Put the verbs in brackets in the right form of Past Simple.

1. There isn't a cloud in the sky, but it was cloudy in the morning.
2. Mrs. Clay usually finishes her work at half past three, but she finished it later yesterday
afternoon.
3. I often help Mom about the house, but last week I couldn't help her much because of the
exams.
4. After having substantial meals we decided to have a sleep.
5. Now my brother smokes a lot, though he didn't smoke before.
6. I was about to leave, when somebody called.
7. He booked the ticket, packed the suitcase and called for the taxi.
8. When did you see Tom last? – I saw him last at the party.
9. Could you swim well when you were a child?
10. It seemed impossible for him to win but he did.
11. I walked quickly because I felt cold.
12. It took him two hours to get home.
13. Last weekend she bought a wonderful dress. She said it cost a lot.
14. When he met Mary half a year ago, he fell in love with her at first sight.
15. Edward made up his mind to escape from the prison.
16. We studied a lot to pass the exam.
17. How did you cut your finger? – I tried to peel the potato.

5. Now my brother smokes a lot, though he didn't use to smoke before.