Telling a simple story
Tell a short story about something that happened to you, using the past simple and sequencing words.
In this lesson you will
- Structure a short story: beginning, middle, end
- Use sequencers: first, then, after that, suddenly, finally
- React to someone else’s story
Learn
A good short story has a beginning (when, where, who), a middle (what happened — often a problem) and an end (how it finished and how you felt).
Sequencers help the listener follow: first, then, after that, next, suddenly, in the end, finally. Suddenly introduces a surprise.
Use was/were for the background (It was a sunny day and I was in the park) and the past simple for the events (A dog ran up and took my sandwich).
Listeners react: Really? Oh no! What happened next? That’s so funny! How did you feel?
Examples
- Last summer I was on holiday in Greece with my sister.
- Suddenly, the lights went out.
- In the end, a kind man helped us.
- Oh no! What happened next?
Vocabulary
suddenly
quickly and unexpectedly
in the end
finally, after everything
luckily
fortunately, by good luck
unfortunately
sadly, by bad luck
realise
suddenly understand
“Then I realised my bag was gone!”
In real life
A short story.
Last month I was at the airport. I was very early, so I bought a coffee and sat down. Then I started reading a book. It was really exciting! Suddenly I heard my name — it was the last call for my flight. I ran to the gate. Luckily, the door was still open. In the end, I caught the plane, but I left my coffee — and my book — on the chair!
Practice
Which word introduces a surprise?
Speaking
Tell a story about a time something went wrong (or funny) — a trip, a party, a first day. Use at least four sequencers. Speak for 60–90 seconds.
Writing
Write a story (80–100 words) that begins: “It was a normal Monday morning, but…”
- ☐ Beginning, middle, end
- ☐ Past simple + was/were
- ☐ At least three sequencers
- ☐ How you felt at the end
Lesson quiz
Which word shows the end of a story?
Review
Key points
- Beginning → middle → end.
- Sequencers: first, then, after that, suddenly, in the end.
- was/were for background, past simple for events.
- React: Really? Oh no! What happened next?
What you learned
- ✓ I can tell a short story.
- ✓ I can use sequencers.
- ✓ I can react to other people’s stories.
Grammar reference: Past simple