Before you read: Key words
- porridge a hot dish made from oats cooked in water or milk вівсяна каша
- maple syrup a sweet liquid made from the sap of maple trees кленовий сироп
- omelette eggs beaten and cooked flat in a pan, often with a filling омлет
- black pudding a dark sausage made with blood, fat, and oatmeal — a British classic кров'яна ковбаса
Match the word to its meaning
Just then, Mrs Hudson entered the room, smiling cheerfully.
“Oh, you’re just in time,” she said. “I’ve prepared breakfast. Let me tell you what’s on the menu today. You can choose from:”
- Full English Breakfast — eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, toast, and black pudding.
- Vegetarian Omelette — packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, topped with melted cheese.
- Pancakes with Maple Syrup — served with fresh fruit and a drizzle of cream.
- Porridge with Honey, Star Anise and Cinnamon — creamy oats topped with natural honey and spices.
Victor looked at the options thoughtfully. “I’ll have the pancakes, please.”
Holmes adjusted his dressing gown and said, “For me, Mrs Hudson, the Full English Breakfast, as always.”
“And you, Dr Watson?” Mrs Hudson asked.
“The vegetarian omelette sounds excellent. I’ll have that,” I replied.
Mrs Hudson beamed. “Excellent choices! I’ll be back shortly.”
As she turned to leave, she added, “No one ever chooses the porridge. I suppose it’s just not exciting enough!”
After you read
1. What did Victor choose for breakfast?
Victor chose pancakes with maple syrup.
2. What does Holmes always have for breakfast?
Holmes always has the Full English Breakfast.
3. Which dish does nobody ever choose? Why do you think that is?
Nobody ever chooses the porridge. Mrs Hudson thinks it’s just not exciting enough.
Past Simple Practice
Fill in the gaps
Write the Past Simple form of the verb in brackets.
Example: Mrs Hudson entered (enter) the room smiling.
Mrs Hudson (enter) the room. Victor (look) at the options thoughtfully. Holmes (adjust) his dressing gown.
Fill in the gaps
Write the Past Simple form of the verb in brackets.
Watson (reply): “The omelette sounds excellent.” Mrs Hudson (beam). “Excellent choices!” She (turn) to leave and (add) one more thing.
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:
“What did you have for breakfast this morning? Describe it in as much detail as you can.”
Holmes:
“Nobody chose the porridge. Have you ever tried something new to eat and regretted it — or been pleasantly surprised?”
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.
- What did each person choose for breakfast?
- Which breakfast option would you choose and why?
- Have you ever tried a Full English Breakfast?
- Why do you think nobody ever chooses the porridge?
- What is a typical breakfast in your country?