Chapter – 11, The Case of Copied question Papers, Class VI, English Literature, DAV Board, The Best Solutions.

Pre-reading Task

1. If you find a rough copy of the question paper that you are going to take the next day, will you-

(i) inform the teacher?

(ii) inform other students about the questions?

(iii) not disclose it to anyone, but learn all the answers yourself?

Answer – (i) Inform the teacher.

Because honesty is the best policy. Informing the teacher is the right and responsible action, which shows integrity.

2. If you see that your partner is copying the answers from his notebook while taking an examination, will you-

(i) ask for his help in doing your paper also?

(ii) urge him not to do so?

(iii) not bother yourself?

(iv) inform the invigilator?

Answer – (ii) Urge him not to do so / (iv) Inform the invigilator (if he continues).

It is better to encourage your friend to be honest. If he doesn’t listen, it’s your duty to protect the integrity of the exam by informing the invigilator.

3. If you have committed a very serious mistake, will you-

(i) try to hide your mistake?

(ii) confess it boldly?

(iii) not be concerned about it?

Answer – (ii) Confess it boldly.

Owning up to your mistake helps you correct it and build trust. Being responsible and truthful is a sign of maturity and courage.

Word Meaning

Summary In English

The Case of Copied Question Papers is a mystery story based on a college incident. Hilton Soames, a nervous tutor, seeks Sherlock Holmes’s help when he discovers that someone has tampered with the scholarship exam papers left in his room. Suspicion falls on three students: Steve, Ralph, and Gilchrist. Holmes investigates the room and notices clues like sawdust, pencil shreds, and a misplaced chair. With clever observation, he finds that Gilchrist, a tall athlete, had secretly entered the room to copy the papers. However, he changed his mind due to the moral support from Bannister, the old servant who had once worked for Gilchrist’s family. In the end, Gilchrist confesses and decides not to appear for the exam. Holmes solves the case without any punishment, giving Gilchrist a second chance.

सारांश हिंदी में:

‘द केस ऑफ कॉपिड क्वेश्चन पेपर्स’ एक रहस्यमयी कहानी है जो कॉलेज में घटित एक घटना पर आधारित है। हिल्टन सोम्स, एक चिंतित ट्यूटर, शरलॉक होम्स से मदद माँगता है जब उसे पता चलता है कि छात्रवृत्ति परीक्षा के प्रश्न पत्रों के साथ छेड़छाड़ की गई है। संदेह तीन छात्रों – स्टीव, राल्फ और गिलक्रिस्ट – पर जाता है। होम्स कमरे की जाँच करता है और बुरादा, पेंसिल के टुकड़े और कुर्सी की जगह जैसे सुराग पाता है। उसकी सूझबूझ से पता चलता है कि गिलक्रिस्ट, जो एक लंबा एथलीट है, खिड़की से प्रश्न पत्रों को देखकर कमरे में घुस आया था और उन्हें नकल करने की कोशिश की थी। लेकिन बाद में बैनिस्टर, पुराने नौकर के नैतिक समर्थन से उसने अपनी गलती मानी और परीक्षा में न बैठने का फैसला किया। अंत में गिलक्रिस्ट अपना अपराध स्वीकार करता है और होम्स बिना किसी सजा के मामले को सुलझा देता है, जिससे गिलक्रिस्ट को सुधरने का दूसरा मौका मिलता है।

Understanding the Play

A. Answer the following questions in brief:

1. Why was Soames upset?

Answer – Soames was upset because someone had tampered with the scholarship examination papers kept in his room. He feared that the integrity of the exam had been compromised.

2. How did Soames conclude that the papers had been tampered with by someone?

Answer – Soames noticed that the three proof slips were no longer together—one was on the table, another on the floor, and one was at its original place. This disarrangement convinced him someone had read or handled them.

3. Why did Holmes ask all the three students to give him a pencil?

Answer – Holmes asked for pencils from all three students to match the pencil shreds he found near the papers. He used this to identify the student who had sharpened a pencil at the scene.

4. How did Bannister help Gilchrist? Why did he do so?

Answer – Bannister pretended to faint and sat in a chair to hide Gilchrist’s gloves that he had accidentally left behind. He did this to protect Gilchrist, as he had served in Gilchrist’s household before and cared for him.

5. Why did Gilchrist decide to skip the examination?

Answer – Gilchrist felt guilty after Bannister’s emotional talk, which made him realise his mistake. He decided not to use unfair means and wrote a letter withdrawing from the examination.

B. Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow:

1. ‘We have had a very painful incident at the college.’

(a) Identify the speaker. Whom is he speaking to?

Answer – The speaker is Hilton Soames, and he is speaking to Sherlock Holmes.

(b) What is the painful incident?

Answer – The painful incident refers to someone accessing and possibly copying the confidential scholarship examination papers from Soames’s room.

(c) What does the speaker want from the listener?

Answer – He wants Sherlock Holmes to investigate the incident and help him find the culprit to prevent any unfair advantage in the examination.

2. ‘I think he wrote very fast and broke his pencil and had to sharpen it again.’

(a) Whom does ‘he’ refer to in the above line?

Answer – ‘He’ refers to Gilchrist, the student who tampered with the exam papers.

(b) On what basis does the speaker draw the above conclusion?

Answer – The speaker, Sherlock Holmes, finds pencil shreds near the papers, suggesting someone had used and then sharpened a pencil hastily.

(c) How does this conclusion lead to the solution of the mystery?

Answer – The specific type of pencil shreds led Holmes to identify Gilchrist’s pencil, confirming that he was the one who copied the exam paper.

3. ‘Why did you commit such an action?’

(a) Who is the speaker? Whom is he speaking to?

Answer – The speaker is Sherlock Holmes, and he is speaking to Gilchrist.

(b) What action has the listener committed? Why?

Answer – Gilchrist secretly entered Soames’s room, read and copied the exam paper because he was tempted to gain an unfair advantage.

(c) How does he mend his action?

Answer – He decides not to take the examination and writes a letter withdrawing from it, choosing to act honestly after Bannister advises him.

C. Read the play and fill in the following cluesheet to help Holmes solve the mystery and find out the culprit.

The characters

The case

The scholarship examination paper was tampered with, and Soames wants Holmes to find the person who accessed it secretly.

The suspect/suspects

(i) Steve – He was the only person who had seen Mr. Soames reading the question papers.

(ii) Bannister – He had the duplicate key.

(iii) Gilchrist – He stays on the same floor and has access to Mr. Soames’ room.

The clues

(i) Displaced proof papers (one on floor, one on table)

(ii) Pencil shreds on the floor

(iii) Key in the door

(iv) Sawdust on the table

(v) Gloves left on the chair

(vi) Scratches of shoe spikes on the table

The culprit

Gilchrist – tall, saw the question paper on the table, entered the room, noted down the questions, broke his pencil, sharpened the pencil, left the gloves.

Conclusion

Holmes used his sharp observation and logical reasoning to solve the mystery. Gilchrist confessed and withdrew from the examination after Bannister advised him to choose the right path.

HOTS

Why couldn’t Soames solve the mystery behind the copied question papers while Holmes could do it in a short time?

Answer – Soames was emotionally involved in the incident and lacked the keen observational and deductive skills required for solving such a case. On the other hand, Holmes remained calm, logical, and observant. He used small clues like pencil shreds, sawdust, and Gilchrist’s height to piece together the events, which Soames failed to notice.

Life Skills

A. You have found a pen drive of one of your teachers. It has the question papers for the coming exams. What will you do in such a situation?

Answer – I will not open or use the contents of the pen drive. Instead, I will return it immediately to the teacher or school authority. Using such information is dishonest and unfair to others. Being truthful builds trust and shows integrity.

B. ‘All’ children can be made to see through their mistakes by speaking to them. Discuss with your partner.

Answer – Yes, most children can understand their mistakes if spoken to calmly and with empathy. A caring conversation can appeal to their conscience, like how Bannister’s emotional talk changed Gilchrist’s mind. Positive guidance often works better than punishment in correcting behaviour.

Values

Was it right to set Gilchrist free at the end? Should he have been punished or not?

Answer – It was right to set Gilchrist free because he realised his mistake, felt remorseful, and chose not to take the exam. He was also ready to accept the consequences. Giving him a second chance was a wise decision, showing that understanding and forgiveness can help someone choose the right path.

Writing Skills

1. Imagine yourself to be Gilchrist. Write a letter to the Education Officer informing him about your decision of not taking the scholarship paper.

Answer – Adam’s Hostel 

ABC College 

Date: 00.00.0000

The Education Officer 

ABC University 

City Name

Subject: Withdrawal from Scholarship Examination

Respected Sir,

I am writing this letter to inform you that I have decided not to appear for the upcoming scholarship examination scheduled for tomorrow. Due to a lapse in judgment, I came across the examination paper beforehand. I now realise that my actions were wrong and unethical.

After reflecting on my mistake and being guided by a respected elder, I have chosen the honest path and hereby withdraw from the examination voluntarily.

I sincerely apologise for my behaviour and promise never to repeat such a mistake in future.

Thanking you, 

Yours faithfully, 

Gilchrist

1. You are the Education Officer of ABC University. It has been brought to your notice that the scholarship paper has been leaked. Write a notice informing all the students about the cancellation of the paper.

Answer – ABC UNIVERSITY, CITY NAME 

NOTICE

Date: 00.00.0000 

Subject: Cancellation of Scholarship Examination

It is hereby informed to all students that due to an unfortunate incident involving the leakage of the scholarship examination paper, the examination scheduled for **7th June, 2025** has been cancelled with immediate effect.

A new date for the examination will be announced shortly. We regret the inconvenience caused and request the cooperation of all students to maintain the integrity of the examination system.

For any queries, please contact the undersigned.

Sd/- 

Education Officer 

ABC University

Additional Questions and Answers – 01

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Who brought the issue of the tampered question paper to Holmes?

(a) Gilchrist

(b) Steve

(c) Soames

(d) Bannister
Answer: (c) Soames

2. What was the position of Bannister at the college?

(a) Student

(b) Professor

(c) Butler

(d) Servant
Answer: (d) Servant

3. Which clue helped Holmes deduce the culprit?

(a) Fingerprints on the papers

(b) Pencil shreds

(c) A torn shirt

(d) A confession note
Answer: (b) Pencil shreds

4. Who finally confessed to the crime?

(a) Ralph

(b) Steve

(c) Gilchrist

(d) Soames
Answer: (c) Gilchrist

5. Why did Gilchrist abandon the idea of cheating?

(a) He got scared

(b) Bannister convinced him

(c) Holmes confronted him

(d) He was caught by Soames
Answer: (b) Bannister convinced him

Short Questions and Answers

1. Why did Soames approach Holmes?
   Answer: Soames approached Holmes because he suspected someone had tampered with the scholarship examination papers and he wanted to catch the culprit before the exam.
2. What were the clues that indicated someone had touched the papers?
   Answer: The three proof slips were found displaced — one on the floor, one on the side table, and only one at its original place.
3. What made Holmes suspect Gilchrist?
   Answer: Holmes suspected Gilchrist due to his height, long-jump skills, and the presence of pencil shreds and spike marks on the table, matching Gilchrist’s jumping shoes.
4. Why did Bannister pretend to faint?
   Answer: Bannister pretended to faint in order to protect Gilchrist, whom he had once served and cared for deeply.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)

1. Assertion: Holmes suspected Gilchrist because of his long-jump skills.
   Reason: The scratch marks on the table matched the spikes of jumping shoes.

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(c) A is true but R is false.

(d) A is false but R is true.
Answer: (a)

2. Assertion: Soames immediately identified the tampering with the exam papers.
   Reason: The papers were not in the same arrangement as he had left them.

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(c) A is true but R is false.

(d) A is false but R is true.
Answer: (a)

Long Answer Questions (50–60 words)

1. Describe how Holmes used observation and logic to solve the case.
   Answer: Holmes observed the displaced papers, sawdust, pencil shreds, and spike marks on the table. By borrowing pencils from students, he matched the shreds to Gilchrist’s pencil. He deduced that Gilchrist had used the open door to enter and copy the paper and that Bannister helped him escape. His logic and sharp observation helped solve the mystery quickly.
2. Explain Bannister’s role in the entire situation and his motivation.
   Answer: Bannister, the servant, noticed the gloves of Gilchrist and realized he was the one who copied the papers. Wanting to protect him, Bannister pretended to faint and hid the gloves. His loyalty to Gilchrist, whose family he once served, led him to help the boy escape and later convince him to confess and change.
3. What moral lesson do you learn from the play?
   Answer: The play teaches that integrity and courage to confess are more valuable than temporary success through dishonest means. Gilchrist realized his mistake and chose to withdraw from the exam, encouraged by Bannister’s moral guidance. It also shows that every wrongdoing can be corrected if one has the will to do so.
4. Why do you think Holmes was better suited to solve the case than Soames?
   Answer: Holmes had sharp deductive reasoning, attention to minor details, and the ability to see beyond the obvious. Soames, being emotionally involved and lacking investigative experience, could not connect the clues. Holmes noticed signs like pencil shreds, gloves, and window height that led to the truth, which Soames overlooked.

Additional Questions and Answers – 02

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What was Hilton Soames’ profession?
   a) Detective
   b) College tutor
   c) Librarian
   d) Printer
   Answer: b) College tutor
2. Why was Soames agitated when he visited Holmes?
   a) He lost his key
   b) Someone tampered with the examination papers
   c) A student failed an exam
   d) He missed an appointment
   Answer: b) Someone tampered with the examination papers
3. What time did Soames leave his room to take tea?
   a) 3:00 PM
   b) 4:30 PM
   c) 5:00 PM
   d) 6:00 PM
   Answer: b) 4:30 PM
4. What did Holmes find on the table that helped identify the culprit?
   a) Fingerprints
   b) Pencil shreds and sawdust
   c) Ink stains
   d) Footprints
   Answer: b) Pencil shreds and sawdust
5. Who left the key in the door of Soames’ room?
   a) Steve
   b) Gilchrist
   c) Bannister
   d) Ralph
   Answer: c) Bannister
6. What physical characteristic helped Holmes identify Gilchrist as the culprit?
   a) His handwriting
   b) His height of six feet
   c) His shoe size
   d) His eye colour
   Answer: b) His height of six feet
7. What item did Gilchrist leave behind in Soames’ room?
   a) His shoes
   b) His pencil
   c) His gloves
   d) His notebook
   Answer: c) His gloves
8. Why did Bannister pretend to faint?
   a) He was ill
   b) To give Gilchrist a chance to escape
   c) To distract Soames
   d) To avoid questioning
   Answer: b) To give Gilchrist a chance to escape
9. What did Gilchrist decide to do after Bannister’s advice?
   a) Confess to Soames
   b) Not take the examination
   c) Apologize to Holmes
   d) Continue with the exam
   Answer: b) Not take the examination
10. What sport was Gilchrist practicing that led him to pass by Soames’ window?
    a) Running
    b) Long jumping
    c) Cricket
    d) Swimming
    Answer: b) Long jumping

Short Questions and Answers

1. What was the purpose of the examination papers Soames was reviewing?
   Answer: They were for a scholarship examination.
2. What did Soames notice about the proof papers when he returned?
   Answer: One was on the floor, one on the side table, and one where he left it.
3. Who was the only student to visit Soames while he was reviewing the papers?
   Answer:
4. What did Holmes find near the window in Soames’ room?
   Answer: Grains of sawdust and pencil shreds.
5. What was Bannister’s previous job before working at the college?
   Answer: He was a butler at Gilchrist’s house.
6. How did Gilchrist enter Soames’ room?
   Answer: Through the open door.
7. What did Gilchrist leave on the chair near the window?
   Answer: His gloves.
8. Why did Holmes borrow pencils from the students?
   Answer: To compare them with the pencil shreds found in Soames’ room.
9. What was unique about the pencil used by the culprit?
   Answer: It was dark blue with a soft lead.
10. What did Gilchrist write in his letter?
    Answer: That he would not take the examination.

Competency-Based Questions (Reasoning and Assertion)

1. Assertion (A): Holmes suspected Gilchrist because of his height.
   Reason (R): Only a six-foot-tall man could see the papers through the window while passing by.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   Explanation: Holmes deduced that the culprit needed to be tall enough to see the papers through the window. By measuring the window’s height and learning Gilchrist was six feet tall, Holmes identified him as the likely suspect, confirmed by other evidence like the pencil shreds.
2. Assertion (A): Bannister’s actions helped protect Gilchrist initially.
   Reason (R): He pretended to faint and sat on the chair to hide Gilchrist’s gloves.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   Explanation: Bannister’s fainting and choice to sit near the window were deliberate acts to cover for Gilchrist, whose gloves he recognized. This gave Gilchrist time to escape from the inside room, showing Bannister’s intent to protect him.
3. Assertion (A): The pencil shreds were crucial in identifying Gilchrist.
   Reason (R): They matched the unique dark blue pencil with soft lead found in Gilchrist’s room.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   Explanation: The pencil shreds’ distinct characteristics (dark blue, soft lead) led Holmes to compare them with pencils from the students’ rooms. Finding the matching pencil in Gilchrist’s room confirmed his involvement in copying the papers, making the shreds a key clue.
4. Assertion (A): Gilchrist decided not to take the examination.
   Reason (R): Bannister’s fatherly advice made him realize his actions were wrong.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   Explanation: Gilchrist’s letter stated he would not take the exam, influenced by Bannister’s guidance. As a former butler at Gilchrist’s house, Bannister spoke to him as a father, convincing him to abandon his dishonest plan and choose a path of integrity.
5. Assertion (A): The open window was significant in the investigation.
   Reason (R): It allowed Gilchrist to see the papers and enter the room through the open door.
   Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
   Explanation: The open window enabled Gilchrist, a tall long jumper, to see the papers while passing by, prompting him to enter through the unlocked door left by Bannister. This made the window a critical factor in the crime’s execution and Holmes’ investigation.

 Long Questions and Answers (50-60 words)

1. How did Holmes use physical evidence to identify Gilchrist as the culprit?
   Answer: Holmes found pencil shreds, sawdust, and scratches on the table, indicating the culprit used a unique dark blue pencil and spiked jumping shoes. He confirmed Gilchrist’s height matched the window’s view and found the matching pencil in his room. The gloves left on the chair further linked Gilchrist to the crime, solving the case.
2. What role did Bannister play in both the crime and its resolution?
   Answer: Bannister left the key in the door, enabling Gilchrist’s entry, and later pretended to faint, sitting on the chair to hide Gilchrist’s gloves, giving him time to escape. However, his fatherly advice convinced Gilchrist to abandon the exam, aiding the resolution. His dual role as an enabler and moral guide was pivotal.
3. Why was the open window significant in Holmes’ investigation?
   Answer: The open window allowed Gilchrist, a six-foot-tall long jumper, to see the examination papers while passing by, prompting him to enter through the unlocked door. Holmes used this to deduce the culprit’s height and confirmed Gilchrist’s involvement with evidence like pencil shreds and gloves, making the window a key element in solving the case.
4. How did Gilchrist’s actions reflect his initial intentions and eventual change of heart?
   Answer: Gilchrist initially intended to cheat by copying the examination papers, entering Soames’ room and using his pencil and shoes, leaving evidence behind. After Bannister’s fatherly advice, he realized his mistake, wrote a letter refusing to take the exam, and chose integrity, showing a shift from dishonesty to remorse and a desire for redemption.
5. How did Holmes’ investigative methods demonstrate his deductive skills in this case?
   Answer: Holmes meticulously analysed physical clues like pencil shreds, sawdust, and scratches, deducing the culprit’s height and activities. He tested his hypothesis by borrowing pencils from students, identifying Gilchrist’s unique pencil. His questioning of Bannister revealed the cover-up, showcasing his ability to connect minute details with logical reasoning to solve the mystery efficiently.