Past Continuous Tense Stories – PDF
The past continuous tense is used to talk about actions that took place at a particular time in the past. It helps to describe events that were in progress. It is formed by using ‘was’ or ‘were’ with a verb ending in ‘-ing’. Let’s look at three simple and accessible stories for students that use the past continuous tense. After each story you’ll find exercises and answers to help you practice. You can also download a PDF of past continuous tense stories at the bottom of this page.
Past Continuous Tense Stories
Story 1: The School Project
Past Continuous Tense Stories PDF
Last week, Jenny and her friends were working on their school project. They were making a poster for science class, and they wanted it to look perfect. While Jenny was cutting some pictures, Tom was gluing the pieces together. Sarah was drawing the title with big, colorful letters.
While they were working, the teacher came by to check on them. “You all look busy!” she said. Jenny smiled and replied, “Yes, we are doing our best!” At that moment, Tom accidentally dropped the glue bottle, and everyone started laughing. The group quickly cleaned it up and continued working.
By the end of the day, their project was finished, and they felt proud. Even though some things were going wrong, like the glue spill, they were enjoying their time together.
Exercises:
- What were Jenny and her friends doing for their science class?
- What was Jenny doing while Tom was gluing the pieces?
- What was happening when the teacher came by?
Answer Key:
- They were working on a school project and were making a poster.
- Jenny was cutting some pictures.
- They were working when the teacher came by.
Story 2: The Soccer Game
Yesterday afternoon, Mike and his friends were playing soccer at the park. It was a sunny day, and everyone was having a good time. Mike was running after the ball when suddenly he tripped and fell. While he was lying on the ground, his teammates ran over to help him.
While they were talking, Mike’s mom arrived at the park. She had been watching from a distance and wanted to make sure everything was okay. Mike smiled and said, “Don’t worry, Mom. We were just playing, and I tripped. I’m fine!”
After a few minutes, Mike got up and was playing again like nothing had happened. The game continued, and everyone was laughing and having fun.
Exercises:
- What were Mike and his friends doing at the park?
- What was Mike doing when he tripped and fell?
- What were they doing when Mike’s mom arrived?
Answer Key:
- They were playing soccer.
- Mike was running after the ball.
- They were talking when Mike’s mom arrived.
Story 3: A Busy Morning
This morning, Anna was getting ready for school. She was brushing her hair while her brother was looking for his shoes. Their mom was making breakfast in the kitchen. Everyone was hurrying because they didn’t want to be late.
As Anna was packing her school bag, she realized she couldn’t find her math book. She was looking under the bed and on her desk, but it was nowhere to be found. “Where could it be?” she thought. Meanwhile, her brother was still searching for his shoes, and their mom was calling them to come eat.
Finally, Anna found her book on the couch. She grabbed it quickly and ran to the kitchen, where breakfast was waiting. It had been a busy morning, but now they were ready for school.
Exercises:
- What was Anna doing while her brother was looking for his shoes?
- What was their mom doing in the kitchen?
- What was Anna looking for before school?
Answer Key:
- Anna was brushing her hair.
- Their mom was making breakfast.
- Anna was looking for her math book.
