✦ 10 Phrases to Describe Places (IELTS Ready)

1. Bustling with activity
   e.g., The city centre is always bustling with activity, especially on weekends.

2. Off the beaten track
   e.g., We found a tiny café off the beaten track, far from the tourist crowds.

3. Breathtaking scenery
   e.g., The mountain range offered breathtaking scenery I’ll never forget.

4. Rich in history
   e.g., The old town is rich in history, with ancient architecture and cobblestone streets.

5. A hidden gem
   e.g., The village was a hidden gem, unknown to most tourists.

6. Peaceful and tranquil
   e.g., I love spending time in the countryside because it’s so peaceful and tranquil.

7. A vibrant atmosphere
   e.g., The market had a vibrant atmosphere, full of colour and local music.

8. Run-down but charming
   e.g., Some parts of the district are run-down but charming in a nostalgic way.

9. Picturesque views
   e.g., We stayed at a cottage with picturesque views of the lake.

10. Teeming with wildlife
    e.g., The national park was teeming with wildlife, from monkeys to exotic birds.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Describing Places

Instructions:

Read each sentence and answer the question that follows.

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1. "The city centre is always bustling with activity, especially on weekends."
Q1. What is the city centre like during weekends?

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2. "We found a tiny café off the beaten track, far from the tourist crowds."
Q2. Where is the café located?

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3. "The mountain range offered breathtaking scenery I’ll never forget."
Q3. How does the speaker feel about the mountain scenery?

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4. "The old town is rich in history, with ancient architecture and cobblestone streets."
Q4. What makes the old town special?

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5. "The village was a hidden gem, unknown to most tourists."
Q5. What does "hidden gem" suggest about the village?

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6. "I love spending time in the countryside because it’s so peaceful and tranquil."
Q6. Why does the speaker enjoy the countryside?

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7. "The market had a vibrant atmosphere, full of colour and local music."
Q7. How would you describe the mood of the market?

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8. "Some parts of the district are run-down but charming in a nostalgic way."
Q8. How does the speaker feel about the run-down areas?

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9. "We stayed at a cottage with picturesque views of the lake."
Q9. What kind of views did the cottage have?

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10. "The national park was teeming with wildlife, from monkeys to exotic birds."
Q10. What can you find in the national park?

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✦ Answer Key

A1. It’s very lively and busy.
A2. In a quiet, less-visited area.
A3. The view was incredibly beautiful and unforgettable.
A4. Its historical features and old buildings.
A5. It’s beautiful and special but not well-known.
A6. Because it is quiet and relaxing.
A7. Energetic, colourful, and lively.
A8. They’re old or neglected but still have charm.
A9. Beautiful, scenic views.
A10. Many animals and birds.

 

🌿 The Secret Garden – Chapter 8: The Cry in the Night (Again)

Mary felt stronger every day.

Working in the garden gave her energy, and spending time with Dickon made her smile more. Her face was rounder now, her eyes brighter. Martha noticed the change too.

“You look almost pretty,” Martha said one morning. “You’ve got color in your cheeks.”

Mary laughed. She didn’t care much about being pretty, but she liked feeling happy.

That night, the wind was quiet. Mary slept well—until a soft sound woke her.

It was the same sound she had heard weeks ago.

A child crying.

This time, she didn’t hesitate. She got out of bed, lit a small candle, and opened her door. The hallway was cold and dark, but she walked bravely.

The sound was louder now. She followed it past many doors, around a corner, and down another hall.

Then—she stopped.

There was a door at the end, slightly open.

She pushed it gently.

Inside, she saw a large bed, heavy curtains, and—on the pillows—a pale boy.

He had dark hair and big eyes filled with tears.

“Who are you?” he asked.

“I’m Mary Lennox,” she said. “I live here too. Who are you?”

“I’m Colin Craven,” he whispered. “Mr. Craven is my father.”

Mary was shocked. This was the secret child. The one no one talked about. The one who cried at night.

“Why are you crying?” she asked softly.

“I’m always ill,” Colin said. “They say I won’t grow strong. I might die. That’s why I stay in bed.”

Mary looked at him closely. He was thin, but his eyes were sharp. She saw more sadness than sickness.

“I don’t think you’ll die,” she said. “You just need fresh air and something to care about.”

Colin stared at her. “You’re not afraid of me?”

“No,” Mary said. “And I know a secret. Would you like to hear it?”

Colin nodded slowly.

Mary leaned in and whispered, “I found the secret garden.”

His eyes grew wide. “The one my mother loved?”

“Yes. It’s not dead. It’s alive—and I’m helping it grow.”

Colin’s lips trembled. “Will you take me there one day?”

Mary smiled. “Yes. But you must promise not to tell anyone. It’s our secret now.”

Colin smiled too—for the first time in a long while.

That night, Mary returned to bed feeling full of hope.

She had shared the garden with Dickon.
Now she had shared it with Colin.
And something inside her said—this was just the beginning.

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📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Hesitate	To pause or wait before doing something
Curtains	Cloth used to cover windows or beds
Pale	Very light skin color, often from illness
Trembled	Shook slightly, often from emotion
Secret child	Someone kept hidden from others
Hope	A feeling that good things will happen

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. How has Mary changed since working in the garden?

2. What wakes her in the night?

3. Who does Mary find behind the door?

4. What does Colin say about his health?

5. How does Mary react to Colin?

6. What secret does she tell him?

7. What do they promise to each other?

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✅ Answers

1. She looks healthier and happier.

2. The sound of a child crying.

3. Colin Craven, Mr. Craven’s hidden son.

4. He says he is always sick and might die.

5. She is not afraid—she speaks kindly and directly.

6. That she found the secret garden.

7. That they will keep the garden a secret, and she’ll take him there one day.

 

📝 How to Use the Verb “To Be” with Adverbs (B1–B2 English)

One of the most common verbs in English is “to be” — and it's also one of the most important! But did you know that using it correctly with adverbs can make your English sound much more natural and accurate?

🔍 What is the Verb “To Be”?

The verb “to be” helps describe states, feelings, identity, time, and location. Its forms include:

• Present: am, is, are

• Past: was, were

• Perfect: has/have been

• Future: will be

Examples:

• She is a teacher.

• They were tired.

• We have been busy.

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🧠 Can You Use Adverbs with “To Be”?

Yes! Many adverbs work with the verb “to be.” These adverbs describe how, when, how often, or to what degree the state happens.

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🗂️ Common Types of Adverbs with “To Be”

1. Adverbs of Frequency

Tell how often something happens.

✅ Placement: after the verb “to be”

Examples:

• He is always late.

• They are never rude.

• She was often tired after work.

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2. Adverbs of Degree

Describe intensity or extent.

✅ Placement: before the adjective or past participle

Examples:

• I am completely ready.

• She is very happy.

• We were almost finished.

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3. Adverbs of Time

Tell when something happens.

✅ Placement: usually at the end of the sentence

Examples:

• They were at home yesterday.

• She is at the office now.

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4. Adverbs of Place

Tell where something happens.

✅ Placement: often at the end

Examples:

• The books are here.

• He was outside.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ He always is late.
✅ He is always late.

❌ She is very much tired.
✅ She is very tired.

❌ They were at the beach often.
✅ They were often at the beach.

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✏️ Quick Practice

Try completing these with the correct placement of the adverb:

1. I ___ (always) am happy. → ❌

2. She is ___ (really) excited. → ✅

3. They are ___ (often) in the kitchen. → ✅

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✅ Summary: Placement Rules

Adverb Type	Example	Placement
Frequency	He is always busy.	After “to be”
Degree	She is very tired.	Before adjective/participle
Time	He was at work yesterday.	Usually at the end
Place	The keys are here.	Usually at the end

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🎯 Final Tip

The verb “to be” is simple — but combining it with the right adverb in the right place can take your English to the next level. Keep practicing and pay attention to patterns when reading or listening to English!