Why does the vicar refuse to cut down the tree? The tiny village of Frinley is said to possess a 'cursed tree'. Because the tree was mentioned in a newspaper, the number of visitors to Frinley has now increased. The tree was planted near the church fifty years ago, but it is only in recent years that it has gained an evil reputation. It is said that if anyone touches the tree, he will have bad luck; if he picks a leaf, he will die. Many villagers believe that the tree has already claimed a number of victims. The vicar has been asked to have the tree cut down, but so far he has refused. He has pointed out that the tree cut down, but so far he has refused. He has pointed out that the tree is a useful source of income, as tourists have been coming from all parts of the country to see it. In spite of all that has been said, the tourists have been picking leaves and cutting their names on the tree-trunk. So far, not one of them has been struck down by sudden death! New words and expressions blessing n. blessing, blessing disguise n. disguise tiny adj. tiny possessions v. possess cursed adj. hateful increase v. increase plant v. plant church n. church evil adj. bad reputation n. claim v. take the consequences of... victim n. victim, victim vicar n. parish priest source n . Source income n. Income trunk n. Trunk Reference Translation It is said that there is a "cursed tree" in the small village of Frinley. Just because this tree was mentioned in the newspaper, more and more people are visiting Frinley now. The tree was planted near the church 50 years ago but has only gained a bad reputation in recent years. It is said that whoever touches this tree will have bad luck; whoever picks a leaf will die. Many villagers believe that this tree has killed many people. People have asked the parish priest to have the tree cut down, but he has not agreed until now. He noted that since people came from all over the country to visit the tree, it became a useful source of income. Despite all the above, tourists continue to pick leaves and carve their names on the trunks.
However, so far, no one has died violently! I think it’s pretty good!