Before you read: Key words
- dressing gown a loose robe worn at home, usually in the morning халат
- scent a pleasant or distinctive smell запах, аромат
- clutter a lot of objects in an untidy state безлад, захаращеність
- cab a horse-drawn carriage or taxi for hire кеб, таксі
Match the word to its meaning
When Victor walked back into my office, I could tell something was wrong. His pale face and worried look made me think he was hiding something. What happened to him?
“How do you feel now?” I asked, looking at him.
“Much better, thanks to you.”
“You probably shouldn’t talk about it — it might upset you.”
“No, I need to tell the police. But I doubt they’ll believe me. My story sounds strange, and I don’t have much proof.”
“Maybe my friend Sherlock Holmes can help.”
“I’ve heard of him! Could you introduce me?”
“I’ll take you there myself.”
We called a cab and went to Baker Street.
Holmes was relaxing in his dressing gown, reading the newspaper.
As I stepped into the familiar sitting room, the air seemed thick with the scent of tobacco and mystery, as if the walls themselves whispered secrets.
The room was cosy and well-kept, with leather armchairs. A comfortable sofa with cushions stood near the fireplace. The ceiling was high. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books, and a thick rug covered the wooden floor. The low coffee table in the middle of the room was cluttered with papers.
I suddenly realised — I didn’t eat breakfast that morning. The morning events completely slipped my mind. I looked at Victor, who seemed equally weary. Would Holmes suggest breakfast, or would we have to ask?
After you read
1. Why did Victor want to talk to Sherlock Holmes?
Victor needed to tell the police, but he was afraid they wouldn’t believe him. He hoped Holmes could help.
2. How did Watson and Victor travel to Baker Street?
They called a cab and went to Baker Street.
3. Name three things Watson noticed in Holmes’s sitting room.
Leather armchairs, a sofa near the fireplace, shelves with books, a thick rug, and a coffee table cluttered with papers.
Past Simple Practice
Fill in the gaps
Write the Past Simple form of the verb in brackets.
Example: They called (call) a cab and went to Baker Street.
They (call) a cab and (go) to Baker Street. Holmes (be) relaxing in his dressing gown.
Fill in the gaps
Write the Past Simple form of the verb in brackets.
Shelves (line) the walls. A thick rug (cover) the wooden floor. Watson (realise) he didn’t eat breakfast.
Sentence order
Put the sentences in the correct order.
Talk to Holmes
Sherlock Holmes has a few questions for you. Answer using Past Simple.
Holmes:
“Watson described my sitting room in great detail — the armchairs, the rug, the books, the clutter. How would you describe your own living room or workspace? Use Past Simple: what did you notice when you walked in today?”
Holmes:
“Watson forgot breakfast because of an unexpected event. Did something unexpected happen to you recently? What was it?”
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. No pressure, no grades. Just you and your English.
- Why did Victor doubt the police would believe him?
- How did Watson and Victor get to Baker Street?
- What was Holmes doing when they arrived?
- Describe Holmes’s sitting room in your own words.
- What do you think Holmes will say when he hears Victor’s story?