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📖 Chapter 1: Down the Rabbit Hole

Alice was sitting by her sister on the riverbank. The day was warm, and she felt sleepy. Her sister was reading a book, but it had no pictures or conversations. Alice thought, “What is the use of a book without pictures or talk?”

She was just about to close her eyes when suddenly a White Rabbit ran past her. There was nothing unusual about a rabbit, but this one was very strange. It wore a waistcoat (a little jacket) and took a pocket watch out of it! The Rabbit looked at the watch and said, “Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!” Then it hurried away.

Alice jumped to her feet. She had never seen a rabbit with clothes and a watch before. Burning with curiosity, she ran across the field after it.

The Rabbit popped into a large rabbit hole under the hedge. Without thinking, Alice followed.

At once she found herself falling down what seemed to be a very deep well. Either the well was very deep, or she was falling very slowly, for she had plenty of time to look around. The sides of the well were filled with shelves, maps, and jars of jam. Alice picked up a jar labeled Orange Marmalade, but it was empty. Carefully, she placed it on another shelf as she fell.

Down, down, down she went. Alice began to wonder if she would fall all the way through the earth and come out on the other side, among people who walk with their heads downward. She even thought about how to ask them politely for directions back home.

Suddenly—thump! She landed on a heap of dry leaves. She was not hurt at all.

Alice looked up quickly but could no longer see the top of the well. She saw a little passage. There went the White Rabbit, hurrying faster than ever. Alice started running after it, her heart beating with excitement.

The passage went on for some way and then dipped suddenly. Before Alice knew it, she was in a long, low hall.

The hall was lit with rows of lamps hanging from the roof. All around the hall were doors—but they were locked. Alice walked sadly down the middle, wondering how she would ever get out again.

At last she came to a little three-legged table made of glass. On it was a tiny key made of gold. Alice tried the key in every door, but either the locks were too large or the key was too small. On her second round, she discovered a little door hidden behind a curtain. To her joy, the key fitted!

Alice opened the door and looked inside. It was a small passage, not much bigger than a rat hole. At the other end was the most beautiful garden she had ever seen. Beds of bright flowers, fountains, and cool green lawns shone in the sunlight. Alice longed to go through, but she could not even get her head through the doorway.

“Oh, how I wish I could shut up like a telescope!” Alice said aloud. “I could get through easily then.”

How she would make herself smaller—she had no idea. But Alice’s adventure in Wonderland had only just begun.

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📘 Glossary

• Waistcoat – a short jacket worn with a pocket watch (old-fashioned clothing)

• Pocket watch – a small clock carried in a pocket

• Curiosity – a strong desire to know or learn something

• Hedge – a line of bushes forming a boundary

• Heap – a pile of something

• Passage – a hallway or narrow path

• Dip – a sudden downward slope

• Three-legged table – a small table with three legs (common in Victorian homes)

• Curtain – a piece of cloth that hangs down to cover something

• Telescope – an instrument for seeing faraway objects; it becomes longer or shorter when pulled or pushed

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. Why was Alice bored at the beginning of the chapter?

2. What made the White Rabbit unusual?

3. What did the Rabbit say as it hurried past Alice?

4. What did Alice see on the shelves inside the well?

5. What did Alice do with the empty marmalade jar?

6. Where did Alice land after falling?

7. What was strange about the hall Alice entered?

8. What did Alice find on the glass table?

9. Where did the little golden key finally fit?

10. Why couldn’t Alice enter the garden?

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✅ Answers

1. The book her sister was reading had no pictures or conversations.

2. It wore a waistcoat and carried a pocket watch.

3. “Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!”

4. Shelves with maps and jars of jam.

5. She placed it carefully on another shelf.

6. On a heap of dry leaves.

7. It had many locked doors and was lit with lamps.

8. A small golden key.

9. A tiny door hidden behind a curtain.

10. The doorway was too small for her to fit through.

 

🎯 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Some people believe that economic growth is more important than protecting the environment. Others argue that environmental sustainability should be prioritised even if it limits economic development.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

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📝 Sample Essay (Band 8–9, 285 words)

In recent decades, the conflict between economic development and environmental sustainability has become a global concern. While some argue that rapid growth is essential to improve living standards, others believe protecting the planet should come first. Both perspectives will be examined before presenting my own view.

On the one hand, economic growth plays a vital role in raising the quality of life. Developing countries, in particular, rely on industries, infrastructure, and trade to create jobs and reduce poverty. For example, China’s rapid economic expansion has lifted millions out of poverty. Proponents of this view argue that without strong economies, governments would lack the resources to invest in healthcare, education, or even green technology. From this perspective, growth is seen as a necessary foundation for long-term sustainability.

On the other hand, prioritising sustainability is increasingly urgent due to climate change, deforestation, and pollution. Economic progress that ignores the environment often leads to irreversible damage, which can undermine future prosperity. For instance, rising sea levels caused by industrial emissions threaten coastal cities, potentially costing billions in the long run. Advocates of this position believe that renewable energy, recycling, and sustainable farming practices should replace unsustainable industrial expansion. They argue that short-term sacrifices in economic output are justified to secure long-term survival.

In my opinion, a balanced approach is needed. Economic development is crucial, but it should not come at the expense of environmental destruction. Governments should adopt green policies that allow growth and sustainability to progress together, such as investing in clean energy and eco-friendly technologies.

In conclusion, while economic growth supports social progress, sustainability ensures the survival of future generations. A successful society must integrate both goals rather than treating them as opposites.

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🔑 Useful Vocabulary

• Irreversible damage

• Climate change, deforestation, emissions, pollution

• Renewable energy / recycling / sustainable farming

• Long-term prosperity

• Green policies

• Eco-friendly technologies

• Short-term sacrifices

• Future generations

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🔗 Linking Words

• Contrast: while, whereas, on the other hand, although

• Addition: moreover, in addition, furthermore

• Cause/Effect: therefore, as a result, consequently, thus

• Examples: for example, for instance, such as

• Conclusion: in conclusion, overall, to sum up

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✍️ Guidelines for Writing This Essay

1. Plan (5 minutes)

• Identify both views:

  • Growth first: jobs, poverty reduction, resources for green innovation.

  • Sustainability first: prevents irreversible damage, protects future generations.

• Opinion: A balanced approach is best.

• Outline:

  • Intro: paraphrase + outline

  • BP1: Economic growth arguments

  • BP2: Environmental sustainability arguments

  • BP3: Opinion (balance)

  • Conclusion: Summarise and restate opinion

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2. Structure

• Introduction: Paraphrase the question + preview both sides + state opinion.

• Body Paragraph 1: Growth is essential (with example).

• Body Paragraph 2: Sustainability is vital (with example).

• Body Paragraph 3: Balance is the solution (your opinion).

• Conclusion: Restate key points and opinion.

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3. Topic Sentences

• BP1: “Supporters of economic growth argue that it is the most effective way to improve living standards.”

• BP2: “In contrast, many believe that sustainability must take priority to avoid long-term damage.”

• BP3: “In my opinion, economic development and sustainability should advance together through environmentally friendly policies.”

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4. Tips for Learners

• Always show balance before giving your opinion.

• Use examples from real countries (China, renewable energy in Europe, etc.).

• Keep formal tone — avoid casual phrases.

• Don’t just list problems: explain causes, effects, and solutions.

• Make your conclusion short and focused, no new arguments.

 

📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 20: Becky’s Trouble

The long summer days rolled on. At school, Tom and Becky were often together again, whispering and smiling during lessons. But sometimes Becky’s pride and Tom’s mischief still caused quarrels.

One hot afternoon, Becky arrived early at school. The classroom was empty, except for the teacher’s tall desk. Becky’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. She had heard that the teacher kept a special book inside—something forbidden to the children.

She tiptoed to the desk, opened the drawer, and pulled out a large book with gold letters on the cover. It was Anatomy of the Human Body. Becky opened the pages with trembling fingers. She had never seen such strange drawings before—bones, organs, and muscles!

But suddenly she heard footsteps. In her hurry to hide the book, she tore one of the pages. Panic rushed over her. She pushed the book back into the desk just as the teacher entered.

Becky’s face turned pale. If he finds out, he will punish me in front of everyone, she thought.

When school began, Becky sat silently at her desk, hardly hearing the lesson. At last the teacher picked up his book. He noticed the torn page. His face grew dark. “Who has dared to damage my book?” he thundered.

The class froze. Becky’s hands shook. She wanted to confess, but fear tied her tongue. Tears welled in her eyes.

Then Tom stood up suddenly. “I did it, sir,” he said clearly.

The teacher glared at him, then gave a sharp lecture about carelessness and respect. Tom was punished with extra tasks but not whipped.

Becky’s heart flooded with gratitude. She looked at Tom with new admiration. Later, when the children left the school, Becky ran to him.

“Oh, Tom, you brave, noble boy!” she cried. “You saved me! I’ll never forget it.”

Tom grinned, though his shoulders ached from his punishment. “Don’t worry, Becky. Friends look after each other.”

From that moment, their quarrels seemed small and unimportant. Becky felt safer knowing Tom would protect her. And Tom, though mischievous as ever, learned that real courage was not just about tricks or adventures—it was about standing up for someone you cared for.

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📘 Glossary

• Pride – a feeling of self-importance or dignity

• Mischief – playful troublemaking or naughty behavior

• Sparkled – shone with excitement or light

• Forbidden – not allowed

• Anatomy – the study of the body and its parts

• Organs – parts inside the body (heart, lungs, stomach, etc.)

• Panic – sudden, overwhelming fear

• Confess – to admit to doing something wrong

• Gratitude – thankfulness

• Noble – showing good moral character or courage

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What special book did Becky find in the teacher’s desk?

2. How did Becky accidentally damage the book?

3. Why was Becky afraid when the teacher discovered the torn page?

4. What did the teacher do when he saw the damage?

5. Who stood up and took the blame for Becky’s mistake?

6. How was Tom punished?

7. How did Becky feel after Tom saved her?

8. What did Tom say to Becky afterwards?

9. What lesson did Tom learn about courage?

10. How did this event change Tom and Becky’s friendship?

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✅ Answers

1. Anatomy of the Human Body.

2. She tore one of the pages while trying to put it back quickly.

3. She feared public punishment from the teacher.

4. He demanded to know who had damaged the book.

5. Tom.

6. He was given extra tasks and a lecture, but not whipped.

7. She felt grateful and admired his bravery.

8. “Friends look after each other.”

9. That real courage means protecting someone you care about.

10. It made their quarrels seem unimportant and strengthened their bond.