LESSON 1A VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR - Helping others
📑 Article Contents
1. SHERLOCK HOLMES BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
British
London
Doctor Watson
2. READING COMPREHENSION
- Who wrote the Sherlock Holmes stories?
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - When can we call someone 'Sherlock'?
When someone makes a brilliant deduction - Who was the first fictional detective?
Auguste Dupin - What are the similarities between Sherlock Holmes and Maximilien Heller?
They are both brilliant private detectives; they both use science and logic to find clues and solve crimes; their adventures were narrated by a doctor
3. ACTIVE VS. PASSIVE VOICE ANALYSIS
Passive: The word 'Sherlock' is used (by people) for someone who makes deductions.
Passive: Sherlock Holmes was created by Arthur Conan Doyle.
Passive: Sherlock Holmes has been played by over 70 actors.
a Do both sentences in each pair have the same meaning?
Yes
b What is more important in active sentences – what someone does or who does it?
Who does it
c What is more important in passive sentences – what someone does or who does it?
What someone does
am/is/are + past participle
was/were + past participle
have/has been + past participle
The Passive Voice Grammar Reference
We use the passive when the action is more important than the people who do it. We often use the word 'by' before the person who does the action.
We form the passive with the verb 'to be' and the past participle:
• Some problems are not solved by yourself. (Present Simple)
• Why were they arrested (by the police)? (Past Simple)
• A man has been attacked by a swarm of bees. (Present Perfect)
5. PRACTICE EXERCISES
1 The novels are written (write) in a clear, easy-to-read style.
2 Where are the novels set (the novels/set)? (in Botswana)
How many novels have been published (publish) so far? (17)
The series hasn't been made (not make) into a film but it has been adapted (adapt) for television.
When was the TV programme produced (the TV programme produce)? (2008)
A second season was planned (plan) but it was never filmed (never/film).
- The author has never confused me.
I've never been confused by the author. - Detective stories fascinate me.
I'm fascinated by detective stories. - Someone borrowed my book without asking.
My book was borrowed without asking. - In my opinion, they don't publish enough detective stories.
In my opinion, detective stories aren't published enough.
Example Dialogue:
A: Have you ever met a detective?
B: No, of course not. Are you fascinated by detective stories?
Students' own answers
📚 RELATED ENGLISH LESSONS
🎧 Listening & Vocabulary
The Next Step - Lesson 5A Listening and Vocabulary📖 Reading & Vocabulary
Time to Move Lesson 2A Reading and Vocabulary - Holidays✍️ Writing Skills
The Next Step - Lesson 7A Writing - Personal Statement🔗 RELIABLE SOURCES & REFERENCES
🌐 English Grammar & Literature Resources:
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/passive-voice - Complete guide with exercises
https://www.sherlock-holmes.org.uk - Official Sherlock Holmes resources
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/activities-for-learners - Interactive grammar practice
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/active_and_passive_voice - Academic writing guide