Crime and Punishemnt: Pronunciation Focus

Choose from the options below.
In this activity you should read a passage out loud. You may be required to test your microphone first. You should see the audio recorder below. After you have started recording the reading passage will appear. Read the passage aloud as clearly as you can.
Listen to a speaker read the passage aloud. You do not need to read aloud.
Listen to the speaker. Repeat after each sentence and check your pronunciation.
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Listen: Listen to a speaker read the passage aloud. You do not need to read aloud.
Practice: Listen to the speaker. Repeat after each sentence and check your pronunciation.
Shadow Practice: Read the passage aloud, along with the teacher. You should wear headphones.
Read: Read the passage aloud. Speak at a speed that is natural for you.
Quiz: Read the passage silently. Then answer the questions about the passafe.

The Poodle
It was a quiet Sunday morning when Mrs. Elkins realized her poodle was missing.

“Marble never runs off,” she said to the officer at the station. “She’s very well-behaved. Someone must have stolen her!”

The police officer, Officer Lane, took notes carefully. “Do you suspect anyone, ma’am?”

Mrs. Elkins frowned. “Well, my neighbor, Mr. Clegg, always complains about Marble barking. He once said, ‘That dog should be locked up!’”

Officer Lane promised to investigate. Later that afternoon, he knocked on Mr. Clegg’s door.

“I don’t know anything about your poodle,” Mr. Clegg said. “Why would I kidnap a dog? That’s a ridiculous accusation.”

Officer Lane had no evidence, but something felt wrong. He noticed a muddy paw print near Mr. Clegg’s garden shed. That night, he returned with a search warrant.

Inside the shed, they found Marble — unharmed, but scared. She barked happily when she saw Mrs. Elkins.

Mr. Clegg was arrested for pet theft, a serious offense in the neighborhood.

In court, Mr. Clegg claimed, “The dog was trespassing. I was only keeping her safe until someone came to get her.”

But the judge wasn’t convinced. “You had no right to keep the dog without contacting the owner. You are found guilty of theft.”

Mr. Clegg was ordered to pay a fine and attend community service at the local animal shelter.

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