📚 Part 1: Read the Text

The Lighthouse Garden

At the edge of a rocky island stood a white lighthouse. For many years, its bright beam had guided ships safely through the narrow channel. The lighthouse keeper, Mr Bell, lived in a small cottage beside it.

One spring morning, Mr Bell noticed tiny green shoots pushing through the dry soil near the cottage. He decided to plant a garden. The island was often battered by strong winds, so he built a low stone wall to protect the plants. He planted carrots, onions, beans and bright yellow marigolds.

At first, the garden struggled. Salt from the sea covered the leaves, and hungry gulls pulled up the seedlings. Mr Bell did not give up. He collected seaweed to make compost and stretched old fishing netting over the plants. Each morning, he checked the garden before cleaning the lighthouse lamp.

By midsummer, the garden was flourishing. Bees hummed around the marigolds, and fat beans hung from their wooden supports. When a supply boat arrived, the sailors were amazed. They had expected to see only rocks and seabirds, not a garden full of colour.

Mr Bell gave the sailors a basket of vegetables. In return, they brought him fresh soil and a packet of sunflower seeds. The following year, tall sunflowers nodded beside the lighthouse, reminding everyone that patience and care can help life grow in the most unlikely places.

✏️ Part 2: Answer the Questions

✅ Answer Key

1. To protect the plants from the wind.

2. Salt covered the leaves; gulls pulled up the seedlings.

3. Growing well.

4. Fresh soil and sunflower seeds.

5. They were amazed because they expected to see only rocks and seabirds, but found a colourful garden.

6. He stretched old fishing netting over the plants.

7. It suggests that Mr Bell was patient, caring and determined.

8. “The island was often battered by strong winds.”