📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 16 (Adapted)

Title: Becky and Tom Make Up

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The Return to School

After the excitement of their funeral surprise, Tom, Huck, and Joe returned to ordinary life in St. Petersburg. At first, they were treated like heroes. Everyone wanted to hear the story of the pirates. But soon, life slipped back into its usual rhythm—chores, lessons, and scoldings.

At school, Tom tried to show off, but Becky Thatcher was not impressed. She remembered their quarrel and still felt hurt. She turned her face away whenever he tried to talk to her. Tom pretended not to care, but inside he felt miserable.

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Becky’s Jealous Plan

Becky had her own plan. She wanted Tom to feel the same pain she had felt when he had mentioned Amy Lawrence.

During recess, Becky began talking sweetly with Alfred Temple, the new boy with neat clothes and a proud air. She laughed at his jokes and leaned close to see his drawings. Tom watched from across the yard, his face burning with jealousy. He kicked the dirt and muttered angrily, but he refused to look away.

Becky smiled to herself. Her plan was working.

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Trouble with the Teacher’s Book

Later that afternoon, Becky slipped into the empty schoolroom. She had heard that the teacher kept a valuable book in his desk—a book no student was ever allowed to touch. Curious, she opened the desk and carefully lifted out the book.

It was filled with beautiful illustrations. Becky turned the pages, wide-eyed, until she came to a picture of a man and woman standing very close together. She blushed, giggled, and then quickly shut the book.

But in her hurry, the corner of the page tore. Becky gasped. The teacher would be furious! She tried to smooth the page, but the rip was clear.

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Tom’s Brave Moment

Just then, Tom entered the room. Becky froze. She expected him to tease her or, worse, tell the teacher.

But when the teacher discovered the torn page and demanded to know who had done it, Tom suddenly spoke up.

“I did it,” Tom said firmly.

Becky stared at him in shock. The teacher scolded Tom harshly, gave him a painful punishment, and sent him back to his seat. Tom took it silently.

Becky’s heart softened instantly. She knew Tom had saved her from trouble.

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Friends Again

When school ended, Becky hurried to Tom. Her eyes were full of tears, but her smile was warm.

“Oh, Tom,” she whispered, “that was so noble of you. I’m sorry I was mean. I’ll never be angry with you again.”

Tom’s face lit up. “Then we’re friends again?”

“Always,” Becky promised.

They walked home side by side, the quarrel forgotten, their friendship stronger than ever.

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📘 Glossary

Word	Meaning
Rhythm	A regular pattern, routine of life
Quarrel	A fight or argument
Jealousy	Feeling angry because someone else gets attention
Curious	Wanting to know more
Illustrations	Pictures in a book
Blushed	Turned red in the face from embarrassment
Noble	Showing courage, honor, or kindness

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. Why was Becky still upset with Tom at school?

2. How did Becky try to make Tom jealous?

3. What did Becky do with the teacher’s book?

4. What mistake did she make?

5. How did Tom save Becky from punishment?

6. How did Becky feel about Tom after this?

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✅ Answers

1. Because of their earlier quarrel about Amy Lawrence.

2. She talked sweetly with Alfred Temple to make Tom jealous.

3. She secretly opened it and looked at the illustrations.

4. She tore one of the pages by accident.

5. He took the blame for tearing the book.

6. She forgave him, promised never to be angry again, and they became close friends once more.

 

✦ IELTS Topic: Linking Words for Summarising & Concluding – 10 Useful Phrases

1. In conclusion
   e.g., In conclusion, education plays a vital role in shaping society.

2. To sum up
   e.g., To sum up, technology has both benefits and drawbacks.

3. In summary
   e.g., In summary, the report suggests that pollution levels are rising.

4. On the whole
   e.g., On the whole, students did well in the exam.

5. Overall
   e.g., Overall, the new system was more effective than the old one.

6. All in all
   e.g., All in all, it was a successful event.

7. In short
   e.g., In short, regular exercise improves both body and mind.

8. Altogether
   e.g., Altogether, about 300 people attended the meeting.

9. Finally
   e.g., Finally, I would like to stress the importance of teamwork.

10. In brief
    e.g., In brief, renewable energy is essential for the future.

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✦ Why These Words Are Important in IELTS

• They signal closure and help finish essays or answers strongly.

• In Writing Task 2, they are essential for a clear conclusion.

• In Speaking Part 2 and 3, they help you summarise your key points naturally.

• They improve Coherence & Cohesion, which examiners always look for.

Without them, your answers can feel unfinished or weak.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Summarising & Concluding

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. How would you describe your city, in summary?

2. What do you usually do at the weekend, all in all?

3. Can you describe your favourite book in brief?

4. Do you think technology is helpful in education, overall?

5. What is your daily routine like, to sum up?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe an event you enjoyed. Summarise your experience at the end.
You should say:

• what the event was

• where and when it happened

• who was there
  and explain why it was enjoyable, using at least three linking words for summarising/concluding.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1

1. My city is large and busy. In summary, it has both opportunities and challenges.

2. I usually meet friends and play football. All in all, my weekends are relaxing.

3. My favourite book is about history. In brief, it explains how culture has developed.

4. Yes, technology makes learning easier. Overall, it’s a positive tool in education.

5. I wake up early, work, study, and relax. To sum up, my days are quite productive.

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Part 2 Sample Answer
One event I enjoyed was a music festival in my city last summer. There were many bands, food stalls, and thousands of people. I went with some friends, and we had an amazing time. On the whole, the organisation was excellent, and the music was unforgettable. Finally, I would say that it was one of the best events I have ever attended. In conclusion, it gave me great memories and I hope to go again next year.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Linking Words for Summarising & Concluding

1. "In conclusion, education plays a vital role in shaping society."
Q: What does the speaker say about education?

2. "To sum up, technology has both benefits and drawbacks."
Q: What does technology have?

3. "In summary, the report suggests that pollution levels are rising."
Q: What is happening to pollution?

4. "On the whole, students did well in the exam."
Q: How did students perform?

5. "Overall, the new system was more effective than the old one."
Q: Which system was better?

6. "All in all, it was a successful event."
Q: How was the event?

7. "In short, regular exercise improves both body and mind."
Q: What does exercise improve?

8. "Altogether, about 300 people attended the meeting."
Q: How many people attended?

9. "Finally, I would like to stress the importance of teamwork."
Q: What does the speaker want to stress?

10. "In brief, renewable energy is essential for the future."
Q: What is essential for the future?

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✦ Answer Key

1. It is vital in shaping society.

2. Both benefits and drawbacks.

3. Pollution levels are rising.

4. They did well.

5. The new system.

6. Successful.

7. Body and mind.

8. About 300 people.

9. Teamwork.

10. Renewable energy.

📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 15 (Adapted)

Title: Tom’s Secret Return & The Funeral Surprise

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Tom’s Secret Visit

Life on Jackson’s Island had been exciting, but after a few days Tom began to feel restless. Huck and Joe were content with fishing, swimming, and roasting meat, but Tom’s heart ached for something else. He couldn’t stop thinking of Aunt Polly, and whether she was crying for him.

One night, while the others slept, Tom slipped away. He swam silently across the Mississippi River and crept into town. The houses were dark, but in Aunt Polly’s home a candle still burned.

Tom climbed through the window and hid in a corner. He overheard Aunt Polly talking with Mary and Sid. Her voice was sad and heavy.

“Poor Tom,” she whispered. “I was too hard on him. If only I could see him again, I’d forgive everything.”

Mary wept softly, and even Sid, usually smug, looked serious. Tom’s heart swelled. He wanted to rush into the room, hug Aunt Polly, and tell her he was alive. But he didn’t. Pirates must keep their adventures secret. Instead, he carefully left a note under Aunt Polly’s pillow before sneaking away into the night.

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The Town in Mourning

The next day, church bells tolled. Word spread quickly: the three boys had drowned. Townspeople gathered in groups, whispering about the tragedy. Some remembered the boys’ mischief with a smile, others shook their heads and said they’d warned them often enough.

By Sunday, the church was crowded. Everyone wore dark clothes and spoke in hushed voices. The minister began a solemn sermon, praising the lost boys. People wept openly—especially Aunt Polly, Joe’s mother, and even the Widow Douglas, who felt pity for Huck.

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A Shocking Surprise

Just as the minister’s voice grew more emotional, the church doors creaked open. Heads turned. A gasp ran through the congregation.

There stood Tom, Huck, and Joe—alive, sunburnt, and grinning from ear to ear.

For a moment, silence filled the room. Then there was chaos—people shouting, crying, laughing. Aunt Polly fainted, then clutched Tom to her chest, sobbing with joy. Joe’s mother smothered him with kisses, and Huck stood awkwardly until the Widow Douglas gently took his hand.

The boys had returned at the very moment of their own funeral. Their “pirate adventure” had turned into the greatest surprise the town had ever seen.

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Forgiveness and Pride

At first, Aunt Polly scolded Tom, calling him a wicked, thoughtless boy. But her tears betrayed her joy. “Oh, Tom,” she said, “don’t ever leave me again.”

Tom promised he would try to be good—but inside, he was glowing with pride. The whole town was talking about them. They weren’t just boys anymore—they were heroes, pirates who had tricked everyone and returned in triumph.

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📘 Glossary

Word	Meaning
Restless	Unable to stay still, wanting change or action
Ached	Felt a strong emotional pain or longing
Mourning	Public sadness after someone’s death
Solemn	Serious and formal
Congregation	The group of people in a church service
Chaos	Complete confusion and noise
Triumph	A great victory or success

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. Why did Tom secretly return to town at night?

2. What did he overhear Aunt Polly saying?

3. How did the townspeople react to the news of the boys’ disappearance?

4. What happened in church on Sunday?

5. How did Aunt Polly feel when Tom came back?

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✅ Answers

1. To see how Aunt Polly was feeling and if she missed him.

2. That she regretted being hard on Tom and wished she could forgive him.

3. They believed the boys had drowned and mourned them.

4. The boys walked in during their own funeral, shocking everyone.

5. She scolded him at first, but was full of joy and forgiveness.