📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 12 (Adapted for B1+/B2 English Learners)

Title: Tom Tells the Truth

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The Trial Continues

The next day, the courthouse was even more crowded. Everyone wanted to see the end of the trial. The lawyers repeated their arguments, and more witnesses spoke. All the evidence pointed to Muff Potter.

Muff sat quietly, his head bowed. He looked like a broken man. The judge asked if he wanted to speak in his defense, but Muff only shook his head. He believed there was no hope.

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Tom’s Struggle

Tom sat among the crowd, trembling. His secret burned inside him. He looked at Muff’s sad face and felt guilt stabbing his heart like a knife. He remembered Muff’s kind words at the jail and how he had thanked him for being a friend.

Tom’s lips quivered. He wanted to shout out the truth. But Injun Joe was sitting only a few feet away. The thought of those fierce eyes made him shake with fear.

The lawyer for Muff Potter stood up and called the next witness. “Thomas Sawyer.”

Tom’s heart nearly stopped. The whole courtroom turned to look at him. Slowly, he walked to the witness stand. His legs felt like stone.

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The Confession

The lawyer asked simple questions: “Did you see anything at the graveyard that night?”

Tom’s voice was faint. “Yes, sir.”

The courtroom went silent. Everyone leaned forward to listen.

Tom took a deep breath. He began to describe the night—the three men, the digging, the fight. His voice shook, but he went on. Then he cried out, “It was not Muff Potter! It was Injun Joe!”

A gasp ran through the courtroom. All eyes turned to Injun Joe.

In a flash, Injun Joe leapt to his feet, eyes blazing. Before anyone could stop him, he sprang through a window and disappeared. The crowd shouted and rushed after him, but he was gone.

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Muff Potter Freed

The judge declared Muff Potter innocent. The old man wept with joy, hugging Tom and blessing him for his courage. People clapped and cheered. Aunt Polly, who had nearly fainted with shock, kissed Tom again and again.

But deep in Tom’s heart, fear still lingered. Injun Joe was free—and Tom knew the man would not forget who had betrayed him.

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📘 Glossary

Word	Meaning
Defense	What a lawyer says to prove someone innocent
Quivered	Shook slightly, often from nerves
Witness stand	The place in court where a witness speaks
Confession	Admitting the truth about something
Gasp	A quick, surprised breath
Blazing	Burning with anger
Innocent	Not guilty

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. Why did Muff Potter look hopeless at the trial?

2. Why did Tom feel guilty during the trial?

3. Who called Tom as a witness?

4. What did Tom finally confess in front of everyone?

5. How did Injun Joe react?

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✅ Answers

1. Because all the evidence seemed to prove him guilty.

2. Because he knew Muff was innocent but was too afraid to speak.

3. Muff Potter’s lawyer.

4. He confessed that Injun Joe was the true killer.

5. He jumped up, leapt through the window, and escaped.

 

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Linking Words for Emphasis

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you think English is important? (Emphasise your opinion)

2. Do you like reading? (Emphasise your preferences)

3. Do you think travelling is useful?

4. Is technology important in education?

5. Do you think hard work is the key to success?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe something that is very important to you.
You should say:

• what it is

• why it is important

• how it affects your life
  and emphasise your points using at least three linking words for emphasis.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1

1. Yes, English is important; without doubt, it opens many career opportunities.

2. I like reading, particularly science fiction.

3. Travelling is definitely one of the best ways to learn about new cultures.

4. Clearly, technology makes education more accessible.

5. Above all, hard work ensures long-term success.

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Part 2 Sample Answer
One thing that is very important to me is education. Indeed, it has shaped my future. Undoubtedly, education is the foundation of success, both personally and professionally. Importantly, it gives people the confidence to achieve their goals. In fact, without good education, many opportunities would not be available.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Emphasis

1. "The city is beautiful; indeed, it’s one of the most visited places in the world."
Q: What is being emphasised?

2. "Many people think IELTS is difficult; in fact, with practice, it becomes easier."
Q: What is the truth about IELTS?

3. "Of course, learning vocabulary is essential for success in IELTS."
Q: What is essential?

4. "Above all, students need confidence to perform well in the speaking test."
Q: What do students need most?

5. "Without doubt, English is one of the most useful global languages."
Q: What language is described as useful?

6. "Clearly, more investment in education is needed."
Q: What is needed?

7. "Undoubtedly, technology has transformed the way we communicate."
Q: What has technology changed?

8. "Travelling abroad is definitely a good way to improve English."
Q: What helps improve English?

9. "I enjoy reading, particularly historical novels."
Q: What type of novels does the speaker like most?

10. "Importantly, this research highlights the need for renewable energy."
Q: What does the research highlight?

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✦ Answer Key

1. That it’s a top tourist destination.

2. It gets easier with practice.

3. Learning vocabulary.

4. Confidence.

5. English.

6. More investment.

7. Communication.

8. Travelling abroad.

9. Historical novels.

10. The need for renewable energy.

 

📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 10 (Adapted)

Title: Haunted by Fear

Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn tried to act normal the day after the murder in the graveyard. But fear clung to them like a shadow.

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Whispered Promises

The boys met again in a hidden corner of the town. They swore once more that their blood oath was unbreakable.

“We must never speak of it, Huck,” Tom said.
“Not to anyone,” Huck agreed.

They promised that even in their sleep they would stay silent. If they dreamed of it, they would bite their tongues. That was how afraid they were of Injun Joe.

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The Town Reacts

Meanwhile, the town was full of excitement and sorrow. Everyone was talking about the murder. At church, the villagers whispered together. Mothers pulled their children close. Men shook their heads gravely.

Most people believed Muff Potter was guilty. He was known to drink too much and get into trouble. Few bothered to question the story. Only a handful of kind women said they felt sorry for him.

Tom’s heart ached each time he heard the townsfolk condemn Muff. He knew the truth. He wanted to shout it out—but the oath stopped him.

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Muff in Jail

One afternoon, Tom crept down to the jail again. He brought Muff Potter some small gifts—tobacco, a few matches, even half an apple.

Muff was touched.

“Bless you, Tom,” he said. “You’re a good lad. You don’t believe I did it, do you?”

Tom couldn’t answer. His throat closed. He just nodded weakly and left.

The guilt grew heavier and heavier on his young heart.

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Nightmares and Guilt

That night Tom dreamed of Injun Joe. He dreamed those burning eyes were staring at him from the end of his bed. He woke trembling and sweating.

He tried to pray, but the words stuck in his throat. He remembered the oath. Even to God, he couldn’t speak the truth.

Days passed slowly. Tom became pale, thin, and quiet. Aunt Polly thought he was sick. She gave him medicine, scolded him, and even tried to cheer him with treats. Nothing worked.

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The Haunted House Idea

At last, Tom decided he needed to forget his guilt and do something exciting. He whispered his plan to Huck the next evening.

“Let’s go find treasure.”

Huck’s eyes lit up. “Treasure?”

“Yes. Buried treasure. Pirates and robbers always bury gold and silver. If we dig in the right places, we’ll be rich!”

The thought of treasure lifted their spirits for the first time since the murder. They agreed to meet the next night with shovels and try their luck.

But even as Tom walked home, a shadow crossed his heart. He couldn’t escape the image of Injun Joe—or the terrible oath that bound his tongue.

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📘 Glossary

Word	Meaning
Unbreakable	Something that cannot be broken
Condemn	To declare someone guilty or wrong
Touched	Moved emotionally, feeling kindness or gratitude
Trembling	Shaking with fear
Oath	A very serious promise
Treasure	Valuable things like gold, silver, or jewels
Spirits	Feelings or mood (high spirits = happy, low spirits = sad)

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. Why were Tom and Huck afraid to talk about the murder?

2. How did the townspeople react to the crime?

3. What did Tom secretly bring to Muff Potter in jail?

4. Why couldn’t Tom pray or find peace?

5. What new idea helped lift Tom’s spirits?

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✅ Answers

1. Because they were terrified of Injun Joe and bound by their blood oath.

2. Most believed Muff Potter was guilty, though a few felt sorry for him.

3. Tobacco, matches, and half an apple.

4. Because the oath stopped him from telling the truth, even to God.

5. He and Huck planned to go treasure hunting.