Why some exercises in the elementary section are SO difficult?

[Michela from Italy]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #173 "Simple Present, Simple Past, Simple Future", question 10

Yesterday you ......... you would like to learn how to knit a sweater.

(a) said
(b) say
(c) will say

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #173 "Simple Present, Simple Past, Simple Future", answer 10

Yesterday you said you would like to learn how to knit a sweater.

Correct answer: (a) said

Your answer was: correct
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Dear Alan,

first of all I must tell you that I love your site. You really did a great job. There are so many exercises! It's the best one I've ever found on the internet! I also love the precise and very accurate answers and explanations that you give to everyone who writes you. You are GREAT!

I have one comment to make though. Why some exercises in the elementary section are SO difficult while some others - like this one - in the intermediate section are such a piece of cake? Thank you in advance for your kind answer. michela

Michela from Italy

[Mister Micawber]

.
While Alan is on his way here, allow me to suggest for one thing that the different tests are written by different teachers with experience in different parts of the world. Japanese students, for instance, may find a test difficult which European students find easy, and vice versa.
.
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Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber