🧛 Dracula – Chapter 5: Letters from England

Mina Murray’s Journal – July 26th
Today, I received a letter from Jonathan. He is in Budapest, in a hospital. He says he has been very ill, but is slowly recovering. His handwriting is weak, and his words are strange.

He writes, “Come quickly. I need you.”

I showed the letter to Mrs. Westenra, Lucy’s mother. She was very kind and helped me prepare for my journey. I am nervous, but I love Jonathan deeply. I must go to him.

Letter from Lucy Westenra to Mina – August 1st
My dearest Mina,
I miss you already! But I know you must be with Jonathan.

Strange things have been happening here in Whitby. I’ve been sleepwalking again. The first time, Mother found me outside by the old church on the cliff. I had no memory of it.

Last night, I woke up with tiny wounds on my neck. Two small dots. Mother says I must have been bitten by a bug. But I feel very tired, and cold—even in the sun.

Also, there’s a shipwreck! A Russian boat called the Demeter crashed into the harbor during a storm. The whole town watched as it sailed in with no crew—only the captain, found tied to the wheel, dead.

There was only one other thing onboard: a large dog that jumped off the boat and ran away. No one has seen it since.

Whitby is full of mystery.

With love,
Lucy

Mina’s Journal – August 6th
I am now in Budapest. I have seen Jonathan at last.

He looks thinner, pale, but his eyes lit up when he saw me. We cried together. He told me he cannot remember everything that happened in Transylvania, only that it was terrifying.

The doctors say he may recover faster if he is happy. So—we are getting married tomorrow.

I will stay by his side forever.

---

📖 Glossary

Word / Phrase	Meaning
Sleepwalking	Walking while asleep, without knowing it
Wound	An injury or cut on the body
Harbor	A place where ships dock near the shore
Terrifying	Extremely scary
Recover	To get better after being sick or injured

---

❓ Comprehension Questions

1. Where is Jonathan when Mina hears from him?

2. What does Jonathan ask Mina to do?

3. What strange things are happening to Lucy in Whitby?

4. What does Lucy find on her neck?

5. What happened to the ship called the Demeter?

6. What mysterious animal was seen on the ship?

7. What decision do Mina and Jonathan make in Budapest?

---

✅ Answers

1. He is in a hospital in Budapest.

2. He asks her to come quickly.

3. She is sleepwalking and feels tired and cold.

4. Two small wounds like bites.

5. It crashed into the harbor during a storm, with no living crew.

6. A large dog jumped off the ship and disappeared.

7. They decide to get married.

 

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – Flights & Flying

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you enjoy flying?

2. Have you ever taken a long flight?

3. Do you prefer the window or aisle seat?

4. What do you usually do during a flight?

5. How do you feel about airports?

---

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a memorable flight you have taken.
You should say:

• where you were going

• what the flight was like

• what you did during the flight
  and explain why it was memorable.

---

✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, I find flying exciting, especially when I get a window seat.
2. I’ve taken several long-haul flights, and I always bring something to read.
3. I prefer the window because I like watching the smooth landing and take-off.
4. I watch the in-flight entertainment and sometimes chat with the cabin crew.
5. Airports can be stressful, especially when airport security takes a long time.

---

Part 2 Sample Answer

Last year, I took a long-haul flight from London to Singapore for a holiday. I checked in early and passed through airport security, which took longer than expected.

Once on board, I found my window seat, which gave me a great view during take-off. The cabin crew were professional and offered drinks and snacks.

I spent most of the time watching in-flight entertainment, but I still felt jet lag when we landed.

The best part was the smooth landing after a 13-hour flight — I was impressed by the pilot’s skills. It was a memorable journey because it was my first time flying that far.

---

✦ Comprehension Test: Flights & Flying

1. "I showed my boarding pass at the gate and walked onto the plane."
Q: What was the speaker doing?

2. "I always bring a book and headphones for a long-haul flight."
Q: Why does the speaker prepare in advance?

3. "I prefer a window seat so I can look at the view during take-off."
Q: Where does the speaker like to sit?

4. "The cabin crew were friendly and offered snacks during the flight."
Q: What did the cabin crew do?

5. "After flying from London to Tokyo, I had terrible jet lag."
Q: What was the result of the long journey?

6. "The flight delay meant we arrived three hours later than planned."
Q: Why did they arrive late?

7. "Airport security was strict — we had to remove shoes and electronics."
Q: What made the process strict?

8. "I packed everything into my carry-on luggage to avoid checking a bag."
Q: Why did the speaker avoid checking luggage?

9. "The in-flight entertainment included movies, games, and music."
Q: What was available on board?

10. "Despite the bad weather, the pilot made a smooth landing."
Q: What made the landing impressive?

---

✦ Answer Key

1. Getting ready to board the flight.

2. To stay entertained or comfortable.

3. By the window of the plane.

4. Gave snacks and were polite.

5. Felt tired or out of sync after flying.

6. The flight was delayed.

7. Extra security checks.

8. To travel more easily.

9. Movies and other activities.

10. The pilot landed safely despite challenges

 

🧛 Dracula – Chapter 4: The Escape

Jonathan Harker’s Journal – May 21st
This morning, I woke early. The sun rose over the mountains, and I knew this might be my last chance.

I tied the rope of torn sheets tightly and fastened it to a heavy bedpost. I whispered a prayer and began to climb out the window.

The wall was cold and rough. My hands burned. I slipped once, but caught myself.

At last, I reached the window of the room below—the one where I had seen the Count resting in his coffin.

I climbed inside.

The room was dark and silent. In the middle stood the coffin, just as before.

Dracula lay there, still and pale. But this time, I saw his lips move slightly. A smile.

He was dreaming. Or hungry.

I picked up a large rock. I thought of Mina. Of home. Of freedom.

But again, I couldn’t do it.

I ran from the room and climbed back to my own.

May 22nd
I’ve been locked in again. The Count has taken the rope.

He smiled at me last night.

“I see you’ve been exploring,” he said calmly. “Please, be more careful.”

His politeness is worse than anger. It’s like a mask hiding something much darker.

May 25th
Today, I heard the Count give orders to his servants. He is planning to leave the castle. I heard the word “England.”

He is coming to my country.

I fear for Mina. I fear for all of them.

Tonight, I will try again. If I stay, I will die here. If I leave, maybe I will live to warn others.

This is my last entry.

---

📖 Glossary

Word / Phrase	Meaning
Fastened	Tied or secured firmly
Rough	Not smooth; difficult to touch or climb
Still	Not moving
Politeness	Being nice or respectful
Mask (figurative)	A way to hide someone’s true feelings

---

❓ Comprehension Questions

1. How does Jonathan try to escape the castle?

2. What does he see again in the hidden room?

3. Why doesn’t he attack Dracula?

4. What does Dracula do after discovering the escape attempt?

5. What clue tells Jonathan that Dracula is going to England?

6. Why is Jonathan afraid for Mina?

7. What decision does Jonathan make at the end of the chapter?

---

✅ Answers

1. He climbs down the castle wall using a rope made of sheets.

2. Dracula sleeping in the coffin, with a slight smile on his lips.

3. He is too afraid.

4. He smiles and removes the rope, but says nothing directly.

5. He hears the word “England” when Dracula speaks to his servants.

6. Because Dracula is planning to travel there.

7. He decides to try escaping again, even if it is dangerous.