🐾 The Wind in the Willows – Chapter 3: Toad in Trouble

Toad’s obsession with motor-cars grew stronger every day.

He forgot about the horse and cart. He forgot about the river. He even forgot about his friends.

All he wanted was speed.

💨 He bought one car. He crashed it.
💨 He bought another. He crashed that one too.

But Toad didn’t care.

“This is life!” he shouted.

Mole and Rat were very worried. “He’ll hurt himself,” Rat said. “Or someone else.”

So they went to ask Badger for help.

Badger lived in the deep woods. He didn’t like noise or crowds, but he cared deeply about his friends.

When he heard about Toad, he nodded. “It’s time we had a serious talk with him.”

The next day, the three friends went to Toad Hall.

Toad was in his bedroom, wearing driving goggles and pretending to steer a car.

“Toad,” Badger said firmly, “you must stop this madness.”

Toad laughed. “You just don’t understand!”

“You’ve crashed seven cars and spent all your money!” Mole shouted.

“Please, Toad,” Rat said kindly. “Think of your safety.”

But Toad refused to listen. “I’m a free spirit!” he said. “I need the open road!”

So the friends locked the doors of Toad Hall and tried to keep him inside until he came to his senses.

At first, Toad sulked. Then he pretended to be sick. But Mole and Rat took care of him and didn’t believe his tricks.

On the fourth day, Toad escaped through a window.

He ran into town, laughing and shouting.

At the town square, he saw a red motor-car parked outside an inn.

Toad’s eyes lit up. “I must have it!”

He crept closer. No one was watching.

He jumped inside and drove off.

But not far.

🚓 A police officer saw him and shouted, “Stop! That’s not your car!”

Toad was caught and taken to court.

The judge was very angry. “You stole a car, drove dangerously, and lied to the police.”

Toad smiled nervously. “It was a small mistake…”

“Twenty years in prison!” the judge said.

And just like that, Toad was taken away.

His friends didn’t know where he was.

Toad sat in a cold cell with a tiny window.

For the first time in his life, he felt truly sorry.

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📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Obsession	A strong, uncontrollable interest in something
Goggles	Protective glasses used for driving or swimming
Madness	Crazy or dangerous behavior
Sulked	Stayed quiet and unhappy because of anger
Crept	Moved slowly and quietly
Cell	A small room in a prison

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What does Toad become obsessed with?

2. Who do Mole and Rat ask for help?

3. What does Badger decide to do?

4. How do the friends try to stop Toad?

5. How does Toad escape?

6. What crime does Toad commit?

7. What punishment does the judge give Toad?

8. How does Toad feel at the end of the chapter?

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✅ Answers

1. Motor-cars and driving fast.

2. Badger.

3. He wants to have a serious talk with Toad.

4. They lock the doors of Toad Hall to keep him inside.

5. He escapes through a window.

6. He steals a motor-car.

7. Twenty years in prison.

8. He feels sorry and alone.

 

📖 Introduction

One of the key skills in IELTS Writing Task 2 is paragraphing. A clear and well-structured paragraph not only helps you organize your ideas but also improves your Coherence and Cohesion score.

A strong paragraph usually contains:

• A topic sentence (the main point of the paragraph)

• A controlling idea (the direction or opinion about the topic)

• Supporting sentences (examples, reasons, or evidence)

This lesson will guide you through writing a focused paragraph based on the structure: One paragraph = One topic + one controlling idea.

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🔍 Understanding the Topic Sentence

The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph. It introduces the subject of the paragraph and gives the reader a clear idea of what to expect.

📓 Example:

Topic sentence: Public transport is essential in reducing traffic congestion.
Explanation: The topic is "public transport," and the controlling idea is "essential in reducing traffic congestion."

Everything that follows in the paragraph should support this idea.

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✅ Structure of a Paragraph

1. Topic sentence – Introduce the idea

2. Explanation or reason – Give more detail

3. Example – Real-world or hypothetical

4. Linking sentence – Connect to the next idea (optional)

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🔗 Useful Linking Words

To make your writing flow, use linking words or cohesive devices. Here are some grouped by function:

1. Addition:

• Furthermore

• Moreover

• In addition

• Also

Example: Public transport helps reduce emissions. Moreover, it is more affordable than private vehicles.

2. Contrast:

• However

• On the other hand

• Although

• Nevertheless

Example: Cars offer more freedom. However, they contribute to pollution.

3. Examples:

• For example

• For instance

• Such as

• To illustrate

Example: Many cities, such as Tokyo and London, rely heavily on public transport systems.

4. Sequence/Order:

• Firstly / Secondly / Finally

• Then / Next

• To begin with

Example: Firstly, investing in buses and trains encourages people to stop using their cars.

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📒 Sample Paragraph (Band 7+ Style)

Topic sentence: Online education has become increasingly popular due to its flexibility.

Support: Many students can now study from home and manage their own time.

Example: For example, working professionals can attend university courses without quitting their jobs.

Link: This convenience makes online education a preferred choice for many.

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✍️ Practice Questions (1–15)

Instructions: Read each paragraph topic. Choose the best controlling idea and complete the topic sentence.

Part A: Choose the best controlling idea (1–5)

1. Topic: Fast food
   a) is tasty
   b) is unhealthy if consumed regularly
   c) comes in different varieties

2. Topic: Learning a foreign language
   a) is a hobby
   b) is difficult at first
   c) improves career opportunities

3. Topic: Social media
   a) connects people worldwide
   b) is a type of technology
   c) is available on phones

4. Topic: Renewable energy
   a) includes wind and solar
   b) is better for the environment
   c) needs investment

5. Topic: Reading books
   a) is popular among students
   b) helps improve language skills
   c) has many genres

Part B: Complete the topic sentence using a controlling idea (6–10)

6. Topic: Tourism
   Complete: Tourism _________________.

7. Topic: Homework
   Complete: Homework _________________.

8. Topic: Public libraries
   Complete: Public libraries _________________.

9. Topic: Mobile phones
   Complete: Mobile phones _________________.

10. Topic: Exercise
    Complete: Exercise _________________.

Part C: Identify the linking word function (11–15)

11. "However, some people think zoos are cruel."
    Function: ______________

12. "For instance, elephants need a large space to roam."
    Function: ______________

13. "Moreover, it is cost-effective."
    Function: ______________

14. "Firstly, students learn how to manage time."
    Function: ______________

15. "Although online learning is flexible, it lacks face-to-face interaction."
    Function: ______________

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✅ Answer Key

Part A:

1. b) is unhealthy if consumed regularly

2. c) improves career opportunities

3. a) connects people worldwide

4. b) is better for the environment

5. b) helps improve language skills

Part B:

6. Tourism creates jobs and supports the economy.

7. Homework reinforces what students learn in class.

8. Public libraries provide free access to knowledge and resources.

9. Mobile phones have changed the way we communicate.

10. Exercise is essential for physical and mental health.

Part C:

11. Contrast

12. Example

13. Addition

14. Sequence

15. Contrast

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🚀 Final Tips

• Use one clear topic sentence per paragraph.

• Support your idea with explanations and examples.

• Use linking words to guide the reader.

Practising this structure will help you write better, clearer, and more organized essays in IELTS Writing Task 2. Happy writing!

 

✦ IELTS Topic: Mountains, Hills & Valleys – 10 Useful Phrases

1. Snow-capped peaks
   e.g., The region is famous for its snow-capped peaks, especially in winter.

2. Rolling hills
   e.g., The landscape was filled with rolling hills stretching for miles.

3. Towering mountains
   e.g., Towering mountains surrounded the village and made it feel isolated.

4. Steep slopes
   e.g., We climbed the steep slopes of the hill to get a better view.

5. Winding mountain path
   e.g., The hiking trail followed a winding mountain path up to the summit.

6. Breathtaking views
   e.g., The top of the hill offered breathtaking views of the entire valley.

7. Lush valley
   e.g., A lush valley lay below us, filled with green farmland and rivers.

8. Rugged terrain
   e.g., The area was hard to cross because of the rugged terrain and rocks.

9. Mountain range
   e.g., The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world.

10. Remote hillside village
    e.g., We visited a remote hillside village where people still lived a traditional life.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – Mountains, Hills & Valleys

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you like mountains or prefer the beach?

2. Have you ever climbed a mountain or hill?

3. Are there any famous mountains or valleys in your country?

4. Would you like to live in a mountainous area?

5. What kind of activities do people do in hilly regions?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a mountain, hill, or valley you have visited.
You should say:

• where it is

• what it looks like

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

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. I prefer mountains—I love breathtaking views and being in nature.
2. Yes, I’ve hiked up rolling hills near my home. It’s great exercise.
3. In my country, there’s a famous mountain range called the Tatras.
4. I’d love to live in a remote hillside village, away from city noise.
5. Hiking, cycling, and camping are common in areas with steep slopes and rugged terrain.

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Part 2 Sample Answer

One memorable trip I had was to the Scottish Highlands. It’s full of towering mountains and lush valleys, and the landscape is incredibly dramatic.

We followed a winding mountain path up Ben Nevis, which is the highest mountain in the UK. The hike was difficult, especially with the steep slopes, but reaching the summit was so rewarding.

At the top, we were treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and green countryside below.

It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, and I’d love to return one day.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Mountains, Hills & Valleys

1. "The region is famous for its snow-capped peaks, especially in winter."
Q: What do snow-capped peaks look like?

2. "The landscape was filled with rolling hills stretching for miles."
Q: How would you describe rolling hills?

3. "Towering mountains surrounded the village and made it feel isolated."
Q: How did the mountains affect the village?

4. "We climbed the steep slopes of the hill to get a better view."
Q: What challenge did the speakers face?

5. "The hiking trail followed a winding mountain path up to the summit."
Q: What was the path like?

6. "The top of the hill offered breathtaking views of the entire valley."
Q: What could be seen from the top?

7. "A lush valley lay below us, filled with green farmland and rivers."
Q: What does 'lush valley' suggest?

8. "The area was hard to cross because of the rugged terrain and rocks."
Q: Why was the terrain difficult?

9. "The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world."
Q: What is special about the Himalayas?

10. "We visited a remote hillside village where people still lived a traditional life."
Q: What is unique about the village?

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✦ Answer Key

1. Mountains with snow on top.

2. Gentle, rounded hills.

3. They made the village feel cut off or secluded.

4. A steep climb or uphill walk.

5. Curving and not straight.

6. Amazing scenery of the valley.

7. Fertile, green, and full of life.

8. It was uneven and full of obstacles.

9. They are the tallest in the world.

10. It’s isolated and people maintain old customs.