SP. _Kl. IV
MATERIAŁY PRZYGOTOWAWCZE DLA KL. IV
W EDYCJI JESIENNEJ 2026
zostaną umieszczone do 7 września
EDYCJA WIOSENNA 2026
Opowiadanie jest takie samo w obu edycjach danego roku szkolnego (jesiennej i wiosennej).
Pod opowiadaniem znajdują się linki do piosenek oraz sentencje.
OPOWIADANIE DLA KL. IV
Aunt Meggy and the Magic Story
Tom is in the garden. He looks at the road. He waits. “Where is she?” he asks.
His favourite aunt Meggy is coming today.
Aunt Meggy is sporty and very funny. She always smiles. And she loves books.
Suddenly Tom can see a red bike on the road.
“There she is!” he shouts. Aunt Meggy gets off the bike and Tom runs to her.
His parents come out of the house.
“Hello, Meggy,” they say. They hug her.
They all go into the house for dinner.
After dinner, Aunt Meggy takes a book out of her bag. “It’s for you,” she says to Tom.
“Wow! Thanks a lot!” exclaims Tom.
He opens the book. There is a picture of a big tree and a house on the top of it.
“It’s a story about a magic tree house and two children: Annie and Jack. They live in a small town called Frog Creek and …”
“And what?”
“Do you want me to read the book to you?” asks Aunt Meggy.
“Yes! Great!” exclaims Tom.
They sit down on the sofa, and Aunt Meggy starts to read.
* * *
“Help! A monster!” shouts Annie.
“Yeah, sure,” says Jack. “A real monster here, in Frog Creek.”
“Run, Jack!” shouts Annie. She runs into the woods.
“Ugh….” Jack doesn’t like this.
His sister Annie is only seven years old. She likes to play pretend.
Jack is nine years old. He likes real things.
“Come on, Annie! It’s time to go home!”
But Annie disappears in the woods.
Jack waits for his sister and is angry with her.
Then he hears, “Jack! Jack! Come here!”
“Eh, this better be important,” he says and goes into the woods.
Annie stands under a big tree. “Look,” she says and points to a rope ladder.
The ladder goes up to the top of the tree. There is a tree house at the top.
“I’m going up,” says Annie.
“No, we don’t know who it belongs to,” says Jack.
“Just for a minute,” says Annie and starts to climb up. She goes into the tree house.
Then Annie looks out of the window. “Books!” she shouts. “The tree house is full of books!”
Oh, wow! Jack loves books. He holds the rope ladder and climbs up.
There are really a lot of books in the house. Books about castles, animals and even about Frog Creek.
Jack takes a book about dinosaurs. In the picture, he sees a big flying creature – a Pteranodon.
“Wow! I want to see a real Pteranodon,” says Jack.
And then, Annie shouts, “A monster!” She points to the window.
“Stop playing,” says Jack.
“No! Look!” shouts Annie.
A big creature flies to the tree house! It has a long head and big wings. It is a real Pteranodon!
Suddenly, the wind blows hard. The tree house starts to spin. Round and round!
Then it stops. It is very quiet now. They are still in the tree house … but not in the same tree!
Jack looks out of the window. There are big green plants, volcanoes and a river – like in the picture. “We are in the past,” he says.
The flying creature stands near the tree and looks up at the children.
“Wow! The Pteranodon!” shouts Annie. “He looks friendly. Let’s go and talk to him.”
And Annie climbs down.
Oh no! She always wants to be friends with animals.
“Come back!” shouts Jack.
But Annie walks to the Pteranodon.
“Hi,” she says. “My name is Annie.”
Jack comes too. The Pteranodon is big but gentle.
“Let’s call him Henry,” says Annie. She touches his wing.
The Pteranodon moves his head and looks at the children kindly.
“Look! He likes us,” says Annie. “Let’s go and see more!” And she runs off.
“Wait! Stop!” shouts Jack. And of course, he runs after her.
They walk and look around. Suddenly they hear THUMP THUMP THUMP.
They look back. Oh, no!
They see a big, scary animal.
It has big legs, a long tail and sharp teeth. It is a dinosaur – a T. rex!
“Quick, Annie! Run to the tree house!” shouts Jack.
They run very fast. Suddenly Jack falls down.
But Annie can’t see him. She is ahead. She climbs up to the tree house.
The T. rex is close. It comes to Jack. Jack is very scared.
Then Jack sees Annie. She comes down the rope ladder!
“No, Annie! Go back up the tree!” Jack shouts.
Annie talks to the Pteranodon and points at Jack.
The Pteranodon flies up and then lands close to Jack. He looks at Jack with friendly eyes.
’He wants to help,’ thinks Jack.
Jack jumps on its back. They fly up into the sky! Jack feels happy and free.
The T. rex can’t get him.
The Pteranodon flies to the tree with Jack.
“Thank you, Henry,” says Jack and jumps off. He climbs up the ladder fast.
“Hurry! Hurry!” Annie shouts from the tree house.
The T. rex hits the tree!
‘Quick! Make a wish!’ shouts Annie.
“I want to go back to Frog Creek!” shouts Jack.
But nothing happens.
“We need the book!” shouts Annie.
“Of course!” exclaims Jack. He takes a book about Frog Creek and opens it.
“I want to go back home,” he says.
Suddenly, the wind blows. The tree house starts to spin. Then it stops.
They can see their neighbour far away. He gets out of the car with his big dog.
“Phew! We are back in Frog Creek,” says Jack. “People won’t believe our story.”
“So let’s not tell anyone,” says Annie. “Can we come back here tomorrow?”
“Sure,” says Jack.
Then they laugh and run home.
* * *
“That’s the end,” says Aunt Meggy.
“Great! I like the book,” says Tom. “But I have one question. Why does the Pteranodon come before the children go to the past?”
Aunt Meggy smiles.
“You are very smart, Tom!” she exclaims. “The Pteranodon comes first to help the children. It wants to show them the way to the past.”
Suddenly they hear TWEET-TWEET, BEEP-BEEP. There is a small bird outside the window. It has a small head, very big green eyes and silver wings.
“Look!” exclaims Tom. “What a strange bird!”
“Yes,” says Aunt Meggy, “very strange.”
“Can the bird take us to the future?”
“Maybe,” says Aunt Meggy and smiles.
∞ The end ∞
[Materiał własny; zawiera zaadaptowane fragmenty ‘Dinosaurs Before Dark’, Mary Pope Osborne; wyd:Random House, Inc. (USA) / Random House of Canada Limited, Toronto]
Słowniczek (kolejność słów i wyrażeń zgodna z tekstem)
Zaleca się posłuchać wymowy nowych słów, korzystając np. ze słownika https://www.diki.pl/
Zauważ, że często, kiedy mówimy o jednej osobie (3 os. l. poj.), wówczas przy nazwie czynności pojawia się końcówka –s (lub –es)
np. say – mówić; he says – on mówi love – uwielbiać; she loves books – ona uwielbia książki
garden – ogród
road – droga
look (at) – patrzeć (na)
wait (for) – czekać (na)
where – gdzie
say – mówić, powiedzieć
favourite – ulubiony
aunt – ciotka
(she) is coming today – przyjeżdża dzisiaj
sporty – wysportowany
funny – zabawny
always – zawsze
smile – uśmiechać się
suddenly – nagle
There she is! – Oto ona!
shout – krzyczeć
get off (the bike) – zsiąść z (roweru)
run – biec
parents – rodzice
hug – ściskać, przytulać
go into (the house) – wejść do (domu)
for dinner – na obiad / kolację
take … out of (a bag) – wyjąć (coś) z (torby)
Thanks a lot! – dzięki wielkie!
open – otworzyć
picture – obrazek
tree house – domek na drzewie
live (in) – mieszkać (w)
town – miasteczko
called Frog Creek – o nazwie Frog Creek
Do you want me to …? – czy chcesz, żebym …?
read (a book) to (somebody) – czytać (książkę) komuś
monster – potwór
woods – las
ugh – uch… (wyraz niezadowolenia)
(she) is only seven years old – ma tylko siedem lat
play pretend – bawić się w udawanie
real things – prawdziwe rzeczy
disappear – znikać
be angry (with) – być złym (na)
hear – słyszeć
Come here! – chodź tutaj!
This better be… – niech to lepiej będzie…
important – ważne
under – pod
point (to) – wskazywać (na)
rope ladder – drabina sznurowa
top (of the tree) – wierzchołek (drzewa)
we don’t know – nie wiemy
who – kto oraz tutaj: do kogo
belong to – należeć do
climb up – wspinać się
climb down – schodzić
look out of (the window) – wyglądać przez (okno)
full (of) – pełen (czegoś)
hold – trzymać
castle – zamek
even – nawet
fly – lecieć; flying – latający; (it ) flies – leci
creature – stworzenie
Pteranodon – duży latający gad prehistoryczny (na konkursie wystarczy rozpoznać nazwę, nie trzeba znać dokładnej pisowni)
want to see – chcieć zobaczyć
wing – skrzydło
wind blows – wiatr wieje
hard – mocno, silnie
spin (round and round) – kręcić się (w kółko)
quiet – cichy, spokojny
the same – to samo, takie samo
plant – roślina
volcano – wulkan
river – rzeka
past – przeszłość
look friendly – wyglądać przyjaźnie
Let’s talk to him – porozmawiajmy z nim
be friends with – przyjaźnić się z
gentle – łagodny
touch – dotykać
move – poruszać, przesuwać
kindly – życzliwie
run off – odbiec, pobiec (gdzieś dalej)
THUMP THUMP THUMP – tup tup tup
scary – straszny
tail – ogon
sharp teeth – ostre zęby
T.rex – tyranozaur
fall down – upaść
(She) can’t see him – nie widzi go
ahead – z przodu
close – blisko
jump on (its back) – wskoczyć na (jego grzbiet); jump off – zeskoczyć
fly up – polecieć w górę / unieść się
(into) the sky – (w) przestworza, niebo
feel happy and free – czuć się szczęśliwym i wolnym
get – dostać
hurry – spieszyć się
hit (the tree) – uderzyć (w drzewo)
make a wish – pomyśleć / wypowiedzieć życzenie
nothing happens – nic się nie wydarza
need – potrzebować
neighbour – sąsiad
far away – daleko
get out of (the car) – wysiadać z (samochodu)
Phew! – uff! (wyraz ulgi)
believe – wierzyć
People won’t believe – ludzie nie uwierzą
our – nasz, nasza
Let’s not tell – nie mówmy
anyone – tutaj: nikomu
come back – wrócić
laugh – śmiać się
question – pytanie
before – zanim, wcześniej
smart – mądry, bystry
show – pokazać
strange – dziwny
future – przyszłość
silver – srebrny
maybe – być może
SENTENCJE DLA KL. IV
1. The greatest gift is a passion for reading – Największym darem jest pasja do czytania.
Elizabeth Hardwick
2. Books are the plane, and the train, and the road – Książki są samolotem, pociągiem i drogą.
Anna Quindlen
3. Reading is an adventure that never ends – Czytanie jest przygodą, która nigdy się nie kończy
Charles Schulz
4. The earth laughs in flowers – Ziemia śmieje się kwiatami.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
5. A small bouquet of flowers can brighten a whole day – Mały bukiet kwiatów może rozjaśnić cały dzień.
Anonymous
6. A squirrel prepares for winter — we can prepare for tomorrow – Wiewiórka przygotowuje się do zimy — my możemy przygotować się na jutro.
Anonymous
7. Even long queues can be lessons in patience – Nawet długie kolejki mogą być lekcjami cierpliwości.
Anonymous
8. Believe you can, and you’re halfway there – Uwierz, że możesz, a jesteś już w połowie drogi.
Theodore Roosevelt
PIOSENKI DLA KL. IV
Podane linki odsyłają do nagrań z dodanym zapisem słów piosenek oraz do ich tłumaczenia. Proszę zwrócić uwagę na to, że tłumaczenie na portalu tekstowo.pl jest amatorskie, więc mogą zdarzyć się pewne niedociągnięcia.
- All together now – The Beatles / children
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n4DNUDYBFE&list=RD3n4DNUDYBFE&start_radio=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xwZgwbEpdg
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,the_beatles,all_together_now.html
- Sing – Carpenters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0hvfn-nkz0&list=RDE0hvfn-nkz0&start_radio=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2VZkk7wbVg&list=RDt2VZkk7wbVg&start_radio=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suM4cVLg-CE
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,the_carpenters,sing.html
- Locomotion – Kylie Minogue
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FenenIodcIk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxNk2zNPw5I
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,kylie_minogue,the_loco_motion.html
- Make Your Own Kind of Music – Cass Elliot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mraLsg-G4wA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6JT1A-G7OE
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,mama_cass_elliot,make_your_own_kind_of_music.html
MATERIAŁY PRZYGOTOWAWCZE DLA KL. V i VI
W EDYCJI JESIENNEJ 2026
zostaną umieszczone do 7 września
EDYCJA WIOSENNA 2026
Opowiadanie jest takie samo w obu edycjach danego roku szkolnego (jesiennej i wiosennej).
Pod opowiadaniem znajdują się linki do piosenek oraz sentencje.
OPOWIADANIE DLA KL. V i VI
Kate’s Gateway to Adventure
“Are you going to Kate’s tomorrow?” asked Jane.
“Yes, she invited me. At last!” exclaimed Paula.
“That’s great. I’m going too,” answered Jane. “I’m so excited. Let’s not be late. I don’t want to miss anything.”
“What do you do there? Why does everybody love going to her house?”
“You’ll see,” Jane said with a smile.
In this town called Bumbletown, life was usually quiet and a little boring. But then, Kate arrived – a smiling, red-haired girl with freckles. More and more kids started coming to her house. After that, they always talked about interesting things.
Then Daniel, their classmate, came up to them. “Hi, girls. Are you going to Kate’s tomorrow?”
“Of course,” answered Jane.
“What are we going to do there?” asked Paula.
“We’re going to read a book,” said Daniel.
“Phew… only reading a book?” Paula didn’t like reading much.
“But it is not normal reading. You will see,” Daniel explained to Paula.
“Oh, and don’t forget your T-shirts or summer dresses.”
“What? Summer dresses in late autumn?” she asked with a laugh.
But Paula took her summer clothes with her.
The next day she came into Kate’s large room, full of books. The shelves reached up to the ceiling. Many boys and girls were there. They sat on cushions on the floor around a big table. On the table, there was a large globe. Four cats sat around it. Their green eyes looked bright in the light.
“I think everybody is here and we can start,” said Kate. Her voice sounded a little magical. Everyone felt warm inside.
She switched on the globe. The room filled with a soft golden light.
“Wow! What a wonderful globe!” somebody exclaimed.
Kate smiled. “I’ll show you the place where today’s story happens.”
She took a small stick. “Excuse me, Charlie,” she said to one of the cats. “Can you move a little?”
The cat moved and everybody could see the whole globe.
Kate pointed at a spot. “This is Muscat, the capital of Oman.”
The light shone on Oman, a country by the sea.
“I know!” exclaimed Daniel. “It’s in Asia, on the Arabian Peninsula.”
“That’s right,” said Kate. “It’s usually very hot there. People wear light clothes, and there are deserts and mountains.”
Then Kate opened the book and started to read aloud:
“Now I’m in Oman. I didn’t want to come here…”
She stopped. At that moment, the room became very hot. The air felt heavy, like desert air.
“Wait a minute,” somebody said.
“Of course. You can change your clothes,” said Kate. She took off her thick sweater.
There was a lot of noise as the children went out one by one and came back wearing T-shirts or summer dresses. When everyone sat down again, the four cats came close to Kate. She started to read again in her magical voice.
* * *
Now I’m in Oman. I didn’t want to come here.
“I was happy back home in England,” I told my mum. “No friends, and nothing to do in Oman!”
My sister Sarah was angry too, but Dad got a job in Muscat, so we had to move.
We arrived at night. It was very hot. I was already fed up with the heat after just one hour. Men wore long white clothes – thobes – and little hats.
A driver took us to our new house. It was big and white, with a garden. Inside, the air conditioning was on. I went to bed quickly.
The next morning, I had breakfast with my mum and sister. Everything tasted different, it tasted of cinnamon, rose and orange.
“I have lots of things to do today,” said Mum. “You can help me or you can go to the swimming pool across the road.”
We chose the swimming pool, of course. Soon we were at the pool. “You can come here often,” Mum said. “It’s better than the sea when it’s hot.”
There were children at the pool. Two dark-haired twins, about thirteen, and a younger blonde girl with a pink face.
“You see, Jamie,” Mum said noisily, “you can make new friends here in Muscat.” And then she left to do her things.
I went red. The children looked at us. The blonde girl swam nearer.
“Hi, I’m Ruth. I’m from Australia,” she said. “Those two are my friends. They’re from Lebanon. He’s called Taymour and she’s called Nadine.”
She pointed at the boy and the girl. “They speak Arabic, English and French. I’m learning Arabic, but I wasn’t keen on it at first. What are your names?”
We told her. Taymour and Nadine swam nearer.
“Do you like it here in Oman?” I asked.
“Yes, in the winter it’s nice,” said Taymour. “We can stay by the sea all weekend.”
“You can swim with dolphins,” said Ruth.
“But now, in the summer, it’s too hot. Nothing much happens,” said Taymour.
But he was wrong. Very wrong.
“Can you come to my house this afternoon?” Taymour asked me quietly. “We can play on my computer. Ask your mum.”
After lunch I asked her.
“Well, I’m going to the shops with Sarah,” Mum said. “So yes, you can go. But be back by four o’clock, Jamie. Don’t be late!”
At Taymour’s house, we played on his computer. Then his mum phoned him.
“Don’t forget, Taymour. You must water Tom’s garden today,” she said.
“Come on, Jamie,” said Taymour. “You can help. Tom is our neighbour. He comes from Scotland, and he goes back there every summer. We must water the flowers in his garden every day when he isn’t here.”
We went to the garden. Soon he sprayed me with water from the hose and I chased him with a bucket of water. We ran up and down the garden for a time. We were both wet now, and we couldn’t stop laughing.
“Stop. I’m tired,” I said at last. “I need to sit down.”
There were two old garden chairs near the door to Tom’s flat, out of the hot sun. Taymour and I went and sat down on them. After five minutes, we heard two men in the flat on the first floor above our heads.
“Nobody can hear us, George. The man downstairs is in Scotland. Nothing happens here in the summer,” said one of the men.
I looked at Taymour, but said nothing. I wanted to hear the two men.
“When is she arriving, Martin?” asked the other man.
“This weekend. From London to Muscat.”
“How long is she in Oman for?” asked the other man.
“Ten days. Then they want to take her back home. But she’s not going back. They’re never going to see her again – not in England, not here!”
“When we finish here, I’m taking the money and I’m going to have a nice, long, expensive holiday.”
“I’m going to buy a house by the sea – a big, expensive house!”
“Of course! But let’s go in now. It’s very hot out here. I need a cold drink.”
The door upstairs opened and then closed.
We got up and walked out of the garden very quietly.
“Did you hear that?” Taymour whispered. “They’re going to kill a woman! Perhaps someone famous!”
“I know. It’s terrible. They’re going to kill a woman when she arrives here in Muscat. Her family isn’t going to see her again,” I said.
“What can we do? Shall we go to the police and tell them about the two men?” Taymour asked.
“Yes. But will the police believe us? We need to find out who she is first,” I said.
“Let’s tell Nadine and Ruth. Maybe they can help.”
“OK,” I said. “Let’s all meet tomorrow morning.”
The next morning, we told Ruth and Nadine everything.
“Hitmen in Muscat? I can’t believe it!” exclaimed Ruth. “But this woman is in danger. We must save her.”
“What do we know?” I asked. “A woman is coming from England this weekend. She’s staying here for ten days. And then… she won’t go back. They’re going to kill her!”
“Well, which famous women are coming to Muscat this weekend?” Nadine asked. “Let’s check the Internet and the Oman Times newspaper.” (…)
But we found nothing.
Later, at the pool, Ruth ran to us, excited.
“I asked my parents. The Minister for Culture and the Arts is arriving from England on Friday! There’s an art exhibition – she’s coming for that.”
“So she’s the mystery woman,” I said.
“We must protect her,” said Taymour.
That evening we waited to tell the twins’ mum. She came home – but with a neighbour carrying her bags.
“Kids, this is Mr Williams,” she said. “He lives in the flat over Tom’s. He kindly helped me.”
“I’m happy to help a neighbour.” He smiled. “Bye, kids,” he said and left.
When their mum went inside, we spoke in quiet voices.
“He’s one of them!” whispered Taymour.
“Mr Hitman is now Mr Nice Neighbour,” I said.
“We can’t tell the adults. They won’t believe us, and we won’t be able to stop the killers in time,” Ruth sighed.
“You’re right,” said Nadine. “I know! Let’s go and speak to the minister. We can tell her about the killers.”
“There’s a party for the Sultan and other important people on Saturday. They can meet and talk, and see the pictures then. Of course, the minister is going to be at that party,” said Ruth.
“Can we talk to her there? Where’s the party?” I asked.
“It’s at one of the big hotels,” said Ruth. “There is an exhibition of Omani and British paintings.”
That evening Taymour and I took a taxi to the hotel. The party started at 7.30, but we arrived at 6.30. There were many security guards at the door of the hotel. One of them said something in Arabic to Taymour and he answered. The man nodded his head and we walked in.
“What did you say to the guard?” I asked Taymour.
“I told him our dad is down by the sea with the car and we’re staying at the hotel.”
We sat near the entrance. More and more guests arrived. Soon there was a long queue of important guests.
At last, the minister came – Mrs Summers, just as we saw on the Internet.
“Mrs Summers!” shouted Taymour.
“Minister Summers!” I called.
The guards stopped us, but the minister walked over.
“We overheard two men,” I said quickly. “They’re going to kill you!”
“Kill me?” she asked.
“They said, ‘A famous woman from England will stay in Oman for ten days. But she’ll never go back home.’”
“Did they say my name?” she asked.
“No,” we said.
“How are they going to kill me? Did they say?”
“No,” I answered.
“They didn’t say ‘kill’ but they said, ‘She’s not going back to England,’” Taymour explained.
“That’s true,” said the minister. “I’m currently visiting Oman for the art exhibition, and then I’m flying to China. But I’m not here for ten days. I’m leaving tomorrow morning. So, you see, your story isn’t right. You made a mistake, boys.”
“Kids!” exclaimed the security guard, and he laughed.
“Thank you. You wanted to help, but be careful,” the minister said with a smile. “When you overhear a conversation, you can easily make a mistake. Now it’s time for me to go. Good night, boys.”
And she walked away.
Outside, the guards put us in a taxi. Before we got in, they told us, “Never come back to this hotel again!”
“Why were we wrong?” asked Taymour.
I didn’t have an answer.
The next morning I sat unhappily at home. Why were we wrong? Who are the men going to kill?
On the table lay yesterday’s newspaper. I read about the art exhibition:
“The most expensive picture is a painting of a woman in a black dress. The exhibition is on for ten days, then the pictures go back to London.”
I remembered the words: “She’s not going back to London. They’re never going to see her again.”
Of course! Not a woman – a painting of a woman!
I ran to the pool. Sarah, Nadine and Taymour were there.
“It’s a painting!” I cried.
“First, hitmen. Now, thieves. We don’t want to make a second mistake,” said Sarah.
Suddenly we heard Ruth. She ran over to us. Her face was pink and hot.
“It’s a painting!” she cried. “Thieves stole it last night – the most expensive one!”
“Do you think it’s in Mr Williams’ flat?” asked Nadine.
“I saw him drive away an hour ago,” said Taymour. “Let’s go to Tom’s garden.”
It was quiet. We looked up at the flat.
“Let’s climb up,” said Nadine.
“I’ll do it. I’m the tallest,” I said.
Soon I was on the balcony. I looked inside – chairs, a table, a TV. But there was no painting. I tried the door – it opened. My heart beat fast.
In the back room, I saw a sat nav on the table. I switched it on. It showed many places: ‘the hotel’, ‘my flat’… and ‘home’.
Home? It wasn’t in Muscat. It was in the mountains.
I wrote the name of the place on my arm and climbed down.
“Look,” I told the others.
“My mum has a sat nav. Let’s check,” said Nadine. She ran home and came back with it.
We put in the information.
“It’s only thirty or forty minutes from Muscat,” said Taymour.
“My parents want to drive to the mountains this weekend. We can go to this place,” said Sarah.
“Can we come too?” asked Nadine and Ruth at the same time.
“Of course. It’s a big car,” said Sarah.
The next morning, Taymour, Nadine and Ruth came with us. We got into the car with Sarah and our parents.
“We’re going to the museum first, then the mountains,” said my dad, holding the sat nav.
I showed him the place which we called ‘Ruth’s place.’
“Is that your favourite place, Ruth?” he asked.
“Yes,” said Sarah quickly.
“OK, we’ll look at it,” Dad said.
The museum was interesting for my parents, but we wanted to go to Ruth’s place. Finally Dad said, “OK. Here we go. Ruth’s place!”
We drove into the mountains. After thirty minutes we saw a small building.
“There it is!” cried Ruth.
We stopped and looked. The building was old, but it had electricity and air conditioning.
“Strange… why does an old house need that?” asked my dad.
We told our parents everything about the two men, the exhibition and the painting. Dad broke the lock and we went inside. There was a big box – and inside it, lying under a cloth, was the missing painting!
“Phone the police,” Mum said.
Dad put his hand in his pocket – but his phone wasn’t there. He ran back to the car, but it wasn’t there either.
“What happened? I had it earlier,” he said.
“Maybe it’s at home,” Mum said. “Take my phone.”
“Dad, Mum, look! A car’s coming!” cried Sarah suddenly.
Far away, a black car appeared. It came quickly up the road.
“It’s the thieves!” shouted Taymour.
“Into the car, quick!” shouted Dad.
We drove fast, with the black car behind us. Dad looked for a police station on the sat nav. Finally we reached one.
“Run inside!” Mum cried. We hurried to the door. The black car stopped nearby. A man got out. He was an Omani police officer – but not in a usual blue police car! He had a phone in his hand. My dad walked over to him. The officer spoke in Arabic. My dad didn’t understand.
Then Taymour ran over to help. “The museum people gave him your phone. He followed us, but you drove too fast,” he said.
Taymour told the officer about the thieves and the painting. Soon the police understood and went back to the mountains with Dad.
A young officer drove us home. Our parents were angry, but then they smiled and congratulated us on finding the picture. “Good work, kids!” they exclaimed.
Three hours later Dad came back.
“The police have the painting. They caught Mr Williams and his friend. Tomorrow we’ll tell them the story from the beginning.”
That was only a week ago. I thought, “It’s boring here!” But in the end, it was the most exciting week of my life.
* * *
“That’s it,” said Kate and closed the book.
The golden light slowly disappeared.
Then the door opened and a man came in with a big tray. He was Kate’s dad.
“Help yourselves to some cookies,” he said.
The cookies were not like normal cookies. They tasted of cinnamon, rose and orange.
Suddenly the globe moved by itself. It turned very slowly, and one of the other countries lit up.
“Did you see that?” whispered Paula.
Kate smiled but didn’t answer. She only looked at the globe, her eyes shining.
Everyone knew: the next adventure was already waiting.
∞ The end ∞
[Materiał własny; zawiera zaadaptowane fragmenty “Mystery in Muscat”, Julie Till; wyd. OUP
Słowniczek Słowa i wyrażenia są ułożone w kolejności występowania w tekście (nie alfabetycznie)
Zaleca się posłuchać wymowy nowych słów, np. w słowniku https://www.diki.pl/
Uwaga:
Wiele czasowników tworzy czas przeszły przez dodanie końcówki -ed (np. invite – zaprosić → invited – zaprosił, zaprosiła). W takich przypadkach w słowniczku podana jest tylko forma podstawowa. Tłumaczone są formy czasu przeszłego tylko tych czasowników, których nie da się utworzyć według tej reguły.
gateway – brama, wejście
adventure – przygoda
be going to – 1. iść, wybierać się 2. zamierzać
to Kate’s – do Kate (w domyśle: do jej domu)
invite – zapraszać
at last – wreszcie, nareszcie
exclaim – wykrzyknąć, zawołać
say – powiedzieć; czas przeszły: said
excited – podekscytowany
Let’s not (do) – nie róbmy (np. let’s not go – nie idźmy, let’s not shout – nie krzyczmy)
be late – spóźnić się
miss – przegapić, opuścić
say – powiedzieć; czas przeszły: said
boring – nudny
arrive – przybyć
red-haired – rudowłosy
freckles – piegi
classmate – kolega/koleżanka z klasy
didn’t – słówko przeczące w czasie przeszłym (używane z formą podstawową czasownika)
will – słówko pomocnicze do tworzenia czasu przyszłego; won’t= will not – przeczenie
explain (to somebody) – wyjaśniać (komuś)
forget – zapomnieć
summer dress – letnia sukienka
take – wziąć, zabrać; czas przeszły: took
shelves – półki (l.mn. od shelf)
reach – 1. sięgać 2. dotrzeć
ceiling – sufit
sit – siedzieć; czas przeszły: sat
cushion – poduszka ozdobna (np. na sofę, fotel)
globe – globus
look bright – błyszczeć, wyglądać jasno
sound – brzmieć
magical – magiczny
feel – czuć (się); czas przeszły: felt
switch on – włączyć
fill (with) – wypełnić (czymś)
stick – patyk, kijek
excuse me – przepraszam (gdy chcemy zwrócić czyjąś uwagę, zapytać o coś)
move – 1. przesunąć (się) 2. przeprowadzić (się)
spot – miejsce
capital – stolica
shine – świecić; czas przeszły: shone
peninsula – półwysep
desert – pustynia
mountain – góra
aloud – na głos
become –stać się; czas przeszły: became
heavy – ciężki
change – zmienić
take off – zdjąć
thick – gruby
go out – wyjść; czas przeszły: went out
again – znowu, ponownie
get – dostać; czas przeszły: got
job – praca
have to – musieć; czas przeszły: had to
already – już
be fed up (with something) – mieć dość (czegoś); w sensie negatywnym
heat – gorąco, upał
wear – nosić (ubranie); czas przeszły: wore
thobe – tradycyjna arabska długa szata męska (słowo niewymagane w konkursie)
air conditioning – klimatyzacja
everything – wszystko
taste – smakować
choose – wybrać; czas przeszły: chose
twins – bliźnięta
make new friends – poznawać nowych przyjaciół; zawierać nowe przyjaźnie
leave – wyjść, opuścić; czas przeszły: left
swim nearer – podpłynąć bliżej; czas przeszły: swam nearer
be not keen (on someting) – nie przepadać (za czymś)
stay – 1. przebywać 2. zostawać
be wrong – mylić się
water – 1. podlać 2. woda
neighbour – sąsiad
spray – spryskiwać
chase – gonić, ścigać
bucket – wiadro
run – biec; czas przeszły: ran
both – obaj, oboje
wet – mokry
flat – mieszkanie
hear – usłyszeć; czas przeszły: heard
expensive – drogi
did – słówko pomocnicze w pytaniach w czasie przeszłym (z formą podstawową czasownika)
whisper – szeptać
kill – zabić
perhaps – być może
famous – sławny
Shall we go? – może pójdziemy?
believe – uwierzyć, wierzyć
find out – dowiedzieć się
hitmen – płatni zabójcy (l.mn. od hitman)
in danger – w niebezpieczeństwie
save – ratować, ocalić
check – sprawdzić
find – znaleźć; czas przeszły: found
art exhibition – wystawa sztuki
protect – chronić
twins’ mum – mama bliźniąt
carry – nieść
speak – mówić; czas przeszły: spoke
adult – dorosły; adults – dorośli
be able to – móc, być w stanie (coś zrobić)
thieves – złodzieje; l.mn. od thief
sigh – westchnąć
important – ważny
security guard – ochroniarz
nod – kiwnąć głową
entrance – wejście
guest – gość
queue (of) – kolejka (np. ludzi, samochodów)
see – widzieć; czas przeszły: saw
overhear – podsłuchać; czas przeszły: overheard
currently – aktualnie, obecnie
make a mistake – popełnić błąd; czas przeszły: made a mistake
put – włożyć, umieścić; czas przeszły: put
get into/in (a car) – wsiąść do (samochodu)
lie – leżeć; czas przeszły: lay; lying – leżący
newspaper – gazeta
read – czytać; czas przeszły: read (inna wymowa)
remember – pamiętać
steal – kraść; czas przeszły: stole
drive; drive away – jechać (samochodem), odjechać; czas przeszły: drove
beat fast – bić (np. serce); czas przeszły: beat
sat nav – nawigacja samochodowa (GPS)
write – pisać; czas przeszły: wrote
thirty – trzydzieści
forty – czterdzieści
building – budynek
break – złamać, zepsuć; czas przeszły: broke
lock – zamek (do drzwi)
cloth – szmatka, tkanina
missing – zgubiony, utracony
suddenly – nagle
far away – daleko, w oddali
appear – pojawić się
nearby – w pobliżu
get out (of a car) – wysiąść (z samochodu)
understand – rozumieć; czas przeszły: understood
give – dać; czas przeszły: gave
follow (somebody) – podążać (za kimś)
angry – zły, rozzłoszczony
congratulate (somebody) on (something) – gratulować (komuś czegoś)
catch – łapać; czas przeszły: caught
a week ago – tydzień temu
think – myśleć; czas przeszły: thought
disappear – zniknąć
tray – taca
Help yourselves (to something) – częstujcie się (czymś); help yourself (to) – częstuj się
cookies – ciasteczka
by itself – samo (z siebie)
turn – obrócić
light up – rozświetlać (się); czas przeszły: lit up
SENTENCJE DLA KL. V i VI
1. To read is to live more; it is to live more intensively – Czytać – to żyć bardziej; to żyć intensywniej.
Carlos Ruiz Zafón
2. A book is a magical thing that lets you travel to far-away places without ever leaving your chair – Książka jest magiczną rzeczą, która pozwala podróżować do odległych miejsc, nawet bez opuszczania fotela.
Katrina Mayer
3. Reading is one of the most marvellous adventures that anyone can have – Czytanie jest jedną z najcudowniejszych przygód, jakiej każdy może doświadczyć.
Lloyd Alexander
4. Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere – Wiedza jest skarbem, który podąża za swoim właścicielem wszędzie.
Chinese proverb
5. Difficulties strengthen the mind – Trudności wzmacniają umysł.
Seneca the Younger
6. A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new – Człowiek, który nigdy nie popełnił błędu, nigdy nie próbował niczego nowego.
Albert Einstein
7. A mischievous smile can make the day better – Psotny uśmiech może uczynić dzień lepszym.
Anonymous
8. A good laugh is sunshine in the house – Dobry śmiech to słońce w domu.
William Makepeace Thackeray
9. Flowers are the music of the ground – Kwiaty są muzyką ziemi.
Edwin Curran
PIOSENKI DLA KL.V i VI
Podane linki odsyłają do nagrań z dodanym zapisem słów piosenek oraz do ich tłumaczenia. Proszę zwrócić uwagę na to, że tłumaczenie na portalu tekstowo.pl jest amatorskie, więc mogą zdarzyć się pewne niedociągnięcia.
- It’s a beautiful day – Tim McMorris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZnUAEZRK1c&list=RDZZnUAEZRK1c&start_radio=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D39ieBm5RIM
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,tim_mcmorris,it_s_a_beautiful_day.html
- Best Day of My Life – American Authors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6k3VKV5Bp8&list=RDb6k3VKV5Bp8&start_radio=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ9KFEJVISo
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,american_authors,best_day_of_my_life.html
- Count on Me – Bruno Mars
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k8cpUkKK4c&list=RD6k8cpUkKK4c&start_radio=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R533DDds3RY
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,bruno_mars,count_on_me.html
- I Love a Rainy Night – Eddie Rabbitt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu62apPZsOM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30tgGNxZecU&list=RD30tgGNxZecU&start_radio=1
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,eddie_rabbitt_,i_love_a_rainy_night.html
- Stand by Me – Ben E King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rZyI7kPZMI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af_kvdZ7OXs
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,ben_e__king,stand_by_me.html
- Lemon Tree – Fools Garden
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaExN-H5vCc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAFS43NKFag
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,sting,lemon_tree.html
MATERIAŁY PRZYGOTOWAWCZE DLA KL. VII i VIII
W EDYCJI JESIENNEJ 2026
zostaną umieszczone do 7 września
EDYCJA WIOSENNA 2026
Opowiadanie jest takie samo w obu edycjach danego roku szkolnego (jesiennej i wiosennej).
Pod opowiadaniem znajdują się linki do piosenek oraz sentencje.
OPOWIADANIE DLA KL. VII i VIII
Lucy and the Mansion Secret
“Hey Mark, what are you reading?” I heard a voice above me.
I was sitting on a bench in front of the school. I looked up and saw Lucy, the girl from the front row in my class.
“A book with different mysterious stories,” I answered. I was happy that at last someone talked to me.
It was my first day at the new school and I didn’t know anyone here. We had just moved with my parents and my sister, because my dad had got a new job.
“Do you like books?” Lucy asked.
“Yes, I do,” I said. “Actually, I’ve loved them since I was a child.”
“Me too,” Lucy nodded. “Especially when the story has a secret or a puzzle to solve.”
“So I guess we both like mysteries,” I said with a smile.
That was the beginning of our friendship. From that day on, we have been meeting to read books together. Most of the time, it’s Lucy who reads aloud.
She has a very unusual talent: she can change the ending of a book – or even whole parts of the story – if she doesn’t like it. I couldn’t believe it the first time it happened. I think it is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.
One afternoon, Lucy and I were sitting in her room, of course full of books, when her mum came in with a tray of fruit. She saw an open book and smiled:
“Oh, are you going to read? I mean, change the story.”
I laughed and said, “I hope so.”
Her mum sat down with us for a while and said:
“Lucy has always had a very unusual talent. Even as a child she used to change the endings of fairy tales. When I was telling her the story of Sleeping Beauty, she said, ‘Why did she need a kiss to wake up? She can wake up by herself, because she has already slept enough and now she wants to go for a walk. And why did a stranger kiss her? I don’t like it when strangers kiss me, even if they are princes.’”
When I heard that Lucy didn’t like kisses even from princes, I couldn’t stop laughing.
Lucy’s mum was also amused and continued:
“And when I was telling her the story of Cinderella, Lucy said, ‘What was wrong with the prince? If he really liked her, why couldn’t he recognise her by her face? Why did he have to look for her by shoe size instead? And why did Cinderella hide who she really was from the prince during the ball? That’s not a good start for a relationship. The prince can just bring her back the shoe, and then they could meet a few more times and fall in love in a normal way.’”
I was shocked. “Unbelievable! Such a mature opinion from a little girl.”
Lucy smiled, and I thought she was a bit proud of herself.
Her mum also smiled and added:
“From then on, I always had to tell her the stories in her own changed versions.”
Then she stood up and said, “I’ll leave you both with your reading.”
When her mum left, Lucy turned to me and said, “OK, Mark, let’s try to be serious now and focus on the book.”
After our fun with fairy tales, we took a short break. We had some fruit, and then Lucy picked up the book.
“I think this story is really interesting,” she said, “but the beginning looks a bit boring.”
Then she started reading aloud:
* * *
Jim Riley was fourteen and lived in the beautiful city of San Francisco, California. He was short and thin, and he wore glasses. Jim lived with his grandfather.
This was his first year in high school, and he liked it a lot. His favourite subject was science. At weekends, he helped in his uncle’s shop to earn some extra pocket money. Jim’s home was on Telegraph Hill near San Francisco Bay. From his living room, he could see the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay.
Every morning, he walked down Telegraph Hill and met his friends at the bus stop in Washington Square. They went to high school together.
Washington Square was a historic landmark, and people in San Francisco loved going there. It was a lovely park for both children and adults. There were often music and arts festivals there.
Normally, Washington Square had green grass and beautiful flowers. But without rain for a long time, the grass had turned yellow and dry, and the flowers had died.
“Hi, Jim,” said Brian Wilson, Jim’s best friend. He was tall and played basketball on the high school team.
“Hi, Brian. Have you finished your English homework?” asked Jim.
“Yes, but Shakespeare was tough. Oh, look – there’s Susan,” said Brian.
“Hi, guys,” said Susan Hardy, a good friend of both boys and a very good student. She had a part-time job as a babysitter for her neighbours’ children, the Moreno family.
“Are you ready for the maths test?” asked Susan.
“I studied all afternoon yesterday, but I’m not ready,” said Brian.
“Me neither. I didn’t even look at my notes,” said Jim.
The bus came, and they got on. They saw their school friends and started talking. The bus was always crowded, but the ride was fun.
The school day passed quickly. That afternoon, Jim walked slowly up Telegraph Hill. It was foggy. Every day, he passed an old wooden mansion with a big garden and a fence around it.
“What’s inside? Why doesn’t anyone live here?” he often wondered.
He stopped at the gate. What a strange place – nobody seemed to take care of it. Then he looked up at the old mansion, at a window on the second floor – and wait… what?! There was a face behind it. He froze. It was the face of a little girl with long, dark hair. But no one lived in that mansion. Who was it? A ghost?
Jim didn’t believe in ghosts, but who was the girl at the window? She looked down at him. Before he could think more, the face vanished into the fog. Jim hurried home.
“Grandpa!” he cried. “I’ve seen a ghost!”
His grandfather smiled.
Jim told him about the little dark-haired girl in the mansion.
“No one lives in the old Stewart mansion. It’s about a hundred years old. There’s a strange story about it, but I don’t think there are any ghosts.”
“What story? Please tell me!” cried Jim.
“Well, Mr Stewart was a rich but strange man, interested in science. People thought his experiments were mysterious. His wife and daughter died in a strange accident. Then he left San Francisco.”
“I really saw her!” cried Jim.
“Maybe it was your imagination,” Grandpa replied kindly.
The next day, Jim went to help in his uncle’s shop. It was a busy day. A strange man with long hair and a silver earring came in. Customers were usually friendly, but this man was not.
He came to the counter with a few things. “Do you know who the mansion on Lombard Street belongs to?” he asked.
Jim shook his head. “No, I don’t,” he said.
The man paid and left quickly. There was something unsettling about him.
That evening Jim called Brian. “Do you want to see the new sci-fi film at The Big Screen cinema? We can meet at seven o’clock by the park,” said Jim.
“OK. I’ll see you then,” said Brian.
On the way, Jim stopped by the mansion again, but the window was empty this time.
After the cinema, the boys went for ice cream at Pier 39.
Jim told Brian about the face at the window.
“What?” asked Brian. “I want to come with you next week and see her too.”
“That’s great,” said Jim. “It’s a strange place. I’m always a little afraid when I go alone.”
On Monday after school, they met Susan on the bus.
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“Can you keep a secret?” asked Jim.
“Why? Do you have a secret?” asked Susan.
“Yes, I do,” said Jim.
He told her about the Stewart mansion and the face at the window.
“Scary!” exclaimed Susan. “Old mansions always have ghosts. Can I come with you?”
“Of course,” said Jim.
“Hey, come on, it’s our stop,” said Brian. “We need to get off here.”
It was 4:30 in the afternoon – cold but sunny. The three friends walked up Telegraph Hill to the Stewart mansion and stopped in front of the old gate.
“What a strange place,” said Susan.
They looked at the window on the second floor but saw nothing.
“Can you smell anything strange?” asked Susan.
They stopped. There was a very bad smell in the air.
“What is it?” asked Brian.
“Like rotten eggs,” said Jim.
“Yes, that’s true. But where’s it coming from?” asked Brian.
Susan and Brian looked at the window again.
“Are you sure you saw a face, Jim?” asked Susan.
“This is a creepy place, but I don’t see any ghosts,” said Brian.
“This smell is terrible,” said Susan. “Let’s go home. It was probably your imagination, Jim.”
“Look!” cried Jim. Near a basement window, yellow smoke was rising into the air.
They felt curious and afraid at the same time.
“Oh, please, let’s go home,” said Susan.
“There’s something strange happening here,” said Brian.
They agreed to leave and went to Jim’s house. They sat in Jim’s room and talked about the mansion. Then Susan suddenly said, “Hey, there’s the big Chinese New Year parade this Saturday. I’m taking the Moreno children.”
“It’s always great fun,” said Jim. “I’m going.”
“Me too,” said Brian.
This was the Year of the Dragon. The Chinese believe that the dragon brings good luck.
The parade takes place on a Saturday night between the 21st January and 19th February. Thousands of people go there every year. There are many beautiful costumes, colourful lanterns, firecrackers and Chinese music. A long paper dragon moves along Grant Avenue.
Jim and Brian took the cable car to the parade. There was a big crowd everywhere. Suddenly, Jim noticed the face of the little dark-haired girl in the crowd.
“Let’s follow her,” said Brian.
It was difficult to move. Then the big paper dragon appeared – and the girl vanished behind it.
“How could anyone disappear so quickly?” asked Jim.
The weekend passed quickly. On Monday, Jim and Brian told Susan about the girl. She wanted to explore the mansion too.
“Let’s go this evening. Bring a torch and wear dark clothes,” said Jim.
At 7 p.m. they met in front of Jim’s house.
When they arrived at the Stewart mansion, everything was dark. It was a foggy, windy night. They climbed the fence and went into the garden.
“I don’t smell anything this time,” said Susan.
“Me neither,” said Jim.
“Let’s look inside,” whispered Susan. “There are windows near the ground. And let’s be very quiet.”
Brian switched on his torch. The three friends looked through a dirty window. There was a small room with an old desk and some chairs.
“This was probably the study,” said Brian.
Susan switched on her torch. “There’s a newspaper on the desk,” she said. “It’s yesterday’s. Look at the headline: ‘Water scarce in San Francisco’.”
“But no one lives here,” said Jim.
They looked inside another window and saw a large room with several pieces of carved furniture. On the wall, there was a big painting of a man, a woman and a little girl.
“Look, that’s probably a painting of the Stewart family,” said Brian.
“Yes, before the mysterious accident,” said Susan.
“And the little girl has long, dark hair. She looks like the girl at the window,” said Jim.
“But we saw her at the parade,” said Brian. “How can she be a ghost?”
“Remember, she disappeared behind the dragon very quickly,” said Jim.
They went to the other side of the mansion. There was a broken window near the bottom of the house. They looked inside. They saw a big dark basement. Jim switched on his torch too. On long tables, they saw test tubes, glass bottles and other lab equipment.
“This looks like our chemistry lab,” said Jim.
“Maybe someone is using it,” said Susan. “But why?”
“Maybe someone is experimenting with something secret,” said Brian.
“I don’t like this place,” said Susan. “It gives me the creeps.”
“Are you scared?” asked Brian.
“No, but I want to come back in the daytime,” she answered.
“OK,” said Jim. “Let’s go then.”
Suddenly – Crash! A loud noise came from upstairs.
“What was that?!” cried Susan.
“We’re not alone here,” whispered Jim.
“Let’s get out of here!” shouted Brian. They ran to the fence. Under the trees, they heard a strange sound from the branches above their heads. They looked up.
“Aaah!” cried Susan. “Bats!”
They climbed over the fence quickly and ran away.
Jim heard a child’s voice in the fog.
“Help! Help!”
It was a cold night. Jim stood in front of the Stewart mansion. There was fog everywhere.
The voice came from inside the mansion. He wanted to help the child, but also to run away.
Suddenly, a hand touched his arm. His heart stopped. He was too scared to turn.
An angry voice behind him said, “What do you want?”
Jim turned around slowly. A big man with long, dark hair and angry eyes stood there. That’s the same man I saw at the supermarket two weeks ago, Jim thought.
The man’s silver tooth shone in the dark. He also wore a silver earring. He looked terrible.
“Well, what do you want here?”
“Noth—nothing…” whispered Jim.
“Stay away. I’m a dangerous man. I eliminate problems, and you’re a problem. Go away now.”
He pushed Jim to the ground and disappeared in the fog.
Jim woke up, frightened. “Phew! It was only a dream,” he thought. The clock showed 3 a.m.
The days passed. Then something unexpected happened. The grass in Washington Square was green again and flowers appeared, but the colour was unusually dark. Everyone was surprised.
“Grandpa, how can the grass and flowers grow with no rain?” asked Jim.
“You’re right, it’s strange,” said Grandpa. “I’ve been interested in science since I was a boy, so I know about fertilisers. There’s an article in today’s paper.”
Jim read :
Some people believe something mysterious is happening in Washington Square. There’s no rain, but the grass and flowers are growing. I don’t believe in magic, but it’s very strange. Who is the magician? Mr Magician, can you bring San Francisco some rain too?
The next morning, a big crowd gathered at the duck pond in Washington Square. Jim, Brian and Susan went there too. They saw some ducks dead and others sick. Lots of fish were dead too.
“This is terrible,” said Susan.
“Someone’s poisoned them,” said Jim.
The following morning, Jim and his grandfather read the news:
Eight ducks and many fish were found dead in Washington Square. Scientists discovered a high quantity of a new chemical. It is similar to Greenex, a fertiliser banned twenty years ago, but more toxic.
The volunteer group Helping Hands is now looking after the sick ducks. The San Francisco Police Department is investigating the case.
“What?!” cried Jim. “This mysterious new chemical is responsible for the dark green grass. I wish I knew who created such a dangerous fertiliser.”
“What irresponsible people,” said Grandpa. “Children play there every day.”
On Friday evening, Susan went to her brother’s football match – San Francisco University vs. Monterey. The stadium was almost full. Suddenly, two women behind her talked about Washington Square. Because of the noise, Susan only caught some words:
“…can’t test anymore… too dangerous…”
“…illegal… experiment… almost finished…”
“…alright… on Lombard Street…”
“Lombard Street! That’s where the Stewart mansion is. There’s a connection between the mansion and Washington Square,” thought Susan.
When the match ended, she called Jim and told him.
“You’re a great detective, Susan. It’s that secret laboratory,” said Jim.
“Let’s tell the police,” Susan suggested.
“Yes. Let’s meet up early tomorrow morning,” agreed Jim.
“OK. I’ll call Brian,” said Susan.
On Saturday morning Jim, Brian and Susan went to Chinatown Police Station.
“Good morning,” Brian said to the policeman at the door. “We want to report something.”
“Come to my office and sit down. I’m Sergeant Chan,” said the officer.
They explained everything to him. He listened with interest and some surprise.
“Why were you at the Stewart mansion?” asked Sergeant Chan.
“I saw the face of a little girl at the window,” said Jim. “I told my friends and we wanted to explore it.”
“Did you see anyone inside this ‘secret lab’?” asked Sergeant Chan.
“No, we didn’t,” said Jim.
“I see,” said Sergeant Chan. “The mansion is near Washington Square. Perhaps you discovered something important. We’ve suspected that the lab exists, but we didn’t know where. I’ll go with some officers to investigate – and I want you to come too. You know where the laboratory is.”
In the police car, there was another officer.
“This is Sergeant Lopez,” said Sergeant Chan.
“Pleased to meet you, sir,” said Jim, Brian and Susan.
“Here’s the plan. We’ll drive to the mansion. Jim, you’ll show us the basement window. Then you must stay outside. Only the police will enter because it’s dangerous. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir. I’ll wait outside with my friends,” said Jim.
The police car drove up Telegraph Hill and stopped at the Stewart mansion. Jim and his friends got out of the car with Sergeant Chan and Sergeant Lopez. Three more policemen arrived in the second car. The five men followed Jim to the gate. The policemen looked around.
“You go round the back, we’ll go to the front,” said Sergeant Chan to his men.
“Where did you see the laboratory?” he asked Jim.
“By the window,” Jim replied.
Yellow smoke rose from the basement window. There was the same bad smell as before.
“That’s the smell of sulphur,” said Sergeant Chan. “And it’s very strong.”
Sergeant Chan opened the gate and went in with the officers. Jim, Brian and Susan waited outside.
The police broke down the front door and went straight to the basement.
Inside, three people in their twenties were working with test tubes. A man in his forties with long hair and a silver earring stood beside them. In the corner sat a little girl holding a doll.
“San Francisco Police! Don’t move! Put your hands over your heads!” Sergeant Lopez shouted.
The people froze. Their faces showed surprise and anger.
“Oh, no!” cried one of the men. He ran towards another door, but two police officers blocked his way.
Soon the group and the girl were led outside.
When Jim saw the man with the silver earring, his eyes went wide. That’s the man from the supermarket, he thought. Yes – it’s him! Then he saw the little girl with long dark hair. She’s not a ghost. She’s real, he thought.
The girl started to cry. Susan stepped closer, hugged her gently, and said, “You’re safe now.”
And then… “What’s that?” she whispered. The hair slid off the girl’s head.
Susan’s eyes widened. “It’s a wig,” she said quietly.
Now they saw short blonde hair and pale powder on the girl’s face.
Sergeant Lopez knelt beside her. “Why are you dressed like this?” he asked.
The girl hesitated. “She…” – the girl pointed at a tall woman in the group – “told me I could be a famous actress. She told me to practise.”
“Now I see!” said Jim. “The girl in the window made people think she was the same girl from the painting – but as a ghost. That kept them away from the mansion.”
“Except us,” said Brian.
“They used a child in their scam,” said Sergeant Chan, shaking his head.
The girl looked up at Susan. “Did I do something bad?” she asked in a small voice.
“No,” said Susan kindly. “You didn’t know. You can still be an actress – the right way. Start by learning poems by heart. It’s good practice.”
The girl gave a small smile.
When the police cars were ready to leave, Sergeant Chan said to the three friends, “You’ve helped us a lot. I’m very grateful to you three for your help. Those people were doing something dangerous and illegal. We’ve stopped them.”
Sergeant Chan looked serious. “Tomorrow, come to the Police Station with your parents. We’ll ask you some questions and tell you more about the case. Thank you again.”
The next day, the three friends went to talk to Sergeant Chan. After a short investigation, he confirmed their suspicions: the group in the laboratory was trying to make a new fertiliser. At first, it looked effective, but it was highly toxic.
“They already had a buyer for a huge amount of money,” explained Chan. “Now we must close Washington Square for a few weeks. They tested their product there, and our experts need time to clean it.”
“That reminds me of something,” said Jim. “I saw that man with long hair and a silver earring in the shop where I work.”
“I know,” replied Chan. “He saw you watching the mansion and wanted to check if you knew anything. When you didn’t say much, he got nervous and left.”
After talking to the police, Jim, Brian and Susan felt relieved. They were looking forward to relaxing together.
“Pizza for everyone tonight!” exclaimed Jim.
“Great idea,” said Brian.
“Let’s go to Nico’s Pizza Place on Washington Square,” said Susan.
Jim and Brian looked uneasy.
“Don’t worry, I’m only joking,” Susan laughed.
* * *
“That’s it,” said Lucy and shut the book with a loud snap.
“You’ve changed the ending, right?” I asked.
“Sure,” she smiled playfully. “And not only the ending.”
I guess it has been gripping since she changed the story. But I’m not sure if, when I go back to the original, I’ll still recognise it.
∞ The end ∞
[Materiał własny; zawiera zaadaptowane fragmenty “Mystery in San Francisco”, Gina D. B. Clemen, Black Cat Publishing.]
Słowniczek
Słowa i wyrażenia są ułożone w kolejności występowania w tekście (nie alfabetycznie)
Zaleca się posłuchać wymowy nowych słów, np. w słowniku https://www.diki.pl/
mansion – posiadłość, dworek
hear – heard – heard – słyszeć
voice – głos
bench – ławka
row – rząd (np. krzeseł)
mysterious – tajemniczy; mystery – tajemnica, zagadka
at last – wreszcie
move – 1. przeprowadzić się 2. przesuwać, poruszać
actually – właściwie, w rzeczywistości
since – od (jakiegoś momentu w przeszłości aż do teraz); łączy się zwykle z czasem Present Perfect, aby podkreślić trwanie do chwili obecnej
nod – przytaknąć
especially – szczególnie
a puzzle to solve – zagadka do rozwiązania
both – oboje
aloud – na głos, głośno
unusual – niezwykły, nietypowy
amazing – niesamowity, zadziwiający
tray – taca
used to – wyrażenie używane do określenia czynności powtarzających się lub stanów, które istniały w przeszłości, ale już nie są aktualne
fairy tale – baśń
Sleeping Beauty – Śpiąca Królewna
herself – siebie, sobie, samą siebie (w odniesieniu do “she”)
stranger – obcy, nieznajomy
prince – książę
amused – rozbawiony
Cinderella – Kopciuszek
recognise – rozpoznać
have to – musieć
hide (from somebody) – ukrywać (przed kimś)
ball – bal
relationship – związek, relacja
fall in love (with) – zakochać się (w)
unbelievable – niewiarygodne
mature – dojrzały
proud (of) – dumny (z czegoś / kogoś)
focus on – skupić się na
pick up – podnieść
extra – dodatkowy
pocket money – kieszonkowe
landmark – charakterystyczny obiekt, zabytek
tough – trudny
part-time job – praca w niepełnym wymiarze godzin
neighbours’ children – dzieci sąsiadów
me neither – ja też nie
crowded – zatłoczony
pass – mijać
fence – płot, ogrodzenie
wonder – zastanawiać się
freeze – froze – frozen – 1) znieruchomieć 2) zamarznąć
accident – wypadek
counter – lada (w sklepie)
belong (to somebody) – należeć (do kogoś)
unsettling– niepokojący
get off – wysiąść (np. z autobusu)
smell – zapach, pachnieć, czuć zapach
rotten – zgniły
creepy – przyprawiający o dreszcze, straszny
basement – podziemna kondygnacja budynku
dragon – smok
take place – odbywać się
firecracker – petarda
cable car – kolejka linowa; w San Francisco także tramwaj linowy
appear – pojawić się
disappear – zniknąć
torch – latarka
arrive at / in – przybyć do (arrive at – np. do budynku ; arrive in – np. do miasta, kraju)
switch on – włączyć
headline – nagłówek (w gazecie)
scarce – niewystarczający, rzadki, deficytowy
several – kilka
furniture – meble; a piece of furniture – mebel
carved – rzeźbiony
test tube – probówka
lab (skrót) – laboratorium
equipment – sprzęt, wyposażenie
bat – nietoperz
shine – shone – shone – świecić, błyszczeć
whisper – szeptać
unexpected – niespodziewany
be interested (in something) – interesować się (czymś)
fertiliser – nawóz
gather – gromadzić (się)
pond – staw
poison – otruć, trucizna
quantity – ilość
banned – zakazany
volunteer – ochotnik, wolontariusz, wolontariacki
investigate a case – prowadzić śledztwo w sprawie
responsible (for) – odpowiedzialny (za)
I wish I knew – żałuję, że nie wiem; chciałbym wiedzieć
irresponsible – nieodpowiedzialny
catch – caught – caught – złapać
connection – związek, powiązanie
explain (something to somebody) – wyjaśnić (coś komuś)
everything – wszystko
suspect – podejrzewać, podejrzany
get out of (the car) – wysiąść (z samochodu); get – got – got
sulphur – siarka
break down – 1) zepsuć się 2) sforsować (np. drzwi); break – broke – broken
in their twenties / in his forties – w wieku dwudziestu kilku lat / czterdziestu kilku lat
anger – złość
hug – objąć, przytulić
gently – delikatnie
slide off – zsunąć się z (czegoś); slide –slid – slid
wig – peruka
hesitate – wahać się
make people think – sprawić, że ludzie myślą
scam – oszustwo
by heart – na pamięć
grateful (to somebody for something) – wdzięczny (komuś za coś)
confirm – potwierdzić
remind (somebody of something /somebody) – przypominać (komuś coś / kogoś)
feel relieved – poczuć ulgę; feel – felt – felt
be looking forward to – czekać na coś z radością / niecierpliwością, nie móc się doczekać
uneasy – zaniepokojony, niespokojny
snap – trzask; trzasnąć
playfully – figlarnie, żartobliwie
gripping – porywający, wciągający, trzymający w napięciu
SENTENCJE DLA KL. VII i VIII
1. Some books you read. Some books you enjoy. But some books just swallow you up, heart and soul – Niektóre książki się czyta. Niektóre książki sprawiają przyjemność. Ale niektóre książki po prostu pochłaniają cię bez reszty – całym sercem i duszą.
Joanne Harris
2. When you read a great book, you don’t escape from life, you plunge deeper into it – Kiedy czytasz świetną książkę, nie uciekasz od życia, zanurzasz się w nim głębiej.
Julian Barnes
3. A good reading strengthens the soul – Dobra lektura wzmacnia duszę.
Toba Beta
4. A mischievous and creative mind finds doors hidden in walls – Psotny i twórczy umysł odnajduje drzwi ukryte w ścianach.
Anonymous
5. Rivers carve their way through rock not by force, but by persistence – Rzeki drążą skały nie siłą, lecz wytrwałością.
James N. Watkins
6. The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails – Pesymista narzeka na wiatr; optymista oczekuje zmiany; realista dostosowuje żagle.
William Arthur Ward
7. You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water – Nie da się przepłynąć morza, jedynie stojąc i wpatrując się w wodę.
Rabindranath Tagore
8. Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absence of fear – Odwaga to opór wobec strachu, panowanie nad strachem – a nie brak strachu.
Mark Twain
9. Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it – Sukces zazwyczaj przychodzi do tych, którzy są zbyt zajęci, żeby go szukać.
Henry David Thoreau
10. The lion does not concern himself with the opinion of sheep – Lew nie przejmuje się opinią owiec.
George R. R. Martin
11. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted – Żaden akt życzliwości, nawet najmniejszy, nigdy nie idzie na marne.
Aesop
PIOSENKI DLA KL.VII i VIIII
Podane linki odsyłają do nagrań z dodanym zapisem słów piosenek oraz do ich tłumaczenia. Proszę zwrócić uwagę na to, że tłumaczenie na portalu tekstowo.pl jest amatorskie, więc mogą zdarzyć się pewne niedociągnięcia.
- Firework – Katy Perry / Connie Talbot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKu2V3dlfqg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1kFaZyREXo
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,connie_talbot,firework.html
- Brave – Sara Bareilles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG9127eksyo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTOxMZw-qD0&list=RDOTOxMZw-qD0&start_radio=1
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,sara_bareilles,brave.html
- Somebody to You – The Vamps feat. Demi Lovato
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcSj_cs4JIY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQDWzq3agqE
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,the_vamps,somebody_to_you.html
- If i were a fish – Corook ft. Olivia Barton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTqRUoZRSKA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVMc1ANfeMw
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,corook,if_i_were_a_fish.html
- Sunrise – Norah Jones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTjhphY8SB8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3feddMAieSA
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,norah_jones,sunrise.html
6. Today My Life Begins – Bruno Mars / Karen Conner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HBUBoIZM_I&list=RD2HBUBoIZM_I&start_radio=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SurWgviz28
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,bruno_mars,today_my_life_begins.html
- Glorious – Adam Friedman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stctZ-8akds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKPMH_Pk48o
https://www.tekstowo.pl/piosenka,adam_friedman,glorious.html
MATERIAŁY PRZYGOTOWAWCZE
DLA LICEUM i TECHNIKUM KL. I-II oraz SZKÓŁ BRANŻOWYCH KL. I-III
W EDYCJI JESIENNEJ 2026
zostaną umieszczone do 7 września
EDYCJA WIOSENNA 2026
Opowiadanie jest takie samo w obu edycjach danego roku szkolnego (jesiennej i wiosennej).
Pod opowiadaniem znajdują się linki do piosenek oraz sentencje.
OPOWIADANIE
DLA LICEUM i TECHNIKUM KL. I-II oraz SZKÓŁ BRANŻOWYCH KL. I-III
Echoes of the Retrieved Reformation
I rushed onto the platform at the very last moment and just caught the train. I was going to Gloucester to see my girlfriend Polly, and I didn’t want to be late and disappoint her.
I entered the first compartment I found, where a boy and a girl were sitting, both about my age.
“Is it taken?” I asked, pointing at the seat by the window.
“No, go ahead,” they said politely.
I sat down and closed my eyes for a while. I could still see in my mind what had happened barely an hour earlier. The look in the boy’s eyes kept coming back to me – first full of fear, then of relief and gratitude. I tried to convince myself that I had done the right thing and hadn’t behaved in a cowardly way. I remembered how it had happened: I was running out of school after classes to catch the train when the headmaster called me back to his office.
“Was it him?” he asked, pointing at a scared boy. The headmaster knew that I had been on duty at that time and had witnessed the incident with the broken window. I recognised the boy and was about to confirm it. But at that moment, one look at him was enough to show me how different he was from ordinary hooligans and troublemakers.
“No, it wasn’t him,” I replied firmly.
“Are you sure?” the headmaster asked.
“Absolutely,” I said – lying to his face.
Then I rushed home, took my backpack, and grabbed my favourite book of O. Henry’s short stories. I wanted to read it on the train, even if I had already read it three times.
As I sat on the train, I couldn’t help overhearing the conversation between the boy and the girl in the compartment.
“I’m really grateful to you,” said the girl softly. “I’m so glad that you’ve changed your mind and finally agreed.”
“Oh, come on, Annabel,” the boy replied. “What wouldn’t I do for you? I’ve even learned to like children for you. I’ve been getting used to the idea since you first mentioned it.” He smiled and put his arm around her.
“To be honest, I felt so hurt at first when you didn’t want us to take the girls in,” she continued, her voice softer now. “But you see, my sister is being treated for pneumonia. I think she’ll be in hospital no longer than a month, and then she’ll take them back.”
“And then – freedom,” said the boy, playfully and with a drawl.
“Oh Jimmy,” the girl wagged her finger at him with a mock sternness. “Hearing that, my sister would definitely take exception to it,” she continued. “Anyway, May and Agatha will be delighted to stay with us, especially Agatha after that accident.”
I listened without much attention, but suddenly–
A flash of recognition: Annabel… Jimmy… May… Agatha. These names reminded me of something I couldn’t quite grasp at first.
“Impossible! Such an astonishing coincidence?!” I cried out involuntarily.
The boy and girl looked at me with surprise and unease. They seemed to have misjudged my sudden words as a kind of mockery.
“Sorry,” I said quickly, and began to explain to them what had caused my spontaneous outburst. “I’ve got a book in my backpack containing, among others, my very favourite short story. And the characters in that story bear exactly the names you’ve just mentioned.”
And by the way, I’m Ben – also a namesake of one of the characters.”
“Really, that’s incredible,” said Jimmy.
“Well, are they at least a little like us?” asked Annabel.
And another spark of recognition flashed in my mind. Yes, Jimmy – the boy on the train, too, was willing to change for the sake of his girl.
And then, nothing in the world could have stopped us from reading the story together.
*
A Retrieved Reformation
In the prison shoe-shop, Jimmy Valentine was busily at work making s