Rikki-Tikki-Tavi by Rudyard Kipling (Pre-Intermediate)

 

Pre-Intermediate

story

 Once upon a time, in the lush gardens of a grand bungalow in faraway India, a tiny, brave mongoose named Rikki-Tikki-Tavi was washed out of his burrow during a fierce summer storm. He was found, all soggy and shivering, by a kind human child named Teddy, who took him home to recover. In Teddy's home, Rikki-Tikki quickly became part of the family, eating out of Teddy's plate and sleeping in Teddy's bed.

As Rikki-Tikki explored his new home, he met many garden creatures. But not all were friendly. The garden was also the territory of Nag and Nagaina, two cunning cobras, who did not welcome the little mongoose because they knew that mongooses were their natural enemies. "We must get rid of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi if we are to live here safely," hissed Nag, the male cobra.

 One night, while Teddy and his family were asleep, Nag slithered into the house. Rikki-Tikki, always vigilant, saw him and understood the danger. "Who dares to move into my house?" Rikki-Tikki bravely called out, ready to protect his new family at any cost.

A fierce battle ensued, and with a swift, deadly pounce, Rikki-Tikki ended Nag's life, earning a heroic place in the family. But the danger was not over yet. Nagaina, vengeful and fierce, was ready to strike back to protect her eggs, which were soon to hatch.

Rikki-Tikki, with the help of his bird friends Darzee and his wife, discovered Nagaina's nest of eggs hidden in the garden. Knowing that cobras are more dangerous when they have babies, Rikki-Tikki destroyed the eggs, except for one, which he used to distract Nagaina later.

As Nagaina threatened to harm Teddy's family in a final revenge, Rikki-Tikki faced her in a deadly final confrontation. "Leave my family alone, Nagaina!" Rikki-Tikki challenged. With all his might and courage, Rikki-Tikki chased her, and with the family’s safety at stake, he gave his all to defeat the last threat to the garden.

In the end, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi was celebrated as a hero by both his human family and his animal friends. He had saved them all from the threat of the cobras and ensured that the garden was a safe place for everyone.

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi teaches us that courage and quick thinking can protect and preserve what we hold dear. Just like Rikki-Tikki, we can face our fears and challenges bravely, keeping our homes and loved ones safe. And remember, no matter how small you are, you can make a big difference if your heart is brave!

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Words and Idioms

Study it with Flashcard

https://quizlet.com/kr/914612574/rikki-tikki-tavi-by-rudyard-kipling-flash-cards/?i=3en6ue&x=1jqt

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Mongoose (noun) - A small carnivorous mammal known for its agility and courage, especially in fighting snakes.

Cobra (noun) - A venomous snake known for its hooded appearance and deadly bite.

Vigilant (adjective) - Always being watchful and alert to danger or trouble.

Territory (noun) - An area that an animal or a group of animals considers its own and defends against others.

Confrontation (noun) - A face-to-face conflict or struggle.

Fierce (adjective) - Having or displaying an intense or ferocious aggressiveness.

Vengeful (adjective) - Seeking to harm someone in return for a perceived injury or wrong.

Ensnue (verb) - Happen or occur afterward or as a result.

Pounce (verb) - Jump forward suddenly so as to attack or seize someone or something.

Vigilant (adjective) - Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.

Earn a heroic place (phrase) - To be recognized as a hero due to brave actions.

At any cost (phrase) - Whatever is required; no matter what the danger or difficulty.

Face your fears (idiom) - To confront and deal with something that one finds frightening.

Make a big difference (idiom) - To have a significant positive impact on a situation or person.

Protect and preserve (phrase) - To keep safe and maintain in their original or existing state.

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Questions

1. What type of animal is Rikki-Tikki-Tavi?

A. Elephant B. Tiger C. Mongoose D. Monkey

2. Why did Rikki-Tikki-Tavi fight the cobras?

A. He wanted to steal their eggs. B. He was protecting himself.

C. He was protecting Teddy and his family. D. The cobras were his friends.

3. Where did Teddy find Rikki-Tikki-Tavi?

A. In the jungle B. In a river C. Near a road after a storm D. At a pet store

4. What did Rikki-Tikki do to protect the family from Nagaina?

A. He hid the family. B. He moved them to another house.

C. He fought and defeated Nagaina. D. He called other mongooses for help.

5. What does Rikki-Tikki-Tavi symbolize in the story?

A. Fear B. Danger C. Protection and bravery D. Anger

6. What is a major theme of the story?

A. The importance of friendship B. Adventure and exploration

C. Courage and the role of a protector D. The dangers of the wild

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Short Writing Topics

1. Write a diary entry from Rikki-Tikki-Tavi’s perspective about the day he was rescued by Teddy.

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2. Imagine you are a bird like Darzee. Write a story about how you helped Rikki-Tikki from the sky.

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3. Write a letter from Teddy thanking Rikki-Tikki-Tavi for his bravery and describing how life has changed in the garden after the cobras were gone.

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Answer Keys

1. C. Mongoose

2. C. He was protecting Teddy and his family.

3. C. Near a road after a storm

4. C. He fought and defeated Nagaina.

5. C. Protection and bravery

6. C. Courage and the role of a protector

Sample Writing Answers

1. Diary Entry from Rikki-Tikki-Tavi’s Perspective:

Today was extraordinary! After the storm swept me away, I found myself being rescued by a human child named Teddy. I felt scared and cold, but Teddy's warmth and care made me feel safe. In this new home, I'm determined to repay their kindness by guarding them. I’ve already sensed danger lurking in the garden—cobras! They threaten the peace here, and I must be ready. I know my purpose here now—to protect my new family.

2. Story from Darzee’s Perspective:

As I fluttered above my beautiful garden, I noticed our new friend, Rikki-Tikki, patrolling below. He's been such a brave guardian! Today, he faced a grave threat from the wicked cobra, Nagaina. From my view, I saw her slithering dangerously close to Teddy’s house. Using my voice, I alerted Rikki-Tikki each time Nagaina moved stealthily. I sang loudly to distract her, giving Rikki-Tikki the chance to strike. It was teamwork—Rikki on the ground, and me, Darzee, the vigilant bird, from above!

3. Letter from Teddy Thanking Rikki-Tikki-Tavi:

Dear Rikki-Tikki,

Thank you so much for your bravery! Ever since you defeated Nagaina, our garden has been a peaceful haven. Mum and Dad are also grateful, and we all sleep better knowing you’re here to protect us. I’ve noticed fewer snakes and more birds singing. You’ve not only saved us but made our garden thrive. We hope you feel as much a part of our family as we feel grateful to have you. Let’s continue to look after each other.

Your friend, Teddy

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