Watson trusted Holmes's judgment and when he heard that Holmes was 'dangerously ill' he felt great alarm and anxiety. He immediately went to 221B to attend to him, showing his concern and readiness to help.
Watson was alarmed and anxious; he was shocked to learn Holmes was dangerously ill and hurried to his lodgings, deeply concerned for his friend's life.
Holmes had ordered that no medical help be summoned, part of the deception to make visitors (especially Culverton Smith) believe Holmes was beyond help and to induce a confession. Mrs Hudson therefore did not call a doctor.
Because Holmes had instructed that no doctor should be called and the household obeyed his wishes; Mrs Hudson was following his explicit orders and the ruse he was enacting.
On entering Holmes seemed in the last stages of a fatal disease—emaciated, hardly conscious, with altered features and a deathlike expression. This appearance was part of his simulated illness to deceive the visitor.
Holmes appeared extremely weak and near death: pallid, shrunken, delirious at times, with laboured breathing and a ghastly appearance suggesting terminal illness.
Holmes told those present that he had contracted the deadly Tapanuli fever — a choice meant to alarm visitors and make his condition seem hopeless.
Holmes claimed to be suffering from 'Tapanuli fever', a rare and deadly disease mentioned in the story.
When Watson entered he found, besides Mrs Hudson, an elderly, repellent-looking man — Culverton Smith — sitting near the bedside. Smith was the person Holmes wanted to confront.
Watson saw a stranger in the room — Culverton Smith, the visitor whom Holmes had invited.
To preserve the deception Holmes told Watson to remain out of the way and to let events proceed so that the visitor (Smith) would speak freely. Holmes needed Watson to trust him and not disrupt the plan.
Holmes instructed Watson to keep away from the bedside, not to interfere with the scene, and to follow his directions so the ruse would succeed.
By appearing helpless and pleading, Holmes aimed to provoke Smith into talking about Victor Savage's death. Smith, thinking Holmes was dying and safe from harm, would admit his responsibility and methods, giving Holmes the evidence needed.
Holmes pleaded with Smith to induce him to boast or confess his crime, believing that a dying man would draw out the villain's guilty admission.
Holmes's ruse led Smith to boast and confess that he had caused Victor Savage's death. This admission, together with Smith's opportunity and motive, served as the crucial evidence to implicate him.
Culverton Smith was responsible. The evidence was his own verbal confession to Holmes (while Holmes pretended to be dying) and the circumstances Smith admitted about administering the fatal agent.
Holmes admitted he had spoken harshly to ensure Watson stayed aloof and did not break the deception. The behaviour was tactical rather than personal.
Holmes explained that his rudeness was deliberate and part of the act: he wished to irritate Watson so that Watson would keep away and not interfere with the plan.
Holmes's mastery of disguise and acting enabled him to feign the appearance and behaviour of a dying man. He controlled his breathing, expression and manner to make the deception believable.
Holmes used skilful acting and theatrical artifices (appearance, voice, behaviour) to simulate the symptoms of a fatal disease and thus appear convincingly ill.
As the household landlady, Mrs Hudson cared for the lodgers and was distressed by Holmes's apparent decline and the alarming scene at 221B, hence her worry and agitation.
Mrs Hudson was Holmes and Watson's landlady. She was worried because Holmes appeared to be dangerously ill and she feared he might die.
Allowing Watson to examine him would have exposed that his symptoms were feigned. Holmes also claimed contagion to keep Watson at a distance and to strengthen the story that only Culverton Smith could help.
Holmes forbade Watson to examine him to preserve the ruse that he was afflicted with a dangerous, contagious disease and to prevent Watson from discovering the deception.
The prohibition reinforced the supposed danger and prevented Watson from discovering the trick. Watson, loyal and anxious, complied despite misgivings.
Holmes warned Watson not to touch his things to maintain the appearance of a contagious illness; Watson was concerned but obeyed Holmes's orders.
Watson found a small black and white ivory box on the table near the mantlepiece.
Watson found a small black and white ivory box on the table near the mantlepiece.
Smith is depicted as a prosperous, morally corrupt man who had poisoned his nephew (or relation) to obtain an inheritance; Holmes exposes his guilt by tricking him into admission.
Mr. Culverton Smith is a wealthy, unscrupulous man (a former planter with interests in the tropics) who murdered his relative for gain and is the criminal Holmes exposes in the story.
Holmes wanted Smith brought to him immediately so that his plan to provoke a confession could go ahead.
Holmes asked Watson to go at once and fetch Mr. Culverton Smith.
The urgency and the claim that only Smith could help were part of the lure to bring Smith into conversation with Holmes so he would incriminate himself.
Holmes told Watson to go quickly to Smith, say that Holmes was dying and urgently needed Smith's help, and to bring Smith back immediately.
By appearing to need Smith's unique knowledge, Holmes tempted Smith into boasting and describing the poison and how he had used it, producing the evidence Holmes needed.
Holmes wanted Smith to attend and attempt to ‘treat’ him so Smith would reveal details of the method of poisoning and thus confess to the earlier murder.
According to Smith, Holmes contracted the disease by touching the poisoned sharp spring inside the ivory box that Smith had sent him.
According to Smith, Holmes contracted the disease by touching the poisoned sharp spring inside the ivory box that Smith had sent him.
After Smith's incriminating statements in Holmes's presence, the police (led by Inspector Bradstreet) were called in and arrested Smith for the murder of his nephew/relative.
Inspector Bradstreet (with police) arrested Culverton Smith on the charge of murder (for poisoning his relative).
Holmes feigned an extreme, exotic illness and forbade close examination. By making Smith believe he alone could identify or treat the disease, Holmes drew Smith into talking openly about the murder and the method of poisoning, producing the confession needed for arrest.
Holmes pretended to be dying of a rare, contagious oriental disease and kept up the deception so that Culverton Smith, believing Holmes was dying and that only he could help, came and boasted of how he had poisoned his relative. Smith's admissions incriminated him and led to his arrest.
Acting on Holmes's plan, Watson brought Smith into the situation where Smith made incriminating statements; Watson then involved the authorities and helped effect the arrest.
Watson followed Holmes's instructions: he fetched Culverton Smith (or brought him to Holmes) and assisted in securing Smith so the police could be called and arrest him.
- a. knew
- b. new
'New' is the correct adjective meaning recently purchased; 'knew' is the past form of 'know'.
b
- a. herd
- b. heard
'Heard' (past of hear) is correct; 'herd' is a noun meaning a group of animals.
b
- a. course
- b. coarse
'Course' (a series of lessons) is correct; 'coarse' means rough or crude.
a
- a. four
- b. fore
'Four' (the number 4) is correct; 'fore' is a prefix or an exclamation used in golf.
a
- a. peace
- b. piece
The correct word is 'peace' (option a). 'Peace' means freedom from war or disturbance. 'Piece' means a portion of something; it does not fit the meaning of the sentence.
a
pocket — a small pouch sewn into clothing. Sentence: He put the ticket in his pocket.
packet — a small wrapped or boxed bundle. Sentence: She opened the packet of seeds.
fond — having affection or liking for. Sentence: He is fond of classical music.
found — past tense of 'find'; discovered. Sentence: She found her keys under the sofa.
lost — unable to find one's way or something missing. Sentence: He lost his watch.
last — coming after all others in time or order; final. Sentence: She read the last chapter.
paused — stopped briefly. Sentence: He paused before answering.
passed — moved past; also past tense of 'pass'. Sentence: The bus passed the station.
pitcher — a container for pouring liquids (or a baseball player who pitches). Sentence: She poured juice from the pitcher.
picture — an image, painting, or photograph. Sentence: The picture on the wall is beautiful.
Provided meanings and sample sentences for each word pair.
- a. in a bakery
- b. at the police station
- c. in Ms. Gervis' house
- d. in Ms. Gervis' apartment
(d) Ms Gervis' apartment.
(d) Ms Gervis' apartment.
- a. She is upset.
- b. She is tired.
- c. She is hungry.
- d. She is confused.
(a) Upset.
(a) Upset.
- a. The windows are locked.
- b. The windows face the police station.
- c. The windows have not been used in months.
- d. The windows are too small for a person to fit through.
(c) The windows had not been opened or shut in months.
(c) The windows had not been opened or shut in months.
- a. crystal
- b. jewellery
- c. money
- d. nothing
(d) Nothing.
(d) Nothing.
- a. She eats them.
- b. She sells them.
- c. She hides them.
- d. She gives them away.
(d) Gives them away.
(d) Gives them away.
- a. Ms. Gervis will start baking cakes again
- b. Ms. Gervis will bake him extra cakes
- c. Ms. Gervis will give him her secret recipe
- d. Ms. Gervis will give him money and jewels
(a) Ms Gervis will start baking cakes again.
(a) Ms Gervis will start baking cakes again.
Model answer: I would check all entrances, windows, fingerprints, footprints and displaced objects before drawing a conclusion.
Model answer: I would check all entrances, windows, fingerprints, footprints and displaced objects before drawing a conclusion.
- a. "And the robber may not have used the front door."
- b. "And the robber probably did not use the front door."
- c. "And the robber was not able to use the front door."
- d. "And the robber certainly did not use the front door."
(d) The person certainly did not use the front door.
(d) The person certainly did not use the front door.
Title: The Hidden Clue (example)
Plot summary (1–2 lines): A young detective uncovers a string of small thefts that lead to a surprising culprit.
What I liked: Strong pacing, clever clues, and believable characters.
What could be better: A few supporting characters were underdeveloped.
Recommendation: Worth watching for fans of mysteries; 4/5 stars.
Model short movie review provided.
Title: The Secret Garden (example)
Summary: A lonely child discovers a hidden garden and, through care and friendship, brings life back to herself and others.
Why it interested me: Beautiful themes of healing and friendship; vivid descriptions.
Recommendation: A moving read for young adults and grown-ups; 5/5.
Model short book review provided.
Event: Annual Cultural Fest (example)
Summary: The fest included dance, music, debates, and an art exhibition.
Highlights: Excellent performances by the students, well-organized schedule, and enthusiastic audience.
Suggestions: Longer intervals between events and clearer signboards for visitors.
Overall: A successful event that showcased students' talents.
Model short event review provided.
Answer: 1. Mathew is a very busy man.
Answer: 1. Mathew is a very busy man.
True.
True.
False. John Mathew had his weekly lunch with his friends Lalli and Lolly.
False. John Mathew had his weekly lunch with his friends Lalli and Lolly.
False. He exercised with Basky, his personal trainer.
False. He exercised with Basky, his personal trainer.
False. He handled his mail with the help of Louise, his secretary.
False. He handled his mail with the help of Louise, his secretary.
Dengue Awareness (pamphlet content):
- What is Dengue? A viral infection spread by Aedes mosquitoes.
- Causes: Bite of an infected Aedes mosquito; breeding in stagnant water.
- Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint/muscle pain, rash, nausea, bleeding in severe cases.
- Prevention:
- Eliminate standing water (flower pots, tyres, containers).
- Use mosquito repellents and nets.
- Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Keep surroundings clean; cover water storage.
- Precautions:
- If fever occurs, seek medical attention promptly.
- Stay hydrated and rest; follow doctor's advice.
- Community action: regular fogging and source reduction drives.
- Emergency signs (seek immediate care): severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, difficulty breathing, cold/clammy skin.
(Include simple graphics/icons for water container, mosquito, symptoms.)
Concise pamphlet content provided.
Provide a concise, attractive layout listing date/time, purpose, stall types, highlights, contact and how funds will be used. Keep language clear and persuasive.
Sample pamphlet content:
Title: Hope & Help School Fair
Date: Saturday, 12 August 20XX
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Venue: School Playground
Purpose: To raise funds for flood relief in (name of area) and support affected families.
Highlights:
- Food Stalls: Homemade snacks, beverages, regional delicacies
- Fun Stalls: Games, lucky draw, face painting, photo booth
- Craft & Gift Stalls: Handicrafts, greeting cards, student artwork
- Book Stall: Pre-loved and new books for all ages
- Cultural Stage: Dance, music and short plays by students
Entry: Rs. XX (children free / concession for senior citizens)
How funds will be used: Purchase of food kits, temporary shelter materials, school supplies for affected children.
Contact & Registration: (Teacher-in-charge name), Phone: XXXXXXXX, Email: school@example.com
Donate / Volunteer: Register at school office or contact above. All contributions acknowledged.
Concise pamphlet listing models, uses, needs and where to buy helps readers choose appropriate gadgets.
Sample pamphlet content:
Title: Latest Gadgets — Smart Choices for Modern Life
Featured Categories:
1. Smartphones: Models — XPhone A3, Nova Z, Orion S; Uses — calls, high-res photos, apps for learning and work; Need — essential for communication and productivity; Availability — available at local stores and online with EMI options.
2. Smartwatches / Fitness Bands: Models — FitPro 5, TimeMate; Uses — heart-rate, steps, notifications; Need — fitness monitoring and hands-free alerts; Availability — branded outlets and e-commerce.
3. Wireless Earbuds: Models — SoundAir X, ClearTone; Uses — music, calls, noise cancellation; Need — portable listening; Availability — shops and online.
4. Tablets & e-Readers: Models — TabLite, ReadPro; Uses — reading, online classes, streaming; Need — study and entertainment; Availability — selected retailers.
5. Home Assistants & Smart Devices: Models — HomeGenie, SmartPlug; Uses — voice control, automation; Need — convenience and energy saving; Availability — online and electronics stores.
Buyer's tips: Compare specs, battery life, warranty and after-sales service. Student deals and exchange offers often available. For availability check manufacturer website or authorized dealers.
1. A man of ease - John Mathew; 2. John's trainer - Basky; 3. Mathew's secretary - Louise; 4. John's chef - Emanuel; 5. Mathew's friends - Lalli and Lolly.
1. A man of ease - John Mathew; 2. John's trainer - Basky; 3. Mathew's secretary - Louise; 4. John's chef - Emanuel; 5. Mathew's friends - Lalli and Lolly.
Include personal details, eligibility query, course details sought, contact info and a polite request for procedure—concise and formal.
Sample enquiry letter:
From: Venkat
Village: Perumbakkam,
Kancheepuram District,
Tamil Nadu — PIN
Date: 5 June 20XX
To
The Coordinator,
Bright Future Trust,
Address Line,
City — PIN
Subject: Enquiry about free IAS coaching for school students
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am Venkat, currently studying in Class X at Government Higher Secondary School, Perumbakkam. I read your advertisement offering free coaching for IAS aspirants and would like to enquire whether students from rural areas and current school students (Class X) are eligible to attend your programme.
Kindly provide details about admission criteria, course duration, subjects covered, class schedule (timings and days), whether residential facilities are provided, and the starting date. Please also inform about any application procedure, required documents, selection tests (if any), and contact person for assistance. If possible, kindly consider my application; I am committed to preparing for civil services and seek guidance.
You may reply by post to the above address or contact me by phone at 98xxxxxxx or by email venkat.x@example.com.
Thank you for your help.
Yours faithfully,
Venkat
The letter requests plan details (speeds, tariffs, installation), availability, documentation and contact info—clear and concise.
Sample formal enquiry letter:
From: R. Kumar,
No. 8, Anna Nagar,
City — PIN
Date: 5 June 20XX
To
The Branch Manager,
BSNL Office,
Town Branch,
City — PIN
Subject: Enquiry regarding recently launched broadband schemes
Respected Sir/Madam,
I read about the broadband schemes launched by BSNL in the local newspaper. Kindly send details of the plans currently available in our area (Anna Nagar), including speeds, monthly tariffs, installation charges, security deposit (if any), data limits, and contract duration. Please confirm whether fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) is available at our address and the expected timeline for installation.
Also inform about documentation required, any promotional offers or discounts for students/senior citizens, after-sales support and service centre contact numbers. If an application form is needed, please indicate where to obtain it or whether online registration is possible.
You may reply by post to the above address or call me at 9xxxx xxxxx. Thank you for your assistance.
Yours faithfully,
R. Kumar
Converted the participial phrase into a subordinate clause 'When the children saw the teacher' to form a complex sentence.
When the children saw the teacher, they stood up.
Turned the adverbial phrase of age into a temporal subordinate clause 'When Varsha was six years old' to form a complex sentence.
When Varsha was six years old, she started learning music.
Converted the complex sentence into a simple sentence by using an appositive phrase 'a voracious reader' with the subject.
Varun, a voracious reader, buys a lot of books.
Corrected original: 'lest' should not be followed by 'will'. To convert to a complex sentence using a subordinate purpose/result clause, use 'so that' + negative: 'Walk carefully so that you do not fall down.'
Walk carefully so that you do not fall down.
Convert the sentence into two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction: 'She is a dancer, and she is a singer.'
She is a dancer, and she is a singer.
Convert to a single independent clause with an adverbial phrase: 'He attends the rehearsal despite being sick.' This expresses the contrast in one simple sentence.
He attends the rehearsal despite being sick.
To form a compound sentence, join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction. Note: converting a conditional complex sentence into a compound one removes the explicit 'if' condition but yields a grammatically correct compound form: 'Meena reads more, and she will become proficient in the language.'
Meena reads more, and she will become proficient in the language.
Provided three forms: simple (single subject, compound predicate), complex (subordinate clause of concession), and compound (two independent clauses joined by 'but').
Simple: Radha was ill and was not hospitalised.
Complex: Although Radha was ill, she was not hospitalised.
Compound: Radha was ill, but she was not hospitalised.
Provided one simple sentence (using adjective), one complex (cause clause), and one compound (two independent clauses joined by 'and').
Simple: The intelligent students could answer the questions correctly.
Complex: Because the students were intelligent, they could answer the questions correctly.
Compound: The students were intelligent, and they could answer the questions correctly.
Simple: Use an infinitive phrase to make one clause: 'To travel abroad, I must get a visa.'
Complex: Make one clause subordinate with 'if': 'If I get a visa, I can travel abroad.'
Compound: Join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction: 'I must get a visa, so I can travel abroad.'
Simple: To travel abroad, I must get a visa.
Complex: If I get a visa, I can travel abroad.
Compound: I must get a visa, so I can travel abroad.
Simple: Use an adjective to combine: 'a wounded tiger.'
Complex: Use a relative clause: 'a tiger that was wounded.'
Compound: Join two independent clauses with 'and': 'I saw a tiger, and it was wounded.'
Simple: I saw a wounded tiger.
Complex: I saw a tiger that was wounded.
Compound: I saw a tiger, and it was wounded.
Simple: Use a single clause expressing cause and effect: 'A bandh caused the shops to remain closed.'
Complex: Introduce a subordinate clause of reason: 'Because there was a bandh, the shops remained closed.'
Compound: Join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction indicating result: 'There was a bandh, so the shops remained closed.'
Simple: A bandh caused the shops to remain closed.
Complex: Because there was a bandh, the shops remained closed.
Compound: There was a bandh, so the shops remained closed.