Help with preterit and imperfect

Question

These are the directions we get

Hay problemas que siempre se presentan en los momentos mas inoportunos. Exprese esto segun el modelo.

1. Elena gana el partido/cuando/se resbala y se cae

2. Estamos en el ascensor/ en el momento que/ hay un apagon

do you have to switch between the preterit and imperfect? i dont get this at alll. Please help

Answer 1

The actions in the first event all began and ended at the same time: Elena ganó el partido cuando se resbaló y se cayó. (Although it seems strange that she would win after falling - it´s an odd sentence)

In the second, one action started and ended while another was in progress: Estábamos en el ascensor en el momento que hubo un apagón.

Answer 2

Looks like you have to explain what was going on (imperfect) when something else happened (prederit).

Elena ganaba el partido cuando se resbaló y se cayó.

thanks, that helps a lot. I was just kind of lost on this worksheet. I'm new to the whole preterit and imperfect. but thanks! - Katiespeece, Feb 1, 2011