NAME:____________________________

The legend of Sleepy Hollow

Ichabod comes to Sleepy Hollow, New York, to be the schoolmaster of the village. Sleepy Hollow is a small,
very quiet town said to be under some kind of enchantment. Sleepy Hollow’s most famous supernatural
phenomenon is the ghost of the Headless Horseman, said to be a soldier who lost his head during the
Revolutionary War. The Horseman is seen most often riding by the church, where local historians say he was
buried. He is believed to be always in search of his head. Ichabod is fascinated by this story, being especially
interested in tales of the supernatural.

Katrina Van Tassel, a beautiful young woman of eighteen, is one of Ichabod’s students. Ichabod is quickly in
love with her, or at least her likely inheritance, since she is the daughter of one of the richest farmers in the
town. He quickly sets out to win her hand in marriage, coming by the Van Tassel farm frequently to see her.

After one of the Van Tassel’s party, he finds the path home dark and quiet. He tries to keep himself from
getting too scared, but, suddenly, he sees a large, dark figure looming nearby. It does not respond to his call,
but as he passes by, it starts to move riding a large, dark horse. Finally, he notices that the rider has no head
on his shoulders. They end up by the church, the scene of most of the stories of the Headless Horseman, and
Ichabod races to the bridge where the ghost is said to disappear and not follow. Ichabod crosses the bridge
and looks back, but he sees the Horseman, instead of disappearing, throw his detached head at him. It knocks
Ichabod off of his horse.

The next day, Ichabod’s horse returns to its owner’s farm, but there is no sign of Ichabod. A search party finds
hoof prints and Ichabod’s hat, with a smashed pumpkin left next to it. Ichabod is never heard from again in
Sleepy Hollow. Some of the townspeople believe he was taken by the Headless Horseman.
Washington Irving

1. Write 4 questions use the following words. WHEN – WHERE – WHAT -

2. Answer the following questions about the story.

a. What is Ichabod sent to Sleepy Hollow for?

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b. Who is Katrina Van Tassel?
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c. How did Ichabod try to scape from the Headless Horseman?
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d. How does the story end?
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3. Do you know any scary or supernatural story that is popular in your country or in your town? Write
a brief story. (100 words)
Use:
• Present simple
• Adverbs of frequency
• Imagination