A Lucky Break: Past Continuous Q&A

Maya: Welcome to A Lucky Break. This is episode one, and today we’re practicing three useful past-continuous questions about Mark running late. Theo: Poor Mark. A very relatable story, honestly. Maya: First, what was Mark doing? Theo: He was running late. Maya: And when was he running late? Theo: He was running late yesterday morning. Maya: Finally, what was he running late for? Theo: He was running late for a job interview. Maya: Oof. Mark, we’re rooting for you. Theo: Especially with an important job interview. Let’s say those again, slowly. Maya: What was Mark doing? Theo: He was running late. Maya: When was he running late? Theo: He was running late yesterday morning. Maya: What was he running late for? Theo: He was running late for a job interview. Theo: For past continuous, keep was light, then stress the action: was RUN-ning. RUN-ning. Maya: Nice. And for the time words, try: YES-ter-day MOR-ning. Yesterday morning. Theo: Quick check. When was Mark running late?... Maya: He was running late yesterday morning. Theo: Great work. You’ve got the what, the when, and the reason. Maya: Join us next time for episode two. See you then!

Maya: Last time, Mark was moving fast. Today, the subway is really putting the pressure on. Theo: Yeah, one missed train can make an important interview feel very, very important. Maya: Was the interview important? Theo: Yes, it was. The interview was important. Maya: Where was it? Theo: It was downtown. Maya: Why was Mark in a hurry? Theo: Because he was trying to catch the subway. Maya: And what was he trying to catch? Theo: He was trying to catch the subway. Maya: Was Mark walking slowly? Theo: No, he wasn’t. He was walking quickly. Maya: Nice. Let’s say them again, slowly. Was the interview important? Theo: Yes, it was. Maya: Where was the interview? Theo: It was downtown. Maya: Why was Mark in a hurry? Theo: Because he was trying to catch the subway. Maya: What was he trying to catch? Theo: He was trying to catch the subway. Maya: Was Mark walking slowly? Theo: No, he wasn’t. Maya: For yes-or-no questions, let your voice lift a little at the end. Was it important? Theo: Then let it fall in the answer: Yes, it was. Maya: And link this one smoothly: trying to catch the subway. Theo: Trying-to-catch-thuh-subway. Nice and connected. Maya: Quick check: Why was Mark in a hurry? Theo: Because he was trying to catch the subway. Keep “trying” clear, then connect “to catch.” Maya: Great work. See you next time. Theo: Bye for now.