Vocabulary & Meaning
Give one word that means “guided.”
Conducted
Name one way the setting creates fear in the first paragraph.
The dark passage — it suggests the unknown.
What typical detective tool does Holmes use in this extract?
A magnifying lens.
How does the narrator feel while waiting in the dark?
Nervous and tense.
What should a strong story opening do?
Introduce the main character, setting, and hook the reader’s attention.
What does the word “cellar” suggest about the atmosphere of the setting?
It suggests it’s underground, dark, and possibly dangerous or secretive.
Give another way the setting creates fear.
The huge underground cellar — creates a feeling of mystery and danger.
What does Holmes do to show leadership?
He gives calm, clear instructions to others on where to hide and when to act.
Which short quotation shows the narrator’s discomfort?
“My limbs were weary and stiff.”
What kind of tone suits a detective story?
Mysterious, suspenseful and serious.
What does “pitch darkness” mean?
Complete or total darkness.
How does the use of the lantern contribute to the atmosphere?
It gives a dim, flickering light that increases tension and suspense.
Give an example of Holmes’ careful planning.
He arranged for officers to wait at the front door.
Which phrase shows the narrator’s fear?
“Highest pitch of tension.”
How can writers make characters feel realistic?
By showing their actions, dialogue, and reactions to events.
What does “cold dank air” make the cellar seem like?
Damp, musty, and unpleasant.
Why does Holmes ask them to “sit in the dark”?
To avoid being seen by the criminals and to catch them by surprise.
How does Holmes show bravery in this scene?
He remains calm and waits silently in the dark, ready to face danger.
What impression do we get of Holmes from the narrator’s description?
He is calm, confident, and in control.
What features of structure help you earn top marks in Cambridge writing tasks?
Clear paragraphs, logical sequence, effective openings and closings, and varied sentence types.
What does the word “vault” imply about the cellar?
That it’s a strong, secure, enclosed space, possibly linked to wealth or valuables.
How does the writer make the darkness sound threatening?
By describing it as “absolute” and “pitch” — showing that it’s total and suffocating.
What is the main reason they are in the cellar?
To catch the criminals in the act.
What effect does the writer create in the final paragraph?
A sense of suspense and anticipation as they wait silently in darkness.
List three techniques that can make a detective story engaging.
Imagery and figurative language, tension-building description, and precise vocabulary.