Sherlock Holmes – The Boscombe Valley Mystery | B1 ESL Illustrated Story + Worksheet | With Answer Key

A man is found dead beside a quiet pool, and everyone believes his son is guilty. But Sherlock Holmes looks at the ground, not just the body — and the small details tell a very different story.

What's included

• Illustrated story (7 pages) — a "Meet the Characters" page and pictures of the key scenes and clues
• Student worksheet (5 pages)
• Answer key (6 pages)

The worksheet covers four skill areas:

• Vocabulary — 10 useful words such as evidence, innocent, threaten, and prove, with matching and sentence practice
• Reading Comprehension — six multiple-choice and two short-answer questions, including inference
• Think & Discuss — four discussion questions with a language support box; students studying alone can answer in writing
• Writing — Holmes's private case notes (80–100 words), with a planning list and a self-check

The answer key includes:

• Answers for all vocabulary and multiple-choice questions, with short explanations
• Sample answers for every open question
• A sample piece of writing and a simple 8-point scoring guide
• Provided as a separate file so it stays out of learners' hands

What your students will love

A real mystery they can follow clue by clue — muddy footprints, a gray coat, a strange last word, and a secret from Australia.

What you will love

Open the file and teach. No preparation needed. It also works for self-study, because every question can be answered in writing.

File format

Two printable PDF files (story + worksheet, and answer key), delivered as a single ZIP download.

Part of the Sherlock Holmes Graded Reader Series. Each story is sold separately and works as a standalone lesson.