Question

1 Read the examples from the article and then complete the rule with managed,
succeeded, could, couldn't.
1 Many of the people there couldn't even switch on a computer without help.
2 After [...] a few basic IT lessons, they were able to use the computer confidently.
3 The outcomes of the project were amazing: 89-year-old Sheila [...] managed to create
a YouTube cooking tutorial.
4
93-year-old Marilyn succeeded in making a rap video.


RULE: To talk about ability generally in the past we use 1
couldn't.
To talk about ability at specific moments in the past, we use was / were
able to (² to + infinitive, or ³ in + gerund).
To talk about a lack of ability at specific moments in the past, we use
I wasn't (weren't) able to.

Answer 1

Ответ:

1 Many of the people there couldn't even switch on a computer without help.

2 After a few basic IT lessons, they were able to use the computer confidently.

3 The outcomes of the project were amazing: 89-year-old Sheila managed to create a YouTube cooking tutorial.

4 93-year-old Marilyn succeeded in making a rap video.