Green Apple Step 1

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes and

the Red Circle
Summary-based Activities
by Kenneth Brodey
 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
Sherlock Holmes and the Red Circle Chapters 1-2
1 Scrambled word cloze
Read the summary of Chapters 1-2 below.
Choose one of the words from the box to write in each space. The first
one has been done as an example.
again too had never spoke no
for outside these left ever
had
Mrs Warren (0) …..............…….. a strange young lodger with a beard. He
(1) …..............…….. good English with an accent. He received
(2) …..............…….. letters or friends. He left notes (3) …..............…….. his
door. These notes contained only one word in capital letters. In one
note he asked (4) …..............…….. the Daily Gazette, a newspaper.
Neither Mrs Warren or the cleaning girl (5 )…..............…….. entered his
room. Also, after their first meeting, the lodger (6) …..............…….. the
room once and then returned late that night. He never left his room
(7) …..............…….. Holmes examined the lodger’s cigarette stubs. They
were (8) …..............…….. short for a man with a beard. With (9)
…..............…….. facts Holmes deduced these things. The person in the
room now was not the person (10) …..............…….. had rented it. The
lodger received messages in the advertisements of the newspaper.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
2 3
S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
2 Scrambled word cloze with distractors (i)
Read the summary of Chapters 1-2 below.
Choose one of the words from the box to write in each space. There
are five words you do not need to use. The first one has been done as
an example.
no for had too outside these again spoke more
talked never those no left went ever
had
Mrs Warren (0) …..............…….. a strange young lodger with a beard. He
(1) …..............…….. good English with an accent. He received
(2) …..............…….. letters or friends. He left notes (3) …..............…….. his
door. These notes contained only one word in capital letters. In one
note he asked (4) …..............…….. the Daily Gazette, a newspaper.
Neither Mrs Warren or the cleaning girl (5) …..............…….. entered his
room. Also, after their first meeting, the lodger (6) …..............…….. the
room once and then returned late that night. He never left his room
(7) …..............…….. Holmes examined the lodger’s cigarette stubs. They
were (8) …..............…….. short for a man with a beard. With (9)
…..............…….. facts Holmes deduced these things. The person in the
room now was not the person (10 )…..............…….. had rented it. The
lodger received messages in the advertisements of the newspaper.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S

3 Scrambled word cloze with distractors (ii) 4 Multiple choice cloze

Read the summary of Chapters 1-2 below. Read the summary of Chapters 1-2 below.
Choose one of the words from the box to write in each space. There Choose the best word (A, B or C) for each space. The first one has been
are ten words you do not need to use. The first one has been done as done as an example.
an example.
C
Mrs Warren (0) …..............…….. a strange young lodger with a beard. He
no not for to much from again those (1) …..............…….. good English with an accent. He received
more too these never went had spoke (2) …..............…….. letters or friends. He left notes (3) …..............…….. his
talked outside no ever left none door. These notes contained only one word in capital letters. In one
note he asked (4) …..............…….. the Daily Gazette, a newspaper.
had
Mrs Warren (0) …..............…….. a strange young lodger with a beard. He Neither Mrs Warren or the cleaning girl (5) …..............…….. entered his
(1) …..............…….. good English with an accent. He received room. Also, after their first meeting, the lodger (6) …..............…….. the
(2) …..............…….. letters or friends. He left notes (3) …..............…….. his room once and then returned late that night. He never left his room
door. These notes contained only one word in capital letters. In one (7) …..............…….. Holmes examined the lodger’s cigarette stubs. They
note he asked (4) …..............…….. the Daily Gazette, a newspaper. were (8) …..............…….. short for a man with a beard. With
Neither Mrs Warren or the cleaning girl (5) …..............…….. entered his (9) …..............…….. facts Holmes deduced these things. The person in
room. Also, after their first meeting, the lodger (6) …..............…….. the the room now was not the person (10) …..............…….. had rented it.
room once and then returned late that night. He never left his room The lodger received messages in the advertisements of the
(7) …..............…….. Holmes examined the lodger’s cigarette stubs. They newspaper.
were (8) …..............…….. short for a man with a beard. With 0 A took B got C had
(9) …..............…….. facts Holmes deduced these things. The person in
1 A spoke B talked C said
the room now was not the person (10) …..............…….. had rented it.
The lodger received messages in the advertisements of the 2 A none B not C no
newspaper. 3 A from B out C outside
4 A to B at C for
5 A never B not C no
6 A went B left C cut
7 A more B again C time
8 A too B much C very
9 A these B those C her
10 A that B who C what

© 2009 Black Cat Publishing © 2009 Black Cat Publishing

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 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
5 Open cloze
Complete the summary of Chapters 1-2 below. Write ONE word for
each space. The first one has been done as an example.
had
Mrs Warren (0)…..............…….. a strange young lodger with a beard. He
(1)…..............…….. good English with an accent. He received
(2)…..............…….. letters or friends. He left notes (3)…..............…….. his
door. These notes contained only one word in capital letters. In one
note he asked (4)…..............…….. the Daily Gazette, a newspaper.
Neither Mrs Warren or the cleaning girl (5)…..............…….. entered his
room. Also, after their first meeting, the lodger (6)…..............…….. the
room once and then returned late that night. He never left his room
(7)…..............…….. Holmes examined the lodger’s cigarette stubs. They
were (8)…..............…….. short for a man with a beard. With
(9)…..............…….. facts Holmes deduced these things. The person in
the room now was not the person (10)…..............…….. had rented it.
The lodger received messages in the advertisements of the
newspaper.
6 Put the sentences in order
The sentences A-J of the summary of Chapters 1-3 are in the wrong
order. Put them in the right order and number them 1-10.
A He never left his room and he received no letters or friends.
B The lodger received messages in the advertisements of the
newspaper.
C With these facts Holmes deduced these things.
D Mrs Warren had a strange young lodger with a beard.
E They were too short for a man with a beard.
F The person in the room now was not the person who had rented it.
G In one note he asked for the Daily Gazette, a newspaper.
H He left notes outside his door.
I Holmes examined the lodger’s cigarette stubs.
J These notes contained only one or two words in capital letters.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
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S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
7 Correct the mistakes!
This is an oral activity, so do not give the students any photocopies.
Tell them you are going to read a summary, but with some mistakes.
When they hear a mistake they should correct it.
In the summary below there are 10 mistakes to read out, all written
in italics. As a quick reminder to you, the correct version is given in
brackets.
Mrs Warren had a strange young student (lodger) with a beard. He
spoke good French (English) with an accent. He received no letters or
friends. He left books (notes) outside his door. These notes contained
one word in capital letters. In one note he asked for the Daily Gazette,
a magazine (newspaper). Neither Dr Watson (Mrs Warren) or the
cleaning girl ever entered his room. Also, after their first meeting, the
lodger left London (the room) once and then returned late that night.
He never left his room again. Holmes examined the lodger’s trousers
(cigarette stubs). They were too short for a man with an accent (a
beard). With these facts Mrs Warren (Holmes) deduced these things.
The person in the kitchen (room) now was not the person who had
rented it. The detective (lodger) received messages in the
advertisements of the newspaper.
8 Rub out
On the board / the interactive whiteboard, copy a short paragraph
from the summary. Gradually, rub out individual words and even two-
and three-word phrases. Begin by rubbing out some of the important
content words. After each time you rub out some words get the whole
class to read out the text, supplying the missing words from their
memory. Eventually, when all the words on the board have been
rubbed out, the class will – amazingly! – remember all the text.
9 Dictogloss
Sit the students in groups of two to five. Tell them that you are going
to read out a summary of Chapters 1-2 of Sherlock Holmes and the Red
Circle twice, and that they may note down key words or short phrases.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S

Read the text once at normal speed, pause for a minute, then read it 12 Rewrite it
again. Tell the students to rewrite the summary changing some of the
Tell the students to work together in their groups and use their notes information. They should use their imagination to add details – which
to write a text which is grammatically and lexically correct but which can be words, phrases or sentences – and change some of the words
doesn’t have to be the same as the original: the aim of their writing is and phrases that are already there.
to produce a correct text, not to show they have perfect memories!
Then students compare their written texts with each others’. This can
be done by reading aloud, but it is better if the texts. Groups should
try to point out any errors in the texts of other groups.
Finally, show or give the students the original text; ask them to
identify any differences with their own texts, and ask them if they
think the differences are important.

10 Cut it down
Put the students in groups of two to five. Make sure that each group
has a copy of the summary and a red pen/highlighter or access to
computer. Tell them that they must cut 15 words from the summary:
their shortened version must still be grammatically correct. They can
change punctuation, but they mustn’t add any words.
When they have finished, they should compare their shortened
versions. It is better if the texts are stuck on a wall or passed around
(or compared in electronic form). They should decide which are the
best cuts, and why.
11 Build it up
Put the students in groups of two to five. Make sure that each group
has a copy of the summary and a red pen or access to computer. Tell
them that they must add two details, which they must choose
themselves, to the summary. Tell them that the details they add can
be words, phrases or even sentences. Tell them they shouldn’t write
fewer than five words, and that there is no upper limit, but they
probably won’t need more than about 25 words.
When they have finished, they should compare their versions. They
should decide which are the most interesting added details, and why.
SUMMARY
Mrs Warren had a strange young lodger with a beard. He spoke good
English with an accent. He received no letters or friends. He left notes
outside his door. These notes contained only one word in capital
letters. In one note he asked for the Daily Gazette, a newspaper.
Neither Mrs Warren or the cleaning girl ever entered his room. Also,
after their first meeting, the lodger left the room once and then
returned late that night. He never left his room again Holmes
examined the lodger’s cigarette stubs. They were too short for a man
with a beard. With these facts Holmes deduced these things. The
person in the room now was not the person who had rented it. The
lodger received messages in the advertisements of the newspaper.
KEY
1, 2, 3, 5: 1 spoke; 2 no; 3 outside; 4 for; 5 ever; 6 left; 7 again; 8 too;
9 these; 10 who;
4: 1 A; 2 C; 3 C; 4 C; 5 A; 6 B; 7 B; 8 A; 9 A; 10 B
6: 1 D; 2 A; 3 H; 4 J; 5 G; 6 I; 7 E; 8 C; 9 F/B; 10 F/B

© 2009 Black Cat Publishing © 2009 Black Cat Publishing

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 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
Sherlock Holmes and the Red Circle Chapters 3-4
1 Scrambled word cloze
Read the summary of Chapters 3-4 below.
Choose one of the words from the box to write in each space. The first
one has been done as an example.
next about another really watch
code a out mirror be front
next
The (0) …..............…….. morning, Holmes saw a message in the
newspaper (1) …..............…….. a red house. (2) …..............…….. message
described a secret code. There was (3) …..............…….. red house in
front of Mrs Warren’s house. They went to Mrs Warren’s house. She
had terrible news. ‘This morning,’ she said, ‘two men pushed my
husband into a cab, and then pushed him (4) …..............…….. later.’
Holmes said, ‘They (5) …..............…….. wanted your lodger.’ Later, with
a (6) …..............…….., they discovered that the lodger was really a
woman. Holmes and Watson returned in the evening to
(7) …..............…….. the red house. They saw a candle. It sent a message
in (8) …..............…….. . The message said ‘ (9) …..............…….. careful’
and ‘danger’ in Italian. Then it stopped. They ran to the house. In
(10) …..............…….. of the house they saw Gregson of Scotland Yard.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
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S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
2 Scrambled word cloze with distractors (i)
Read the summary of Chapters 3-4 below.
Choose one of the words from the box to write in each space. There
are five words you do not need to use. The first one has been done as
an example.
next after about of another other really truth watch
looked code a out mirror be front
next
The (0) …..............…….. morning, Holmes saw a message in the
newspaper (1) …..............…….. a red house. (2) …..............…….. message
described a secret code. There was (3) …..............…….. red house in
front of Mrs Warren’s house. They went to Mrs Warren’s house. She
had terrible news. ‘This morning,’ she said, ‘two men pushed my
husband into a cab, and then pushed him (4) …..............…….. later.’
Holmes said, ‘They (5) …..............…….. wanted your lodger.’ Later, with
a (6) …..............…….., they discovered that the lodger was really a
woman. Holmes and Watson returned in the evening to
(7) …..............…….. the red house. They saw a candle. It sent a message
in (8) …..............…….. . The message said ‘ (9) …..............…….. careful’
and ‘danger’ in Italian. Then it stopped. They ran to the house. In
(10) …..............…….. of the house they saw Gregson of Scotland Yard.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
11
 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S

3 Scrambled word cloze with distractors (ii) 4 Multiple choice cloze

Read the summary of Chapters 3-4 below. Read the summary of Chapters 3-4 below.
Choose one of the words from the box to write in each space. There Choose the best word (A, B or C) for each space. The first one has been
are ten words you do not need to use. The first one has been done as done as an example.
an example.
C
The (0) …..............…….. morning, Holmes saw a message in the
next after about of another other really newspaper (1) …..............…….. a red house. (2) …..............…….. message
truth watch looked code secret a this out described a secret code. There was (3) …..............…….. red house in
from mirror reflect be face front front of Mrs Warren’s house. They went to Mrs Warren’s house. She
had terrible news. ‘This morning,’ she said, ‘two men pushed my
next
The (0) …..............…….. morning, Holmes saw a message in the husband into a cab, and then pushed him (4) …..............…….. later.’
newspaper (1) …..............…….. a red house. (2) …..............…….. message Holmes said, ‘They (5) …..............…….. wanted your lodger.’ Later, with
described a secret code. There was (3) …..............…….. red house in a (6) …..............…….., they discovered that the lodger was really a
front of Mrs Warren’s house. They went to Mrs Warren’s house. She woman. Holmes and Watson returned in the evening to
had terrible news. ‘This morning,’ she said, ‘two men pushed my (7) …..............…….. the red house. They saw a candle. It sent a message
husband into a cab, and then pushed him (4) …..............…….. later.’ in (8) …..............…….. . The message said ‘ (9) …..............…….. careful’
Holmes said, ‘They (5) …..............…….. wanted your lodger.’ Later, with and ‘danger’ in Italian. Then it stopped. They ran to the house. In
a (6) …..............…….., they discovered that the lodger was really a (10) …..............…….. of the house they saw Gregson of Scotland Yard.
woman. Holmes and Watson returned in the evening to 0 A after B then C next
(7) …..............…….. the red house. They saw a candle. It sent a message
1 A of B around C about
in (8) …..............…….. . The message said ‘ (9) …..............…….. careful’
and ‘danger’ in Italian. Then it stopped. They ran to the house. In 2 A other B another C more
(10) …..............…….. of the house they saw Gregson of Scotland Yard. 3 A any B this Ca
4 A outside B out C from
5 A really B truth C very
6 A mirror B reflect C glass
7 A look B watch C saw
8 A sign B system C code
9 A Go B Look C Be
10 A face B before C front

© 2009 Black Cat Publishing © 2009 Black Cat Publishing

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 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
5 Open cloze
Complete the summary of Chapters 3-4 below. Write ONE word for
each space. The first one has been done as an example.
next
The (0) …..............…….. morning, Holmes saw a message in the
newspaper (1) …..............…….. a red house. (2) …..............…….. message
described a secret code. There was (3) …..............…….. red house in
front of Mrs Warren’s house. They went to Mrs Warren’s house. She
had terrible news. ‘This morning,’ she said, ‘two men pushed my
husband into a cab, and then pushed him (4) …..............…….. later.’
Holmes said, ‘They (5) …..............…….. wanted your lodger.’ Later, with
a (6) …..............…….., they discovered that the lodger was really a
woman. Holmes and Watson returned in the evening to
(7) …..............…….. the red house. They saw a candle. It sent a message
in (8) …..............…….. . The message said ‘ (9) …..............…….. careful’
and ‘danger’ in Italian. Then it stopped. They ran to the house. In
(10) …..............…….. of the house they saw Gregson of Scotland Yard.
6 Put the sentences in order
The sentences A-J of the summary of Chapters 3-4 are in the wrong
order. Put them in the right order and number them 1-10.
A Holmes and Watson returned in the evening to watch the red
house.
B The next morning, Holmes saw a message in the newspaper
about a red house.
C The message said ‘Be careful’ and ‘danger’ in Italian. Then it
stopped.
D They went to Mrs Warren’s house.
E Another day a message described a secret code. There was a
red house in front of Mrs Warren’s house.
F They ran to the house. In front of the house they saw Gregson
of Scotland Yard.
G She had terrible news. ‘This morning,’ she said, ‘two men
pushed my husband into a cab, and then pushed him out later.’
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
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S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
H They saw a candle. It sent a message in code.
I Holmes said, ‘They really wanted your lodger.’
J Later, with a mirror, they discovered that the lodger was really
a woman.
7 Correct the mistakes!
This is an oral activity, so do not give the students any photocopies.
Tell them you are going to read a summary, but with some mistakes.
When they hear a mistake they should correct it.
In the summary below there are 10 mistakes to read out, all written
in italics. As a quick reminder to you, the correct version is given in
brackets.
The next morning, Holmes saw a message in the newspaper about a
red horse (house). Another message described a secret door (code).
There was a red house in front of Holmes’s (Mrs Warren’s) house. They
went to Mrs Warren’s house. She had terrible news. ‘This morning,’
she said, ‘two girls (men) pushed my husband into a cab, and then
pushed him out later.’ Holmes said, ‘They really wanted your cleaning
girl (lodger).’ Later, with a telescope (mirror), they discovered that the
lodger was really a woman. Mrs Warren (Holmes) and Watson
returned in the evening to watch the red house. They saw a mirror
(candle). It sent a message in code. The message said ‘Be careful’ and
‘danger’ in Chinese (Italian). Then it stopped. They ran to the house. In
front of the house they saw Gregson of the United States Army
(Scotland Yard).
8 Rub out
On the board / the interactive whiteboard, copy a short paragraph
from the summary. Gradually, rub out individual words and even two-
and three-word phrases. Begin by rubbing out some of the important
content words. After each time you rub out some words get the whole
class to read out the text, supplying the missing words from their
memory. Eventually, when all the words on the board have been
rubbed out, the class will – amazingly! – remember all the text.
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
15
 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
9 Dictogloss
Sit the students in groups of two to five. Tell them that you are going
to read out a summary of Chapters 3-4 of Sherlock Holmes and the Red
Circle twice, and that they may note down key words or short phrases.
Read the text once at normal speed, pause for a minute, then read it
again.
Tell the students to work together in their groups and use their notes
to write a text which is grammatically and lexically correct but which
doesn’t have to be the same as the original: the aim of their writing is
to produce a correct text, not to show they have perfect memories!
Then students compare their written texts. Groups should try to point
out any errors in the texts of other groups.
Finally, show or give the students the original text; ask them to
identify any differences with their own texts, and ask them if they
think the differences are important.
10 Cut it down
Put the students in groups of two to five. Make sure that each group
has a copy of the summary and a red pen/highlighter or access to
computer. Tell them that they must cut 15 words from the summary:
their shortened version must still be grammatically correct. They can
change punctuation, but they mustn’t add any words.
When they have finished, they should compare their shortened
versions. It is better if the texts are stuck on a wall or passed around
(or compared in electronic form). They should decide which are the
best cuts, and why.
11 Build it up
Put the students in groups of two to five. Make sure that each group
has a copy of the summary and a red pen or access to computer. Tell
them that they must add two details, which they must choose
themselves, to the summary. Tell them that the details they add can
be words, phrases or even sentences. Tell them they shouldn’t write
fewer than five words, and that there is no upper limit, but they
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
16
S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
probably won’t need more than about 25 words.
When they have finished, they should compare their versions. It is
better if the texts are stuck on a wall or passed around (or compared
in electronic form). They should decide which are the most interesting
added details, and why.
12 Rewrite it
Tell the students to rewrite the summary changing some of the
information. They should use their imagination to add details – which
can be words, phrases or sentences – and change some of the words
and phrases that are already there.
SUMMARY
The next morning, Holmes saw a message in the newspaper about a
red house. Another message described a secret code. There was a red
house in front of Mrs Warren’s house. They went to Mrs Warren’s
house. She had terrible news. ‘This morning,’ she said, ‘two men
pushed my husband into a cab, and then pushed him out later.’
Holmes said, ‘They really wanted your lodger.’ Later, with a mirror,
they discovered that the lodger was really a woman. Holmes and
Watson returned in the evening to watch the red house. They saw a
candle. It sent a message in code. The message said ‘Be careful’ and
‘danger’ in Italian. Then it stopped. They ran to the house. In front of
the house they saw Gregson of Scotland Yard.
KEY
1, 2, 3, 5: 1 about; 2 another; 3 a; 4 out; 5 really; 6 mirror; 7 watch; 8 code; 9 be;
10 front
4: 1 C; 2 B; 3 C; 4 B; 5 A; 6 A; 7 B; 8 C; 9 C; 10 C
6: 1 B; 2 E; 3 D; 4 G; 5 I 6 J; 7 A; 8 H; 9 C; 10 F
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
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 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
Sherlock Holmes and the Red Circle Chapters 5-7
1 Scrambled word cloze
Read the summary of Chapters 5-7 below.
Choose one of the words from the box to write in each space. The first
one has been done as an example.
outside for building told met
member rest and at to then
outside
An American detective was also (0) …..............…….. the house. He was
looking (1) …..............…….. a killer named Gorgiano of the Red Circle, a
criminal organisation. ‘Three men left this (2) …..............…….. ,’ said
Gregson, ‘but not Gorgiano.’ They went into the house
(3) …..............…….. found Gorgiano’s body. Holmes made a signal
(4) …..............…….. the window with the candle, and Emilia Lucca – Mrs
Warren’s lodger – arrived. She (5) …..............…….. them her story: ‘My
husband and I (6) …..............…….. in Italy, but we moved to New York
City. My husband worked for a man named Mr Castalotte. One
day Gorgiano came to our house. My husband too was a
(7) …..............…….. of the Red Circle. Later, Giorgiano told my husband
to kill Mr Castalotte. We told Mr Castalotte, and came to London.
Gennaro found a place for me (8) …..............…….. hide.
(9) …..............…….. one day I saw Gorgiano with another man in front
of the house. You know the (10) …..............…….. of the story.’
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
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S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
2 Scrambled word cloze with distractors (i)
Read the summary of Chapters 5-7 below.
Choose one of the words from the box to write in each space. There
are five words you do not need to use. The first one has been done as
an example.
later to then and outside explained for building rest
met when member at told knew piece
outside
An American detective was also (0) …..............…….. the house. He was
looking (1) …..............…….. a killer named Gorgiano of the Red Circle, a
criminal organisation. ‘Three men left this (2) …..............…….. ,’ said
Gregson, ‘but not Gorgiano.’ They went into the house
(3) …..............…….. found Gorgiano’s body. Holmes made a signal
(4) …..............…….. the window with the candle, and Emilia Lucca – Mrs
Warren’s lodger – arrived. She (5) …..............…….. them her story: ‘My
husband and I (6) …..............…….. in Italy, but we moved to New York
City. My husband worked for a man named Mr Castalotte. One
day Gorgiano came to our house. My husband too was a
(7) …..............…….. of the Red Circle. Later, Giorgiano told my husband
to kill Mr Castalotte. We told Mr Castalotte, and came to London.
Gennaro found a place for me (8) …..............…….. hide.
(9) …..............…….. one day I saw Gorgiano with another man in front
of the house. You know the (10) …..............…….. of the story.’
© 2009 Black Cat Publishing
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 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S

3 Scrambled word cloze with distractors (ii) 4 Multiple choice cloze

Read the summary of Chapters 5-7 below. Read the summary of Chapters 5-7 below.
Choose one of the words from the box to write in each space. There Choose the best word (A, B or C) for each space. The first one has been
are ten words you do not need to use. The first one has been done as done as an example.
an example.
A
An American detective was also (0) …..............…….. the house. He was
met told for explained on knew later piece looking (1) …..............…….. a killer named Gorgiano of the Red Circle, a
rest to and then building when at outside criminal organisation. ‘Three men left this (2) …..............…….. ,’ said
structure member other to for Gregson, ‘but not Gorgiano.’ They went into the house
(3) …..............…….. found Gorgiano’s body. Holmes made a signal
outside
An American detective was also (0)…..............…….. the house. He was (4) …..............…….. the window with the candle, and Emilia Lucca – Mrs
looking (1) …..............…….. a killer named Gorgiano of the Red Circle, a Warren’s lodger – arrived. She (5) …..............…….. them her story: ‘My
criminal organisation. ‘Three men left this (2) …..............…….. ,’ said husband and I (6) …..............…….. in Italy, but we moved to New York
Gregson, ‘but not Gorgiano.’ They went into the house City. My husband worked for a man named Mr Castalotte. One
(3) …..............…….. found Gorgiano’s body. Holmes made a signal day Gorgiano came to our house. My husband too was a
(4) …..............…….. the window with the candle, and Emilia Lucca – Mrs (7) …..............…….. of the Red Circle. Later, Giorgiano told my husband
Warren’s lodger – arrived. She (5) …..............…….. them her story: ‘My to kill Mr Castalotte. We told Mr Castalotte, and came to London.
husband and I (6) …..............…….. in Italy, but we moved to New York Gennaro found a place for me (8) …..............…….. hide.
City. My husband worked for a man named Mr Castalotte. One (9) …..............…….. one day I saw Gorgiano with another man in front
day Gorgiano came to our house. My husband too was a of the house. You know the (10) …..............…….. of the story.’
(7) …..............…….. of the Red Circle. Later, Giorgiano told my husband 0 A outside B front C out
to kill Mr Castalotte. We told Mr Castalotte, and came to London.
1 A for B to C about
Gennaro found a place for me (8) …..............…….. hide.
(9) …..............…….. one day I saw Gorgiano with another man in front 2 A construction B structure C building
of the house. You know the (10) …..............…….. of the story.’ 3 A when B then C and
4 A at B on C through
5 A said B explained C told
6 A knew B came C met
7 A piece B member C element
8 A for B by C to
9 A Later B After C Then
10 A rest B other C left

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5 Open cloze
Complete the summary of Chapters 5-7 below.
Write ONE word for each space. The first one has been done as an
example.
outside
An American detective was also (0) …..............…….. the house. He was
looking (1) …..............…….. a killer named Gorgiano of the Red Circle, a
criminal organisation. ‘Three men left this (2) …..............…….. ,’ said
Gregson, ‘but not Gorgiano.’ They went into the house
7 Correct the mistakes!
(3) …..............…….. found Gorgiano’s body. Holmes made a signal
(4) …..............…….. the window with the candle, and Emilia Lucca – Mrs
Warren’s lodger – arrived. She (5) …..............…….. them her story: ‘My
husband and I (6) …..............…….. in Italy, but we moved to New York
City. My husband worked for a man named Mr Castalotte. One
day Gorgiano came to our house. My husband too was a
(7) …..............…….. of the Red Circle. Later, Giorgiano told my husband
to kill Mr Castalotte. We told Mr Castalotte, and came to London.
Gennaro found a place for me (8) …..............…….. hide.
(9) …..............…….. one day I saw Gorgiano with another man in front
of the house. You know the (10) …..............…….. of the story.’
6 Put the sentences in order
The sentences A-J of the summary of Chapters 5-7 are in the wrong
order. Put them in the right order and number them 1-10.
A He was looking for a killer named Gorgiano of the Red Circle, a
criminal organisation.
B They went into the house and found Gorgiano’s body.
C Holmes made a signal at the window with the candle, and
Emilia Lucca – Mrs Warren’s lodger – arrived.
D ‘Three men left this building,’ said Gregson, ‘but not Gorgiano.’
E She told them her story: ‘My husband and I met in Italy, but we
moved to New York City. My husband worked for a man named
Mr Castalotte.
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S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
F One day Gorgiano came to our house because my husband was
also a member of the Red Circle.
G We told Mr Castalotte, and came to London.
H Gennaro found a place for me to hide.’
I An American detective was also outside the house.
J Later, Giorgiano told my husband to kill Mr Castalotte
This is an oral activity, so do not give the students any photocopies.
Tell them you are going to read a summary, but with some mistakes.
When they hear a mistake they should correct it.
In the summary below there are 10 mistakes to read out, all written
in italics. As a quick reminder to you, the correct version is given in
brackets.
An American musician (detective) was also outside the house. He was
looking for a scientist (killer) named Gorgiano of the Red Circle, a
criminal organisation. ‘Three cats (men) left this building,’ said
Gregson, ‘but not Gorgiano.’ They went into the house and found
Gorgiano’s glasses (body). Holmes made a signal at the window with
the candle, and Emilia Lucca – Mrs Warren’s sister (lodger) – arrived.
She told them her story: ‘My husband and I met in Germany (Italy),
but we moved to New York City. My husband worked for a man named
Mr Castalotte. One day Gorgiano came to our school (house). My
husband too was a member of the orchestra (Red Circle). Later,
Giorgiano told my husband to kill Mr Casitalotte. We told Mr
Castalotte, and came to Paris (London). Gennaro found a place for me
to hide. Then one day I saw Holmes (Gorgiano) with another man in
front of the house. You know the rest of the story.’
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8 Rub out
On the board / the interactive whiteboard, copy a short paragraph
from the summary. Gradually, rub out individual words and even two-
and three-word phrases. Begin by rubbing out some of the important
content words. After each time you rub out some words get the whole
class to read out the text, supplying the missing words from their
memory. Eventually, when all the words on the board have been
rubbed out, the class will – amazingly! – remember all the text.
The text used for the rub out activity need not taken from the
summary. You could use a dramatic part of the story, for example.
9 Dictogloss
Sit the students in groups of two to five. Tell them that you are going
to read out a summary of Chapters 5-7 of Sherlock Holmes and the Red
Circle twice, and that they may note down key words or short phrases.
Read the text once at normal speed, pause for a minute, then read it
again.
Tell the students to work together in their groups and use their notes
to write a text which is grammatically and lexically correct but which
doesn’t have to be the same as the original: the aim of their writing is
to produce a correct text, not to show they have perfect memories!
Then students compare their written texts. Groups should try to point
out any errors in the texts of other groups.
Finally, show or give the students the original text; ask them to
identify any differences with their own texts, and ask them if they
think the differences are important.
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S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S
10 Cut it down
Put the students in groups of two to five. Make sure that each group
has a copy of the summary and a red pen/highlighter or access to
computer. Tell them that they must cut 15 words from the summary:
their shortened version must still be grammatically correct. They can
change punctuation, but they mustn’t add any words.
When they have finished, they should compare their shortened
versions. They should decide which are the best cuts, and why.
11 Build it up
Put the students in groups of two to five. Make sure that each group
has a copy of the summary and a red pen or access to computer. Tell
them that they must add two details, which they must choose
themselves, to the summary. Tell them that the details they add can
be words, phrases or even sentences. Tell them they shouldn’t write
fewer than five words, and that there is no upper limit, but they
probably won’t need more than about 25 words.
When they have finished, they should compare their versions. It is
better if the texts are stuck on a wall or passed around (or compared
in electronic form). They should decide which are the most interesting
added details, and why.
12 Rewrite it
Tell the students to rewrite the summary changing some of the
information. They should use their imagination to add details – which
can be words, phrases or sentences – and change some of the words
and phrases that are already there.
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 S U M M A R Y- B A S E D A C T I V I T I E S

SUMMARY
An American detective was also outside the house. He was looking for
a killer named Gorgiano of the Red Circle, a criminal organisation.
‘Three men left this building,’ said Gregson, ‘but not Gorgiano.’ They
went into the house and found Gorgiano’s body. Holmes made a signal
at the window with the candle, and Emilia Lucca – Mrs Warren’s
lodger – arrived. She told them her story: ‘My husband and I met in
Italy, but we moved to New York City. My husband worked for a man
named Mr Castalotte. One day Gorgiano came to our house. My
husband too was a member of the Red Circle. Later, Giorgiano told my
husband to kill Mr Castalotte. We told Mr Castalotte, and came to
London. Gennaro found a place for me to hide. Then one day I saw
Gorgiano with another man in front of the house. You know the rest
of the story.’

KEY
1, 2, 3, 5: 1 for; 2 building; 3 and; 4 at; 5 told; 6 met; 7 member; 8 to
9 then; 10 rest
4: 1 A; 2 C; 3 C; 4 A; 5 C; 6 C; 7 B; 8 C; 9 C; 10 A
6: 1 I; 2 A; 3 D; 4 B; 5 C; 6 E; 7 F; 8 J; 9 G; 10 H

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