English at Home

Monday, 14 July 2025

🧛 Dracula – Chapter 1: The Journey to Castle Dracula

Jonathan Harker’s Journal – May 3rd
I left England on the last day of April and have now arrived in Transylvania. My journey has been long and strange. The people here speak many different languages. I try to smile and be polite, but I often feel like an outsider.

The countryside is beautiful—wide rivers, thick forests, and tall mountains. The air smells of pine trees and earth. But as I get closer to my destination, people become quieter.

When I told the innkeeper I was going to Castle Dracula, his eyes widened. His wife crossed herself and muttered a prayer. They begged me not to go. “The castle is cursed,” they whispered.

I tried to laugh it off. “I have business with Count Dracula. He is expecting me.”

That night, an old woman gave me a silver crucifix. “For your protection,” she said.

May 4th
At midnight, a black carriage arrived to take me to the castle. The driver wore a long cloak and had red eyes. He didn’t speak, only pointed. I climbed in.

The horses raced through the darkness. The forest seemed to close in around us. Wolves howled in the distance.

I felt cold, though I wore my thickest coat.

Suddenly, I saw a blue flame burning beside the road. The driver stopped, climbed down, and disappeared. When he returned, we continued.

This happened several times. Each time, the same blue flame. Each time, silence.

At last, we reached the castle.

It stood tall against the mountains, dark and sharp, like a black shadow in the sky. The great wooden door opened silently, and Count Dracula stood there.

He was pale, with sharp features and dark hair. His hands were cold and strong.

“Welcome to my home, Mr. Harker,” he said with a smile.

His voice was calm and polite. But something in his eyes made me uneasy.

We entered the castle. The halls were lit with candlelight, but no mirrors. The air smelled like dust and stone.

The Count showed me to my room. It was comfortable but cold. The windows were barred. The door had no lock on the inside.

As he left, he said, “Sleep well. Tomorrow, we will talk about your work.”

But I didn’t sleep well at all.

📖 Glossary

Word / Phrase	Meaning
Outsider	A person who does not feel part of a place or group
Cursed	Believed to be under a bad magic or spell
Crucifix	A Christian cross, often worn as protection
Barred	Covered with metal bars to stop entry or escape
Uneasy	Worried, nervous, or uncomfortable

❓ Comprehension Questions

Where is Jonathan Harker traveling?
How do the local people react to his destination?
What gift does the old woman give him?
What is strange about the carriage journey?
What does Castle Dracula look like?
How does the Count appear when he greets Jonathan?
Why does Jonathan feel uneasy in the castle?

✅ Answers

He is traveling to Castle Dracula in Transylvania.
They are frightened and beg him not to go.
A silver crucifix.
The driver stops at blue flames and never speaks.
Dark, tall, and sharp—like a shadow in the sky.
Pale, polite, but with something strange in his eyes.
The castle feels cold and locked; there are no mirrors, and the Count seems mysterious.

🔗 Linking Words by Function

Using the right linking words in IELTS Writing Task 2 helps you organize ideas and show relationships between them. Below are 30 essential linkers, grouped by purpose, with examples.

✎ CONTRAST (Showing opposite ideas)

However – Many people enjoy fast food. However, it can lead to health problems.
On the other hand – Some believe exams motivate students. On the other hand, others think they cause stress.
Although – Although he studied hard, he failed the test.
Whereas – Cats are independent, whereas dogs need constant attention.
Nevertheless – The task was difficult. Nevertheless, she completed it on time.

✎ EXAMPLE (Introducing evidence or support)

For example – Many countries face pollution problems. For example, Delhi often has dangerous air quality.
For instance – Some students need extra support. For instance, those with learning difficulties.
Such as – Junk food such as chips and soda is popular among teens.
To illustrate – To illustrate, internet access has allowed students to learn from home.
Namely – Two cities, namely Paris and Rome, have introduced bike-sharing schemes.

✎ ADDITION / ILLUSTRATION (Adding or explaining ideas)

Moreover – Smoking is harmful. Moreover, it affects those around the smoker.
Furthermore – The project is over budget. Furthermore, it is behind schedule.
In addition – Students need strong writing skills. In addition, they must learn to research well.
Also – She works and also studies at university.
Not only... but also – Not only is he intelligent, but also very hardworking.

✎ SEQUENCE / ORDER (Organizing points)

Firstly – Firstly, governments must invest in education.
Secondly – Secondly, health care should be accessible to all.
Next – Next, the data must be analyzed.
Then – The researchers collected results. Then, they wrote the report.
Finally – Finally, the proposal was approved by the board.

✎ REASON / CAUSE (Explaining why)

Because – He failed because he didn’t study.
Since – Since there was no evidence, the claim was dismissed.
As – As it was raining, the match was cancelled.
Due to – The delay was due to heavy traffic.
Owing to – The school closed owing to the storm.

✎ RESULT / EFFECT (Showing consequences)

Therefore – The plan failed. Therefore, we need a new one.
As a result – The company lost money. As a result, several employees were laid off.
So – He didn’t set an alarm, so he overslept.
Thus – It was poorly planned. Thus, it didn’t succeed.

✎ CONCLUSION (Summing up or ending an idea)

In conclusion – In conclusion, the benefits of regular exercise outweigh the drawbacks.

📒 Linking Word Revision Test (30 Questions)

Instructions: Fill in the blank with the most appropriate linking word.

She was tired. ______, she kept working.
______, more funding is required to improve schools.
He enjoys extreme sports ______ skydiving and rock climbing.
I missed the bus, ______ I arrived late.
______ the rain, the match was cancelled.
Some people prefer cities. ______, others enjoy rural life.
______, we should review the data.
The project is expensive. ______, it is necessary.
The meeting was postponed ______ the manager was sick.
The room was cold. ______, we turned on the heater.
______ studying hard, she failed the exam.
I passed the test. ______, I celebrated.
He didn't answer the phone, ______ I sent a text.
The policy failed. ______, changes were made.
She is not only smart ______ also kind.
______, the results will be published.
It was expensive. ______, I bought it.
I studied all night ______ I wanted to pass.
______ the results are positive, more research is needed.
The product sold poorly. ______, it was withdrawn.
I ate too much. ______, I felt sick.
I couldn’t sleep ______ the noise.
The exam was hard. ______, I passed.
She paints. She ______ teaches art classes.
He missed the train ______ he overslept.
______, we can say that mobile phones have changed communication.
______, they sent the wrong order.
______, you mix the ingredients.
______, add the toppings and bake.
______ she has little experience, she got the job.

🚀 Answer Key

Nevertheless
In addition
Such as
So
Due to
On the other hand
Firstly
However
Because
Therefore
Although
As a result
So
Thus
But
Finally
Nevertheless
Because
Although
As a result
Therefore
Owing to
Nevertheless
Also
Because
In conclusion
For example
Firstly
Then
Although

✦ IELTS Topic: Cities & Towns – Roads, Streets & Bridges (10 Useful Phrases)

Tree-lined avenues
e.g., The tree-lined avenues in the old part of town are lovely to walk along.
Busy intersection
e.g., This busy intersection causes traffic jams during rush hour.
Pedestrian-friendly streets
e.g., The city has invested in pedestrian-friendly streets and bike lanes.
Narrow alleyways
e.g., The old town is full of narrow alleyways and cobbled paths.
Multi-lane highway
e.g., We took the multi-lane highway to reach the city in under an hour.
Suspension bridge
e.g., The suspension bridge connects the two districts across the river.
Roundabout
e.g., There’s a large roundabout near the shopping centre that keeps traffic flowing.
Underground tunnel
e.g., The new underground tunnel has reduced congestion in the city centre.
Footbridge
e.g., A small footbridge crosses the canal and leads to the park.
Grid system of streets
e.g., The city was planned with a grid system of streets, making it easy to navigate.

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – Roads & Infrastructure

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

Are the roads in your city well-maintained?
Do you prefer walking or driving in your town?
Are there any famous streets or bridges in your area?
What are the traffic conditions like during the week?
How has transportation changed in your city over time?

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a road, street, or bridge you know well.
You should say:

where it is
what it looks like
how it is used
and explain why it is important or memorable.

✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, especially in the centre. There are pedestrian-friendly streets and clear signs.
2. I prefer walking, especially down the tree-lined avenues near my house.
3. We have an iconic suspension bridge that tourists always photograph.
4. Traffic can be heavy at busy intersections, especially at rush hour.
5. The city has built new multi-lane highways and an underground tunnel to reduce congestion.

Part 2 Sample Answer

One bridge I know well is the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It’s a famous suspension bridge painted bright red, stretching across the bay.

I visited it last summer, and we walked across using the pedestrian-friendly walkway. It offers amazing views of the city and ocean.

The road over the bridge is wide, almost like a multi-lane highway, and handles thousands of cars each day. It’s an important link for commuters and tourists.

What makes it memorable is not just the engineering, but the feeling of standing on a bridge that’s recognised all over the world.

✦ Comprehension Test: Roads, Streets & Bridges

1. "The tree-lined avenues in the old part of town are lovely to walk along."
Q: What makes the avenues attractive?

2. "This busy intersection causes traffic jams during rush hour."
Q: When does the intersection become a problem?

3. "The city has invested in pedestrian-friendly streets and bike lanes."
Q: What changes has the city made?

4. "The old town is full of narrow alleyways and cobbled paths."
Q: What kind of paths are in the old town?

5. "We took the multi-lane highway to reach the city in under an hour."
Q: What helped them travel quickly?

6. "The suspension bridge connects the two districts across the river."
Q: What does the bridge do?

7. "There’s a large roundabout near the shopping centre that keeps traffic flowing."
Q: Why is the roundabout useful?

8. "The new underground tunnel has reduced congestion in the city centre."
Q: What effect has the tunnel had?

9. "A small footbridge crosses the canal and leads to the park."
Q: What is the function of the footbridge?

10. "The city was planned with a grid system of streets, making it easy to navigate."
Q: What makes the city easy to get around?

✦ Answer Key

Trees make the street shaded and beautiful.
During peak traffic times.
Better for walkers and cyclists.
Small, narrow walking paths.
A wide road with many lanes.
Links areas across water.
Helps prevent traffic build-up.
Less traffic in the central area.
Allows people to walk over water.
Straight, organised street layout.