The Last Photo: A Picture That Helps Catch a Thief

Introduction

The Last Photo is an exciting and simple story for beginner English learners. The book is written by Bernard Smith and is part of the Penguin Readers series at the Easystarts level. The story is short, easy to read, and full of adventure. It tells the story of two young people, Pam and Martin, who help the police because of one photo. Let’s find out more!

Who Are the Main Characters?

The two main characters in the story are:

• Pam: She is Martin’s sister. Pam likes taking photos with her camera. Sometimes the photos are good, and sometimes they are not.
• Martin: He is Pam’s brother. He is smart and notices small things. Martin has a good idea when he sees one of Pam’s photos.

The Trip to Cambridge

Pam and Martin go to Cambridge for a day. Cambridge is a city in England. It is a beautiful place with old buildings and many students. Pam takes many photos in Cambridge. She wants to remember their day.

At the end of the day, Pam takes one last photo. She takes a photo of Martin. But something happens! A strange man walks in front of the camera. Pam is not happy. She wanted a photo of Martin, not the man.

A Strange Man with a Rucksack

The man has a rucksack (a big bag) on his back. He looks strange. After a short time, Pam and Martin see the man again. He is getting on a bus. The bus is going to Scotland.

Pam and Martin go home. Three days later, they look at the photos from their day in Cambridge. They remember the places they visited. Then they look at the last photo. The strange man with the rucksack is in the photo. Martin thinks he looks like someone in the newspaper.

A Man in the Newspaper

Martin finds the newspaper. There is a photo of a man. The police want to find him. He took money from the bank where he works. It is not his money. It is one hundred thousand pounds!

Martin and Pam think it is the same man. They want to help the police. They take Pam’s photo and the newspaper and go to the police station.

Helping the Police

At the police station, Pam and Martin talk to the policemen. They show the photo and the newspaper. They say they saw the man in Cambridge. They also say that the man got on a bus to Scotland.

The police look at the photo. They think it is the same man. The police go to find him. After some time, they find him. They also find the money. The people at the bank are very happy.

A Big Surprise for Pam and Martin

Because Pam and Martin helped the police, the bank gives them a reward. The reward is one thousand pounds! Pam is very happy. Now she has money to buy a good camera.

Why Is This Book Good for A1 Students?

Here are some reasons why The Last Photo is great for English learners at the A1 level:

• Easy Words: The book uses simple and easy English.
• Short Sentences: The sentences are not long, so they are easy to understand.
• Interesting Story: The story is fun and exciting.
• Real Places: You learn about Cambridge and Scotland.
• Good Lesson: You learn that small things, like a photo, can be very important.

What Can You Learn from This Book?

This book is not just a story. It helps you learn English in many ways:

• New Vocabulary: Words like "rucksack," "photo," and "reward."
• Grammar Practice: Simple past tense is used in the story.
• Reading Skills: The story helps you understand English better.
• Thinking in English: You learn how to follow a story and guess what will happen next.

Conclusion

The Last Photo is a great book for beginner English learners. It has simple English, a fun story, and teaches a good lesson. Pam and Martin are normal young people, but one photo helps them stop a thief. Because they are clever and go to the police, they help many people. And they also get a big reward!

If you like mystery and adventure, this book is perfect for you. Enjoy reading and keep learning English every day!

Bernard Smith teacher and writer 

Bernard Smith: A Lifelong Contributor to English Language Teaching and Literature

Early Career and Teaching Journey

Bernard Smith has dedicated over 40 years to the fields of teaching and writing, with a strong focus on English as a Foreign Language (EFL). His career began in diverse and challenging environments, working in South Yemen, Libya, and Oman. These international experiences provided him with deep insights into language acquisition and the unique challenges faced by learners from different linguistic backgrounds. His ability to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps made him a highly respected figure in the world of English language education.

Contributions to ELT: Teaching and Administration

During his career, Bernard Smith held prominent positions in various educational institutions. He served as the Director of Studies at multiple ARELS (Association of Recognised English Language Services) schools in the United Kingdom. His expertise in curriculum design and language assessment played a pivotal role in shaping the teaching methodologies adopted by these institutions.

One of his most significant contributions was his role as the Controller and principal author of the Oxford-ARELS oral examinations. Over a period of twenty years, he worked to develop, refine, and implement these examinations, ensuring they remained both challenging and effective for language learners. His involvement in these oral assessments highlighted his commitment to improving spoken English proficiency among students worldwide.

Writing Career: Shaping EFL Materials

Beyond his contributions as an educator, Bernard Smith is widely recognized for his work in developing teaching books and materials for EFL learners. His publications reflect a deep understanding of language learning pedagogy and a keen awareness of learners’ needs. Even after retiring from active teaching, he has continued to write EFL books on a freelance basis, demonstrating his ongoing passion for language education.

One of his most notable works is Learner English, which he co-edited with renowned linguist Michael Swan. This book has been instrumental in helping teachers understand the common difficulties faced by English learners from various language backgrounds. By providing practical insights and detailed explanations, Learner English has become an essential resource in the ELT field.

Fiction Writing: The Man from Nowhere

In addition to his contributions to EFL education, Bernard Smith has also explored the realm of fiction. He authored The Man from Nowhere, a title in the Cambridge English Readers series. This book, designed for English learners, combines engaging storytelling with accessible language, making it an excellent tool for improving reading skills. By blending linguistic simplicity with compelling narratives, Bernard Smith has successfully created literary works that not only entertain but also educate.

Legacy and Influence

Bernard Smith's extensive career in teaching, administration, and writing has left a lasting impact on the ELT community. His work in oral assessments, language teaching, and instructional materials has helped shape modern English language education. Through his books and innovative approaches, he has empowered both teachers and students to navigate the complexities of language learning with greater confidence.

Even in retirement, Bernard Smith continues to contribute to the field, proving that passion for education and language never fades. His dedication to creating high-quality EFL materials ensures that his influence will be felt by generations of learners and educators to come.