DAILY BASIS ENGLISH COURSE

B1 Intermediate

Tell a story

First we missed the bus, then we ran to the station, and in the end we arrived just in time.
By the end of this class, students will be able to tell a short story in a clear order, use narrative linkers, and add key details to make the story more interesting.
Contents

Introduction

Two people talking after an event.

Read the story steps and notice the order of events.

First, we left home late.

Then, we missed the bus and had to call a taxi.

In the end, we arrived at the party just in time.

Good stories usually have a clear beginning, middle, and ending. Linkers help the listener follow each step.

Choose the correct answer.

1. What happened first?

2. What happened after they missed the bus?

3. How did the story end?

Score: 0 out of 3

Presentation

Eric: You look tired. What happened yesterday?

Laura: It was a long day. First, my sister and I left home very early to go to the airport.

Eric: Did everything go smoothly?

Laura: Not really. On the way there, our car suddenly stopped working.

Eric: That sounds stressful. What did you do next?

Laura: We called a ride, and luckily it arrived quickly. After that, we finally got to the airport.

Eric: Did you catch your flight?

Laura: Yes, we did, but only a few minutes before boarding.

Language Focus

When we tell a story, we usually combine past verbs with narrative linkers such as first, then, after that, and in the end.

Quando contamos uma história, normalmente combinamos verbos no passado com conectores narrativos como first, then, after that e in the end.

  • Beginning: First, we left home very early.
  • Middle: Then, the car suddenly stopped working.
  • Next step: After that, we called a ride.
  • Ending: In the end, we caught the flight.

Pronunciation + Form

Stories sound clearer when we group actions into steps and give extra details with short time phrases like on the way there or a few minutes later.

Linkers
first
then
in the end
Action Verbs
left
called
caught
Extra Detail
very early
on the way there
only a few minutes before boarding

Practice

1. First, we
at the station.
2. Then, we
we had the wrong platform.
3. After that, we
to the other side.
4. In the
, we got on the train.
5. It was a very
morning.
Score: 0 out of 5
Choose the best response.

1. What makes a story easy to follow?

2. Which sentence is a good story opener?

3. Which linker usually introduces the final part?

4. Which question helps continue a story?

Score: 0 out of 4

Production

Tell a partner about a real or invented experience. Try to use at least four story steps and one surprising detail.

  • a journey that went wrong
  • a funny day at school or work
  • a weekend plan that changed suddenly
  • an event that ended better than expected
Daily Basis English Course