Simple past vs. past perfect (asked vs. had asked)

[frank]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #115 "Tense Agreement", question 8

I'd had scarcely any time to think about it before they ......... me for my opinion.

(a) had asked
(b) did ask
(c) asked
(d) have asked

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #115 "Tense Agreement", answer 8

I'd had scarcely any time to think about it before they asked me for my opinion.

Correct answer: (c) asked

Your answer was: incorrect
I'd had scarcely any time to think about it before they had asked me for my opinion.
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why not HAD ASKED
thanks

[Alan]

Hi,

The tense forms in this sentence are past perfect and past simple because I'd had ... comes first and they asked ... comes second in the order of times.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Adverbs