Mr. Jones guards a great statue. The statue is famous and old. It stands still for many years. Jones knows it is truly safe. The statue looks dead as a doornail. It never moves or makes a sound. Jones walks away from the room. The statue quickly starts its trip. It takes a fast, happy walk. It enjoys its secret holiday. The stone thing moves to the door. It sees Jones through the glass. The statue stops at once now. It looks exactly like old stone. Jones does not see the movement. He feels a strange, cold wind. Jones returns to his position. The statue looks very innocent. The stone thing fools Mr. Jones. Jones just checks the lock again.
📚 Story Vocabulary and Phrase
Review five key words and phrases from the story. Learn the meaning and the part of speech, and see an example sentence for each item.
| Word / Phrase | Description | Example Sentence |
| guards (v.) | Watches over a person or place to protect it from danger or harm. | The big dog guards the house at night. |
| safe (adj.) | Protected from danger or risk; secure. | I feel safe when I am with my family. |
| moves to (v. phrase) | Changes location toward something; starts traveling in a direction. | The boy moves to the front of the line. |
| at once (phrase) | Immediately; right now; without any delay. | Please come back home at once! |
| innocent (adj.) | Not guilty of a crime or a mistake; appearing harmless. | She looked completely innocent after the cookie was gone. |
📝 Story Exercise: True or False?
Read the story carefully and decide if the following statements are True or False.
- Mr. Jones believes the statue is completely secure.
- The statue often makes small sounds when Jones is guarding.
- The statue begins its trip after Jones leaves the room.
- Jones sees the statue stop through a nearby window.
- The stone thing looks exactly like old stone when Jones returns.
Answers
- True. Jones knows it is truly safe.
- False. It never moves or makes a sound when Jones is present.
- True. The statue quickly starts its trip when Jones walks away.
- False. The statue sees Jones through the glass, but Jones does not see the movement.
- True. It looks exactly like old stone when Jones returns to his position.
🗣️ Let’s talk about it
Let’s discuss the story’s themes. Use the ” Answer Tip” to help you start your sentences if each question is difficult.
What makes you feel safe in your home or city?
Simple Answer Tip: “I feel safe because the security guards are always watching.”
When is a time you had to move to a new place at once without thinking?
Simple Answer Tip: “When I heard the alarm, I moves to the exit at once.”
Can something look innocent but be dangerous?
Simple Answer Tip: “Yes, a snake can look innocent but be very dangerous.”
