7.6 Writing and Speaking
Writing
1. A mystery in brief
Write a short mystery story (120–150 words) in which a young detective solves a case by spotting a clue others missed. Give it a title, plant one fair clue early, and reveal the solution at the end.
2. Make your own code
Create a simple word puzzle of your own (like Nolan’s day-of-the-week trick) and write a short paragraph explaining how to solve it. Swap with a partner and try each other’s puzzles.
3. A news report
Imagine you are a reporter in Idaville. Write a short news report (80–100 words) about the jewels being recovered. Include a headline, what happened, and how the case was cracked.
4. A paragraph
In about 100 words, explain how “observation and logical thinking” helped solve this case, and describe one real-life situation where the same skills could help you.
Writing tip A good mystery plays fair: give the reader the same clue the detective uses, but hide it in plain sight. The best endings make the reader say, “I should have seen that!”
Speaking
Solve it aloud
In pairs, take turns being the detective. One reads out Nolan’s four words; the other explains, step by step, how to reach the fifth word and the hiding place. Speak clearly, as if presenting your reasoning to a judge.
Discuss
- Why are detective stories so popular all over the world?
- Is it better to think slowly and carefully, or to act on a first hunch? When might each be right?
Speaking tip When you explain how you solved a puzzle, use sequence words — first, next, then, finally — so your listener can follow each step of your reasoning.