a) only b) rarely

i didn't realize it well...so i hit RARELY and as usual :/ i was wrong :( yet i didn't get well

... and my problem is mostly that ==> were they ready<== this is where i go dizzy :P isn't it a question form whereas it is not written with a question mark at the end? :/ can we use question like structures in  informative sentences? i have a similar case in the next question below:

____had i left them laughing

a) no sooner b) only when

i dont get this one at all neither the multiple choices nor the => had i??

tnx in advanceeeee my fella \o/