October 31st, 2017

This week we based our conversation on a muder mystery set on the Orient Express Train.  We looked at several suspects and numerous clues to try to figure out what really happened on that fateful night on the train.

Listening:
First how about checking out some materials for learners. The BBC has a great Murdery Mystery serious with several episodes. Or try an ESL video quiz called Murder in the Country House.

For original version check out some great true crime podcasts about murders.  The most famous and well-known podcast in this category is Serial Season One, but you could also check out Criminal.  Or, for something really good check out the whole You Must Remember This Series about famous murderer Charles Manson.

Reading:
Learners should try a reading text about a mystery here or a mystery for everyone (link to PDF).

Why not challenge yourself to something in  original version? Try to solve any of the many mysteries from Mysterynet.com  or a fascinating article from the New Yorker about a Renaissance Murder Mystery.

Writing:
Try some creative writing this week with one of the following prompts:

• A group of young adults gets together to rent a cabin for a weekend. They drink and party, and the next morning one of them is found murdered. In the months that follow, the friends suspect each other and question themselves. Who did it? Will they figure it out before the police do?
• A newlywed receives word that his or her spouse was killed in action. A few months later, the widowed protagonist starts receiving communications that could only be from his or her dearly departed spouse.
• The protagonist buys an antique trunk from a junk shop and discovers a mummified body inside—a body that was murdered.

Best,
Kelly