Complete the sentences. Use the simple past or past continuous form of the verbs. 

1. Yesterday, I _____ (convince) my best friend to compete in a 5k race.

2. Maria ____ (deal with) health problems when she quit her job last October.

3. My parents ___ (look) for new jobs when they met.

4. The professor ____ (seem) tired in class last week.

5. We _____ (make) progress with the project when the class ended.

6. At the gymnastics competition, Leo ____ (achieve) the highest score.