Grammar: July 17th was coming.

July 17th was coming. It would be Mark’s (a)   birthday. (THIRTEEN)

His Mum asked him what he (a)   as a gift. Mark answered at once that his dream was to have a telescope to watch the stars. (WANT)

Mum (a)   her head doubtfully. (SHAKE)

She knew that Mark enjoyed learning about space but a telescope was a (a)   present than they had planned. (EXPENSIVE)

After dinner the parents had a discussion about the present. “I think we should give Mark the telescope,” Dad said. “But we (a)   all our savings already,” Mum responded. (SPEND)

We bought some new furniture and paid for our holidays. I wish we (a)   buy him this present but we really can’t.” (CAN)

"I think, we can,” Dad smiled. “Look, I’ve got an old friend, Nick, whose father was interested in astronomy. His father died many years ago, and Nick keeps all his things in the attic. I think he (a)   to sell us his telescope at half price.” (AGREE)

Nick (a)   roses in the garden when Mum and Dad arrived at his house. (PLANT)

“Yes, sure,” he said. “There are lots of (a)   in the attic. You can take whatever you want for Mark for free. I’m glad he’s taking up my father’s hobby.” (BOX)