Assessment started: undefined.
Item 1
Read the excerpt from “The Red-Headed League.”

“I went round to the offices, but no one had ever heard of the Red-Headed League or Mr. Duncan Ross. I did not wish to lose such a place without a struggle, and so,” concluded Jabez Wilson, “as I had heard that you give advice to poor folk who need it, I came right away to you.”

“And you did very wisely,” said Holmes. “Your case is remarkable. I shall be happy to look into it. From what you have told me, I think graver problems hang from it than might at first sight appear. Tell me, what is he like, this assistant of yours who first called your attention to the advertisement, this Vincent Spaulding?”

“Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, around thirty years old. Has a white splash of acid on his forehead.”

Holmes sat up in his chair. “I thought as much,” said he. “Have you ever observed that his ears are pierced for earrings?”

“Yes, sir. He told me that a gypsy had done it for him when he was a lad.”

“Hum!” said Holmes, sinking back, deep in thought. “And he has cared well for your business while you were away?”

Question 1
Part A

Which conclusion can be drawn, based on the details in the excerpt?


Holmes is a part of the Red-Headed League.

Spaulding wants to help Mr. Wilson succeed.

The Red-Headed League is a fake business.

Holmes doubts Mr. Wilson is telling the truth.
Question 2
Part B

Which quotation from the text best supports the answer to Part A?


"'...as I had heard that you give advice to poor folk who need it, I came right away to you.’”

“’I went round to the offices, but no one had ever heard of the Red-Headed League or Mr. Duncan Ross.’”

“’And you did very wisely,’ said Holmes. ‘Your case is remarkable. I shall be happy to look into it.’”

“’Tell me, what is he like, this assistant of yours who first called your attention to the advertisement, this Vincent Spaulding?’”