🕰️ The Time Machine – Chapter VI: Below the Earth (Adapted for B2+ Readers)

“I knew now,” the Time Traveller continued, “that something terrible was hiding underground.”

“The small people on the surface were called the Eloi, but the pale creature I saw that night was something different. I later learned their name: the Morlocks.”

“One night, I decided to explore one of the deep wells I had seen. These wells led down into darkness. I tied a rope around myself and climbed down one of them.”

“The descent was terrifying. It was dark, cold, and smelled of metal and old air. Finally, I reached the bottom. I stood in a long tunnel lit by faint, bluish lights.”

“I heard strange noises—clicking, breathing, whispers. Then I saw them. Dozens of Morlocks. Pale, thin, with large eyes that glowed in the dark. They lived down here, in the deep earth.”

“They watched me, surprised. I realized they didn’t expect anyone from the surface to come down here. I was in their world now.”

“I walked through the tunnels and saw machines—strange, old machines still working. I didn’t understand their purpose, but the Morlocks clearly knew how to use them.”

“Suddenly, the Morlocks came closer. I was not welcome. I felt danger in the air. I turned and escaped up the well, climbing fast, my heart racing.”

“Back on the surface, the sun felt warm again, but my mind was troubled. The Eloi were gentle, but helpless. The Morlocks were strong, but frightening.”

“It was like a world divided—light and dark, above and below.”

“And I realized something else: the Morlocks had taken my Time Machine underground.”

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📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Creature	A living being, often strange or unknown
Morlocks	The pale, underground people of the future
Descent	The act of going down
Tunnel	An underground passage
Glowed	Gave off light
Helpless	Unable to protect oneself
Divided	Split or separated into parts

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What are the underground creatures called?

2. How does the Time Traveller go underground?

3. What does he see at the bottom of the well?

4. How do the Morlocks react to his presence?

5. What kind of place do the Morlocks live in?

6. What does the Time Traveller discover about the world of the Eloi and the Morlocks?

7. Where does he now believe his Time Machine is?

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✅ Answers

1. They are called the Morlocks.

2. He ties a rope to himself and climbs down a deep well.

3. He sees tunnels, bluish lights, and Morlocks living underground.

4. They are surprised at first, but soon become threatening.

5. A dark, machine-filled world beneath the earth.

6. It is divided: the Eloi live above in peace, and the Morlocks live below in darkness and fear.

7. He believes the Morlocks have taken it underground.