This A2 grammar test checks how well learners form and use the past continuous and the past simple. It covers affirmative, negative and question forms, interrupted actions with when and while, sequences of events, and common learner errors. It suits students in their first or second year of English, either in class or for self-study.
Choose the correct answer for each question. There is only one correct answer. Choose your answers, then press “Check my answers”.
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About this test
This A2 grammar test checks how well learners form and use the past continuous and the past simple. It covers affirmative, negative and question forms, interrupted actions with when and while, sequences of events, and common learner errors. It suits students in their first or second year of English, either in class or for self-study.
Topics covered
Past continuous form (was/were + -ing)Past simple regular and irregular verbsNegatives and questionsWhen and whileInterrupted actionsSequences of eventsSpelling of -ing forms
How to use this test
Download the PDF and print it, or take the test online below.
Answer every question without a dictionary or time pressure.
Check your answers and note the topics you need to review.
Notes for teachers
Use this test after introducing the past continuous alongside the past simple, or as a review. It targets typical A2 errors such as was/were agreement, missing -ing, 'did' + -ing, and wrong irregular past forms. It also tests choosing the past continuous for a longer background action and the past simple for a short action that interrupts it. For follow-up, ask students to write five sentences about what they were doing at different times yesterday and what happened.
A2 
