Class Mystery

This lesson is based on the classic "5-Minute Mystery" stories. If you want a copy of the handout I used, e-mail me.

Suggested Lesson Plan:

1. Find a short mystery story and identify any possible vocabulary words. 

**www.mysterynet.com publishes monthly whodunnits that are great for classroom use. I recommend the relatively "solve-it" stories (www.mysterynet.com/solveit).

2. Create a handout with the story, a short list of vocab words, and the mystery questions (Who did it? How do you know?). *Note: the "solve-it" stories on mysterynet.com have questions already prepared.

3. In class:

1. Hand out story
   
2. Pre-teach any necessary vocabulary
   
3. Read the story as a class out loud. Encourage your students to act it out/read dramatically. It often helps their pronunciation.
   
4. Spot check for comprehension.
   
5. Have a student read the "who did it?" and "how do you know" questions.
   
6. Brainstorm possible answers. Encourage discussion and have students explain their answers. If your class is large enough (4 or more), split students into pairs or small groups and have them discuss together and then present their "crime theories" to the class. Let students try to convince other groups of their opinion.
   
7.  Finally, if everyone is stumped or only partially correct, read them the correct answer.
   

Level: Intermediate to Advanced. 

Goals: Practice speaking skills and explaining an opinion. Also increase vocabulary.

Time: 40-60 minutes depending on the size of the group and how long you allow for discussion.