Starter quiz
- In 'The Speckled Band', why does Holmes insist Helen stay at the village inn whilst him and Watson stay in her room at Stoke Moran?
- He thinks she is in danger. ✓
- There is not enough room at Stoke Moran for all three.
- She will make Roylott suspicious.
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- Of the following, what does Holmes find in Roylott's room in 'The Speckled Band'?
- A bell rope.
- A saucer of milk. ✓
- A dog-leash. ✓
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- In 'The Speckled Band', what is unusual about the bell rope and ventilator in Julia's room?
- They are both not fit for purpose. ✓
- They are both bright green.
- They are both very expensive.
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- In 'The Speckled Band', what atmosphere does the description of Stoke Moran create?
- Idyllic.
- Magical.
- Sinister. ✓
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- How are the wings of Stoke Moran described in 'The Speckled Band'?
- "Like the wings of a butterfly."
- "Like the arms of a mother."
- "Like the claws of a crab." ✓
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- In 'The Speckled Band', which character has a clear motive for killing Julia?
- Julia's fiance.
- Helen Stoner.
- Dr. Roylott. ✓
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Exit quiz
- In 'The Speckled Band', what animal killed Julia Stoner?
- A cheetah.
- A baboon.
- A snake. ✓
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- How did the animal that killed Julia Stoner get into her room in 'The Speckled Band'?
- Through the window.
- Through the ventilator. ✓
- Dr. Roylott let it in with his key.
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- In 'The Speckled Band', what is the significance of the saucer of milk and whistle?
- Both were to summon the snake back. ✓
- The saucer of milk was to feed the cheetah.
- The whistle was to startle Julia.
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- What happens to Roylott at the end of 'The Speckled Band'?
- He dies. ✓
- He runs away.
- He admits he is guilty.
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- In 'The Speckled Band' Dr. Roylott is attacked. What is he attacked by?
- He is bitten by the snake. ✓
- He is strangled by the snake.
- He is hit by Holmes.
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- In 'The Speckled Band', why did Roylott kill Julia and attempt to kill Helen?
- He did not like them.
- He would lose money if they married. ✓
- He wanted the house to himself.
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Worksheet
Presentation
Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Holmes and Watson undertake a dreadful vigil whilst they wait for more evidence to be revealed
- Julia Stoner died after being bitten by a venomous snake
- Dr. Roylott attempts to kill Helen in the same way
- Instead, Holmes sends the snake back to Dr. Roylott’s room and Roylott himself is bitten and dies
- We can write a summary of how Julia Stoner died by including the key details: who, what, where, when and why
Common misconception
Students may not immediately piece together all of the pieces of evidence throughout the case.
Break the conclusion down for students with a visual depiction or flow diagram if necessary, explain that some clues were red herrings.
Keywords
Vigil - A vigil is a period of staying awake at night to keep watch.
Ventilator - A ventilator is a grate, usually on the ceiling, that provides air into a room.
Fatal - If something is fatal, it can cause death.
Sombre - If there is a sombre atmosphere, there is a gloomy, sad atmosphere.
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