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Year 7

Reading and summarising the conclusion of ‘The Speckled Band’ mystery

I can summarise Holmes’ conclusion to the case of ‘The Speckled Band’.

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Year 7

Reading and summarising the conclusion of ‘The Speckled Band’ mystery

I can summarise Holmes’ conclusion to the case of ‘The Speckled Band’.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Holmes and Watson undertake a dreadful vigil whilst they wait for more evidence to be revealed
  2. Julia Stoner died after being bitten by a venomous snake
  3. Dr. Roylott attempts to kill Helen in the same way
  4. Instead, Holmes sends the snake back to Dr. Roylott’s room and Roylott himself is bitten and dies
  5. We can write a summary of how Julia Stoner died by including the key details: who, what, where, when and why

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.

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.


To help you plan your year 7 english lesson on: Reading and summarising the conclusion of ‘The Speckled Band’ mystery, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Bring the story to life by showing students the black and white story illustrations to help with their understanding of events.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

You will need a copy of 'The Speckled Band' by Arthur Conan Doyle for this lesson.

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Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
supervision-level

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
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?
Correct answer: He thinks she is in danger.
There is not enough room at Stoke Moran for all three.
She will make Roylott suspicious.
Q2.
Of the following, what does Holmes find in Roylott's room in 'The Speckled Band'?
A bell rope.
Correct answer: A saucer of milk.
Correct answer: A dog-leash.
Q3.
In 'The Speckled Band', what is unusual about the bell rope and ventilator in Julia's room?
Correct answer: They are both not fit for purpose.
They are both bright green.
They are both very expensive.
Q4.
In 'The Speckled Band', what atmosphere does the description of Stoke Moran create?
Idyllic.
Magical.
Correct answer: Sinister.
Q5.
How are the wings of Stoke Moran described in 'The Speckled Band'?
"Like the wings of a butterfly."
"Like the arms of a mother."
Correct answer: "Like the claws of a crab."
Q6.
In 'The Speckled Band', which character has a clear motive for killing Julia?
Julia's fiance.
Helen Stoner.
Correct answer: Dr. Roylott.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In 'The Speckled Band', what animal killed Julia Stoner?
A cheetah.
A baboon.
Correct answer: A snake.
Q2.
How did the animal that killed Julia Stoner get into her room in 'The Speckled Band'?
Through the window.
Correct answer: Through the ventilator.
Dr. Roylott let it in with his key.
Q3.
In 'The Speckled Band', what is the significance of the saucer of milk and whistle?
Correct answer: Both were to summon the snake back.
The saucer of milk was to feed the cheetah.
The whistle was to startle Julia.
Q4.
What happens to Roylott at the end of 'The Speckled Band'?
Correct answer: He dies.
He runs away.
He admits he is guilty.
Q5.
In 'The Speckled Band' Dr. Roylott is attacked. What is he attacked by?
Correct answer: He is bitten by the snake.
He is strangled by the snake.
He is hit by Holmes.
Q6.
In 'The Speckled Band', why did Roylott kill Julia and attempt to kill Helen?
He did not like them.
Correct answer: He would lose money if they married.
He wanted the house to himself.