Frances Hodgson Burnett · Friendship, nature and change
B1 · Frances Hodgson Burnett · Classic Literature
I will be able to:
Remember and Use — 3 minutes
Recall three words from last time. Use one in a sentence. Ask a partner a question. Check and improve.
First lesson? Predict from the picture.
After her parents die in India, Mary Lennox moves to her uncle’s large house in Yorkshire, England. At first she is lonely, angry and unused to caring about other people. Her uncle, Mr Craven, is often away, and the house seems full of closed doors.
Mary hears about a garden that has been locked since her aunt died. While exploring outside, she notices a robin. Near the bird, she finds a buried key. Later, she discovers the hidden door and enters the garden. It looks untidy, but some plants are still alive.
Mary begins looking after the garden with Dickon, a boy who understands plants and animals. Working outdoors gives her something to care about. She becomes more active and starts enjoying friendship instead of demanding attention.
Inside the house, Mary discovers her cousin Colin. He spends much of his time in bed and fears that he will never be strong. Mary tells him about the garden. With help from Mary and Dickon, Colin begins spending time outside and practising movement.
As the garden grows, the children become more hopeful. When Mr Craven returns, he sees Colin walking and is amazed. The story connects friendship and patient care with change. Colin’s improvement is part of this fictional story, not a promise that positive thinking can cure illness.
Original simplified overview; not a quotation. Read the original novel. AI illustration.
Read the additional reading sheet.
The complete text appears after the two activity pages. Read it before answering the reading questions.
As you read, underline details that support your answers. Use the vocabulary panel to help with unfamiliar words.
Match 1–6 with A–F.
A. believing something good may happen
B. covered by earth
C. to find something for the first time
D. not neat or organised
E. able to wait calmly
F. not easily seen or found
Use two words in your own sentences.
Answer in sentences. Find evidence in the reading.
Used to + base verb: a past habit or state that has changed. Mary used to feel lonely.
Complete with the correct form.
Write a before-and-now sentence about Mary.
Discuss in pairs:
Useful language: I think… because… / The reading says… / For example… / I agree, but…
Ask your partner a follow-up question.
Write 80–100 words. Write Mary’s diary after a day in the garden. Describe a change and a friendship. Use two lesson words and two sentences with used to.
Check meaning, sentence structure and punctuation.
Put these events in story order. Write the letters.
A. Colin spends time in the garden.
B. Mary moves to Yorkshire.
C. Mr Craven sees Colin walking.
D. Mary finds a key.
E. Mary and Dickon care for the plants.
Retell with first, next, later and finally.
Exit reflection: One idea I understand better…
One thing to practise…
Check: Use three lesson words. Check the language focus, capital letters and full stops.
Improve: Choose your response from panel 7. Check it and write an improved version here. For a longer response, use the space below or another sheet.
Share: Tell a partner one thing you can now say. Reflect: What did you improve?
After her parents die in India, Mary Lennox moves to her uncle’s large house in Yorkshire, England. At first she is lonely, angry and unused to caring about other people. Her uncle, Mr Craven, is often away, and the house seems full of closed doors.
Mary hears about a garden that has been locked since her aunt died. While exploring outside, she notices a robin. Near the bird, she finds a buried key. Later, she discovers the hidden door and enters the garden. It looks untidy, but some plants are still alive.
Mary begins looking after the garden with Dickon, a boy who understands plants and animals. Working outdoors gives her something to care about. She becomes more active and starts enjoying friendship instead of demanding attention.
Inside the house, Mary discovers her cousin Colin. He spends much of his time in bed and fears that he will never be strong. Mary tells him about the garden. With help from Mary and Dickon, Colin begins spending time outside and practising movement.
As the garden grows, the children become more hopeful. When Mr Craven returns, he sees Colin walking and is amazed. The story connects friendship and patient care with change. Colin’s improvement is part of this fictional story, not a promise that positive thinking can cure illness.
Original simplified overview; not a quotation. Read the original novel. AI illustration.