Stories for English Learners

05. Double or Nothing

Aprende expresiones idiomáticas y phasal verbs con las historias de este detective.

This English mystery course features 11 lessons full of expressions (idioms, phrasal verbs, etc.) and characters that your intermediate to advanced students will grow to love. Each episode features a dialogue between the famous Detective Bossley and one of his prime suspects. 05. Double or Nothing.

Juan Carlos Martinez
December 1, 2022
Idioms Course
More stories

Detective’s Log

So, I gave Clarissa the third degree at the tattoo parlor. After talking to her, I figured it would be a good idea to have a word with her brother. Aaron is a dropout and doesn’t attend Mountain Berry High anymore. I’m not sure if he’ll be able to bring anything to the table.

Exercise A

Vocabulary for the story

Audio

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2)

Audio

Transcript

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: I thought I might find you here. You’re Aaron, right? Clarissa’s brother.

AARON: What’s it to ya?

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: I’m Detective Bossley. I’m working on the fire alarm case at your sister’s school.

AARON: I know who you are. I seen ya on TV. And you think I have something to do with it?

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: Well, no, not exactly. I’m looking for someone who doesn’t go to Mountain Berry High anymore. I need a favor. I need some…names. I thought you might know the school troublemakers.

AARON: Names, huh? What’s in it for me?

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: What have you got to lose? Your sister told me about the house, by the way. I’m really sorry that happened to you.

AARON: My sister has a big mouth. That was a long time ago anyway.

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: That may be true, but I’m sure you agree that this fire alarm prank is no laughing matter. Give me some names and help me teach these troublemakers a lesson.

AARON: I won’t give you any names, but I have my bets on a key member of the football team. If there’s anyone who doesn’t want to be stuck in a classroom like me, that’s your man.

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: That’s a good lead

AARON: I gave you what you wanted. Now can I get back to my game?

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: Sure, but do you mind if I join you? I haven’t played pool in years.

Double or nothing?

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: What do you mean, double or nothing?

AARON: If I lose, I give you another name. If you lose, you get lost and don’t bother me again.

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: You’re on!

Exercise B

Comprehension

Why did Detective Bossley want to talk to Aaron?
Which of the following did NOT happen at the pool hall?
a) The detective played pool with a student.
b) Clarissa’s brother gave the detective a good lead.
c) Aaron expressed disappointment in his sister.
d) Aaron compared himself to a member of the football team.
How does Aaron react when he first sees the detective?
a) He says he has never heard of Detective Bossley.
b) He points outs that he is familiar with the detective’s TV show.
c) He tells Detective Bossley that he is a poor investigator.
d) He says the detective should concentrate on his sister.
True or False? Detective Bossley is in a rush to get back to the school.
Why does Aaron say “double or nothing” to the detective?

Exercise C - Writing

Writing Task: “The Impact of Extracurricular Activities on Students’ Attitudes and Behavior”

Instructions:

Carefully read the provided story about the conversation between Detective Bossley and Aaron regarding the false fire alarms at Mountain Berry High.
Write an essay discussing the impact of extracurricular activities, such as sports, on students’ attitudes and behavior, using the football team member Aaron mentioned as an example.
Be sure to include at least 3 phrasal verbs from the story or any others you have learned in class. The phrasal verbs from the story include:
- have something to do with
- be stuck in
- get back to
In your essay, address the following points:
- How can extracurricular activities influence a student’s attitude towards school and learning?
- In what ways can participating in extracurricular activities affect students’ behavior, both positively and negatively?
- How can schools and teachers support students who participate in extracurricular activities to balance their academic and non-academic commitments?
- What role should parents and the wider community play in encouraging students to engage in extracurricular activities and develop a well-rounded attitude towards school?
Write a minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 500 words.

Remember to check your grammar, spelling, and punctuation before submitting the task. Use appropriate academic language and structure your essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Good luck!