Detective Stories | Question Words

Detective Stories | Question Words is an interactive speaking and grammar activity where students step into the role of detectives and solve mini-mysteries. By analysing clues and information, learners practise forming and using question words in a meaningful, engaging context that encourages curiosity and communication.

How to use

1. Show one detective board or mini-mystery at a time. Each board includes clues, pictures, or short facts about a situation.
2. Students work individually, in pairs, or in small groups and ask questions using question words to understand what happened.
3. Encourage students to use a variety of question words, such as who, what, where, when, why, and how.
4. Students discuss possible answers and try to solve the mystery by sharing ideas and conclusions.
5. For A1, provide question starters or a list of question words on the board. For A2, allow freer questioning and follow-up questions.