Graded reading

whistle_text_coverClassic English ghost story by M.R James.
English language level: Intermediate (B1-2)

Before Listening

Professor Parkins is on a working holiday in a coastal town. University colleagues ask him to investigate the ruin of an old abbey. They joke about ghosts but Parkins does not “believe in what people call the 'supernatural’.”

Which one of these words do you not expect to hear.

dig * ghost * sand * dig * altar * cavity (hole) * running * groyne (barrier on beach)

The Ruin - Listen once:
Kieran Mcgovern Reading) · Whistle and I'll Come to You -  Did you guess correctly? Which word surprised you?
 
Listen again - Quick Check: True or False
  • Professor Parkins knows the exact location of the abbey site.
  • He falls into the sea.
  • He writes down details of the site.
  • He digs with a small knife.
  • Parkins waits until the figure in the distance reaches him.

Extract Two - The Dream retold by Kieran McGovern (B1-2) intermediate Professor Parkins has a strange dream about his walk back from the site of the Abbey.

Quick Check: True or False?
  • The strong wind rattles the windows of Professor Parkins’ hotel room.
  • In the dream a strange figure is following Professor Parkins
  • Professor Parkins hides behind a groyne on the beach.
  • The runner trips over a stone.


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