SSAT Middle Level Reading Practice Test 22

Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A brilliant detective, Holmes is famous for his intelligence, his ability to disguise himself, and his use of science skills to solve difficult cases.

One of Sherlock Holmes's defects—if, indeed, one may call it adefect—was that he was very unwilling to communicate his full plans to any other person until the instant that they happened. Partly it came no doubt from his own masterful nature, which loved to dominate and surprise those who were around him. Partly also from his professional caution, which urged him never to take any chances. The result, however, was very hard for those who were acting as his agents and assistants. I had often suffered under it, but never more so than during that long drive in the darkness. The great ordeal was in front of us. At last we were about to make our final effort, and yet Holmes had said nothing, and I could only guess what his course of action would be. My nerves thrilled with anticipation when at last the cold wind upon our faces and the dark, empty spaces on either side of the narrow road told me that we were back upon the moor once again. Every stride of the horses and every turn of the wheels was taking us nearer to our supreme adventure.

Our conversation was hampered by the presence of the driver of the hired wagonette, so that we wereforced to talk of trivial matterswhen our nerves were tense with emotion and anticipation. It was a relief to me, after that unnatural restraint, when we at last passed Frankland's house and knew that we were drawing near to the Hall and to the scene of action. We did not drive up to the door but got down near the gate of the avenue. The wagonette was paid off and ordered to return to Coombe Tracey forthwith, while we started to walk to Merripit House.

-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

1. It can be inferred from the passage that the speaker is a

• A. work associate of Sherlock Holmes.
• B. family member of the Frankland house.
• C. paid guide from the Merripit House.
• D. close relative of Sherlock Holmes.
• E. newspaper writer from Coombe Tracey.

2. According to the passage, the speaker's trip involved all of the following EXCEPT

• A. the chill of the wind touching his skin.
• B. passing through land with open areas.
• C. a frustration with Sherlock Holmes's silence.
• D. getting off near a gate to a house.
• E. a drive through a city at a very late hour.

3. The "defect" mentioned at the beginning of the selection refers to Sherlock Holmes's

• A. conservative nature regarding critical decisions.
• B. difficulty in clearly communicating his thoughts.
• C. hatred of revealing his plans ahead of time.
• D. inability to relate to agents and assistants.
• E. tendency to surprise friends inappropriately.

4. The speaker's mood in the selection may best be described as one of

• A. frustrated criticism
• B. unexpected confusion
• C. enthusiastic optimism
• D. controlled eagerness
• E. reluctant approval

5. Why were the speaker and Holmes "forced to talk of trivial matters" in the last paragraph?

• A. The driver of the wagonette did not know English.
• B. So no one would overhear confidential information. 
• C. To organize their plans before the scene of action.
• D. They could not wait to arrive at the Frankland house.
• E. To hide their professional distrust of the driver.