Crimes and

Criminals
Past Simple vs. Past Continuous
 Let's talk!
Do you know any of the films/series below? Can you briefly tell what they are about?
What do they have in common?
 Answers
All of the mentioned films and series have a common theme of crime or mystery. They are about criminal activities, investigations, or the unraveling of
mysteries. Whether it's a murder mystery, a heist, or a story of deception, each narrative focuses on the elements of crime, investigation, and suspense.

Money Heist (Netflix series): An exciting series Inventing Anna: Inspired by a true story, this series
about a group of criminals who plan and execute a follows a woman named Anna who pretends to be a
heist on the Royal Mint of Spain. They take hostages wealthy socialite in New York. She gets involved in
and face off against the police as they try to carry out criminal schemes, including stealing identities and
their plan. money, leading to a captivating story of ambition
and deceit.

Sherlock Holmes: A TV show about Sherlock Holmes, Knives Out: A movie about a famous writer who is
a brilliant detective in modern-day London. found dead, and a detective investigates to uncover
Together with his friend, Dr. Watson, they solve who committed the crime. There are many secrets
complex crimes using Sherlock's exceptional and surprises as the detective tries to solve the
observation and deduction skills. mystery.

The Murder on the Nile: A movie based on an Agatha Enola Holmes: A movie about Sherlock Holmes'
Christie book where a detective named Poirot younger sister, Enola, who goes on an adventure to
investigates a murder that takes place during a find their missing mother. Along the way, she gets
luxurious boat trip along the Nile River. Poirot must involved in a dangerous plot and must use her
uncover the truth by unraveling lies and secrets cleverness to solve the mystery and stay safe.
among the passengers.
 Crimes Fill in the blanks with the words below.
Discuss the meaning of the unknown words.

looting | shoplifting | to rob a person or a place | thief | burglar | to forge money or documents | kidnapper |
to set on fire | murder | arsonist | smuggler | to damage

crime criminal action crime criminal action

theft to steal smuggling to smuggle

robbery robber looter to loot

to break into a
burglary kidnapping to kidnap
house/ to burgle

mugging mugger to mug somebody murderer to murder/to kill

to steal from a
shoplifter vandalism vandal
shop/ to shoplift

arson forgery forger

 ANSWERS Fill in the blanks with the words below.
Discuss the meaning of the unknown words.

looting | shoplifting | to rob a person or a place | thief | burglar | to forge money or documents | kidnapper |
to set on fire | murder | arsonist | smuggler | to damage

crime criminal action crime criminal action

theft thief to steal smuggling smuggler to smuggle

to rob a person or
robbery robber looting looter to loot
a place

to break into a
burglary burglar kidnapping kidnapper to kidnap
house/ to burgle

mugging mugger to mug somebody murder murderer to murder/to kill

to steal from a
shoplifting shoplifter vandalism vandal to damage
shop/ to shoplift

to forge money or
arson arsonist to set on fire forgery forger
documents
 theft/robbery/mugging/burglary
Did you get the difference between these crimes? Match the crimes with the pictures. Write the numbers in the boxes .

1.Mugging is robbery which 2.Theft is the act of taking 3.Burglary is the act of 4.Robbery is theft by the
takes place against a property or money that does entering a building illegally threat or use of force.
pedestrian on the street. not belong to you and you to commit a crime.
have no permission from the
owner to take.

Discuss the questions below. Discuss the meaning of the unknown words.
Have you ever witnessed or experienced a robbery? If so, could you describe what happened?
What steps can individuals and communities take to protect themselves against burglaries?
Have you ever had something stolen from you? How did it happen, and did you manage to recover the stolen item?
Where do you think these crimes are more likely to happen? Why?
 ANSWERS
Did you get the difference between these crimes? Match the crimes with the pictures. Write the numbers in the boxes .

2 3 1 4

1.Mugging is robbery which 2.Theft is the act of taking 3.Burglary is the act of 4.Robbery is theft by the
takes place against a property or money that does entering a building illegally threat or use of force. One
pedestrian on the street. not belong to you and you to commit a crime. can rob a person/a place.
have no permission from the
owner to take.

Discuss the questions below.

Have you ever witnessed or experienced a robbery? If so, could you describe what happened?
What steps can individuals and communities take to protect themselves against burglaries?
Have you ever had something stolen from you? How did it happen, and did you manage to recover the stolen item?
Where do you think these crimes are more likely to happen? Why?
 crossword

Complete the crossword together or

individually to revise the crime
vocabulary.

Students can get a link and complete

the crossword on their device to
practice spelling.
 more useful vocabulary
Match the highlighted phrases with their meanings.
1. The police arrested a suspect who was seen running away a)When you tell the police about something bad
from the crime scene. ____ that happened, like a theft or an attack.
b)When you see something bad happening, like
2. The detectives have strong evidence against the suspect,
a robbery or any other crime.
including fingerprints and CCTV footage. ____ c) When the police take someone to the police
3. The police officers carefully examined the area to look for station because they think this person did
clues that could help solve the crime.____ something wrong.
4. Mary witnessed a crime and immediately reported it to the d) When someone is sent to a special place as
police.____ punishment for doing something against the
law.
5. It is important to remember that it is against the law to
e)When there is very good proof that shows
commit a crime.____ someone did something wrong.
6. The police are investigating the crime to gather more f)When someone does something against the
information and find the person responsible.____ law or breaks the rules.
7. If you commit a serious crime, you may have to go to prison g)When the police try to find out what
as a punishment.____ happened by asking questions and looking for
clues.
8. It's important to report a crime to the police as soon as
h)When the police search for small signs or
possible so they can take action.____ hints that can help them solve a crime.
 ANSWERS
Match the highlighted phrases with their meanings.
1. The police arrested a suspect who was seen running away a)When you tell the police about something bad
from the crime scene. (c) that happened, like a theft or an attack.
b)When you see something bad happening, like
2. The detectives have strong evidence against the suspect,
a robbery or any other crime.
including fingerprints and CCTV footage. (e) c) When the police take someone to the police
3. The police officers carefully examined the area to look for station because they think this person did
clues that could help solve the crime. (h) something wrong.
4. Mary witnessed a crime and immediately reported it to the d) When someone is sent to a special place as
police. (b) punishment for doing something against the
law.
5. It is important to remember that it is against the law to
e)When there is very good proof that shows
commit a crime. (f) someone did something wrong.
6. The police are investigating the crime to gather more f)When someone does something against the
information and find the person responsible. (g) law or breaks the rules.
7. If you commit a serious crime, you may have to go to prison g)When the police try to find out what
as a punishment.(d) happened by asking questions and looking for
clues.
8. It's important to report a crime to the police as soon as
h)When the police search for small signs or
possible so they can take action. (a) hints that can help them solve a crime.
 Let's practice
Read the dialogue. Fill in the gaps with the words below.
witness suspect investigate crimes burglary clues evidence reported arrest

Detective 1: Have you seen the number of _________________ in our town? It's really alarming!
Detective 2: Yes, it's shocking! Just last week, there was a _________________ where someone
broke into a house of my neighbours.
Detective 1: That's terrible! We must find the criminal responsible for this. Did you
_________________ the crime?
Detective 2: Unfortunately, I didn't see it personally, but my neighbours _________________ the
break-in to the police.
Detective 1: We need to _________________ this crime together. Let's look for
_________________and gather strong _________________ to help us catch the
_________________.
Detective 2: Absolutely! We can't let them get away with it. We must _________________ the
suspect and make sure they go to prison for their actions.
Detective 1: Agreed. The safety of our community is our top priority, and we won't rest until
justice is served.
Detective 2: Let's work together and make sure our investigation is effective. We owe it to the
citizens and our town.
Detective 1: Absolutely. We won't stop until we bring an end to these crimes and restore peace
to our neighborhood.
 answers
Read the dialogue. Fill in the gaps with the words below.
witness suspect investigate crimes burglary clues evidence reported arrest

Detective 1: Have you seen the number of crimes in our town? It's really alarming!
Detective 2: Yes, it's shocking! Just last week, there was a burglary where someone
broke into a house of my neighbours.
Detective 1: That's terrible! We must find the criminal responsible for this. Did you
witness the crime?
Detective 2: Unfortunately, I didn't see it personally, but my neighbours reported the
break-in to the police.
Detective 1: We need to investigate this crime together. Let's look for clues and gather
strong evidence to help us catch the suspect.
Detective 2: Absolutely! We can't let them get away with it. We must arrest the
suspect and make sure they go to prison for their actions.
Detective 1: Agreed. The safety of our community is our top priority, and we won't rest
until justice is served.
Detective 2: Let's work together and make sure our investigation is effective. We owe
it to the citizens and our town.
Detective 1: Absolutely. We won't stop until we bring an end to these crimes and
restore peace to our neighborhood.
 detective riddle
Watch the video and solve the riddle. Complete the sentences below. Answer the questions (a -d).

1.Mr. Arthur Williams, a rich man that lived in a

beautiful house on Baker Street, in London, has been
_________________.
2.He _________________ the entire house for clues.
3. I believe that I am _________________.
4.I fear I may _________________ by the 3rd of
February.
5. There are four _________________. Harry Williams
is the son and the heir of the property. John Brooks is
a close friend. June Williams is his wife. Jack Corbett
is the butler.
6. Arthur knew someone close to him was after him.
This is why he left a _________________ in the note.

a)What did Sherlock Holmes do to search for clues?

b)What did the secret note found by Sherlock Holmes say?
c)How did Sherlock Holmes understand who did it?
d)Where did the police find Arthur Williams?
 Answers
Watch the video and solve the riddle. Complete the sentences below. Answer the questions (a -d).

1.Mr. Arthur Williams, a rich man that lived in a

beautiful house on Baker Street, in London, has
been kidnapped.
2.He searches the entire house for clues.
3. I believe that I am in danger.
4.I fear I may go missing by the 3rd of February.
5. There are four suspects. Harry Williams is the
son and the heir of the property. John Brooks is a
close friend. June Williams is his wife. Jack
Corbett is the butler.
6. Arthur knew someone close to him was after
him. This is why he left a clue in the note.

a)Sherlock Holmes searched the entire house for clues.

b)Arthur Williams believed he was in danger and that someone close to him might have ill intent.
c)Based on the initials "J.B." in the note and the dates mentioned.
d)The police found Arthur Williams at John Brooks' house.
 Past simple VS. Past continuous
past simple past continuous

The detective finally solved the mystery and caught the criminal last year. The detective was chasing the suspect when he tripped and fell.

last year now now

The past continuous tense is used to talk about an

The past simple is used to talk about a certain
action or event that was in progress at a specific point
action or event that took place at a specific point
in the past. At 3 p.m. yesterday, the detective was
in the past. Two months ago, the judge punished interviewing the witness to gather more information
the criminals for their actions. about the crime.
We use the past simple to talk about past events We use the past continuous to set the scene in a
in chronological order. The thief entered the story. It was a dark and stormy night, and the rain was
house, stole jewellery, and ran away before the pouring down while the detective was driving to the crime
police arrived. scene.
We also use the past simple to talk about past We use the past continuous for actions in progress in
habits or past states. Bob really enjoyed detective the past or longer actions interrupted by shorter
actions in past simple. The detective was chasing the
stories and read a lot.
suspect when he tripped and fell.
 Past simple VS. Past continuous
past simple past continuous

The detective finally solved the mystery and caught the criminal last year. The detective was chasing the suspect when he tripped and fell.

last year now now

yesterday, last night/ week/month/year, ago, in 2005, in while, when, all day, all evening, for hours, at that time,
the past yesterday at 3 am

+ Subject + V2/ed + Subject + was/were + V+ing

The detective solved the crime and arrested the suspect. The detective was investigating the crime at that time.
- Subject + didn't + V - Subject + wasn't/weren't + V+ing
The detective didn't solve the crime. The detective wasn't investigating the crime at that time.
? Did + Subject + V ? Was/Were + subject + V+ ing
Did the detective solve the crime? Was the detective investigating the crime at that time?

Create your own examples in both tenses.

 What is their alibi?
Look at the pictures and create sentences in the past continuous tense.
Detective Freedman is investigating a
mysterious crime that took place in a
small town. There are several
suspects, and Detective Freedman
needs to determine their alibis during
the time of the crime. Whose alibi
looks solid (good)?

Sarah Mark Jason, Joe and Sia Lisa

Emily Kate and Rose Mia Ryan

 possible answers
Look at the pictures and create sentences in the past continuous tense.
Detective Freedman is investigating a
mysterious crime that took place in a
small town. There are several
suspects, and Detective Freedman
needs to determine their alibis during
the time of the crime. Whose alibi
looks solid (good)?

Sarah Mark Jason, Joe and Sia Lisa

Sarah was working out in gym. Mark was playing basketball They were having a barbecue in Lisa was dancing at the music
with his friends. the park. festival.

Emily Kate and Rose Mia Ryan

Emily was studying for the They were having a coffee in the Mia was writing a book at home. Ryan was playing video games
exam. new local cafe. with his friends.
 Detective Freedman's Day Off Card
1
Work in pairs. Each person in the pair has a different card. Take turns asking each other questions about Detective
Freedman's last day off and fill in the missing activities. Use either the past simple or past continuous tense.

8 am: wake up
8.10 - 8.30:
8.30 - 9.30:
9.30 - 10.00: take a shower
10.00 - 11.00:
11.00 - 12.00: meet a friend for lunch
12.00 - 2.00: shopping at the mall
2.00 - 3.30:
3.30 - 4.30: read a book
4.30 - 5.30: cook dinner
5.30 - 6.00:
6.00 - 8.00: play board games with the family
8.00 - 10.00:
10.00 - 11.00: browse her work chat
11.00: go to bed
 Detective Freedman's Day Off Card
2
Work in pairs. Each person in the pair has a different card. Take turns asking each other questions about Detective
Freedman's last day off and fill in the missing activities. Use either the past simple or past continuous tense.

8 am: wake up
8.10 - 8.30: have breakfast
8.30 - 9.30: run in the park
9.30 - 10.00:
10.00 - 11.00: do household chores
11.00 - 12.00:
12.00 - 2.00:
2.00 - 3.30: watch a crime movie at home
3.30 - 4.30:
4.30 - 5.30:
5.30 - 6.00: have dinner with the family
6.00 - 8.00:
8.00 - 10.00: relax and watch TV
10.00 - 11.00:
11.00:
 ANSWERS
Work in pairs. Each person in the pair has a different card. Take turns asking each other questions about Detective
Freedman's last day off and fill in the missing activities. Use either the past simple or past continuous tense.

8 am: She woke up at 8 am.

8.10 - 8.30: She was having breakfast from 8.10 to 8.30.
8.30 - 9.30: From 8.30 to 9.30, she was running in the park.
9.30 - 10.00: She was taking a shower from 9.30 to 10.00.
10.00 - 11.00: Detective was doing household chores from 10.00 to 11.00.
11.00 - 12.00: She was meeting a friend for lunch in the local cafe from 11.00 to 12.00.
12.00 - 2.00: Detective Freeedman was shopping at the mall from 12.00 to 2.00.
2.00 - 3.30: From 2.00 to 3.30, she was watching a crime movie at home.
3.30 - 4.30: She was reading a book from 3.30 to 4.30.
4.30 - 5.30: From 4.30 to 5.30, she was cooking dinner.
5.30 - 6.00: And from 5.30 to 6.00 she was having dinner with her family.
6.00 - 8.00: She was playing board games with the family from 6.00 to 8.00.
8.00 - 10.00: From 8.00 to 10.00, she was relaxing and watching TV.
10.00 - 11.00: Before bed, she was browsing her work chat.
11.00: She went to bed at 11 pm.
 Let's practice!
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in either the past simple or past continuous tense.
1. The thief _________________________ (steal) the famous painting from the
museum while the security guards _________________________ (patrol) the
territory.
2. While the police officer _________________________ (search) the suspect's
car, he _________________________ (find) a bag of stolen jewellery.
3. The criminal _________________________ (escape) from prison while the
guards _________________________ (monitor) the security cameras.
4. The detective _________________________ (interview) the witness for 3
hours.
5. The detective _________________________ (receive) an anonymous call that
_________________________ (help) solve the case.
6. The detective _________________________ (question) the witness when
suddenly the lights _________________________ (go) out.
7. Detective Johnson _________________________ (walk) down the dark alley
when she _________________________ (hear) a loud noise coming from
behind the corner.
8. The security cameras _________________________ (record) the suspect's
every move during the burglary.
 answers
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in either the past simple or past continuous tense.
1. The thief stole the famous painting from the museum while the security
guards were patrolling the territory.
2. While the police officer was searching the suspect's car, he found a bag of
stolen jewellery.
3. The criminal escaped from prison while the guards were monitoring the
security cameras.
4. The detective was interviewing the witness for 3 hours.
5. The detective received an anonymous call that helped solve the case.
6. The detective was questioning the witness when suddenly the lights went
out.
7. Detective Johnson was walking down the dark alley when she heard a
loud noise coming from behind the corner.
8. The security cameras were recording the suspect's every move during the
burglary.
let's play!
Complete the tasks and help solve the case
Write down the numbers you find and add
them up to get the secret code..

Practice using the past simple and past

continuous tenses.

Have fun!
 extra task
Underline the correct verb form in each sentence. Choose between the past simple or past continuous tense.

1. The detective questioned/was questioning the suspect while he sweated/was

sweating nervously under the bright lights.
2. The thief stole/was stealing a sculpture from the museum.
3. The detective received/was receiving a cryptic message that led/was leading her to
an old house.
4. The witness saw/was seeing the suspect running away from the crime scene while
she walked/was walking her dog.
5. While James shoplifted/was shoplifting a wallet from the store, Sarah kept/was
keeping a lookout at the door.
6. While Emma walked/was walking home alone, she was suddenly mugged by
someone.
7. She reported/was reporting the crime to the police yesterday.
8. The police officer arrived/was arriving at the crime scene, secured/was securing the
area, and called/was calling for backup.
9. The witness described/was describing the criminal to the police while the sketch
artist drew/was drawing the suspect's face.
10. The police searched/were searching for clues the whole night.
 answers
Underline the correct verb form in each sentence. Choose between the past simple or past continuous tense.

1. The detective questioned/was questioning the suspect while he sweated/was

sweating nervously under the bright lights.
2. The thief stole/was stealing a sculpture from the museum.
3. The detective received/was receiving a cryptic message that led/was leading her to
an old house.
4. The witness saw/was seeing the suspect running away from the crime scene while
she walked/was walking her dog.
5. While James shoplifted/was shoplifting a wallet from the store, Sarah kept/was
keeping a lookout at the door.
6. While Emma walked/was walking home alone, she was suddenly mugged by
someone.
7. She reported/was reporting the crime to the police yesterday.
8. The police officer arrived/was arriving at the crime scene, secured/was securing the
area, and called/was calling for backup.
9. The witness described/was describing the criminal to the police while the sketch
artist drew/was drawing the suspect's face.
10. The police searched/were searching for clues the whole night.
quizlet
Revise the words and
complete different activities
to memorize them even
better.
thank you!