🌿 The Secret Garden – Chapter 10: Colin Visits the Garden

The next morning, the sky was bright and clear. It was the perfect day.

Mary met Dickon outside the house. He had brought a large wheelchair.

“Do you think he’s ready?” Mary asked.

Dickon smiled. “He wants to go. That’s the most important part.”

They went quietly to Colin’s room. He was already dressed and waiting, his eyes full of excitement.

“I’m going,” he whispered. “I’m really going.”

Mary and Dickon helped him into the wheelchair. The hallway was quiet, and the servants were busy. Slowly and carefully, they pushed Colin through the house and out the back door.

When the sun touched his face, Colin closed his eyes and smiled.

“This is the first time I’ve felt the sun in years,” he said.

They moved through the gardens, past trees and flowers, until they reached the ivy-covered wall.

Mary looked around. “No one is watching.”

She pulled back the ivy, took out the key, and opened the door.

Colin gasped.

Inside, the secret garden was full of color and life. Green leaves covered the walls, pink and yellow flowers bloomed, and birds flew overhead.

“It’s like magic,” Colin said quietly.

Mary and Dickon helped him out of the chair. He stood slowly, holding onto the arms of the chair for balance.

Then, step by step, he walked.

He walked on his own.

“I’m walking,” he cried. “Look at me!”

Mary clapped her hands. Dickon’s eyes were shining.

For a long time, they stayed in the garden. Colin touched flowers, felt the bark of trees, and laughed like never before.

“I don’t feel sick here,” he said. “I feel alive.”

They promised to come every day. Dickon would bring food and books. Mary would help Colin grow stronger. And the garden would keep growing, too.

“Let’s never tell anyone,” Colin said. “Not yet. It’s our secret.”

Mary smiled. “Yes. The garden is our world now.”

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📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Wheelchair	A special chair with wheels for someone who cannot walk well
Gasps	A short breath of surprise
Bloomed	When flowers open and grow
Bark	The outside layer of a tree
Balance	The ability to stand or move without falling
Alive	Full of life and energy

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What kind of day is it when they take Colin out?

2. What does Dickon bring to help Colin?

3. What is the first thing Colin says when he feels the sun?

4. How does Colin react when he sees the secret garden?

5. What important thing does Colin do in the garden?

6. How does the garden make Colin feel?

7. What promise do the children make at the end of the chapter?

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✅ Answers

1. Bright and clear – a perfect day.

2. A large wheelchair.

3. “This is the first time I’ve felt the sun in years.”

4. He says it’s like magic.

5. He walks on his own for the first time.

6. He feels alive and not sick.

7. To keep the garden a secret and return every day.

 

✦ IELTS Topic: Music – 10 Useful Phrases

1. Live performance
   e.g., There’s nothing like the energy of a live performance at a concert.

2. Catchy tune
   e.g., That song has such a catchy tune—I can’t get it out of my head!

3. Music to my ears
   e.g., When I heard I’d passed the IELTS exam, it was music to my ears.

4. Tone-deaf
   e.g., I enjoy singing, but honestly, I’m completely tone-deaf.

5. Play by ear
   e.g., I can’t read music, but I can play by ear quite well.

6. A strong beat
   e.g., I love songs with a strong beat—they make me want to dance.

7. Soothing melodies
   e.g., I listen to soothing melodies when I need to relax or study.

8. Background music
   e.g., I like soft background music while I’m working or reading.

9. Go viral
   e.g., Her music video went viral overnight and made her famous.

10. A mix of genres
    e.g., My playlist has a mix of genres—from jazz and classical to hip-hop.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – Music

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you like listening to music?

2. What kind of music do you enjoy?

3. When do you usually listen to music?

4. Can you play any musical instruments?

5. Is music important in your culture?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a piece of music or a song you enjoy.
You should say:

• what the song is

• when you first heard it

• what it’s about
  and explain why you enjoy it.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Music Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, I listen to music almost every day—it’s like background music in my life.
2. I enjoy anything with a strong beat, especially electronic and hip-hop.
3. I usually listen to soothing melodies in the evening to help me unwind.
4. I can’t play an instrument, but I admire people who can play by ear.
5. Definitely—music plays a big role in festivals and family events.

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Part 2 Sample Answer

One of my favourite songs is “Imagine” by John Lennon. It’s a classic with a simple melody and powerful message about peace and unity.

I first heard it in school, during a music class. The lyrics really stuck with me, and it’s one of those catchy tunes that stays in your head for days.

What I love about it is the combination of a calm rhythm and thoughtful words. It’s not flashy, but it has such soothing melodies that make you reflect. I often play it as background music when I study or read.

It’s truly music to my ears, and even though it’s decades old, it still feels relevant today.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Music Phrases

1. "There’s nothing like the energy of a live performance at a concert."
Q: What makes a live performance special?

2. "That song has such a catchy tune—I can’t get it out of my head!"
Q: How does the speaker feel about the song?

3. "When I heard I’d passed the IELTS exam, it was music to my ears."
Q: What does “music to my ears” mean here?

4. "I enjoy singing, but honestly, I’m completely tone-deaf."
Q: What does the speaker say about their singing ability?

5. "I can’t read music, but I can play by ear quite well."
Q: How does the speaker play music?

6. "I love songs with a strong beat—they make me want to dance."
Q: What kind of music does the speaker enjoy?

7. "I listen to soothing melodies when I need to relax or study."
Q: When does the speaker listen to soothing melodies?

8. "I like soft background music while I’m working or reading."
Q: What kind of music does the speaker prefer while working?

9. "Her music video went viral overnight and made her famous."
Q: What happened to her video?

10. "My playlist has a mix of genres—from jazz and classical to hip-hop."
Q: What does the speaker say about their music preferences?

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✦ Answer Key

1. The atmosphere and energy are exciting and real.

2. It’s memorable and sticks in their head.

3. It was great news or something very pleasing.

4. They’re bad at singing or can’t stay in tune.

5. By listening and copying the sound, not reading notes.

6. Upbeat and rhythmic music.

7. When relaxing or studying.

8. Quiet, calm music that doesn’t distract.

9. It became extremely popular very quickly.

10. They enjoy different types of music.

 

🌿 The Secret Garden – Chapter 9: A Secret Friend

The next day, Mary went to see Colin again.

He was sitting up in bed, looking better than before. His eyes were brighter, and there was a little color in his pale cheeks.

“I’ve been thinking about the garden all night,” he said as soon as she entered. “I dreamed about trees and flowers. Can I really go there?”

“Not yet,” Mary said. “You must get stronger first. And we have to keep it a secret.”

Colin nodded. “I won’t tell anyone. Not even the servants.”

Mary brought stories of the garden each day. She described the green leaves, the soft grass, the smell of flowers. Colin listened with wonder.

Then one afternoon, she said, “Would you like to meet someone else who knows the garden?”

“Who?” he asked.

“Dickon,” she smiled. “Martha’s brother. He helped me make the garden come alive.”

“Is he kind?” Colin asked.

“The kindest,” Mary replied. “He talks to animals and makes the flowers grow faster.”

Colin laughed softly. “Then yes, I want to meet him.”

The next morning, Mary told Dickon everything. He was surprised, but happy.

“We’ll help the lad,” he said. “He just needs fresh air and joy.”

Later that week, when the servants were busy, Mary and Dickon came into Colin’s room. The boy was sitting in a big chair, covered with blankets.

Dickon smiled and held a baby lamb in his arms. “Thought you might want to meet some friends.”

Colin’s eyes lit up. “A lamb! Is it really yours?”

“No one owns a lamb,” Dickon said kindly. “It just likes being with me.”

The fox, too, followed behind Dickon and sat quietly near the chair.

Colin laughed. “This is the strangest day of my life. And the best.”

They talked for hours. Dickon told stories about the moor, about animals, and about growing things. Colin listened like a thirsty flower drinking water.

“I want to go outside,” Colin said at last. “I want to breathe the fresh air. I want to walk.”

Mary and Dickon looked at each other.

“You will,” Dickon said. “We’ll help you.”

That night, Colin told Mary, “I believe the garden has magic. I believe it can make me better.”

Mary nodded. “It made me better. And now it will help you.”

For the first time in his life, Colin believed something wonderful could happen.

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📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Servants	People who work in a large house
Blankets	Warm covers used on a bed or chair
Thirsty flower	A metaphor for someone needing attention or care
Fresh air	Clean outdoor air
Magic	A special power that brings change or wonder

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. How does Colin look when Mary visits him again?

2. What does Colin ask about the garden?

3. Who does Mary want him to meet?

4. What animals does Dickon bring to Colin’s room?

5. How does Colin react to the visit?

6. What does Colin say he wants to do?

7. What does Colin begin to believe about the garden?

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✅ Answers

1. He looks better—his eyes are brighter and he has more color.

2. If he can go there one day.

3. Dickon, her friend who helps with the garden.

4. A baby lamb and a fox.

5. He is surprised and very happy.

6. He wants to go outside and walk.

7. That the garden has magic and can help him get better.