The Secret Garden — Teacher Answers
B1 · 50–60 minutes · Frances Hodgson Burnett
Original simplified overview of The Secret Garden (1911), not an extract or a complete retelling. Includes selected later events. Do not suggest that disability or illness reflects a poor attitude. Learners may describe fictional events without sharing personal health information.
1–2. Goals and reading
Invite predictions from the illustration. Read, then reread for evidence. Distinguish the overview’s events from students’ interpretations. No knowledge of the full novel is required.
3. Vocabulary
1–B; 2–F; 3–D; 4–E; 5–A; 6–C. Accept original sentences that use the meanings correctly.
4. Understanding
- Her uncle’s house in Yorkshire, England.
- It was locked after Mary’s aunt died.
- A buried key.
- Dickon.
- Mary’s cousin.
- Spending time outdoors and practising movement.
- He sees Colin walking.
5. Language focus
1. feel; 2. spend; 3. care; 4. know. Example: Mary used to feel lonely, but now she enjoys friendship. After did/did not, write use to.
6. Discussion
Answers vary. Require a reason and a relevant reading detail for questions about the characters. Accept different supported views. Do not require personal disclosure.
- How does caring for the garden change Mary?
- What makes Dickon a helpful friend?
- What is the difference between the novel’s events and advice about health?
7. Writing
Look for 80–100 words, two target vocabulary words, the requested language forms and a clear response to the task. Diary and letter details may be invented if consistent with the overview. Give one specific correction, then let the learner revise.
8. Story order
B → D → E → A → C.
9–10. Review and improve
Students check their panel 7 response and improve it in panel 10. Check meaning, target vocabulary, language forms and punctuation. A second full piece is not required.
Timing and differentiation
Warm-up and goals: 5 minutes; reading: 10; vocabulary and comprehension: 12; language focus: 8; discussion and ordering: 8; writing and review: 12–17. Panel 10 can be finished at home. With support: model the first item, pre-teach key words, rehearse orally and use sentence starters. Extra challenge: explain a choice with evidence and a reason.