Before you read: Key words
- case a mystery or problem a detective needs to solve справа
- behaviour the way someone or something acts поведінка
- curious interested and wanting to know more цікавий
- loyal always faithful, never leaving you вірний
Match the word to its meaning
I’m happy that you’re here.
This is one of my most interesting stories.
One day, Sherlock Holmes sent me a message. It was very short:
“Come at once if you can. If you can’t, come anyway.” – S.H.
Holmes is always like this. When he needs me, I have to be there. I didn’t know what was waiting for me… but I knew one thing.
When I arrived at 221B Baker Street, Holmes was sitting in his chair. His face looked serious. He didn’t say hello.
For thirty minutes, he didn’t speak. I sat in my chair and waited.
Then, suddenly, he looked at me and smiled.
“Sorry, Watson,” he said. “I was thinking. I have an interesting case. A very strange one.”
I was curious. “Tell me, Holmes,” I said.
“Have you ever noticed the behaviour of dogs?” Holmes asked. “Dogs show us many things about their owners.”
I didn’t understand. “Dogs?” I asked.
“Yes,” Holmes said. “Happy people have happy dogs. Angry people have angry dogs. But listen to this. A dog loved its owner for many years. Now, suddenly, it attacks him! Why?”
“I don’t know,” I said. “Is this your case?”
Holmes looked at me. “Watson, small things are important. This is no small thing. It’s a very serious case.”
I sat back. “Tell me more,” I said.
This was the start of one of the strangest cases in Sherlock Holmes’ career.
After you read
1. Why did Holmes send Watson a message?
Holmes had a new and interesting case. He needed Watson to come and help him.
2. What was strange about the dog’s behaviour?
The dog had always been loyal to its owner. But suddenly, it started attacking him. Holmes found this very strange.
3. How did Watson feel at the beginning? Choose the best answer: confused / excited / angry
Confused. Watson didn’t understand why Holmes was asking about dogs.
Characters
Past Simple Practice
Fill in the gaps
Write the Past Simple form of the verb in brackets. Press Enter or click Check.
Example: Holmes smiled (smile) and looked at Watson.
Watson (arrive) at 221B Baker Street. Holmes (not say) hello. For thirty minutes, he (not speak).
Fill in the gaps
Write the Past Simple form of the verb in brackets.
Holmes (look) at Watson and (smile). “Sorry, Watson,” he (say). Watson (be) curious about the new case.
Sentence order
Put the sentences in the correct order. Click what happened first, then second, then third, then fourth. Click a numbered sentence to remove it.
Talk to Holmes
Sherlock Holmes has a few questions for you. Answer using Past Simple, just like in the story.
Holmes:
“Watson arrived the moment I called. Did you arrive somewhere quickly this week, without stopping to think?”
Holmes:
“I said nothing. Watson sat and waited for thirty minutes without a word. Did you wait for someone or something this week? What did you do while you waited?”
Holmes:
“Watson asked many questions when he didn’t understand. Do you ask for help when something is difficult, or do you prefer to figure it out alone? Did you ask a question today?”
Listening Practice
Listen to the audio above. Then fill in the missing words in the text and check your answers.
Speaking Practice
Record your answers
Press record and answer the questions out loud, just like in a real conversation. Watch it back to hear your own progress. No pressure, no grades. Just you and your English.
- Did Holmes say hello to Watson when he arrived?
- Why did Watson go to 221B Baker Street?
- Why did Holmes make Watson wait for 30 minutes?
- Why was Watson surprised that a dog attacked its owner?
- Would you like to help Sherlock Holmes solve this mystery?
- Do you think the case will be interesting?