Before You Write

Using the Past Tense in Descriptions

Complete the sentences with the correct forms of the verbs, either the simple past tense or the past progressive tense. Type your answer into the space provided, and then click the Submit button to reveal the answers. Compare your answers with the ones provided.

1.

In the video, Raja (ask) Paul about the email they got from Susan.

Answer: In the video, Raja asked Paul about the email they got from Susan.

2.

Paul and Raja (discuss) the email when a customer (arrive) at the desk.

Answer: Paul and Raja were discussing the email when a customer arrived at the desk.

3.

Raja (think) the email to everyone was unnecessary.

Answer: Raja thought the email to everyone was unnecessary.

4.

Paul (say) it was normal to address things that way in Canadian workplaces.

Answer: Paul said it was normal to address things that way in Canadian workplaces.

5.

In Listening 1, Susan (want) to talk to Maria before she (write) the incident report.

Answer: In Listening 1, Susan wanted to talk to Maria before she wrote the incident report.

6.

Someone (report) the loose tile to Norman at the Guest Services Desk, and then he (try) to get in touch with Maintenance.

Answer: Someone reported the loose tile to Norman at the Guest Services Desk, and then he tried to get in touch with Maintenance.

7.

Maria (walk) back to the Guest Services Desk when a customer (stop) her.

Answer: Maria was walking back to the Guest Services Desk when a customer stopped her.

8.

Maria and the customer (talk) when Alex’s break (start).

Answer: Maria and the customer were talking when Alex’s break started.

9.

An employee from Tech Shop (carry) a box when he (trip) on a loose tile.

Answer: An employee from Tech Shop was carrying a box when he tripped on a loose tile.

10.

The employee (fall), (drop) the box, and (break) his wrist.

Answer: The employee fell, dropped the box, and broke his wrist.

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