Reading Comprehension Exercises Pg.13
The Case of the Midnight Thief
Step into the shadows of the upscale Elmwood District with Detective Elias Hart in “The Case of the Midnight Thief.” This tale of intrigue follows Hart as he unravels a series of elusive thefts in one of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods, where the thief has continually outsmarted the local authorities.
Detective Elias Hart, a seasoned investigator known for cracking the hardest cases, is called to Elmwood District—a neighborhood known for its opulent homes and influential residents. The community has been plagued by a string of cleverly executed thefts under the cover of darkness, causing unrest among its wealthy inhabitants. The local police are stumped, having failed to catch the elusive thief.
The thefts are unusual in their execution—each item stolen is of high sentimental value but relatively modest monetary worth, puzzling the authorities about the thief’s motives. The latest incident involved the disappearance of a rare antique clock from the home of an esteemed judge, escalating the urgency to catch the thief.
Hart begins his investigation by meticulously examining the pattern of the thefts and the methods used by the thief. He interviews the victims, gathers forensic evidence left at the crime scenes, and reviews security footage, looking for any overlooked details that could lead to a breakthrough.
Hart’s relentless pursuit leads him to discover a pattern: the thefts occur on nights when community events are held, suggesting the thief is someone within the community. Further investigation and a crucial tip from a local reveal that the thief is none other than a once-respected but now financially struggling art dealer, who targeted items he once appraised.
With solid evidence and strategic planning, Hart sets a trap using a decoy—a priceless painting loaned by the city museum displayed at an upcoming gala. As predicted, the thief attempts the heist but is caught red-handed by Hart and his team. The stolen items are recovered and returned to their rightful owners. Hart’s success restores peace and security to Elmwood District, reaffirming his reputation as a brilliant detective.
QUIZ 1:
Instructions: In the vocabulary quiz, each question presents a sentence that includes a target word or phrase from the vocabulary list. The sentence provides contextual clues that hint at the meaning of the word or phrase. Students must choose the correct definition from multiple-choice options based on how the word is used in the sentence. This quiz format assesses students’ ability to deduce meanings from context and reinforces their understanding of each vocabulary term.
