This is a class activity to practice past tense be verb and past continuous. At least eight students are needed. Seven students are suspects, the rest of the class are detectives. The suspects can also act as detectives.
The detectives need to ask questions to each of the suspects to discover who is lying. By comparing the suspects' answers, the detectives can see that Mrs White is lying and is the murderer.
Each suspect is given a card with information on how to answers the detectives' questions. The class should be taught how to ask and answer the questions. For example:
Detective: What's your name?
Miss Scarlett: My name is Miss Scarlett.
Detective: Where were you at 4 o'clock this afternoon?
Miss Scarlett: I was in the living room.
Detective: What were you doing?
Miss Scarlett: I was watching tv.
Detective: Who were you with?
Miss Scarlett: I was with Mr. Mustard.
A video which describes ten common English idioms.
If you like this video, please click 'like' and subscribe to my Youtube channel.
Here are the idioms from the video:
A Couch Potato
Meaning: A person who watches a lot of television and
has an inactive lifestyle.
Example: He watches tv and eats junk food all day.
He’s such a couch potato.
A Race Against Time
Meaning: A situation where something must be done
quickly before it is too late.
Example: It’s a race against time, because we will
give the presentation in just two days’ time.
All Your Eggs in One Basket
Meaning: Don’t put all your resources or hopes in one
place as you could lose everything.
Example: Buying only one stock is risky. You
shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket. You should buy other companies.
The Best Thing Since Sliced
Bread
Meaning: A person or thing that is considered to be
very good.
Example: I love this new phone app. It’s the best
thing since sliced bread.
Burn the Candle at Both Ends
Meaning: Go to bed late and get up early.
Example: I’m so tired. I’ve been burning the candle at
both ends. I’ve been working long hours and then coming home and writing my
school assignment until late.
Drink Like A Fish
Meaning: Drink a large amount of alcohol.
Example: I’ve never seen anyone drink as much as
Tony. He drinks like fish.
Over The Moon
Meaning: Extremely pleased or happy.
Example: I’m so happy that I got my dream job. I’m
over the moon.
The Early Bird Catches the
Worm
Meaning: The first person to act first will have the
advantage.
Example: You should buy your tickets early, before the
best seats sell out. The early bird catches the worm.
Time Flies
Meaning: Time passes surprisingly quickly.
Example: Oh, my gosh! Is that the time already? I’m
going to be late for class. Time flies when you’re having fun.
Sleep on It
Meaning: Delay making a decision until the next day.
Example: I’m unsure, so I’ll sleep on it and tell you
my decision tomorrow.
English Chit Chat is an English conversation course for low-intermediate students. This version is designed for Korean students. It is available to buy from Amazon: English Chit Chat from Amazon
About the author. Michael Harrison has been teaching English as a Foreign Language in South Korea for over eight years. He has a Master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language.
