Past Simple /vs/ Past Continuous

I _____ my new job yesterday.

• started

• was starting

What _____ at around 8 a.m. this morning?

• did you do

• were you doing

While I was washing the dishes, I suddenly _____ a brilliant idea.

• had

• was having

He didn't hear the phone ring. He _____ to really loud music.

• listened

• was listening

They _____ the shop when I got there, so I couldn't go in and buy anything.

• already closed

• were already closing

The teacher told us to stop what we _____.

• did

• were doing

_____ what you were looking for in the library yesterday?

• Did you find

• Were you finding

When I heard the phone ring, I _____ it straight away.

• answered

• was answering

While they _____ (play) cards, the baby was sleeping.

While I _____ (text), the school bus arrived.