NCERT Solutions for Class 11 English Woven Words Short Stories Chapter 4
NCERT solutions for Class 11 English Chapter The Adventure of the Three Garridebs – complete answers & explanations
The chapter The Adventure of the Three Garridebs from Class 11 English Woven Words is an interesting detective story written by Arthur Conan Doyle. It follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they investigate a strange proposal involving three men with the same surname and a large inheritance. The story reveals how Holmes carefully studies clues and exposes a clever criminal plan. This blog provides complete NCERT solutions for Class 11 English NCERT Chapter The Adventure of the Three Garridebs strictly based on the worksheet so that students can understand the questions and verify their answers easily.
What this NCERT chapter covers?
1. The chapter introduces a mystery
involving three men named Garrideb and a promised inheritance.
2. It highlights Sherlock Holmes’ investigative skills and his ability to notice small clues.
3. Students learn how observation, logical thinking, and reasoning help solve complex problems.
4. The story explores themes of deception, crime, intelligence, and friendship between Holmes and Watson.
5. It helps students understand narrative techniques, character development, and detective storytelling.
How to use these NCERT solutions?
1. First read the chapter carefully and try to answer all questions on your own.
2. Use these NCERT solutions to check whether your answers match the worksheet answers.
3. Compare your understanding with the provided responses to improve clarity.
4. Follow the exact order of questions as given in the worksheet while studying.
5. Parents and teachers can use these solutions to guide students and explain difficult parts of the story.
Important tips & tricks for students
1. Pay close attention to the small clues mentioned in the story, as they help solve the mystery.
2. Read the questions carefully and answer them based only on the events described in the chapter.
3. Avoid guessing or adding unnecessary details that are not mentioned in the text.
4. When answering analytical questions, focus on characters’ actions and Holmes’ observations.
5. For activity or discussion questions, explain ideas clearly using simple language.
NCERT solutions – complete answer key
Understanding the text
1
Holmes noticed several clues which showed that the story was false. The American lawyer’s clothes were worn and frayed, which did not match his claim of being newly arrived and wealthy. There were no advertisements in the “agony columns” of the newspapers, though he claimed to have published them. The Birmingham advertisement used American spellings such as “plows,” “buckboards,” and “Artesian wells,” which was unusual for an English firm. Holmes also discovered that there was no Dr. Lysander Starr as mentioned by the lawyer. Finally, at Scotland Yard, Holmes identified John Garrideb as “Killer” Evans, a dangerous criminal. These clues proved that the entire story was a trick.
2
John Garrideb invented the story in order to lure Nathan Garrideb away from his rooms at 136 Little Ryder Street. He wanted access to the hidden cellar beneath the room, where a counterfeit printing press and forged banknotes were stored. The story of three Garridebs and a large inheritance was only a clever plan to empty the room so that he could retrieve the illegal money and equipment.
3
John Garrideb did not want Holmes involved because he feared that Holmes would uncover the truth. As a skilled detective, Holmes could easily expose the false story and discover his real identity. Including Holmes increased the risk of his plan failing. Therefore, he was angry when Nathan Garrideb consulted Holmes.
4
Rodger Presbury was a well-known forger and counterfeiter. He had operated a secret printing press for producing fake banknotes. John Garrideb, whose real name was Killer Evans, had once shot Presbury. After Presbury’s death, the hidden printing press and forged notes remained beneath the room in Little Ryder Street. Evans wanted to recover the counterfeit money, which is why he created the Garrideb story.
5
Holmes realized that the Birmingham advertisement was fake and meant only to send Nathan Garrideb away from his rooms. He concluded that Evans’ real interest was in the house itself. Holmes suspected that something illegal was hidden there, especially after learning about Presbury’s connection with the same address. Although he did not know the exact details, he strongly suspected criminal activity and went prepared with a revolver. He did not know for certain that he would find a counterfeit press, but he expected to uncover something illegal.
Talking about the text
1
This comment shows the deep affection and loyalty between Holmes and Watson. Although Holmes often appears cold and unemotional, he truly cares for Watson. When Watson is wounded, Holmes becomes deeply concerned and emotional. This moment reveals that beneath Holmes’ calm and analytical exterior lies a loyal and loving friend. Their relationship is based on trust, friendship, and mutual respect.
2
Even intelligent criminals make mistakes. In this story, Killer Evans tried to create a perfect plan, but small details such as American spellings, false claims, and inconsistencies in his story exposed him. Holmes carefully observed these clues and solved the case. This shows that no matter how clever a criminal may be, there are always traces that reveal the truth.
Appreciation
1
Dr. Watson narrates the story in the first person
The story begins with the strange proposal involving three men with the same surname, Garrideb, and a large inheritance.
Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, Nathan Garrideb, and John Garrideb (Killer Evans) are introduced.
Holmes investigates the truth behind the inheritance story, notices inconsistencies, and discovers Evans’ criminal background.
Holmes and Watson hide in Nathan’s room and catch Evans red-handed while he tries to access the hidden cellar. Evans shoots Watson.
The hidden counterfeit press is discovered, Evans is arrested, and the mystery is solved. However, Nathan Garrideb’s dreams are shattered.
2
The story contains subtle humour, especially in Holmes’ witty remarks and his calm reactions to unusual situations. The idea of finding three men with the same rare surname for an inheritance is itself slightly comic.
3
Holmes often asked seemingly unrelated questions, such as about clothing, advertisements, house agents, and previous tenants. These details appeared unimportant at first but later helped him connect the facts. For example, the American spelling in the advertisement, the history of the previous tenant, and the criminal record of Evans were all discovered through such digressions. These small observations ultimately led to solving the mystery.
Language work
1
(a) The American words included:
plows, buckboards, Artesian, wells
These spellings showed that the advertisement was American in style.
(b) Words spelt differently in American and British English
plow – plough
color – colour
center – centre
defense – defence
theater – theatre
traveler – traveller
program – programme
check – cheque
2
“with a fine-toothed comb”
It means to search very carefully and thoroughly, examining every small detail. Here, it shows that he searched everywhere very carefully but could not find any Garrideb.
“covert for putting up a bird” and “cock pheasant”
These expressions are taken from hunting. A “covert” is a hiding place for hunters, and a “cock pheasant” is a noticeable bird. Figuratively, Holmes means that newspaper advertisements are his favourite place to look for clues, and he would never miss such an obvious clue.
“There is no bolt-hole for you in this country.”
A “bolt-hole” means a place to escape or hide. Figuratively, it means that there is no place for the criminal to hide or escape in this country.
“his castle in the air fell down”
A “castle in the air” means unrealistic dreams or hopes. It means that when Nathan Garrideb’s dreams of becoming rich were shattered, he was completely devastated and could not recover from the shock.
Suggested reading
Explanation:
Read the stories The Case-book of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, The Valley of Fear by Arthur Conan Doyle, Tales of Adventure and Medical Life by Arthur Conan Doyle and explore thrill and adventure.
Why NCERT solutions help students?
NCERT solutions help students prepare effectively for exams by providing answers that follow the exact structure expected in NCERT-based questions. They improve understanding of the chapter, strengthen concept clarity, and help students revise important points quickly. By following NCERT-aligned answers, students gain confidence in writing accurate responses during examinations.
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