L20 - F4 (Reading)

Lesson Objectives

Understand specific details and information in extended texts on a wide range of familiar topics
Summarise the main points of a story, text or plot

Unit Opener

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a detective?

Pre Reading

Word Focus

remarkable

unusual or special and therefore surprising and worth mentioning

glanced

to give a quick short look

case

a problem, a series of events, or a person being dealt with by police, doctors, lawyers, etc.

gasped

to take a short, quick breath through the mouth, especially because of surprise, pain, or shock

lifelike

used to describe something that appears real or very similar to what is real

critical

of the greatest importance to the way things might happen

paused

to stop doing something for a short time

murdered

to commit the crime of intentionally killing a person

Find meaning of these words in your own language.

A - Discuss.

Do you enjoy detective stories?

2. What do you know about Sherlock Holmes?

3. Have you ever read a book or seen a film with Sherlock Holmes?

While Reading

B - Read the extract from a Sherlock Holmes story.

The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone.

By Arthur Conan Doyle.

Chapter 1.

It was pleasant for Watson to find himself once more in the untidy room of the first floor in Baker Street, which had been the starting point of so many remarkable adventures. He looked around him at the scientific charts, the bench of chemicals and the violin case leaning in the corner. Finally, his eyes met the smiling face of Billy the great detectives, young servant.

'Hello Billy, I was visiting a friend nearby when I decided to come and see Holmes. Is he in?'.

Billy glanced at the closed door of the bedroom. 'I think he's in bed and asleep', he said.

It was seven in the evening of a lovely summer’s day, but Watson was sufficiently familiar with the irregularity of his old friend's hours to feel no surprise at the idea.

'That means a case, I suppose?'

'Yes, Sir. He spent the day following someone. Yesterday, he went out dressed as a workman looking for a job. Today he was an old woman.'

Watson frowned. 'But what is it all about, Billy?'

Billy lowered his voice. 'I don't mind telling you Sir, but keep it to yourself. It's this case of the Crown Diamond.'

'You mean the £100,000 burglary?'

'Yes, Sir, they must get it back, Sir. We had the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary both sitting on that sofa over there. Mr Holmes was very nice to them. He soon put them at their ease and promised he would do all he could.'

While Billy was talking what's in turn to look at the window. 'I say Billy, what is that curtain for across the window?'

'Mr. Holmes put it up there three days ago. We've got something funny behind it.'

As soon as Billy pulled back the curtain, Watson gasped in amazement. Between the window and the curtain was a wax figure of Sherlock Holmes, sitting in a chair. The face was turned towards the window and downward, as if reading a book.

'We put it at different angles so that it may seem more lifelike,' Billy explained, as he was rearranging the head. 'I wouldn't dare touch it if the blinds were not shut. You see there are people who watch us from over there. Have a look for yourself, ' said Billy as he opened the blinds.

Suddenly, Holmes emerged from his bedroom and shut them. 'That will do, Billy!' he said. 'You were in danger of your life boy. It's good to see you again, Watson. You've come at a critical moment.'

'So I gather,' said Watson.

'I'm expecting something this evening,' said Holmes.

'Expecting what?'

Holmes paused for a moment. 'To be murdered, Watson,' he said.

C - Read the text again and answer the questions. Choose a, b or c.

What did the first floor room in Baker Street remind Watson of?

a. How untidy Holmes was.

b. The many adventures he had been on with Holmes.

c. Some equipment that they had used in a case.

What was Watson's reaction to Holmes being asleep?

a. He was surprised because it was early in the evening.

b. He was used to Holmes sleeping at strange times in the day.

c. He wanted to wake him up and discuss the case.

What did Holmes promise the Prime Minister and Home Secretary?

a. That he would find a hundred-thousand pounds.

b. That he would not tell anyone about the case.

c. That he would find the stolen diamond.

4. Why does Billy open the blinds?

a.To allow Watson to see the wax figure better

b. To show Watson something.

c. To let some people see the wax figure

5. What does Holmes believe?

a. That the blinds should be shut at all times.

b. That Billy will be murdered.

c. That the wax figure will be attacked.

E - Discuss.

What did you learn about Sherlock Holmes from the extract?

2. Would you like to read the rest of the story?

3. What do you think will happen?

Reflection

What are the typical features of a detective story?

Page updated

Report abuse