When the Lights Went Out — Teacher Answers

A2 · Past continuous and past simple · 50–60 minutes

1. Warmer

Invite observations and connect the picture to the lesson topic. Answers vary. Introduce the target pattern before expecting independent use.

2. Vocabulary

1–C; 2–E; 3–A; 4–D; 5–B.

3–4. Reading and comprehension

1. His homework.
2. Cooking dinner.
3. A torch.
4. At eight.

5–6. Grammar and guided practice

1. was doing
2. were cooking
3. went
4. stopped
5. was finding
6. were telling

Accept equivalent full and contracted negative forms. Ask learners to explain their choices using the grammar panel.

7. Teacher-read listening script

Read twice at a natural, clear pace, with a pause between readings. Clarify vocabulary first if needed.

At four yesterday, I was walking home. My friend was cycling beside me. We were talking about school when it started to rain. We ran to a bus shelter. While we were waiting, my mum arrived in her car. She drove us home.

1. four / 4 pm
2. walking home
3. cycling
4. it started to rain
5. the speaker’s mum

8. Speaking

Personal answers vary. Allow pairs to rehearse. Monitor the target grammar and support follow-up questions with What, Where, When or Why as appropriate.

9. Grammar detective

1. He was doing homework.
2. They were cooking dinner.
3. I was walking home.
4. She was reading when the phone rang.

10. Writing and reflection

Check that learners follow the writing task, use the target forms accurately and make complete sentences. Personal examples vary.

Exit answers: was; rang.

Suggested timing and support

Warmer/vocabulary: 8 minutes; reading/comprehension: 10; grammar/practice: 12; listening: 7; speaking/game: 10; writing/reflection: 8. Give a word bank or sentence frames for support. For extension, ask pairs to create two more questions. All texts and activities are original English Drills material.