Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Understanding the correct application of tenses is fundamental to effective communication in English. The interplay between the past continuous tense, which describes an action ongoing in the past, and the simple past tense, which denotes a completed action in the past, is crucial for conveying a clear sequence of events. This question specifically assesses the ability to correctly combine these tenses to illustrate an interruption of an ongoing action.
The correct sentence is: She was reading the newspaper when I saw her.
Explanation of Tense Usage
This sentence utilizes the past continuous tense ("was reading") to describe an action that was in progress at a specific point in the past. The simple past tense ("saw") is used to indicate an action that interrupted the ongoing action. The structure "was/were + verb-ing" denotes the past continuous, while the simple past is formed by the past form of the verb.
Why other options are incorrect:
- She read the newspaper when I saw her. - This implies both actions happened sequentially, not that seeing interrupted reading.
- She was reading the newspaper and I saw her. - This simply states two actions happening, without indicating a relationship of interruption.
- She had read the newspaper when I saw her. - This implies the newspaper reading was completed *before* being seen, changing the meaning entirely.
Grammatical Rules Illustrated
The use of "when" as a conjunction signals the interruption. The past continuous tense sets the scene, establishing the ongoing action, while the simple past tense introduces the interrupting event. This structure is a common and important grammatical pattern in English.
Example in a broader context
Consider this expanded example: "She was diligently reading the newspaper, completely absorbed in the articles, when I saw her and decided to approach her with a question." This demonstrates how the initial tense structure sets the stage for further narrative development.
| Tense | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Past Continuous | Action in progress at a specific time in the past | I was watching TV at 8 pm last night. |
| Simple Past | Completed action in the past | I watched a movie yesterday. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct answer demonstrates a clear understanding of the interplay between the past continuous and simple past tenses. The sentence "She was reading the newspaper when I saw her" accurately conveys the idea of an action being interrupted, showcasing a fundamental grasp of English grammar. Mastering these tenses is essential for precise and effective communication.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.