The best coaches have been developing their athletes not just physically but mentally and emotionally. They build trust, set realistic targets, and help athletes understand that setbacks are part of the journey — not the end of it. Talent may open the door, but dedication and smart training are what keep athletes at the top.
Comprehension questions
Certificate of completion
Unit 12: Sport and Achievement
B1 Intermediate English Course · EnglishGrammarPractice.com
Form present perfect continuous sentences correctly
Use for and since with the present perfect continuous
Understand conversations and texts about sport and training
Write a paragraph describing ongoing effort using the present perfect continuous
';}else{const needed=28-correct;res.innerHTML='
'+correct+'/35
'+pct+'% · You need 80% to pass
Keep going — you need '+needed+' more correct answer'+(needed===1?'':'s')+' to pass.
';}}
function retakeTest(){answers['test']={};buildQs('test-qs',testQs,'test');document.getElementById('test-result').innerHTML='';document.getElementById('test-submit-row').style.display='flex';}
function goTo(sec,pillEl){document.querySelectorAll('.section-content').forEach(function(s){s.classList.remove('active');});document.querySelectorAll('.section-pill').forEach(function(p){p.classList.remove('active');});document.getElementById('sec-'+sec).classList.add('active');if(pillEl)pillEl.classList.add('active');else{const p=document.querySelector('[data-sec="'+sec+'"]');if(p)p.classList.add('active');}if(sec==='test')buildQs('test-qs',testQs,'test');window.scrollTo({top:0,behavior:'smooth'});}
function updateProgress(){const sections=['vocab','grammar','reading','writing','test'];const done=sections.filter(function(s){return state.progress&&state.progress[s]!==undefined;}).length;const pct=Math.round(done/sections.length*100);document.getElementById('progFill').style.width=pct+'%';document.getElementById('progLabel').textContent=pct+'% complete';['vocab','grammar','reading','writing','test'].forEach(function(s){const pill=document.querySelector('[data-sec="'+s+'"]');const keys=[s];const allDone=keys.every(function(k){return state.progress&&state.progress[k]!==undefined;});if(pill&&allDone){pill.classList.add('completed');const ic=document.getElementById('pill-check-'+s);if(ic)ic.style.display='inline';}});if(state.progress&&state.progress.vocab!==undefined){const n=document.getElementById('vocab-next');if(n)n.style.display='inline-flex';}if(state.progress&&state.progress.grammar!==undefined){const n=document.getElementById('grammar-next');if(n)n.style.display='inline-flex';}if(state.progress&&state.progress.reading!==undefined){const n=document.getElementById('reading-next');if(n)n.style.display='inline-flex';}}
function updateWordCount(){const t=document.getElementById('writingInput').value.trim();const w=t?t.split(/\s+/).length:0;document.getElementById('wordCount').textContent=w+' word'+(w===1?'':'s');}
function showModelAnswer(){document.getElementById('modelAnswer').style.display='block';if(!state.progress)state.progress={};if(state.progress.writing===undefined){state.progress.writing=100;save();updateProgress();}}
function completeWriting(){if(!state.progress)state.progress={};state.progress.writing=100;save();updateProgress();goTo('test');}
buildQs('vocab-qs',vocabQs,'vocab');buildQs('grammar-qs',grammarQs,'grammar');buildQs('reading-qs',readingQs,'reading');updateProgress();
Writing
Guided writing task.
Task: Achievement paragraph
Write a paragraph (80-120 words) about a personal achievement or goal you are working towards. Use the present perfect continuous at least three times.
Describe what you have been doing to achieve your goal
Mention how long you have been working on it
Explain what challenges you have been facing
Use sport or achievement vocabulary from this unit
0 words
Model answer
I have been training for a half marathon for the past four months, and the experience has been both challenging and rewarding. I have been following a structured programme, running four times a week and gradually increasing my distance. My stamina has improved significantly since I started, although there have been setbacks along the way. I have been working closely with a coach who has helped me refine my pace and technique. The dedication required has surprised me, but it has also taught me a great deal about discipline.