Past simple and Present perfect

The past simple is used to talk about completed actions at a particular point in the past, often with dates or times and words like yesterday, last and ago:

• Kurt went to Canada in 1991.   
•  I didn't see you yesterday. Where were you?

The Present perfect is used to talk about

a)   recent actions or events when no fixed time is given (e.g. news reports) often with words like just, recently and lately:

• A volcano has erupted in Japan. 
•  I've just seen your mother in the street

b)   actions which have a result in the present:

• what's wrong? Have you lost your keys?

c)   actions in a period of time which is not yet finished, and experiences in someone's life so far, often with yet, so far, ever, for and since

• I haven't had any letters this week. (Compare : I had five letters last week)
• She's visited New York five times. (in her life so far)
• Have you ever been to Greece?
  

The present perfect continuous is used to talk about actions which started in the past and are still happening, or which have recently stopped but have a result in the present:

• I've been waiting here for ten minutes.
• Your eyes are red. You haven't been crying, have you?
  

Intermediate
English exercise "Past simple or Present perfect" created by dhikra (27-08-2009) with The test builder
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1. Rafael (go) shopping for me yesterday .
2. Sandra (lend) her brother `£200 so far.
3. The policeman (drive) away ten minutes ago.
4. The biscuit factory (close) down last year.
5. She's very red. I think she (lie) in the sun.
6. Ron (just/ pass) his driving test.
7. Karen (study) Italian for three years now and is still studying.
8. The Headmaster (come) to this school in 2004.
9. Jack (try) to get a job for six month, but is still unemployed.
10. The teacher (already / tell) him to be quiet.
11. Tim (not/take) many photos yet.
12. Oh no! I (leave) my purse at home .
13. They (fall) in love with each other at first sight 2 years ago.
14. I didn't want a bath, thanks. I (just / have) a shower.
15. I'm sorry I (forget) your name. What did you say it was?