Simple Past vs. Past Continuous (OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL)

A.Put the verbs into the correct tense (simple past or past progressive).

1. While I (do) the washing-up, I (break) a plate.
2. While Tom (play) the piano, his mother (do) the washing-up.
3. He (drink) some juice and then he (eat) a few chips.
4. I (have) dinner when I suddenly (hear) a loud bang.
5. When my father (work) in the garden, an old friend (pass) by to see him.
6. She (go) to school, (take) out her textbook and (begin) to learn.
7. As soon as it (start) to rain, our dog (want) to come inside.
8. While Jane (do) a language course in Ireland, she (visit) Blarney Castle.
9. When I (be) on my way home, I (see) an accident.
10. I (not / understand) what they (talk) about. 

B.Put the verbs into the correct tense (Simple Past or Past Progressive).

1. When I (get) up yesterday, the sun (shine) .
2. It (is) a beautiful morning.
3. So I (decide) to cycle around a little.
4. I (go) to the shed and (take) out my bike.
5. While I (cycle) past some villages, I (see) some people in their gardens.
6. One man (mow) the grass while his wife (pick) strawberries.
7. After one hour of cycling in sunshine, a big fat raincloud suddenly (appear) and it (start) to rain.
8. Luckily, a farmer (notice) me and (tell) me to come in.
9. While it (rain) outside, I (sit) in the farmer's house.
10. After a while, the sun (come) out again.
11. I (thank) the farmer for his hospitality and (move) on. 

C. Put the verbs into the correct tense (Simple Past or Past Progressive).

1. A: »What (do / you) yesterday at 8 pm?«
2. B: »I (sit) in the pub with Sam. Why?«
3. A: »I (drive) to the sports centre at that time to play squash with a few friends. As we (be) only three players, I (try) to ring you to ask if you would like to come as well. But I (reach / not) you at home.«
4. B: »Why (ring / not / you) my mobile?«
5. A: »I actually (want) to ring your mobile, but by accident I (dial) William's number. He (do / not) anything special at that moment and really (like) the idea of playing squash with us.