This story follows private detective Cormoran Strike who is hired by a celebrity's brother to investigate her suspicious death that was ruled a suicide. As Strike looks into the case further, he becomes less skeptical that it was actually a murder. During the investigation, there is another murder that occurs, making the situation dangerous. In the end, it is revealed that the celebrity's death was indeed a murder committed by someone unexpected.

1. PHOTOCOPIABLE © Cambridge University Press 2015
Writing practice Unit 4
Retelling a narrative
1 Put the paragraphs in order.
The Cuckoo’s Calling
A The story begins with a childhood acquaintance of Strike’s asking him to investigate the death of his celebrity sister. Although the
police called it suicide, the girl’s brother insists she was murdered. Strike agrees to take on the case, although he’s rather skeptical
about the idea of murder.
B In the end, there is something of a twist and we learn that it was murder and not suicide, but the murderer is someone quite
unexpected.
C Then, as the story develops further, there is another murder and the situation becomes dark and dangerous.
D This story is set in London, covering upmarket Mayfair and less attractive places such as Hammersmith. The main character is
an ex-army private detective called Cormoran Strike.
E As the days go by, the detective becomes less skeptical and believes there might be a case for murder.
1 2 3 4 5
2 Tick (✓) the correct sentence.
1 a This story happened in the south of Ireland.
b This story takes place in the south of Ireland.
2 a The tale begins with a boy waking up in bed.
b The story first occurs with a boy waking up in bed.
3 a Over a while, the boy realises he has unusual powers.
b Over the next few days, the boy realises he has unusual powers.
4 a As the days go by, he makes his teachers very angry.
b Over some time, he makes his teachers very angry.
5 a In the end, he becomes a successful special agent.
b After all, he becomes a successful special agent.
Write!Write!
Step 1
Here are three exam questions. Choose one to write. Before you start writing, look at Steps 2–4.
• Retell a well-known fairytale that you read when you were younger.
• Retell the story of one of your favourite books.
• Retell the story of a film that you found frightening.
Step 2
Brainstorm your ideas. Write them in order and include the following phrases:
1 the main character 4 as the days go by
2 the story takes place 5 gradually
3 the story begins 6 In the end
Step 3
Make sure you use some interesting adjectives to describe the characters and setting.
Step 4
Write your story. Don’t forget to check your work for grammar and spelling mistakes.