Making Predictions Excerpt from Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
Holmes threw over a sheet of thick, pink-tinted Based on the text, the
notepaper which had been lying open upon the reader can predict -
table. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it
aloud." The note was undated, and without either
A the man will hurt Holmes
signature or address. "There will call upon you to- B the man will not show up
night, at a quarter to eight o'clock" it said, "a
C Holmes will meet with the man
gentleman who desires to consult you upon a
D Holmes will turn the man away
matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent
services to one of the royal houses of Europe have
shown that you are one who may safely be The reader can infer that the man is.
trusted with matters which are of an importance
A in need of help
which can hardly be exaggerated. This account
of you we have from all quarters received. Be in B in danger
your chamber then at that hour, and do not take
C untrustworthy
it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "This is indeed
a mystery." I remarked. "What do you imagine Dunwilling to help
that it means?" "I have no data yet. It is a capital
mistake to theorizes before one has data. Short What text evidence
Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories,
supports your prediction?
instead of theories to suit facts."
F