Introduction Unit 4 - Killer instinct

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Introduction Unit 4 

Killer instinct

Guess the criminal

TRUE STORY or FICTION?

You'll hear four short stories about notorious criminals. 
After each story, discuss in pairs: 

- Do you think this person really existed, or are they fictional?

- What clues make you think that? Briefly explain. 

The Gentleman Bank Robber

He always wore a suit and tie when robbing banks. He never hurt anyone, and he was known for saying "please" and "thank you" to the staff. When the police caught him, he said he only stole to pay for his mother's medical bills. 

TRUE STORY ... or ... FICTION?

Discuss. 

The Gentleman Bank Robber

1. TRUE STORY
2. FICTION

The Gentleman Bank Robber

This story is based on “Gentleman Bandit” Willie Sutton, a real American bank robber famous for his politeness and clever disguises in the 1920s.

The Shadow Hacker

In the early 2000s, a teenager from Finland created a computer virus that could erase all the money in online bank accounts. But before it spread, he deleted it and sent an apology email to the government, saying it was only an experiment. 

TRUE STORY ... or ... FICTION?

Discuss. 

The Shadow Hacker

1. TRUE STORY
2. FICTION

The Shadow Hacker

It sounds believable, but it’s made up! However, there are real hackers who started young, like Kevin Mitnick and Jonathan James.

The Art Thief Who Loved Cats

This man stole famous paintings from museums all around Europe — but he only stole paintings that showed cats. He said cats were “the true observers of human nature.” Police found over 40 cat paintings hidden in his attic.

TRUE STORY ... or ... FICTION?

Discuss. 

The Art Thief Who Loved Cats

1. TRUE STORY
2. FICTION

The Art Thief Who Loved Cats

There’s no real “cat thief” like this, but there are famous art thieves such as Stéphane Breitwieser, who stole over 200 artworks.

The Queen of Crime

She was a famous writer who once disappeared for 11 days. Police searched everywhere — even thought she might be dead! Later, she appeared in a hotel using a false name. Nobody knows why she disappeared.

TRUE STORY ... or ... FICTION?

Discuss. 

The Queen of Crime

1. TRUE STORY
2. FICTION

The Queen of Crime

his really happened to Agatha Christie, the famous crime novelist, in 1926.

Why do you think people are so interested in criminals?

What are typical characteristics of a serial killer?

Serial killer myth-busting

Many people believe strange things about serial killers. Let’s see what’s true and what’s just a myth!

1. Most serial killers are ill or "crazy".

1. True - they all have serious mental illnesses
2. False - only some have mental problems, many seem normal
3. False - none have mental problems
4. True - they are completely out of control.

Many serial killers are not legally insane. They often plan carefully and appear normal in daily life.

2. Serial killers are always men.

1. False - there are some women serial killers too
2. True - only men become serial killers
3. False - only women are serial killers
4. True - women only help but don't kill

Most serial killers are men, but there are famous women too, like Aileen Wuornos and Nannie Doss.

3. Serial killers are usually strangers to their victims.

1. True - they almost never know their victims
2. False - they often know them

Many killers know their victims or meet them in normal situations — not just random strangers.

4. Serial killers can be easily recognised by their appearance or behaviour.

1. True - they look dangerous and act strangely
2. False - they often look and act like ordinary people

Many serial killers seem friendly and normal. That’s why they can trick people and avoid suspicion.

5. All serial killers want fame and attention.

1. False - they want money, not attention
2. True - they all love being famous
3. False - some do, but others want control or power
4. True - they always tell the media their stories

Some killers enjoy attention, but many have other motives like control, anger, or revenge.

Do you think society should talk about these people or ignore them? Why?