Present simple is used to talk about

• Permanent situations - situations that are generally or permanently true
• Routines and frequency - routines and things we do regularly
• Scientific or other facts
• Programmes and timetables - in this case present simple can refer to the future

There are two flights from Minneapolis to Seattle. One leaves at 11.15 and arrives at approx. 13.30, and another one leaves at 17.15 and arrives at 18.40

Present continuous is used to talk about

• Moment of speaking - activity taking place at the moment of speaking
• Current projects - actions or activities and current projects that are taking place over a period of time (even if they not taking place at the moment of speaking)

Holiday Travel Company has moved into the health and leisure business. It is setting up new fitness club in the city and hopes to expand to other places.
 
• Temporary situation - indicates that actions or activity is temporary rather than permanent.

Nicola organises our conferences and booklets publishing.
(The present simple is used because this permanent responsibility.)
Nicola is away on her vacation, so I am arranging all relations with publishing company.
 
• Slow changes - current trends and slow changes that are taking place

The latest market statistics show that American economy is strengthening, and that the dollar is rising.

When considering use of Present simple or Present continuous use the following rules

A. Routine vs moment of speaking

1. John works for computer magazine. Every month he writes a computer market review.
2. Send this information to John. He needs it for a current review he's writing now.

 

 
 
 

In 1, we are talking about John's usual responsibility that he does as routine.
In 2, we are talking about something he is doing at the moment of speaking.

1. I work for Open University. We provide Internet based education courses.
2. At the moment we are preparing a videoconferencing course on mathematics.

 

 
 
 

In 1, we are talking about a general activity.
In 2, we are talking about a specific current project.

1. Peter deals with enquiries about our book sales.
2. I am dealing with enquiries about our last published book while Peter is away on training courses.

1. As a rule, cheap imports lead to greater competition.
2. Cheap imports are leading to the closure of a number of inefficient factories.

There are a number of verbs which describe states rather than actions. They are not normally used in the continuous form.
 
 

Verbs of thinking	believe, doubt, guess, imagine, know, realise, suppose, understand
Verbs of the senses	hear, smell, sound, taste
Verbs of possession	belong to, have (meaning possess), own, possess
Verbs of emotion	dislike, hate, like, love, prefer, regret, want, wish
Verbs of appearance	appear, seem
Other	contain, depend on, include, involve, mean measure, weigh, figure

I'm sorry, I don't understand what you mean.