JAM topic · Intermediate
Finding a Hidden Note in a Book
Imagine finding a secret message in a secondhand book and tell a creative story about what happened next.
How to structure your minute
- 1
Start
Set the scene where you found the note.
- 2
Middle
Describe what the note said and your reaction.
- 3
End
Conclude with how the experience ended.
Sample answer
about 133 words · 1 minuteLast month, while browsing through a small secondhand bookstore downtown, I bought an old hardback novel about mystery and adventure. When I opened the book at home, a folded yellow piece of paper slipped out from between the middle pages. Written in faded blue ink was a message that said, search behind the wooden clock near the old fountain. My curiosity immediately took over, so I decided to visit the historic town square where a public park had an ancient stone fountain. Behind a nearby decorative clock, I discovered a small metal box containing a hand-drawn map of the neighborhood from fifty years ago. Exploring those streets with the old map gave me a fresh perspective on my own town. It felt like stepping into an exciting detective movie for one unforgettable afternoon.
Use it for ideas. Say it your own way.
Useful phrases
browsing through...
I spent two hours browsing through old magazines at the library.
slipped out from...
A small photograph slipped out from inside the old envelope.
curiosity immediately took over
When I saw the wrapped box, my curiosity immediately took over.
stepping into...
Walking into the ancient castle felt like stepping into another era.
Common mistakes
I discovered a paper that was wrote in ink.
I discovered a paper that was written in ink.
Use the past participle 'written' for passive constructions.
I decided visiting the park.
I decided to visit the park.
Decide is followed by an infinitive verb.
Tips for this topic
- Build suspense by describing actions in sequential order.
- Vary your sentence structure to maintain narrative momentum throughout the minute.
Now say it yourself
Speak on “Finding a Hidden Note in a Book” for one minute. You get what went well and the one thing to fix.