📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 17: The Picnic Plans

Sunday afternoon was hot and sleepy in the little village of St. Petersburg. Tom wandered about restlessly. Now that Becky had forgiven him, his heart was light, but he still wanted more excitement.

The boys were gathered under the big elm tree near the church. They talked about fishing, swimming, and stealing apples. None of these things seemed very thrilling to Tom. His mind was already dreaming of something bigger.

Suddenly Joe Harper shouted, “Let’s have a picnic!”

The idea spread like wildfire. A picnic in the woods, with baskets of food, games, and maybe even a trip on the river—that was something to look forward to! The boys cheered, and the girls smiled with delight.

Becky was among them, and she looked at Tom with shining eyes. For the first time in days, they were happy together. They whispered excitedly about what to bring. Becky promised to bring cakes from her mother’s kitchen, while Tom promised to bring apples and sweets.

The children planned everything carefully. They would meet early in the morning, take a small boat across the river, and spend the whole day in the forest. Someone suggested bringing a fiddle for music. Someone else promised to bring lemonade. The plans grew larger and larger, and everyone laughed with joy.

But Tom’s fun did not last long. While he was running home to prepare, Aunt Polly stopped him. She looked serious and said, “Tom, you’ve been playing too much lately. I want you to stay home and do your lessons.”

Tom’s face fell. “But Aunt Polly, there’s going to be a picnic tomorrow!”

“Lessons first,” she said firmly. “Then play.”

Tom sighed heavily. He thought life was very unfair. Other children had kind mothers who never worried about lessons. Why must he always be punished?

That evening, Tom sat gloomily with his spelling book open. He stared at the words but did not see them. His mind was in the forest, hearing laughter and music. Becky’s face floated before him, smiling in the sunshine.

After some time, Aunt Polly’s heart softened. She saw Tom sitting so sadly by the window, and she remembered her own childhood. Finally, she said gently, “Perhaps you may go to the picnic, Tom. But only if you promise to work harder afterwards.”

Tom jumped up with joy. He kissed Aunt Polly on the cheek and promised faithfully. His sorrow vanished like smoke.

The next morning, the whole group of children met by the river. Their baskets were full of cakes, pies, fruit, and lemonade. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the little boat rocked gently in the water. Tom and Becky sat side by side, their quarrels forgotten. Adventure and laughter lay ahead.

It was the happiest day they had known in a long time.

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📘 Glossary

• Restlessly – unable to stay still, full of energy or worry

• Elm tree – a large leafy tree common in villages

• Thrilling – very exciting

• Spread like wildfire – to become known or popular very quickly

• Fiddle – a violin, often used for folk music

• Firmly – in a strong, determined way

• Spelling book – a schoolbook for learning words and spelling

• Floated before him – appeared in his imagination

• Softened (heart) – became kinder and less strict

• Vanished like smoke – disappeared quickly and completely

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. Where were the boys sitting when they thought about what to do?

2. Who suggested the idea of having a picnic?

3. What did Becky promise to bring for the picnic?

4. What did Tom promise to bring?

5. How did Aunt Polly first react when Tom asked to go to the picnic?

6. Why did Tom feel life was unfair?

7. What was Tom supposed to be studying in the evening?

8. What made Aunt Polly change her mind?

9. What condition did Aunt Polly give Tom before letting him go?

10. How did Tom feel when he was finally allowed to go to the picnic?

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✅ Answers

1. Under the big elm tree near the church.

2. Joe Harper.

3. Cakes from her mother’s kitchen.

4. Apples and sweets.

5. She told him he must stay home and study.

6. Because other children seemed free, while he always had to study.

7. His spelling book.

8. She saw Tom looking very sad and remembered her own childhood.

9. That he must work harder afterwards.

10. Overjoyed—his sadness disappeared at once.

 

🎯 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Some people argue that long-distance flights cause more damage to the environment than cars. Others believe that cars are the bigger problem.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

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📝 Sample Essay (Band 8–9 style, 280 words)

In recent years, concerns about the environmental consequences of transportation have intensified. While some argue that long-distance flights are more harmful, others contend that cars are the greater threat. Both perspectives merit consideration before forming a conclusion.

On the one hand, air travel undeniably produces significant emissions. A single international flight can generate more carbon dioxide per passenger than an average driver would produce in several months. Furthermore, airplanes release pollutants directly into the upper atmosphere, where their impact on global warming is intensified. With the rising popularity of budget airlines, air travel is becoming increasingly frequent, thereby amplifying its environmental footprint.

On the other hand, cars remain a daily source of pollution for billions of people worldwide. Unlike flights, which are occasional for most individuals, car journeys occur every day, often with only one person in the vehicle. This constant use leads to cumulative emissions that surpass those of aviation. In addition, road traffic contributes not only to greenhouse gases but also to urban air pollution, which directly harms human health.

In my view, both forms of transport are problematic, but cars present a more pressing challenge because of their widespread, habitual use. While reducing flights may benefit the climate in the long term, encouraging people to use public transport, switch to electric vehicles, or cycle to work can have an immediate and visible effect.

In conclusion, although flights produce a large amount of emissions per trip, cars collectively cause greater environmental damage due to their frequency and scale. Governments and individuals alike must take action to mitigate the impact of both.

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🔑 Useful Vocabulary

• Environmental footprint

• Cumulative emissions

• Pollutants / greenhouse gases

• Amplifying impact

• Habitual use

• Carbon dioxide per passenger

• Mitigate the impact

• Pressing challenge

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🔗 Linking Words

• While / whereas / on the one hand… on the other hand… (contrast)

• Furthermore / in addition / moreover (adding points)

• Therefore / thus / as a result (cause-effect)

• In conclusion / to sum up / overall (closing)

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✍️ Guidelines for Writing This Essay

1. Plan (5 minutes)

• Brainstorm both sides:

  • Flights: higher emissions per trip, upper-atmosphere effects, rising demand.

  • Cars: daily use, widespread reliance, urban pollution.

• Decide opinion: cars = bigger issue.

2. Structure

• Introduction: Paraphrase the question + state both sides.

• Body 1: Argument for flights being worse.

• Body 2: Argument for cars being worse.

• Body 3 (if time/space): Give your opinion clearly.

• Conclusion: Summarise and restate position.

3. Topic Sentences

• Body 1: “Air travel undeniably produces significant emissions and has a powerful impact on the climate.”

• Body 2: “Cars, however, contribute more consistently to environmental damage due to their daily use.”

• Opinion: “Although both modes of transport are problematic, I believe cars present a more urgent challenge.”

4. Tips

• Use balanced language (not too extreme) to show ability to discuss both views.

• Insert specific examples (e.g., per-passenger emissions, urban air quality).

• Keep clear paragraphs with linking words to show cohesion.

• Leave 2 minutes for proofreading grammar and vocabulary.

 

📖 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.