Before you read: Key words
- shutter a solid panel fixed to the outside of a window that can be closed for privacy or security ставень
- organ a large musical instrument with pipes and keys, often found in old houses and churches орган
- cautious being careful to avoid danger or mistakes обережний
- paced walked back and forth in a small area, usually because of worry or nervousness ходив туди-сюди
Match the word to its meaning
“Please wait in this room for a moment,” he said, opening a door.
It was a small, simple room with a round table and some German books on a shelf.
The colonel placed the lamp on an old organ and disappeared. I looked at the books — mostly science and poetry.
I went to the window but found only a locked shutter. I could not see outside.
The house was silent, except for the ticking of a clock.
I felt uneasy. Who were these Germans, living in such a remote place?
I paced around, trying to stay calm.
Suddenly, the door opened. A frightened woman stood there. Her name, I would later learn, was Elise.
“You must leave,” she said in broken English. “There is nothing good for you here. Please, go now — before it is too late.”
I explained that I couldn’t leave without seeing the machine. She insisted, but I refused. Just then, footsteps sounded in the corridor, and she vanished.
The colonel returned with a stocky man — Mr Ferguson, his manager. Without a word of explanation, they led me upstairs.
The house was old, with peeling walls and narrow hallways. I remembered Elise’s warning but followed them, staying cautious.
After you read
1. What did Victor find when he went to the window?
He found only a locked shutter. He could not see outside.
2. What did Elise tell Victor?
She warned him in broken English: “You must leave. There is nothing good for you here. Go now — before it is too late.”
3. Why did Victor stay, even after the warning?
He explained that he couldn’t leave without seeing the machine. He came for the job and felt he had to complete it.
Past Simple Practice
Fill in the gaps
Write the Past Simple form of the verb in brackets.
Example: The colonel placed (place) the lamp on the organ and disappeared (disappear).
Victor (go) to the window but (find) only a locked shutter. He (feel) uneasy and (pace) around the room.
Fill in the gaps
Write the Past Simple form of the verb in brackets.
A frightened woman (stand) at the door. She (vanish) when footsteps (sound) in the corridor. Victor (follow) them upstairs, staying cautious.
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:
“Elise warned Victor — but he didn’t listen. Have you ever ignored a warning and regretted it? Or followed advice and avoided a problem?”
Holmes:
“Victor paced around the room because he felt nervous. What do you do when you feel anxious or uneasy? Did you feel uneasy about anything this week?”
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.
- Describe the room where Victor waited. What did he find there?
- Who was Elise and what did she say?
- Why do you think Elise warned Victor? Was she brave?
- Why did Victor refuse to leave?
- What do you think will happen when Victor sees the machine?