Answer the following question on the ANSWER SHEET.
When the simple past refers to the present time, what are its characteristic uses? Illustrate them with examples.

Correct one error in each of the following sentences.

It’s ten years since I didn't see him and he has changed beyond recognition.

Fill in the blanks with the words given in brackets. Make changes or add something where necessary．

​Just now I  (see) a man with a scar across his face come out of the shop.

We’ll have to stay at home if it（ ）tomorrow.

He was hoping to go abroad but his parents （ ）that they won’t support him unless he can borrow money from the bank.

The child ought to have a rest; she（）the piano for nearly three hours. 

The committee（）among themselves for hours on this issue. 

Up to now, the report（ ）on the need for a new language lab.

The Niagara Falls （ ） long been a popular tourist destination, boosted by a number of movies.

Every means（）tried in the company to promote sales but without much effect.

My boss（）a rise in my salary for years，but nothing has happened yet．

Over the past two years, we（ ）on strengthening our community mental health services.

A great deal of research（）into the possible cures to AIDS in recent years.

It seems that oil（）from the tank for some time. We’ll have to take the oil tank apart to see what's wrong. 

What are you talking about? You __________ (disturb) the class. 

When they arrived at the airport, the plane （ ）.

Considering it was the first time she（）a speech to the public, she did a wonderful job.

The discoveries made on the Mars were more than they（）

All representatives（）present before ten o’clock yesterday morning.

I only called the police when I （ ） everything else.