Before you read: Key words
- theory an idea that tries to explain something теорія
- observe to watch something carefully спостерігати
- cycle a series of events that repeat in the same order цикл
- alert ready and paying close attention насторожі / уважний
Match the word to its meaning
Holmes and Watson stayed in Cambridge to observe the professor’s strange behaviour. Mr Bennett, his assistant, reported that things seemed normal for a while. However, Holmes had a theory that every nine days, the professor took a drug. It made him act violently, and it was connected to a mysterious contact in Prague.
Holmes suggested they stay alert, as they believed that the next day, the professor’s behaviour would become strange again. They planned to follow him quietly if he left his room at night. Holmes also wanted to investigate a small box the professor kept, believing it might hold key information.
The next day, Holmes and Watson waited outside the professor’s house. Holmes was sure that the professor’s strange behaviour, the box, and his visit to Prague were all connected.
That night, just after midnight, the house went completely silent. Then, slowly, a door opened in the dark.
After you read
1. What is Holmes’s theory about the professor?
Holmes thinks the professor takes some kind of drug every nine days. This drug changes his behaviour and makes him act violently.
2. What do Holmes and Watson plan to do that night?
They plan to wait and watch. If the professor leaves his room, they will follow him quietly to see what he does.
3. What three things does Holmes believe are connected?
The professor’s strange behaviour every nine days, the small wooden box, and his secret trip to Prague.
Past Simple Practice
Fill in the gaps
Write the Past Simple form of the verb in brackets. Press Enter or click Check.
Holmes and Watson (stay) in Cambridge. Holmes (have) a theory: every nine days, the professor (take) a dangerous drug. It (make) him act violently.
Sentence order
Put the events in the correct order. Click what happened first, then second, and so on.
Answer the questions
Write your short answer in the box, then click See answers to check.
1. What was Holmes’s theory about the professor?
2. What three things did Holmes believe were connected?
Talk to Holmes
Sherlock Holmes has a few questions for you. Answer using Past Simple, just like in the story.
Holmes:
“Watson and I waited outside the professor’s house that night. Did you wait for something important this week: a message, an answer, a result?”
Holmes:
“I had a theory and planned our next step carefully. Did you make a plan this week: for work, for home, or for the future?”
Holmes:
“Bennett reported that things seemed normal at first, and then changed. Did something appear to be fine this week, but then turned out differently?”
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.
- Why did Holmes and Watson stay in Cambridge?
- What happened to the professor after he took the drug?
- What did Holmes plan to do if the professor left his room at night?
- What did Holmes believe would happen the next day with the professor?
- Where did Holmes and Watson wait the next day?