🌿 The Secret Garden – Chapter 12: The Surprise

The summer sun shone bright at Misselthwaite Manor.

The secret garden was now full of green leaves, blooming flowers, and singing birds. Every day, Mary, Colin, and Dickon played and worked there. They were stronger, happier, and full of life.

One day, Mr. Craven returned.

He had been away for months, walking through the mountains of Europe. His heart still felt heavy from his wife’s death, but something inside him had changed. He began to dream of her—and in his dreams, he heard her voice say, “Go back to the garden.”

So he did.

He came home quietly, without telling anyone.

He walked through the gardens and past the tall wall covered in ivy. He looked at it for a long time. Something about it seemed different. He pushed open the old door...

Inside, he stopped in surprise.

The garden was full of life—and right in the middle of it was a boy.

The boy was standing tall, with bright eyes and strong legs.

It was Colin.

Mr. Craven stared. “Colin?”

Colin smiled. “Father! I’ve been waiting for you.”

Mr. Craven dropped to his knees and hugged his son. “Is it true? Are you well?”

“I’m more than well,” Colin said. “I’m alive. The garden helped me.”

Mr. Craven looked around. “This place—it’s just like when your mother was here.”

Colin nodded. “And I’ve learned to love it too.”

Mary and Dickon came forward.

Mr. Craven looked at Mary and smiled. “You brought life back to this house—and to my son.”

He stood up slowly and said, “This garden was locked for ten years. But now it’s open again. Just like my heart.”

That evening, the servants saw something they never thought they’d see:

Colin walking beside his father.
Mary laughing and skipping ahead.
Dickon whistling with the birds.

And behind them, the secret garden, no longer a secret—but still full of magic.

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📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Blooming	Full of open flowers
Heavy heart	Feeling very sad
Dropped to his knees	Fell down with emotion
Well	Healthy or okay
Alive	Full of energy, life, and joy
Whistling	Making music with the lips or breath

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What has happened to the secret garden by the end of summer?

2. Where had Mr. Craven been?

3. What message did he hear in his dream?

4. What surprises him when he opens the garden door?

5. How does Mr. Craven react to seeing Colin walk?

6. What does Mr. Craven say about the garden and his heart?

7. How do the children and Mr. Craven leave the garden together?

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✅ Answers

1. It is full of flowers, life, and joy.

2. He was in Europe, walking in the mountains.

3. His wife’s voice told him to return to the garden.

4. He sees Colin standing and walking.

5. He is shocked, joyful, and hugs his son.

6. That it is open again—just like his heart.

7. They walk out together, happy and united.

 

✦ IELTS Topic: Buildings & Architecture – 10 Useful Phrases

1. Architectural masterpiece
   e.g., The Sydney Opera House is considered an architectural masterpiece.

2. Cutting-edge design
   e.g., The building’s cutting-edge design makes it stand out in the skyline.

3. Blend of old and new
   e.g., This city offers a fascinating blend of old and new architecture.

4. High-rise buildings
   e.g., The area is full of high-rise buildings and business towers.

5. Traditional craftsmanship
   e.g., The wooden temple shows incredible traditional craftsmanship.

6. Functional but unattractive
   e.g., Many post-war buildings are functional but unattractive.

7. Heritage site
   e.g., The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beauty.

8. Sustainable architecture
   e.g., Sustainable architecture uses eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems.

9. Visually striking
   e.g., The museum is visually striking with its unusual shape and colours.

10. Urban development
    e.g., Rapid urban development has transformed the city in just a few years.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – Buildings & Architecture

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. What kind of buildings do you like?

2. Are there any famous buildings in your city?

3. Do you prefer old or modern architecture?

4. Would you like to design your own home one day?

5. Do you think buildings affect people’s moods?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a building you admire.
You should say:

• what the building is

• where it is located

• what it looks like
  and explain why you like it.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. I’m really drawn to cutting-edge design—buildings that are creative and futuristic.
2. Yes, we have a cathedral that’s a famous heritage site and a major tourist attraction.
3. I love a blend of old and new—it gives a city personality and depth.
4. Definitely. I’d love to design a home using sustainable architecture—eco-friendly and energy-efficient.
5. Yes, buildings can inspire or depress people. A visually striking design can really lift your mood.

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Part 2 Sample Answer

A building I really admire is the Louvre Museum in Paris. It’s famous not only for the artwork inside but also for its beautiful structure.

The museum combines classical architecture with the modern glass pyramid at the entrance, creating a fascinating blend of old and new. The pyramid is especially visually striking, especially when lit up at night.

I admire this building because it respects history while embracing cutting-edge design. It’s also a symbol of urban development done right—it draws millions of visitors but still respects the original atmosphere of the area.

To me, the Louvre is more than just a museum; it’s a true architectural masterpiece.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Buildings & Architecture

1. "The Sydney Opera House is considered an architectural masterpiece."
Q: How does the speaker feel about the Sydney Opera House?

2. "The building’s cutting-edge design makes it stand out in the skyline."
Q: What kind of design does the building have?

3. "This city offers a fascinating blend of old and new architecture."
Q: What kind of architecture can be found in the city?

4. "The area is full of high-rise buildings and business towers."
Q: What does the speaker say about the area?

5. "The wooden temple shows incredible traditional craftsmanship."
Q: What is special about the wooden temple?

6. "Many post-war buildings are functional but unattractive."
Q: How are the post-war buildings described?

7. "The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beauty."
Q: What is the significance of the palace?

8. "Sustainable architecture uses eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems."
Q: What is special about sustainable architecture?

9. "The museum is visually striking with its unusual shape and colours."
Q: How is the museum described?

10. "Rapid urban development has transformed the city in just a few years."
Q: What has changed the city recently?

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✦ Answer Key

1. It’s very impressive and iconic.

2. Innovative and modern.

3. A mix of historical and modern styles.

4. It’s urban, vertical, and full of tall buildings.

5. Its traditional building skills and detail.

6. Useful, but not attractive.

7. It is protected and historically important.

8. It’s environmentally friendly and efficient.

9. Eye-catching and visually creative.

10. New buildings and growth have changed it quickly.

 

🌿 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.

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📖 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

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❓ 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?

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✅ 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