Did That Really Happen?

Most of these stories are true. Some are partly true. A few are not really true at all.

Lightning Strikes Pre-Intermediate

  • Lightning never strikes twice?
Bear Hug Pre-Intermediate
  • Don't get too close to a brown bear!
Hidden Money Intermediate
  • How do you hide $55 million dollars?
Call Me! Intermediate
  • Young robber leaves his business card.
Elevator Ordeal Intermediate
  • Office worker trapped for 41 hours in New York lift.
Lucky Cigarette Intermediate
  • Cigarette-break saves Empire State elevator operator.
Flying Monkey Intermediate
  • Monkey flies economy class
Iguanas Intermediate
  • Man smuggles iguanas in his false leg.
Lucky Brake Intermediate
  • Car thief's lucky day?
Thief Regrets Intermediate
  • 'I made a mistake!'
How fast is your wheelchair? Intermediate
  • Why was a wheelchair traveling down a highway at 50 mph?
Raining Cows Intermediate
  • Cow falls on holiday couple's car
Wrong Number Intermediate
  • Don't dial the wrong number when you're looking for drugs
The Perfect Pet? Upper Intermediate
  • What makes the ideal pet?
Elvis Lives Advanced
  • Some fans don't believe the King is dead

About these stories

The Did that Really Happen? series first appears in the English language section of Hong Kong newspaper, Ming Pao Daily. Illustrations are by MPD illustrator Iris Tsoi.

Texts accompanied by:
  • 'Did that Really Happen?' interactive quiz button
  • Glossary
  • Follow-up activities including role-plays for the classroom.
  • Crosswords, writing and vocabulary exercises
  • More stories are currently appearing in Ming Pao Daily.
  • Listening: Pet Passports, Lightning