past simple vs past continuous

The storm hit the city last night and _____ great damage to many buildings and properties.

• cause

• caused

• was causing

• were causing

I was taking a shower when the phone ________

• ring

• rang

• was ringing

• rung

I came across some old pictures ______ I was tidying the chest of drawers in my bedroom.

• when

• while

• since

Our teacher arrived while we ________ our lessons.

• discussed

• was discussing

• were discussing

• discuss

He finally left university and ______ his own business.

• set up

• was setting up

• were setting up

• sets up

I can't wait to see my parents. I really look forward to ______ them a hug.

• give

• giving

• to give

I'm tired of _____ the same job every day. I'm bored to death with it now.

• do

• to do

• doing

I don't mind ______ this huge teddy bear for you.

• carry

• to carry

• carrying

Today, I would like ______ about natural diasters in Vietnam because of climate change.

• present

• to present

• presenting

He promised _______ me but then he broke his words.

• help

• to help

• helping