Quiz on the Simple Tenses

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Part A Instructions: Read the passage below and fill in the blanks with the correct tense of the verb. A poor man had twelve children and was forced to work night and day to give them even bread. When therefore the thirteenth 1._______ into the world, he knew not what to do in his trouble, but ran out into the great highway, and resolved to ask the first person whom he met to be godfather. The first to 2.________ him was the good God who already knew what filled his heart, and said to him, poor man, I pity you. I 3._________ your child at its christening, and will take charge of it and make it happy on earth. The man said, who are you? I am God. Then I do not desire to have you for a godfather, 4.________ the man, you give to the rich, and leave the poor to hunger. He turned therefore away from the Lord, and 5._______ farther. Then the devil came to him and said, if you 6._________ me as a godfather for your child, I will give him gold in plenty and all the joys of the world as well. The man 7._______, who are you? I am the devil. Then I do not desire to have you for godfather, you deceive men and lead them astray. He went onwards, and then came death striding up to him and said, take me as godfather. The man asked, who are you? I am death, and I 9._________ all equal. Then said the man, you are the right one, you take the rich as well as the poor without distinction, you 10.________ godfather. Death answered, I will make your child rich and famous, for he who BONUS_______ me for a friend can lack nothing. Adapted from Godfather Death by the Brothers Grimm

Part B Instructions: Use each of the following verbs in three sentences. In the first sentence, the verb should be in the simple past tense; in the second sentence, the simple present; in the third sentence, the simple future.

1. understand

2. cooperate

3. accomplish

4. develop

5. encounter

Answer Key for Part A 1. Came 2. Meet 3. Will hold 4. Said 5. Went 6. Will take 7. Asked 8. Make 9. Shall be 10. Has