Advice On How To Describe Issue To Garage?

Hi everyone,

I am a car novice, in that this is the first time I've owned a car that is mine, and my significant other does not drive, so cannot help me identify/describe the issue. Maybe someone can help me explain it, or let me know if my explanation is alright?

I've had my 2004 Ford Fiesta 1.4 LX Semi-automatic for just over a month. I rarely have to drive over 30mph in my general area, but today I traveled for just over half an hour, mostly between 50 and 60mph. When I got to my destination, I opened my car boot and noticed a burning smell. I popped the hood and checked all my liquid levels and they were just fine.

Heading back, I'd put the car in gear and it wouldn't move, as if I had the brake on. I double checked, and my emergency brake was back down. I pressed the gas and it was sluggish, but it moved. I came back through the same roads, but as I'd slowed down, my brakes began to make noise when I pressed them (the high-pitched whine that means uh oh...time for new brakes). As I was getting back to my area, I went to slow down to stop. I pressed the brake and it tightened, then released and went all the way down and I could feel the front brakes stop me. on and off, it would struggle. the squeal of the brakes and the sluggish, brakes seem to be engaged bit.

Luckily I was very close to home, so I limped cautiously, keeping loads of distance and gently pumping the brake to stop. Same burning smell when I got out, from the rear.

Now this seems to me that the issue has to do with the brakes (hopefully that's all!) I have brake pads on the front weels (and they look good) and brake shoes on the back. I know as of the last MOT there was slight rust on one of the brake pipes.

Should this be what I explain to the mechanic? is there something that may be a problem or am I missing some information that I should be communicating?

Thanks for any help.