Alicia Lauro

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Travel Worksheet: Past Continuous Tense for Describing Interrupted Actions

Name: _______________________

Date: _______________________

 

Instructions: Complete the exercises below using the past continuous tense to describe interrupted actions in the past. Part 1: Fill in the Blanks Complete the sentences using the past continuous tense of the verbs in parentheses.

 

1. While I ______________ (explore) the city, it ______________ (start) to rain.

2. We ______________ (take) a guided tour when the bus ______________ (break) down.

3. She ______________ (take) pictures of the monuments while her friends ______________ (shop) nearby.

4. They ______________ (enjoy) their dinner at the restaurant when the power ______________ (go) out.

5. He ______________ (relax) on the beach when someone ______________ (steal) his bag.

 

Part 2: Choose the Correct Option Select the correct verb form to complete each sentence.

 

1. We were having lunch when the tour guide __________ (was arriving / arrived).

2. She __________ (was looking / looked) at the map while they were waiting for the train.

3. The children __________ (were playing / played) at the park when it started to rain.

4. I __________ (was walking / walked) around the city center when I met an old friend.

5. They __________ (were booking / booked) their tickets when the website crashed.

 

 

Part 3: Rewrite the Sentences Rewrite the following sentences using the past continuous to show interrupted actions.

 

1. I visited the museum. I met some interesting people. o While I __________, I __________.

2. She was eating lunch. Her phone rang. o While she __________, __________.

3. They were hiking in the mountains. It started to snow. o While they __________, __________.

4. We were watching a movie. The fire alarm went off. o While we __________, __________.

5. He was reading a book. His friend called him. o While he __________, __________.

 

Part 4: Travel Story Write a short travel story (about 5-6 sentences) describing a situation where one action was interrupted by another. Use the past continuous tense in your story.

 

Part 5: Check Your Understanding Answer these questions about the past continuous tense.

1. When do we use the past continuous tense? o To describe actions that __________.

2. How do we form the past continuous tense? o We use __________ + __________ + __________.

3. Give an example sentence using the past continuous tense to describe an interrupted action.

 

 

Answer Key (for teacher reference): Part 1: 1. was exploring, started 2. were taking, broke 3. was taking, were shopping 4. were enjoying, went 5. was relaxing, stole Part 2: 1. arrived 2. was looking 3. were playing 4. was walking 5. were booking Part 3: 1. I was visiting the museum when I met some interesting people. 2. While she was eating lunch, her phone rang. 3. While they were hiking in the mountains, it started to snow. 4. While we were watching a movie, the fire alarm went off. 5. While he was reading a book, his friend called him. Part 4: (Students’ answers will vary. Ensure the past continuous is used correctly.) Part 5: 1. To describe actions that were in progress when another action occurred. 2. was/were + verb + -ing 3. Example: While I was exploring the city, I bumped into an old friend.

A2 Reading Part 1

Reading Comprehension - English Language

Questions 1-6

For each question, choose the correct answer.
 

1

John,

You know I said that football practice will be on Wednesday … Well, it isn’t – it’s on Thursday. Sorry! See you there. Cheers, Adam

Why has Adam written this message?

  to ask if John wants to play football

B   to tell John that Adam can’t play football

C   to let John know about a change of plan

2

SCHOOL FESTIVAL OF BOOKS

Meet Ralph Sparks.

Hear how he got ideas for his books, including History of Exploring the New World.

Thurs 9 a.m. Room D31.

Pupils can

  buy books.

B   read about explorers.

C   come and listen to a writer.

3

Science Museum trip next Friday

Tickets are available for $4 (for coach transport to the museum, and for museum entry).

If you’re interested, see Mr Goss.

  You can now buy tickets for the museum trip.

B   Tell Mr Goss how you want to travel to the museum.

C   Mr Goss will tell you if you need a ticket to the museum.

4

From:    Lizzie

To:         Jenny

Jenny,

I think I left my scarf in your flat after the party. Have you seen it? Otherwise I’ll buy another one.

Lizzie

Why has Lizzie written this?

  to invite Jenny to a party

B   to tell Jenny about a shopping trip

C   to ask about something that she’s lost

5

Hi Dave,
I broke my tennis racket. Can I use yours? I’ll give it back in maths tomorrow. By the way, wasn’t the homework difficult?
Mike

Mike wants to

  play tennis with Dave.

B   borrow something from Dave.

C   get help from Dave with the homework.

6

Mr Gregson is away today.

Class 3, at 9 a.m., please go and join Class 4 in Room 7C for geography. Mr Gergson will be back tomorrow.

  There isn’t a geography lesson tomorrow.

B   Class 4’s lesson is happening at a different time today.

C   There will be more people in Room 7C than usual today.

 

Create and Customize Worksheets for Every Classroom

LiveWorksheets makes it easy for teachers, parents and homeschool educators to design and deliver engaging learning materials. Upload a PDF or start from scratch to create what you need: anything from interactive math worksheets to reading comprehension worksheets, multiplication worksheets, and kindergarten worksheets in just a few clicks. Our drag-and-drop editor works across all grade levels and subjects, so you can tailor content to your lesson plans, homework, or assessments. ESL teachers can also build custom ESL worksheets, add a common sound chart, or integrate ESL activities to make each class more engaging. Easily create differentiated, auto-graded activities that save valuable time and support better student learning.

A Complete Library of Learning Resources for K-12 and ESL

Access thousands of ready-to-use worksheets across K-12 subjects, including kindergarten worksheets, math worksheets, multiplication practice, reading comprehension exercises, and ESL resources. Filter by grade, subject, or skill level to find exactly what you need, whether it’s for an elementary classroom, middle school review, or high school practice. ESL teachers can explore our growing collection of ESL worksheets and English as a Second Language activities designed to support all levels of learners. With new content added regularly, LiveWorksheets is a flexible resource that helps build lasting learning outcomes.