Header_STZ_IELTS

The Hidden Map: A Journey into the Jungle

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled at the edge of a great forest, there lived a young explorer named Leo. Leo was not your ordinary boy; he had a heart full of adventure and a mind full of dreams. He often gazed at the towering trees and wondered what secrets lay hidden in the jungle beyond.

One sunny afternoon, while rummaging through his grandfather's attic, Leo stumbled upon an old, dusty scroll. His heart raced as he carefully unrolled it. The scroll revealed a map that seemed to lead to an ancient lost city deep within the jungle. According to legend, this city was filled with treasure and mysterious artifacts from a long-forgotten civilization.

Excited, Leo decided to embark on an expedition to discover this hidden city. He packed his backpack with essentials: a compass, some food, a flashlight, and a notebook to record his findings. He felt like a true explorer, ready to face whatever dangers awaited him.

As Leo entered the jungle, he was struck by its beauty. The vibrant colors of the flowers and the sounds of wildlife surrounded him. However, the jungle was also thick and overgrown, making it difficult to follow the path indicated on the map. He had to be cautious of traps set by nature, such as thorny vines and slippery rocks.

After hours of trekking, Leo reached a clearing where he found a mysterious temple covered in vines. It looked ancient and majestic, but also somewhat daunting. He recalled the clues from the scroll that mentioned a hidden entrance. With his heart pounding, Leo searched for the entrance and found a narrow tunnel obscured by a pile of rocks.

Crawling through the tunnel, Leo felt a mix of excitement and fear. He considered the obstacles he might face inside, but he was determined to uncover the secrets of the lost city. As he emerged from the tunnel, he gasped at the sight before him: an incredible city, its ruins bathed in golden sunlight. Leo explored the city filled with crumbling walls and towering statues. Every corner held a mystery, and he couldn't help but wonder about the people who once lived there. He collected artifacts that told the story of the ancient civilization, carefully noting each discovery in his notebook.

Suddenly, he heard a rustling noise. Leo turned and saw shadows moving between the ruins. Was he alone in this ancient city? Taking a deep breath, he remembered his training as an explorer. He had to stay calm and think clearly. Perhaps the shadows were just wildlife or other adventurers drawn to the same mystery. As the sun began to set, Leo knew it was time to head back. He had uncovered so much during his journey, and the map had led him to a place beyond his wildest dreams. With treasures in hand and stories to tell, he retraced his steps through the jungle, feeling proud of his adventure.

Upon returning home, Leo shared his discoveries with the villagers. They listened in awe as he recounted his journey, the beauty of the jungle, and the mysteries of the ancient city. Leo realized that the true treasure was not just the artifacts he had found, but the experiences and knowledge he gained along the way. From that day on, Leo continued to explore, driven by curiosity and the thrill of adventure. He understood that the world was full of hidden wonders waiting to be discovered, and he was determined to uncover them all.

Questions:

  1. What motivated Leo to explore the jungle?
  2. Describe the feelings Leo experienced during his journey.
  3. What obstacles did Leo face while following the map?
  4. How did Leo react when he first saw the ancient city?
  5. What do you think the villagers learned from Leo’s adventure?

Writing Prompt:

Imagine you are Leo. Write a journal entry about your journey into the jungle and your discoveries in the ancient lost city. Include details about what you saw, felt, and learned during your adventure.

Key Vocabulary:

  • Explorer: A person who investigates unknown regions.
  • Discover: To find something for the first time.
  • Hidden: Kept out of sight; not visible.
  • Map: A visual representation of an area.
  • Ancient: Belonging to the very distant past.
  • Lost: Unable to find one's way; not in the right place.
  • City: A large town or urban area.
  • Jungle: A dense, tropical forest.
  • Adventure: An exciting or unusual experience.
  • Treasure: Valuable items, often hidden.
  • Mystery: Something that is difficult to understand or explain.
  • Expedition: A journey undertaken for a specific purpose, often exploration.
  • Legend: A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.
  • Clue: A piece of evidence or information used in solving a mystery.
  • Trap: A device or setup designed to catch or confine something.
  • Artifact: An object made by a human being, typically of historical or cultural interest.
  • Temple: A building devoted to worship or a specific purpose.
  • Ruin: The remains of a structure that has fallen into decay.
  • Path: A way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading.
  • Compass: A tool used to determine direction.
  • Forest: A large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.
  • Wildlife: Animals and plants that grow or live in the natural environment.
  • Overgrown: Covered with plants that have grown excessively.
  • Secret: Something that is kept hidden or unknown.
  • Journey: An act of traveling from one place to another.
  • Guide: A person who shows the way to others.
  • Obstacle: Something that prevents or hinders progress.
  • Danger: The possibility of suffering harm or injury.
  • Tunnel: A passageway dug through the earth.
  • Scroll: A roll of parchment or paper for writing.
Last Update: 15/5/2025