🌿 The Secret Garden – Chapter 11: Magic in the Garden

Colin visited the garden every day now.

At first, Mary and Dickon helped him walk. But soon, he could take many steps on his own. His back was straighter, and his legs felt stronger.

“I think I’m going to grow tall like other boys,” he said one morning. “And I don’t feel afraid anymore.”

In the garden, everything was growing. Pink and red roses climbed the walls. Bees buzzed from flower to flower. Butterflies danced in the sunlight.

Dickon said, “This garden has real magic in it. It’s not just the flowers—it’s how it makes you feel.”

“I believe that too,” Colin said. “I believe we’re part of the magic.”

They made a small circle of stones near a tree.

“This will be our special place,” Colin said. “We can sit here and feel the magic.”

They called it the Magic Circle.

Colin sat inside the circle with his eyes closed.

“I’m getting stronger,” he whispered. “I’m going to live forever.”

Mary and Dickon didn’t laugh. They believed it too.

Sometimes, they brought books and read under the trees. Other times, they played games and ran through the flowers. Colin even learned to skip and laugh like other children.

But they kept the garden a secret.

No one in the house knew.

The servants were surprised to see Colin look so well. They told each other in whispers, “He’s changing… He’s not the same boy.”

Mr. Craven, Colin’s father, was away in Europe. He had not seen his son in months.

One night, as Colin looked at the stars, he said, “When my father comes home, I’ll walk up to him. I won’t be weak. I’ll surprise him.”

Mary nodded. “He’ll be so proud.”

In the garden, everything was possible.

---

📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Straight	Not bent or curved
Buzzed	Made a low humming sound, like bees do
Butterflies danced	A way of describing butterflies flying lightly
Circle of stones	Stones placed in a round shape
Servants	People who work in someone’s house
Whispers	Speaking very softly or quietly

---

❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What changes do we see in Colin at the start of the chapter?

2. What new place do the children make in the garden?

3. What do they call this circle of stones?

4. Why do Colin, Mary, and Dickon believe in magic?

5. How do the servants react to Colin’s changes?

6. Where is Mr. Craven?

7. What does Colin plan to do when his father returns?

---

✅ Answers

1. He walks more, feels stronger, and is happier.

2. A circle of stones near a tree.

3. The Magic Circle.

4. Because the garden makes them feel happy, healthy, and hopeful.

5. They are surprised and whisper about how much he has changed.

6. He is away in Europe.

7. He wants to walk up to him and surprise him with his strength

 

✦ IELTS Topic: The Arts – 10 Useful Phrases

1. A work of art
   e.g., That painting is a true work of art—so detailed and emotional.

2. Art gallery
   e.g., We spent the afternoon at a local art gallery admiring modern pieces.

3. Cultural enrichment
   e.g., Visiting museums offers great cultural enrichment for students.

4. Creativity and imagination
   e.g., The arts encourage creativity and imagination in young people.

5. The performing arts
   e.g., She’s studying the performing arts, including dance and theatre.

6. Artistic expression
   e.g., Graffiti is often seen as a powerful form of artistic expression.

7. A thought-provoking piece
   e.g., The sculpture was a thought-provoking piece about climate change.

8. To appreciate art
   e.g., It takes time and learning to truly appreciate art.

9. Art in public spaces
   e.g., I love seeing art in public spaces—it makes cities more inspiring.

10. A form of therapy
    e.g., For many people, painting or music is a form of therapy.

---

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – The Arts

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you enjoy any form of art?

2. Are the arts important in your culture?

3. What kind of art do you like best?

4. Have you ever visited a museum or art gallery?

5. Do you think children should learn art in school?

---

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a piece of art (painting, film, play, etc.) that made an impression on you.
You should say:

• what it was

• where you saw it

• what it showed or expressed
  and explain how it made you feel.

---

✦ Sample Answers Using The Arts Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, I love visiting museums and occasionally sketching—it's a great outlet for artistic expression.
2. Definitely. Traditional dance, storytelling, and visual arts are a big part of our heritage and offer cultural enrichment.
3. I prefer painting, especially portraits—they require a lot of creativity and imagination.
4. Yes, I recently went to a modern art gallery in the city—it was inspiring.
5. Of course. The arts help children express themselves and even act as a form of therapy.

---

Part 2 Sample Answer

One piece of art that left a lasting impression on me was a sculpture I saw at an exhibition in London. It was a thought-provoking piece about climate change, showing a polar bear made entirely from recycled plastic.

I saw it in a public garden as part of an art in public spaces program. It was not only visually striking, but also emotionally moving—it really made me think.

What I loved most was how it used artistic expression to communicate a global issue. It didn’t use words, but it made a powerful statement.

It reminded me that a good work of art isn’t just beautiful—it can also challenge how we think and feel.

---

✦ Comprehension Test: The Arts Phrases

1. "That painting is a true work of art—so detailed and emotional."
Q: What does the speaker think of the painting?

2. "We spent the afternoon at a local art gallery admiring modern pieces."
Q: Where did they go and what did they do?

3. "Visiting museums offers great cultural enrichment for students."
Q: How can students benefit from museums?

4. "The arts encourage creativity and imagination in young people."
Q: What do the arts develop in young people?

5. "She’s studying the performing arts, including dance and theatre."
Q: What is she learning about?

6. "Graffiti is often seen as a powerful form of artistic expression."
Q: How is graffiti viewed by some people?

7. "The sculpture was a thought-provoking piece about climate change."
Q: What effect did the sculpture have?

8. "It takes time and learning to truly appreciate art."
Q: What is needed to understand art better?

9. "I love seeing art in public spaces—it makes cities more inspiring."
Q: Why does the speaker enjoy public art?

10. "For many people, painting or music is a form of therapy."
Q: What role does art play in people’s lives?

---

✦ Answer Key

1. It’s beautiful, impressive, and emotional.

2. They visited an art gallery and looked at artwork.

3. By learning about culture and gaining new perspectives.

4. Creativity and imagination.

5. Dance, theatre, and other live performance skills.

6. As a meaningful and expressive art form.

7. It made the viewer think deeply.

8. Time and understanding.

9. It adds inspiration and beauty to everyday places.

10. It helps people relax, heal, or express themselves emotionally.

 

🌿 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.”

---

📖 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

---

❓ 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?

---

✅ 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.