A learning design for ESL students. It fosters integrated language skills.

A  Question of Trust  

Craft paper border

Identify and enjoy features of classic literature. Analyze interactions among discourse elements that constitute a genre. Acquire vocabulary and grammar structures in context. Develop higher order thinking skills to spot clues, make inferences, think critically and draw conclusions to pose arguments in answer to writing and speaking prompts. Engage in individual and collaborative group work in integrated language skills.

It was a quiet, kindly voice, but one with firmness in it. A woman was standing in the doorway, and Sherry was rubbing against her. She was young, quite pretty, and was dressed in red. She walked to the fireplace and straightened the ornaments there. “Down, Sherry,” she said. “Anyone would think I’d been away for a month!” She smiled at Horace, and went on, “However, I came back just in time, though I didn’t expect to meet a burglar.” Horace had some hope because she seemed to be amused at meeting him. He might avoid trouble if he treated her the right way. He replied, “I didn’t expect to meet one of the family.” She nodded. “I see what an inconvenience it is for you to meet me. What are you going to do?” Horace said, “My first thought was to run.” “Of course, you could do that. But I would telephone the police and tell them all about you. They’d get you at once.” Horace said, “I would, of course, cut the telephone wires first and then...,” he hesitated, a smile on his face, “I would make sure that you could do nothing for some time. A few hours would be enough.” She looked at him seriously. “You’d hurt me?” Horace paused, and then said, “I think I was trying to frighten you when I said that.”

Horace Danby:&nbsp;A 50-year-old locksmith who is also a professional thief. He is a meticulous planner and a skilled burglar. He is also a bit of a snob and has a high opinion of himself. The Lady in Red:&nbsp;A mysterious woman who is also a professional thief. She is very confident and resourceful, and she is able to manipulate Horace into opening the safe for her. She is never actually named in the story, so she is simply referred to as "the Lady in Red." Inspector Kemp:&nbsp;The police inspector who investigates the robbery. He is a shrewd and determined investigator, and he is eventually able to track down Horace and the Lady in Red. There are also a few other minor characters in the story, including Horace's housekeeper, Mrs. Jenkins, and the owner of the house, Mr. and Mrs. Carrington.

“Before we left for London, I promised my husband to take my jewels to our bank; but I left them here in the safe. I want to wear them to a party tonight, so I came down to get them, but…” Horace smiled. “You’ve forgotten the numbers to open the safe, haven’t you?”	 “Yes,” replied the young lady. “Just leave it to me, and you’ll have them within an hour. But I’ll have to break your safe.” “Don’t worry about that. My husband won’t be here for a month, and I’ll have the safe mended by that time.” And within an hour Horace had opened the safe, given her the jewels, and gone happily away. For two days he kept his promise to the kind young lady. On the morning of the third day, however, he thought of the books he wanted and he knew he would have to look for another safe. But he never got the chance to begin his plan. By noon a policeman had arrested him for the jewel robbery at Shotover Grange. His fingerprints, for he had opened the safe without gloves, were all over the room, and no one believed him when he said that the wife of the owner of the house had asked him to open the safe for her.

The story is set in Shotover Grange, a fictional village in England. "A Question of Trust" was one of Canning's earliest novels, and it was well-received by critics. The Times Literary Supplement called it "a first-rate thriller" and "a very well-written book." The story has been adapted for radio and television several times.

EVERYONE thought that Horace Danby was a good, honest citizen. He was about fifty years old and unmarried, and he lived with a housekeeper who worried over his health. In fact, he was usually very well and happy except for attacks of hay fever in summer. He made locks and was successful enough at his business to have two helpers. Yes, Horace Danby was good and respectable — but not completely honest. Fifteen years ago, Horace had served his first and only sentence in a prison library. He loved rare, expensive books. So he robbed a safe every year. Each year he planned carefully just what he would do, stole enough to last for twelve months, and secretly bought the books he loved through an agent. Now, walking in the bright July sunshine, he felt sure that this year’s robbery was going to be as successful as all the others. For two weeks he had been studying the house at Shotover Grange, looking at its rooms, its electric wiring, its paths and its garden. This afternoon the two servants, who remained in the Grange while the family was in London, had gone to the movies. Horace saw them go, and he felt happy in spite of a little tickle of hay fever in his nose. He came out from behind the garden wall, his tools carefully packed in a bag on his back

“You didn’t frighten me.” Horace suggested, “It would be nice if you would forget you ever saw me. Let me go. The voice was suddenly sharp. “Why should I? You were going to rob me. If I let you go, you’ll only rob someone else. Society must be protected from men like you.” Horace smiled. “I’m not a man who threatens society. I steal only from those who have a lot of money. I steal for a very good reason. And I hate the thought of prison.” She laughed, and he begged, thinking that he had persuaded her, “Look, I have no right to ask you for anything, but I’m desperate. Let me go, and I promise never to do this kind of thing again. I really mean it.” She was silent, watching him closely. Then she said, “You are really afraid of going to prison, aren’t you?” She came over to him shaking her head. “I have always liked the wrong kind of people.” She picked up a silver box from the table and took a cigarette from it. Horace, eager to please her and seeing that she might help him, took off his gloves and gave her his cigarette lighter. “You’ll let me go?” He held the lighter towards her." “Yes, but only if you’ll do something for me.” “Anything you say.”

The safe was not going to be hard to open. After all, he had lived with locks and safes all his life. The burglar alarm was poorly built. He went into the hall to cut its wire. He came back and sneezed loudly as the smell of the flowers came to him again. How foolish people are when they own valuable things, Horace thought. A magazine article had described this house, giving a plan of all the rooms and a picture of this room. The writer had even mentioned that the painting hid a safe! But Horace found that the flowers were hindering him in his work. He buried his face in his handkerchief. Then he heard a voice say from the doorway, “What is it? A cold or hay fever?” Before he could think, Horace said, “Hay fever,” and found himself sneezing again. The voice went on, “You can cure it with a special treatment, you know, if you find out just what plant gives you the disease. I think you’d better see a doctor, if you’re serious about your work. I heard you from the top of the house just now.”

Diamonds Stealing Sticker by Bill Greenhead

A Question of Trust | Victor Canning | CBSE Footprints without Feet | Class 10 English NCERT | CBSE

Plymouth · United Kingdom

Victor Canning was primarily a writer of thrillers, and wrote his many books under the pseudonyms Julian Forest and Alan Gould. Among his immediate contemporaries were Eric Ambler, Alistair Maclean and Hammond Innes. He was born in Plymouth, Devon on 16 June 1911.&nbsp; Canning was a prolific writer throughout his career, which began young: he had sold several short stories by the age of nineteen and his first novel,&nbsp;Mr Finchley Discovers His England&nbsp;(1934) was published when he was twenty-three. Canning also wrote for children: his trilogy&nbsp;The Runaways&nbsp;was adapted for US children’s television. Canning’s later thrillers were darker and more complex than his earlier work and received great critical acclaim.&nbsp;The Rainbird Pattern&nbsp;was awarded the CWA Silver Dagger in 1973 and nominated for an Edgar award in 1974. In 1976&nbsp;The Rainbird Pattern&nbsp;was transformed by Alfred Hitchcock into the comic film&nbsp;The Family Plot, which was to be Hitchcock’s last film. Several of Canning’s other novels including&nbsp;Golden Salamander&nbsp;(1949) were also made into films during Canning’s lifetime. He died on 21 February 1986 in&nbsp;Cirencester, England, UK.

<a href="https://www.curtisbrown.co.uk/client/victor-canning">Source</a>

Summary &nbsp;The story is about a thief who is served by his acts. It carries the message that one should not trust anyone unless they have discovered everything about that person.&nbsp; Horace Danby is a thief who was cheated on by another thief. Both the robbers had plans to rob the same house. The lady managed to pose as the wife of the owner. She tells him that she suddenly came to get her jewels as she wished to wear them at a party that night. Danby was terrified and requested to be let go. She said that she would let him go if he got out the jewels for her. Danby opened the sage without gloves. The police arrested him because his fingerprints were all over the place. He confessed and told the truth, but no one would believe him.

Genre: It is a crime thriller. The story is full of suspense and intrigue, and it features a clever and resourceful villain. The genre of crime thriller is a broad one, and it can include stories that are set in a variety of different locations and time periods. However, most crime thrillers share some common elements, including: A central mystery or crime that needs to be solved A cast of characters that includes criminals, law enforcement officers, and ordinary people A suspenseful plot that keeps the reader guessing until the end A satisfying resolution that ties up all the loose ends Major Themes: The theme of "A Question of Trust" is that trust can be a dangerous thing, especially in the world of crime. Horace Danby is a professional thief who prides himself on his skills and his ability to plan ahead. He is confident that he can outsmart anyone, and he is not afraid to take risks. However, he is eventually tricked by the Lady in Red, who is even more skilled and resourceful than he is. This shows that even the most experienced criminals can be vulnerable if they trust the wrong person. The story also explores the theme of deception. The Lady in Red is a master of deception, and she is able to manipulate Horace into opening the safe for her. She is also able to fool Inspector Kemp, the police inspector who is investigating the robbery. This shows that deception can be a powerful weapon, and it can be used to achieve even the most difficult goals. Ultimately, "A Question of Trust" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of trust. The story shows that even the most experienced criminals can be vulnerable if they trust the wrong person. It also shows that deception can be a powerful weapon, and it can be used to achieve even the most difficult goals. Here are some other themes that can be found in the story: The importance of planning and preparation, the dangers of hubris, the power of greed, the importance of trust, the destructive power of deception. Symbols: The safe:&nbsp;The safe is a symbol of both trust and deception. It is a place where people keep their valuables, and it is also a place where people can be tricked. The Lady in Red tricks Horace into opening the safe, and she is able to steal the jewels that are inside. This shows that even the most secure places can be vulnerable to deception. The red dress:&nbsp;The red dress that the Lady in Red wears is a symbol of her deception. She uses the dress to attract Horace's attention, and she also uses it to distract him from her true intentions. The red dress is a reminder that appearances can be deceiving. The dog:&nbsp;The dog, Sherry, is a symbol of loyalty. Sherry is loyal to Horace, and he tries to warn him about the Lady in Red. However, Horace ignores Sherry's warnings, and he is eventually tricked by the Lady in Red. This shows that even the most loyal friends can be betrayed. The library:&nbsp;The library is a symbol of knowledge and power. Horace is a frequent visitor to the library, and he uses the books there to plan his robberies. The library is a reminder that knowledge can be a powerful tool, both for good and for evil. Motif:The main motif of "A Question of Trust" by Victor Canning is the dangers of misplaced trust.

Globally Connected Lifelong Learner

The wife herself, a gray-haired, sharp-tongued woman of sixty, said that the story was nonsense. Horace is now the assistant librarian in the prison. He often thinks of the charming, clever young lady who was in the same profession as he was, and who tricked him. He gets very angry when anyone talks about ‘honour among thieves’.

Explore Bucket List Sticker by Discover ASR

Watch the video in the cover. Try to grasp the main ideas. Read the whole story comprehensively, annotate it and add terms to the Quizlet Study Set. Re-read it in pairs for fluency. Pay attention to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7WPLhRJ_Gk&amp;list=PLLmk_1x96FKBLf2jPXEnlouJdNVv7nJit">features of connected speech</a>. Use any read-aloud tools to help you. Join the Quizizz and complete it. Fill in the Slide with the story analysis. (Create a copy and submit it, adding it to your portfolio) Use auto/draw or shapes to illustrate one of the scenes in the story. Keep it secret till it is shown as a speaking prompt for other groups. Create a visual plot diagram of“ A Question of Trust”. Separate the story into the&nbsp;Exposition, Conflict, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Resolution with the graphic in the <a href="bookcreator://page/85jr9XT_T_i_6UMNytL6Tg">next </a>page. Write an argumentative essay responding to the prompt " To what extent does trust build bonds?"

Study Set

Quizz

Literary analysis

 Argumentative Writing Graphic Organizer

Story Writing Sticker by Plot Devices™️

Party Celebrate Sticker by Lipton Ice Tea

<a href="bookcreator://page/-bK9Z8DOR6iQOLras3YFkQ">Learning Goals</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/ok4W8ocLT96n4q6dxjtlsg">About the Story</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/aT5_UZM0ToGkE6jXIIcRtQ">The Author</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/aT5_UZM0ToGkE6jXIIcRtQ">The Story</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/5YKRb5G6Q9WmwJrf8jGUxQ">Characters</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/IUKYZQTmTqOLep0GII2odA">The Setting</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/atbPcYXZT5Kyz7jaKbyDtg">The Plot</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/d9FjZAtdSiWzHy4XIuzXww">Genre, Themes, Symbolism, and Motifs</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/kLLpsUbSTF-pe90VjebgiA">Activities</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/85jr9XT_T_i_6UMNytL6Tg">Graphic organizer</a> <a href="bookcreator://page/i7g_GvtoQ4qW3ZyeqQ6mTw">Credits</a>

Teachers Create Sticker by Lehrermarktplatz

Clicking  this image on each page brings you back here.

First published in the United Kingdom by Collins Crime Club on October 12, 1950, "A Question of Trust", written by "Victor Canning", was about&nbsp;Horace Danby, a fifty-year-old former criminal and collector of rare and&nbsp;expensive&nbsp;books. He was a&nbsp;lockmaker&nbsp;by profession, but he stole from wealthy individuals to&nbsp;buy&nbsp;the books he needed some&nbsp;years ago, making sure his fingerprints were not left behind in the places where he&nbsp;stole. However, it did not work out in the end because he was caught in one of his&nbsp;thefts. It was his last theft, and the theft spot was Shotover Grange. As usual,&nbsp;Horace collected specifics about the Grange house for almost a week, like the house owner's stay in London, how many&nbsp;servants&nbsp;were there, and their movie plan timing, the burglary alarm system in that house, etc. In particular, a recent article in a magazine&nbsp;about that house revealed all the information, including the location of a safe behind a painting. Unlike the other places he stole from, he met a woman while stealing at that house who claimed to be the owner of that house and threatened to report him to the&nbsp;cops&nbsp;while stealing there. She also demanded him to get her the jewels by breaking the safe, saying that she had forgotten the lock's&nbsp;password. Horace did so and went home, thinking that the owner of the Grange house had spared him. But after two days, Horace was arrested.&nbsp;There comes the&nbsp;twist&nbsp;in the story: the woman whom Horace met in that Grange house was not the real owner but was also a thief, and that the footprints of&nbsp;Horace found in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Grange&nbsp;house were the reason for his arrest.&nbsp;

There were about fifteen thousand pounds’ worth of jewels in the Grange safe. If he sold them one by one, he expected to get at least five 2019-20 thousand, enough to make him happy for another year. There were three very interesting books coming up for sale in the autumn. Now he would get the money he wanted to buy them. He had seen the housekeeper hang the key to the kitchen door on a hook outside. He put on a pair of gloves, took the key, and opened the door. He was always careful not to leave any fingerprints. A small dog was lying in the kitchen. It stirred, made a noise, and moved its tail in a friendly way. “All right, Sherry,” Horace said as he passed. All you had to do to keep dogs quiet was to call them by their right names, and show them love. The safe was in the drawing room, behind a rather poor painting. Horace wondered for a moment whether he should collect pictures instead of books. But they took up too much room. In a small house, books were better. There was a great bowl of flowers on the table, and Horace felt his nose tickle. He gave a little sneeze and then put down his bag. He carefully arranged his tools. He had four hours before the servants returned.

Name

Safari may block some audio or video from playing automatically and ‘read to me’ will skip these. You can configure this in Safari’s preferences.