SDEC International School

English Worksheet - Past Simple vs Past Continuous Name: _____________________

➢ Past Simple >>>>> irregular / -ed (V2)

➢ Past continuous >>>>> was/were + Ving
➢ Past continuous >>>>> long action / continuous action / first action
➢ Past Simple >>>>> short action / interrupted action / second action
➢ Connectors >>>>> when + v2 (or) while/as + was/were +Ving

Exercise 1: Match the sentences halves.

A B

1. While I was walking home, a. The phone rang.

2. She was cooking dinner when b. my favourite song started playing on the radio.

3. They were playing football when c. I found a lost dog.

4. He was studying in his room when d. someone knocked on the door.

5. While we were watching a movie, e. a strom began suddenly.

6. I was listening to music while f. the kettle started to whistle.

7. The baby was crying because g. the children were fighting over a toy.

8. While I was reading a book, h. I spilled my coffee.

9. We were having a picnic when i. they broke a window.

10. She was talking on the phone while j. the light went out unexpectdly.

a b c d e f g h i j

Exercise 2: Complete the sentences with the correct form of simple past or past continuous tense.
 1. While I __________________ (walk) to school, it started to rain.

2. She was reading a book when the phone __________________ (ring).

3. They were playing football when it suddenly ______________ (begin) to snow.

4. I saw an old friend while I ______________ (shop) at the mall.

5. He fell asleep while he ________________ (watch) TV.

6. We were having dinner when the lights ____________________ (go) out.

7. The children were making a mess while their parents __________________ (talk).

8. I broke my leg while I __________________ (ski) in the Alps.

9. She was running to catch the bus when she __________________ (drop) her phone.

10. While the teacher was explaining the lesson, the students __________________ (take) notes.

Exercise 3: Complete the sentences with the correct form of simple past and past continuous tense.

1. While I __________________ (walk) to the park, I __________________ (see) a beautiful bird.

2. She __________________ (cook) dinner when the doorbell __________________ (ring).

3. They __________________ (play) in the garden when it suddenly __________________ (start) to

rain.

4. I __________________ (read) a magazine while my brother __________________ (watch) a movie.

5. He __________________ (drive) to work when he __________________ (hear) the news on the

radio.

6. We __________________ (sit) by the fire when we __________________ (notice) the strange

sound.

7. The students __________________ (write) their assignments when the teacher

__________________ (enter) the room.

8. She __________________ (drop) her coffee cup while she __________________ (talk) on the

phone.

9. While the baby __________________ (sleep), the parents __________________ (discuss) their

weekend plans.

10. I __________________ (work) on my project when my friend __________________ (call) me.

Exercise 4: Underline the mistake and write the correct answer.

1. While I was read, my brother entered the room.

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2. They played football when it suddenly was starting to rain.

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3. She cooks dinner when the phone rang.

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4. I was watching TV when my mom was call me to the kitchen.

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5. The kids runs in the park while their parents were talking.

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6. We saw a deer while we hike in the forest.

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7. He dropped his phone while he walk to work.

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8. As I clean the windows, a bird hit the glass.

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9. They were building the treehouse when it was raining.

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10. She danced at the party when someone spill juice on her dress.

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Writing Prompt: A Day to Remember

Instructions:
Write a short story (50-100 words) about a memorable day in your life. Use both past simple and past continuous to
describe what happened (at least 4 sentences). You can follow these steps to guide your story:

1. Introduction:
o Set the scene. Describe what you were doing at the beginning of the day.

2. Main Events:
o Describe the sequence of events using past simple and past continuous.

3. Climax:
o Write about something unexpected or exciting that happened.

4. Conclusion:
o Wrap up the story and explain how the day ended.

Example :

A Day to Remember

Last Sunday, I was walking in the park when I saw a small dog stuck in a bush. It was barking
loudly while I was trying to pull it out. Suddenly, its owner appeared and thanked me. While we were
talking, the dog jumped on me and licked my face! I laughed so hard. Later, the owner bought me an ice
cream to say thank you. As I was eating, I thought about how special the day was. It’s a memory I’ll
never forget!

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