Summarising a story

  • The following Cloud Diagram can help you outline the main parts of a story you want to re-tell (like the latest film you saw at the cinema or your favourite novel):


    Alternatively, you can browse the PDF file here.

  • OTHER GRAPHIC ORGANISERS:

WRITING EXERCISE:

Listen to the song Spending my Time ( here’s a link to the Video-clip) and then re-tell the story in writing. Use the template below as a guide to complete an essay of about 150 words addressing the following questions:

  • What happened before the story in the song?
  • How does she feel? Why?
  • Where is she? What is she doing?
  • What does she want?
  • What do you think will happen afterwards?

Here’s a link to the lyrics:  Spending my time (Roxette) 

SPEAKING EXERCISE:

Use the template below as a guide to complete a spontaneous speech (i.e. DO NOT READ). Try to include as much of the grammar & vocabulary displayed as you can. You can also design your own Speaking Template for this exercise, then tape yourself and aim for a 2-minute, non-stop speech.

Grammar Vocabulary

Present Simple

Present Continuous

Simple Past

Past Continuous

to break up / to miss / to think about

to be idle / to be bored / to feel desperate

would like to / would prefer to / to feel like + ING

to be bitter / to cheer someone up

to waste time + ING / to watch old films

I think she/they will…