🦡 The Wind in the Willows – Chapter 1: The Riverbank

Spring had arrived.

The sun was shining, the grass was green, and the birds were singing. Down in a small home under the ground, Mole was doing his spring cleaning. He was busy dusting, sweeping, and polishing when suddenly, he dropped his broom.

“Enough of this!” he said.

The sun was calling him outside. So he left his house and climbed up to the surface of the earth.

What a beautiful day it was! Mole blinked in the sunlight and smiled. He had never felt so happy.

Soon, he saw something sparkling in the distance.

It was a river.

Mole had never seen a river before. He watched the water move and listened to it whisper. He loved it at once.

Then he saw a little boat floating near the shore. In it sat a friendly Water Rat.

“Hello there!” said Rat. “Would you like to come in?”

“Yes, please,” Mole said.

Rat pulled him into the boat and handed him a small paddle.

“This is the river,” Rat explained proudly. “It’s my home and my world.”

They floated past trees, ducks, and lily pads. Mole felt peaceful.

After a while, Rat opened a basket.

“Lunch!” he said. It was filled with cold chicken, cheese, fresh bread, and ginger beer.

“This is the best day of my life,” Mole whispered.

The two animals talked and laughed. Rat told Mole about his river friends: Otter, Badger, and Toad.

“Toad?” asked Mole.

“Oh yes,” said Rat. “He’s kind, but always chasing new hobbies. Last week it was rowing. Now it’s something else.”

As the sun began to set, Rat rowed them back.

“Come visit anytime,” said Rat. “There’s always a place for you by the river.”

Mole smiled. He had found a friend—and a new world.

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📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Surface	The top layer of something (like the earth)
Sparkling	Shining with light, like water in the sun
Paddle	A tool used to row a boat
Whisper	A soft sound, like a quiet voice
Ginger beer	A sweet, fizzy drink made from ginger
Rowing	Moving a boat with paddles or oars

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What season is it at the beginning of the story?

2. Why does Mole stop cleaning?

3. What is the river like for Mole?

4. Who does Mole meet at the river?

5. What do Mole and Rat do together?

6. Who are Rat’s other friends?

7. What does Mole feel by the end of the chapter?

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✅ Answers

1. Spring.

2. He wants to go outside and enjoy the sun.

3. It is new, beautiful, and peaceful.

4. The Water Rat.

5. They ride in a boat, talk, eat lunch, and enjoy the river.

6. Otter, Badger, and Toad.

7. He feels happy and welcomed. He has a new friend and a new world.

 

✦ IELTS Topic: The Countryside – 10 Useful Phrases

1. Rolling hills and green fields
   e.g., The countryside near my hometown is full of rolling hills and green fields.

2. A slower pace of life
   e.g., People in the countryside often enjoy a slower pace of life.

3. Get away from the hustle and bustle
   e.g., I love going to the countryside to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

4. Fresh air and open spaces
   e.g., One of the best things about the countryside is the fresh air and open spaces.

5. Picturesque villages
   e.g., We drove through several picturesque villages with stone cottages and flower gardens.

6. Peaceful and quiet
   e.g., It’s peaceful and quiet compared to the noisy city streets.

7. In touch with nature
   e.g., Living in the countryside helps you feel more in touch with nature.

8. Lack of public transport
   e.g., A downside of rural life is the lack of public transport.

9. Close-knit community
   e.g., Everyone knows each other in a close-knit community.

10. Rural lifestyle
    e.g., Some people find the rural lifestyle relaxing, while others find it boring.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – The Countryside

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Have you ever lived in the countryside?

2. Do you enjoy visiting rural areas?

3. What do you like about the countryside?

4. Are there any disadvantages to living in the countryside?

5. Would you like to retire in a rural area?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a place in the countryside you have visited.
You should say:

• where it was

• what it looked like

• what you did there
  and explain why you enjoyed it.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, I lived in a small village when I was a child. It had rolling hills and green fields all around.
2. I love visiting rural areas—they’re peaceful and quiet and let me reconnect with nature.
3. I enjoy the fresh air and open spaces most. It’s so different from city life.
4. One disadvantage is the lack of public transport. You really need a car to get around.
5. Definitely. I’d love the slower pace of life once I’m older.

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Part 2 Sample Answer

One countryside place I really enjoyed visiting was a small village in the north of England called Haworth. It was surrounded by rolling hills and green fields, and the views were absolutely stunning.

The village itself was charming—one of those picturesque villages with narrow lanes and stone cottages. It was very peaceful and quiet, and everyone we met was so friendly—it felt like a close-knit community.

What I loved most was just walking around and breathing in the fresh air and open spaces. It felt like a real escape, a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

It made me realise how valuable the rural lifestyle can be for your mental well-being.

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✦ Comprehension Test: The Countryside Phrases

1. "The countryside near my hometown is full of rolling hills and green fields."
Q: What does the speaker describe about the countryside?

2. "People in the countryside often enjoy a slower pace of life."
Q: What is different about rural life?

3. "I love going to the countryside to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city."
Q: Why does the speaker visit the countryside?

4. "One of the best things about the countryside is the fresh air and open spaces."
Q: What benefit does the speaker mention?

5. "We drove through several picturesque villages with stone cottages and flower gardens."
Q: What kind of villages did they see?

6. "It’s peaceful and quiet compared to the noisy city streets."
Q: How is the countryside different from the city?

7. "Living in the countryside helps you feel more in touch with nature."
Q: What connection does the speaker mention?

8. "A downside of rural life is the lack of public transport."
Q: What is one problem with living in the countryside?

9. "Everyone knows each other in a close-knit community."
Q: What is a feature of rural communities?

10. "Some people find the rural lifestyle relaxing, while others find it boring."
Q: What are two opinions about rural life?

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✦ Answer Key

1. Beautiful hills and green scenery.

2. It’s more relaxed and slower.

3. To escape the busy city.

4. Clean air and space.

5. Small, attractive villages.

6. It’s calm and quiet.

7. A deeper connection with nature.

8. Not many buses or trains.

9. People know and support each other.

10. Some like it, some don’t.

 

🌿 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.