Past Continuous vs Past Simple: Understanding the Difference

Exercise 4: 1) We were writing the test at this time yesterday. 2) He was working in the garden from two till five o’clock. 3) Was it raining the whole day yesterday? 4) Were you not sleeping at nine o’clock last night? 5) They were watching television the whole evening. 6) Were you playing football from three till four o’clock? 7) Who was listening to the radio at this time? 8) I was not writing a letter to my granny at eight o’clock. 9) She was not helping her mother about the house from two till six.

Exercise 5:

1. Jane met her friend Sam while she was walking to work.
2. When I was sitting in the garden, it began to rain.
3. What were you doing when I phoned last night?
4. Mary was running home when she lost her wallet.
5. The policeman did not hesitate when he saw the criminal. He ran into the bank.
6. Simon broke his arm while we were playing football.
7. Was Kate sitting next to you in class yesterday?
8. We were not watching the television at 9 o'clock last night, we were having dinner.

Exercise 6:

1. It started raining while we were playing tennis.
2. What were you doing yesterday evening when he phoned?
3. George was watching TV while Mary was reading a novel.
4. Was he reading a magazine when you came?
5. The band was playing and the people were dancing when we arrived at the concert.