Exam-oriented note for Chapter 7: The Adventure of the Three Students from English Beehive – Class IX, with a point-wise summary and detailed Q&A:

Chapter 7: The Adventure of the Three Students

Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Point-wise Summary

• Sherlock Holmes is called to solve the mystery of an exam paper theft.
• Three students from a famous university are accused of cheating on an important exam.
• Holmes investigates and interviews the students: Ronald Adair, William Kirwin, and Herbert Stone.
• Each student has a distinct personality: Ronald is very nervous, William is confident, and Herbert is humble.
• Holmes deduces that only one of the students could have stolen the paper.
• After carefully observing their behavior and examining clues, Holmes concludes that Ronald Adair was the culprit.
• He stole the exam paper but was caught due to his own nervousness.
• Holmes uses his sharp observational skills and logical reasoning to crack the case.

Theme

• The use of logical reasoning and keen observation to solve mysteries
• The importance of human nature and psychology in solving crimes
• A critique of cheating and academic dishonesty
• The brilliance of Sherlock Holmes in solving complex cases

Word Meanings

• Alibi – A claim or evidence that one was elsewhere when the crime occurred
• Nervousness – Anxiety or unease
• Reproach – Disapproval or criticism
• Deduced – Concluded or inferred from evidence
• Suspicion – A feeling or belief that something is wrong

Important Questions and Answers

1. What was the crime Sherlock Holmes had to solve?
Sherlock Holmes was called to investigate the theft of an exam paper by three university students who were suspected of cheating.

2. How does Holmes approach the investigation?
Holmes uses his keen powers of observation, listening to the students’ behaviors and analyzing their personalities. He also looks for clues that others might overlook.

3. Who were the three students under suspicion?
The three students were Ronald Adair, William Kirwin, and Herbert Stone. Each had a different character trait that Holmes considered during his investigation.

4. What was Holmes’ conclusion about the theft?
Holmes concluded that Ronald Adair was the one who had stolen the exam paper. He inferred this from Ronald’s nervous behavior and his lack of confidence compared to the other students.

5. What did Holmes notice about Ronald Adair’s behavior?
Holmes noticed that Ronald was unusually nervous, which pointed to him being guilty. Holmes deduced that Ronald’s actions, such as his excessive nervousness and suspicious behavior, made him the most likely suspect.

6. Why did Holmes think Ronald Adair was guilty?
Holmes observed that Ronald was not as calm and confident as the other students. He was fidgety and avoided eye contact, which suggested he was hiding something.

7. What role did the other two students, William Kirwin and Herbert Stone, play?
Both William and Herbert appeared to be innocent during the investigation. William was too confident to be the thief, and Herbert was humble and seemed to lack the motive or intent to cheat.

8. How did Holmes use his observational skills to solve the case?
Holmes paid attention to the students’ behavior, their nervousness, and the physical evidence (like marks on the desk). His ability to interpret human nature helped him reach the correct conclusion.

9. What does the story suggest about Sherlock Holmes’ methods?
The story highlights Sherlock Holmes’ extraordinary powers of deduction, observation, and psychological insight, which allow him to solve even the most complex mysteries.

10. What lesson does the story teach?
The story teaches the importance of using logical reasoning, observation, and understanding human psychology in solving problems. It also discourages dishonesty and emphasizes the value of integrity.

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