Reading Comprehension:
The Secret Chamber
Ella spent many afternoons in the quiet solitude of Echo Manor’s grand library, where the scent of old books filled the air and whispers of the past seemed to echo off the walls. Today, as she traced her fingers along the spines of leather-bound volumes, a small, unassuming book tucked away in a dark corner caught her attention. The cover was dusty, but the title was clear: “The Hidden Rooms of Echo Manor.”
Intrigued, Ella opened the book to find a detailed map of the manor, annotated with notes about rooms that were not commonly known. One room, marked with a red X, was labeled “The Rose’s Chamber.” According to the map, it was hidden behind the rose garden, accessible only through a secret passage that started behind the fireplace in the main hall.
Determined to find this hidden chamber, Ella returned to the main hall. The fireplace was massive, with ornate carvings of flowers and vines. Recalling what she had read, Ella examined the carvings more closely and found a small lever disguised as a vine. With a deep breath, she pulled it, and to her surprise, a low rumble echoed through the room as part of the wall slowly swung open.
Behind the wall was a narrow, dimly lit passage. Heart pounding with excitement and a touch of fear, Ella stepped inside. The passage was lined with old portraits, their eyes seeming to follow her as she moved. After what felt like an eternity, she emerged into a small, circular room. The chamber was beautiful, filled with the scent of roses, even though it was completely enclosed. The walls were covered with paintings of the manor’s gardens through the seasons, each more stunning than the last.
Ella realized she was standing in a room that held the heart of the manor’s history, a place where the past was preserved not just in books and diaries, but in the very essence of the room itself. She felt a deep connection to the manor, as if she was meant to find this place.
This reading continues to build on the mysterious and historical themes of Echo Manor, enriching Ella’s journey and offering more depth to the setting. The story aims to captivate intermediate level students with accessible language and engaging descriptions.
