The past progressive (or past continuous) is an English verb tense that’s not used very often, so students are usually unclear about when to use it or how it compares to the simple past. Seeing the simple past and past progressive together in the same text really helps students figure out when to use each one. This week’s Spotlight lesson, UFO Report, features a reading and exercises that compare both tenses.
UFO Report features a story about two people who spot three UFOs while out for a drive. This lesson includes a short reading, comprehension questions, and grammar exercises. Students will also learn how to use the past progressive to create atmosphere in a story, and the story in this lesson may lead to a lively discussion about life on other planets!
All of the readings in our Library section have a digital component (including audio), so teachers and parents can choose how to present the reading and comprehension questions—either on paper or online, as a reading or listening task.
Other simple past and past progressive materials:
- Over 25 simple past and past progressive stories in our Library
- Simple past and past progressive lessons in our Grammar School
- 90 simple past and past progressive dialogues in the Conversation Station
- Simple Past Vs. Past Progressive: Grammar Chart & Teaching Tips
- Past Progressive Game for Young Learners: What Were You Doing?
Find this lesson in the Library – Past Continuous Stories.
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