Stories for English Learners

09. Think Outside the Box

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. 09. Think Outside the Box.

Juan Carlos Martinez
December 1, 2022
Idioms Course
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Detective’s Log

I’ve been in a rush all day and haven’t had a chance to take down any notes from my last two meetings. I’m going to listen to a recording of my chat with Valerie, the school president. She’s not one to sugarcoat things. If Sue isn’t behind this, I need to find out who is! It has to be an inside job since Mountain Berry High is locked up during school hours.

Exercise A

Vocabulary for the story

Audio

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2)

Audio

Transcript

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: Valerie. I was just about to start looking for you. May I have a word with you in private?

VALERIE : Please tell me that you are getting somewhere with this investigation. It’s Thursday already.

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: Why are you in such a rush?

VALERIE : I’m sick and tired of policing the halls during these alarms. Plus, the elections are next week. It will make me look bad if the alarm goes off during my speech.

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: Oh, are you running for school president again?

VALERIE : No, but I’ll be putting in a good word for one of next year’s candidates. Here’s a hint. English is not his first language.

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: Intriguing. Speaking of putting in a good word, did you see a girl named Sue Miller today?

VALERIE : The new girl? She’s far too shy. Sue is the lastperson I’d recommend for school president!

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: I think you misunderstood me. Sue used you as an alibi today. She said you talked to her just before the fire alarm went off. She also said she got lost. It didn’t ring true to me.

VALERIE : Oh, it’s true. I tried to point her to the exit, but everyone was already filing back in. Look, I think you’re barking up the wrong tree, Detective.

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: What do you mean by that?

VALERIE : Sue was heading into the library just before the alarm went off. What makes you so sure the prankster is a student from this school?

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: The school is locked up during school hours. It has to be an inside job, Valerie.

VALERIE : No offense, but not everyone at this school is a student. Maybe it’s time to start thinking outside the box, Detective.

DETECTIVE BOSSLEY: You have a good point there. I could use a list of faculty members. Could you help me track down a yearbook?

VALERIE : You bet!

Exercise B

Comprehension

According to Valerie, why does she want this crime solved quickly?
a) Because she doesn’t want to involve the police.
b) Because she doesn’t want the alarm to go off during her speech.
c) Because she wants her name cleared before it’s time to vote.
d) Because she wants to complete her exams before graduation.
Which is true about Valerie based on the dialogue?
a) She has her mind focused on the elections.
b) English is not her first language.
c) She doesn’t know who to vote for next year.
d) One of her new best friends is Sue.
True or False? Valerie tries to change the detective’s mind about Sue.
Why does the detective want to take a look at a school yearbook?

Exercise C - Writing

Writing Task: “The Importance of School Leaders in Promoting a Positive School Culture”

Instructions:

Carefully read the provided story about the conversation between Detective Bossley and Valerie, the school president at Mountain Berry High.

Write an essay discussing the importance of school leaders in promoting a positive school culture, using Valerie 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 a word with
put in a good word
barking up the wrong tree

In your essay, address the following points:

How do school leaders, like Valerie, contribute to creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere within the school community?
What responsibilities do school leaders have in ensuring that all students feel welcomed and supported, including new students like Sue Miller?
How can school leaders collaborate with school staff and authorities, such as Detective Bossley, to address challenging situations or incidents within the school?
What role does effective communication play in promoting understanding and cooperation among students, school staff, and external parties involved in the school community?

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!