🐸 The Wind in the Willows – Chapter 2: Toad's Big Idea

One bright morning, Rat invited Mole to visit Toad Hall.

“Toad wants to see us,” Rat said. “He has a new idea.”

They packed a lunch and walked through the woods. Toad Hall was a grand, old house with large windows and long gardens.

Toad greeted them with open arms.

“My dear friends!” he said. “I’ve discovered something amazing.”

Rat rolled his eyes. “Another hobby?”

“Better than all the others,” Toad smiled. “I’ve given up boats and singing. I’m now… a traveler!”

“A traveler?” Mole asked.

“Yes!” Toad said. “I’ve bought a beautiful horse and a cart. We will ride in it across the country—like true adventurers!”

Toad led them outside. There stood a small green cart and a strong brown horse. The cart was decorated with red and yellow flowers.

“It looks nice,” Mole said kindly.

“It’s not just nice—it’s freedom!” said Toad. “The open road, the wind in your fur, the stars at night…”

Rat sighed. “How long until you give this up too?”

“Never!” Toad shouted. “This is my true calling!”

They set off down the road. Toad held the reins and sang songs loudly.

At first, it was fun. The countryside was beautiful. They passed fields, trees, and happy animals. But after a few hours, Rat and Mole were tired.

Toad didn’t notice. He was too busy talking.

Suddenly, a loud noise came from behind them.

🚗 VROOM! A big red car sped past on the road, kicking up dust.

Toad jumped in surprise. His eyes lit up.

“What was that?” he whispered.

“A motor-car,” Rat said. “Noisy things.”

Toad was silent.

Then, very quietly, he said, “I want one.”

Rat groaned. “Oh no. Not again.”

Back at Toad Hall, Toad couldn’t stop talking about the car.

“It was so fast. So powerful! The way it moved—it was magic!”

Rat shook his head. “You’ll forget it tomorrow.”

But Mole wasn’t so sure. He saw a strange light in Toad’s eyes.

Toad’s adventures were just beginning…

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📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Grand	Large and impressive
Hobby	Something you enjoy doing for fun
Cart	A small vehicle pulled by a horse
Reins	Straps used to guide a horse
Motor-car	An old word for car
Calling	A strong feeling of purpose or passion

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. Where do Mole and Rat visit in this chapter?

2. What is Toad’s new idea?

3. How does Toad describe his cart?

4. What do they see on the road that excites Toad?

5. What does Toad say he wants?

6. How do Rat and Mole react to Toad’s new interest?

7. What does Mole notice about Toad at the end?

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✅ Answers

1. Toad Hall.

2. He wants to travel the country in a horse cart.

3. He says it means freedom and adventure.

4. A fast red motor-car.

5. He wants to own a motor-car.

6. Rat is annoyed; Mole is unsure.

7. He sees excitement and obsession in Toad’s eyes.

 

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – Rivers, Lakes & Streams

✦ 1. Crystal-clear water

Definition: Water that is very clean, transparent, and pure.
Sentence: The island was surrounded by crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkeling.

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✦ 2. Gently flowing stream

Definition: A small river that moves slowly and smoothly.
Sentence: We sat by a gently flowing stream, listening to the calming sound of the water.

✦ 3. Peaceful riverside setting

Definition: A quiet and relaxing area beside a river.
Sentence: The café had a peaceful riverside setting, ideal for reading and enjoying a cup of tea.

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✦ 4. Glacial lake

Definition: A lake formed by melting glaciers, usually very clear and cold.
Sentence: The glacial lake reflected the snowy peaks like a mirror.

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✦ 5. Waterfront area

Definition: A part of a town or city that is next to a body of water, often used for leisure.
Sentence: The waterfront area is full of restaurants, walking paths, and street performers.

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✦ 6. Meandering river

Definition: A river that follows a winding or curved path.
Sentence: The meandering river added charm to the landscape as it twisted through the valley.

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✦ 7. Soothing sound of water

Definition: A calming or relaxing noise made by moving water.
Sentence: I fell asleep to the soothing sound of water from the nearby fountain.

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✦ 8. Teeming with wildlife

Definition: Full of animals, especially in natural water areas.
Sentence: The marshland was teeming with wildlife, including ducks, frogs, and dragonflies.

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✦ 9. Scenic views across the water

Definition: Beautiful or picturesque sights of a river, lake, or ocean.
Sentence: We chose a hotel with scenic views across the water and watched the sunset every evening.

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✦ 10. Flood-prone area

Definition: A location that is likely to experience flooding, especially during heavy rain.
Sentence: They built higher foundations because the village is a flood-prone area.

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you like spending time near water?

2. Are there any rivers or lakes in your area?

3. What do people usually do near rivers or lakes in your country?

4. Would you prefer living near a river or in the mountains?

5. Do bodies of water attract many tourists where you live?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a river, lake, or stream you have visited.
You should say:

• where it is

• what it looks like

• what people do there
  and explain why you enjoyed being there.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, I find water very calming—especially the soothing sound of a gently flowing stream.
2. There's a meandering river near my house where people like to walk their dogs.
3. People love fishing, picnicking, or just relaxing with scenic views across the water.
4. I'd prefer a peaceful riverside setting—water brings a sense of calm.
5. Definitely. Our city’s waterfront area is always filled with tourists, especially in summer.

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Part 2 Sample Answer

One of the most beautiful places I’ve visited is Lake Tekapo in New Zealand. It’s a stunning glacial lake with crystal-clear water that reflects the mountains around it.

We stayed in a cabin that offered scenic views across the water, and at night, the sky was filled with stars. It felt so peaceful, with the soothing sound of water and barely any noise.

There were ducks and birds everywhere—the lake seemed teeming with wildlife. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel calm and in touch with nature.

I loved the peaceful riverside setting and would go back in a heartbeat.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Rivers, Lakes & Streams

1. "The lake had crystal-clear water you could see right through."
Q: What does “crystal-clear” suggest about the water?

2. "We followed a gently flowing stream through the forest."
Q: How was the stream moving?

3. "The hotel was in a peaceful riverside setting—perfect for relaxing."
Q: What was special about the hotel’s location?

4. "The glacial lake was surrounded by snow-capped mountains."
Q: What kind of lake is being described?

5. "The city’s waterfront area is popular for walking and dining."
Q: What do people do in the waterfront area?

6. "The meandering river curved its way through the valley."
Q: How did the river move?

7. "I love the soothing sound of water from nearby streams."
Q: What feeling does the sound of water create?

8. "The wetlands were teeming with wildlife, especially birds and frogs."
Q: What kind of life is found in the wetlands?

9. "Our cottage had scenic views across the water at sunset."
Q: What made the cottage location special?

10. "That village is in a flood-prone area and often suffers during the rainy season."
Q: What problem does the village face?

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✦ Answer Key

1. It’s extremely clean and clear.

2. Slowly and calmly.

3. It was quiet and close to a river.

4. A lake formed by glacial activity.

5. Walk and eat near the water.

6. It moved in curves or bends.

7. Calmness or relaxation.

8. Many animals and birds.

9. It overlooked beautiful water scenes.

10. It’s at risk of flooding

 

🦡 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.