Teach newspaper article writing through four of history’s most famous burglaries. Students explore real-world heists while developing advanced vocabulary, reading comprehension, discussion skills, and journalistic writing.

Ideal for CEFR B2-C1, ESL/EFL classes, as well as English language arts teachers looking for engaging, ready to teach, nonfiction lessons.

Using authentic historical cases—including the Banco Central tunnel robbery, the Mona Lisa theft, the Antwerp Diamond Heist, and Canada’s Great Maple Syrup Heist—students analyze how each crime was planned before writing their own newspaper article from the perspective of a journalist.

The lesson concludes with a detective mystery inspired by Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Joseph Bell, giving students an opportunity to present evidence, justify conclusions, and practice speaking fluently.