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The Secret of Chimneys: read and explore

The story introduces the charming Anthony Cade, who finds himself embroiled in a web of…

About this reading

Author
Agatha Christie
Form
novel

Choose this reading by interest and comfort with the language. This catalog does not assign a school grade. Preview the text before reading with a child; classic works can contain unfamiliar language and historical attitudes.

Read The Secret of Chimneys

Preview the language: Part 1

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 65238 *** AGATHA CHRISTIE The Secret of Chimneys THE SECRET OF CHIMNEYS Copyright © 1925 by Dodd, Mead & Company, Inc. TO PUNKIE Contents 1 ANTHONY CADE SIGNS ON _1_ 2 A LADY IN DISTRESS _11_ 3 ANXIETY IN HIGH PLACES _20_ 4 INTRODUCING A VERY CHARMING LADY _27_ 5 FIRST NIGHT IN LONDON _33_ 6 THE GENTLE ART OF BLACKMAIL _46_ 7 MR. MCGRATH REFUSES AN INVITATION _57_ 8 A DEAD MAN …

Choose a phrase from this opening. What does it suggest, and which words support your interpretation? Read on to test your first impression.

A reading activity for The Secret of Chimneys

  1. Before opening the text, read the title and this catalog description: “The story introduces the charming Anthony Cade, who finds himself embroiled in a web of…” Write one question you hope the reading will answer.
  2. Read a short passage. Choose one sentence that helps you understand what is happening and explain which words support your interpretation.
  3. Choose one unfamiliar word. Guess its meaning from the surrounding words, then check a dictionary or discuss it with a reading partner.
  4. Return to your original question. Explain what the passage answered and what you still need to read to find out.

These are suggested discussion tasks, not a scored assessment or a claim that finishing the text establishes mastery.

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Source edition: Project Gutenberg record for The Secret of Chimneys. This link identifies the catalog source; it does not imply endorsement.

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Educators and independent learners

Learning goal: Read The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie, then support an interpretation with words from the text.

Before you begin: Preview the language and historical context. Select a passage appropriate for your learners.

Check understanding: Ask for one observation, the evidence that supports it, and a question to investigate next.

Catalog inclusion does not assign a school grade. Preview historical language and themes before using a work with children.

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The Secret of Chimneys — Read and Explore | Lesson Worlds