B1 Reading: Past Continuous

Instructions: Read the texts and complete the exercises below.

Unit 1: The Mysterious Blackout

Pre-Reading Task: Prediction

Have you ever experienced a sudden power blackout? What was the last thing you were doing before the lights went out?

Reading Text

The lights went out at exactly 8:00 PM. It was a complete surprise to everyone in the house. Before that moment, things were peaceful and busy. Dad was cooking dinner in the kitchen, and the smell of spaghetti was filling the air. Mum was talking to her friend on the phone, telling her about their holiday plans. My sister, Clara, was doing her homework at the dining table, and she sighed loudly because she lost her place. I was playing a video game when the screen suddenly turned black. Outside, the neighbours were walking their dog and enjoying the cool evening air. The blackout lasted for an hour, interrupting all our activities. When the power finally returned, we were all sitting together, telling ghost stories.

Activity 1: Reading Comprehension

1. What was Dad doing when the lights went out?

2. True or False: The blackout lasted for only a few minutes.

3. What was Clara's reaction when the power went off?

4. What were the neighbours doing?

Activity 2: Past Continuous Production

Complete the sentences using the past continuous form of the verb in brackets (was/were + -ing). Refer to the text if necessary.

1. Before the blackout, Mum (talk) ________ on the phone.

2. I (play) ________ a video game when the screen went dark.

3. The family (sit) ________ together and telling ghost stories when the power returned.

4. The neighbours (walk) ________ their dog outside.

5. Clara (do) ________ her homework at the dining table.

Unit 2: The Festival Chaos

Pre-Reading Task: Brainstorming

Think about a large music festival. What kind of activities were happening simultaneously before something unexpected occurred?

Reading Text

It was 6 PM at the annual Riverdale Music Festival when the rain suddenly started. Before the storm, hundreds of people were having a wonderful time. On the main stage, the band was playing their most popular song, and the crowd was dancing enthusiastically. Near the food stands, vendors were selling hotdogs and cold drinks, and a long queue was forming for the famous vegan burgers. Children were running around the field, laughing and chasing bubbles. I was trying to take a photo of the sunset, which was beautiful and orange. Then, a huge drop of water hit my phone screen. Within minutes, the music stopped, and everyone started running for shelter. The festival was temporarily paused.

Activity 1: Reading Comprehension

1. What interrupted the festival?

2. True or False: A short queue was forming for the vegan burgers.

3. What was the band doing on the main stage?

4. What hit the narrator's phone screen?

5. Why were people running?

Activity 2: Past Continuous Production

Complete the sentences using the past continuous form of the verb in brackets.

1. The crowd (dance) ________ enthusiastically before the rain.

2. Vendors (sell) ________ food near the main stage.

3. I (try) ________ to take a photo of the sunset.

4. Hundreds of people (have) ________ a wonderful time.

5. Children (run) ________ around the field, chasing bubbles.