(B1) Grammar: Narrative tenses

They (had left / left) many hours before we arrived.

At this time yesterday, I (wrote / was writing) an essay.

She (had graduated / graduated) from school in 2021.

By the time we (got / had got) to the cinema, the film had already started.

The football season (began / was beginning) a month ago.

We entered the house quietly because everyone (was sleeping / had slept).

The children (were playing / played) in the garden while their parents were watching them.

I heard a knock at the front door so I (went / was going) to answer it.