Типовые выражения (обсуждайте, заучивайте и подставляйте свои данные):
| He broke into the house last night and stole several valuables — it was a classic burglary. |
| The police arrested the robber after he tried to rob a bank in broad daylight. |
| She was charged with murder after they found evidence linking her to the crime. |
| Speeding and drunk driving are both against the law and can lead to serious punishment. |
| The judge said the criminal was guilty and sentenced him to go to prison for ten years. |
| They investigated the theft for weeks before they could prove who the thief was. |
| A witness saw the mugging and helped the police question the suspect. |
| Shoplifting might seem like a minor offence, but it’s still illegal and can result in a fine. |
| The murderer escaped from prison, but the police caught him two days later. |
| If you break the law, you might have to go to court and face the consequences. |
| The trial lasted three weeks, and the jury finally declared him innocent due to lack of proof. |
| Selling drugs is a serious crime in most countries and is never legal. |
| The hooligan damaged public property, which is considered a criminal offence. |
| Even if you didn’t mean to kill someone, you can still be charged if it happened during another crime. |
| Always lock your doors — burglars often break in when no one’s home. |
Task: Fill in the blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct words from the expressions list. Use each word only once.
- guilty
- burglar
- evidence
- go to prison
- break into
- valuables
- witness
- trial
- fine
- against the law
- It’s __________ to drive without a license.
- The __________ saw the whole robbery and called the police.
- They found fingerprints as __________.
- He had to pay a €200 __________ for parking illegally.
- The __________ stole jewellery and other __________.
- After the __________, the jury said he was __________.
- Many criminals __________ buildings at night.
- If you’re convicted of a serious crime, you might __________.
Task: Rewrite using a different tense
Rewrite each sentence using a different tense or structure (e.g., from past to future, active to passive).
Example:
Original: The police arrested the robber.
Rewritten: The robber was arrested by the police.
The witness saw the murder.
She stole a wallet from the shop.
They broke into the house last week.
The judge will sentence him tomorrow.
Someone is selling drugs near the school.
Справочник английской грамматики
Типовые вопросы:
| Have you ever witnessed a crime? |
| What would you do if someone tried to mug you? |
| Do you think shoplifting should be punished the same way as robbery? |
| Why do some criminals escape from prison? |
| Can a person be guilty of murder even if they didn’t plan to kill anyone? |
| What kind of evidence do police need to prove someone committed a burglary? |
| Have you ever broken the law by accident (e.g., speeding)? |
| Should people who sell drugs go to prison or get help instead? |
| How can a witness help during a trial? |
| Is drunk driving a serious crime in your country? |
| What’s the difference between a thief and a burglar? |
| Do you think minor offences should lead to fines or warnings? |
| Who decides if someone is guilty or innocent in court? |
| Would you report a friend if you knew they committed a crime? |
| What’s the most common crime in your city? |
Task: Match the question to the answer
Match each question (1–5) with the most logical answer (a–e).
- Have you ever broken the law by accident?
- What would you do if someone tried to mug you?
- Is drunk driving a serious crime in your country?
- Who decides if someone is guilty or innocent?
- What’s the most common crime in your city?
a) Yes, it’s very serious — you can lose your license or go to jail.
b) I’d try to run away and call the police immediately.
c) The jury decides in most court cases.
d) Yes, I once got a ticket for parking in a no-parking zone.
e) Probably theft — people often steal bikes or phones.
Task: Write your own answers
Answer 5 of the common questions in full sentences. Use different tenses (past, present, future, conditional).
Example:
Would you report a friend if you knew they committed a crime?
→ Yes, I would report them if the crime was serious, like murder or robbery.
Совершали ли вы когда-нибудь правонарушения/преступления или были их свидетелем; платили ли когда-нибудь штрафы; вспомните один-два фильма о преступлениях:
Вопросы для обсуждения:
— Should all crimes, even minor ones, be punished with prison time? Why or why not?
— Is it ever acceptable to break the law for a good reason? Give an example.
— How can society reduce crime without relying only on punishment?
— Do you trust the justice system in your country to treat everyone fairly?
— What role do witnesses and evidence play in ensuring justice?
Video
Reading
A Day That Changed Everything
Last Tuesday, a quiet neighborhood in Manchester was shaken by a bold daylight robbery. At 11 a.m., two masked men broke into a local bank and robbed it of over £50,000. Witnesses say the robbers threatened staff but didn’t hurt anyone. Police arrested one suspect the same day after reviewing CCTV footage. He was charged with armed robbery and is now in prison awaiting trial.
What surprised investigators was the involvement of a 19-year-old shoplifter who had no prior history of serious crime. “He seemed like a regular kid,” said Detective Harris. “But selling drugs online led him into deeper trouble.”
The case highlights how minor offences can sometimes lead to more dangerous paths. Experts warn that without proper support, young people may turn to illegal activities out of desperation. Still, the law remains clear: breaking the law—whether by speeding, stealing, or murder—always carries consequences.
Local residents now feel uneasy. “I used to leave my door unlocked,” said Mrs. Ellis. “Now I check twice. You never know who’s watching.”