Explanation
Exercises
B1 Upper-Intermediate Writing · Lesson 5

Tell a Story with an Unexpected Ending

Learn to build suspense, sequence events naturally, and end a story with an unexpected but believable result.

B1 Upper-IntermediateShort narrative story30 min120–130 words
Lesson progress
Explanation · 1 / 4
Study the structure and model before completing the three exercises.
Learning objective

Write a coherent story with setting, development, suspense, an unexpected ending, and appropriate past narrative language.

Model text

One rainy evening, I was walking home when I noticed a wallet on the pavement near a bus stop. It contained some cash, several cards, and an identity card with an address. Because the address was nearby, I decided to return it. When I reached the building, the lights were off, but I could hear music inside. I rang the bell and waited. Finally, a man opened the door and looked confused when I showed him the wallet. For a moment, I thought I had made a mistake. Then he laughed and called his daughter. She had lost the wallet that afternoon and had already cancelled all her cards. The surprising part was that she was my new colleague, whom I was supposed to meet at work the next morning.

How to write

1
Set the scene with time and place
2
Introduce an event that starts the story
3
Build the story with actions and details
4
Create suspense before the ending
5
Reveal an unexpected but logical ending

Useful language

One evening,...Suddenly,...I decided to...For a moment,...Finally,...To my surprise,...
B1 Upper-Intermediate focus: Develop each main idea with a reason, example, consequence, or reflection. Use a wider range of linkers, but keep the text natural and easy to follow.
Exercises:
1
2
3
Exercise 1 · Language in the model text

Tell a Story with an Unexpected Ending

Read the model text closely. Choose the answer that best explains its grammar, vocabulary, linking, or register.

Analyse how the model uses language to achieve the writing purpose.
Exercise 1 · 2 / 4
You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6.
1
Why does the opening use “was walking … when I noticed”?
2
What does “Because the address was nearby” explain?
3
Why does “but” work in “the lights were off, but I could hear music inside”?
4
What narrative effect does “For a moment, I thought I had made a mistake” create?
5
Why is Past Perfect used in “She had lost the wallet … and had already cancelled all her cards”?
6
What does the relative clause “whom I was supposed to meet…” add?
Exercise 2 · Structure & development

Tell a Story with an Unexpected Ending

Use the model text to analyse how its ideas are ordered, connected, developed, and supported.

Analyse the organisation of this specific model text and the function of its details.
Exercise 2 · 3 / 4
You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6.
1
Which event starts the story’s main chain of action?
2
Why is the identity card with an address mentioned early?
3
What is the purpose of the dark building and music detail?
4
Why does the writer reveal that the daughter cancelled her cards before revealing who she is?
5
Which sentence is the climax/reveal?
6
Which structure best explains why the ending works?
Exercise 3 · Writing

Tell a Story with an Unexpected Ending

Learn to build suspense, sequence events naturally, and end a story with an unexpected but believable result.

Complete the writing task.
Exercise 3 · 4 / 4
Write 120–130 words and develop your ideas clearly.
Your task

Tell a short story that ends in an unexpected way. Set the scene, develop the events, and make the final surprise clear and believable.

  • Give a clear setting.
  • Use past narrative forms.
  • Include at least three events.
  • Use sequencing language.
  • Create suspense or uncertainty.
  • Include a clear unexpected ending.
  • Make the ending connected to earlier events.
One evening,...Suddenly,...I decided to...For a moment,...Finally,...To my surprise,...
Your writing
0 words · Target: 120–130

Your draft is saved automatically on this device.

Quick check
•Write about 120–130 words
•Set a clear past situation
•Develop several past events
•Build the story with clear sequence
•Create uncertainty before the ending
•Reveal an unexpected ending
•Use several linking expressions
•Use at least 7 clear sentences
AI feedback

After the lesson check, get detailed feedback appropriate for this B1 Upper-Intermediate task.