28. Telling and Asking about stories

TELLING AND ASKING ABOUT STORIES

Starting a Story Use That reminds me of a story, Did I tell you about + (noun phrase)?, and Guess what happened to me! to start a story. Carol: I really enjoy Egyptian art. Sarah: That reminds me of a story. I was in Cairo, Egypt three years ago ... Tim: I like to learn about different countries and cultures. Yoko: Did I tell you about the first time I came to America? I arrived in Texas and I ... Peter: Did you have a good vacation? Stephen: Yes, but guess what happened to me! The woman next to me on the airplane was ... Telling a Story Use first, then, next, after that, and finally to tell a story. First always comes at the beginning of a story and finally always comes at the end of a story. Then, next, and after that have the same meaning and are used to show the order of events between first and finally. My vacation in Asia was fantastic. First, I went to Hong Kong. The shopping was great. Next, I visited Tokyo. Then, I traveled to Kyoto. It's also in Japan. After that, I flew to Thailand. Finally, when I didn't have any more money, I came home. Asking about a Story Use What happened?, Then what happened?, and What did you do next? to show you are interested and help move the story forward. Tom: What happened? Lucy: The weather was very bad. First, the lights went out. Tom: Then what happened? Lucy: Next, we tried to use the telephone. Tom: What did you do next? Lucy: After that, we started a fire in the fireplace.

Expressions
TELLING AND ASKING ABOUT STORIES
Starting a Story
That reminds me of a story. Did I tell you about + noun phrase? Guess what happened to me!
Telling a Story
first then next after that finally
Asking about a Story
What happened? Then what happened? What did you do next?