The King of the Jungle
(1) Finally, the day had dawned when Joe and I might spot the king of beasts! (2) We were thrilled beyond belief. (3) After all, this was the first time we were doing something of this kind. (4) Following our friend Ronald's advice, we had sought Milo's help. (5) Milo was a local tribesman and no visitor had ever returned disappointed with Milo. (6) Although Milo was busy as usual, he agreed to accompany us. (7) He was very possessive about the jungle and its animals. (8) Joe and I met Milo half a mile before the forest began and we got into a jeep. (9) As we drove toward the forest, the uneven stretch of road became narrower, and the ride got bumpy and uncomfortable. (10) As we approached the beginning of the forest, Joe and I were filled with excitement and nervous anticipation. (11) The path was covered with a thick carpet of creepers, plants, and fallen leaves, while the tall trees formed a green roof overhead. (12) "This is so beautiful and I'm so glad we came here!" exclaimed Joe. (13) Although Milo could not figure out what we were saying, the look of sheer awe and wonder on our faces were enough to tell him that we were spellbound and happy.
(14) As we crossed a stream, we saw elephants and their calves bathing and playing in the water. (15) Above, monkeys were swinging from the branches and leaping from tree to tree. (16) Milo frowned at Joe when he saw him clicking pictures. (17) We understood that he didn't like people taking pictures of the animals. (18) Driving farther inside, we saw stags and deer leaping and running about. (19) Suddenly, Milo placed a finger on his lips and gestured to us to remain quiet as we were about to enter the territory of the king of the jungle. (20) Obeying our guide's instructions, we did not move an inch and waited with bated breath to catch a glimpse of the King. (21) After a few moments, Milo turned to us excitedly and pointed his finger at a thicket. (22) We peered out of the window and saw a huge lion resting behind the thicket. (23) We could barely breathe! (24) We were completely awestruck by the sight of the lion caressing his cubs. (25) Using my binoculars, I watched him for quite some time. (26) Observing his golden skin, powerful piercing eyes, long silky mane and commanding stride, I could understand why the lion is called the king of the jungle.
Which introduction could be added to better establish the context for this story?
*
We had been friends for many years and had always talked about adventures we should take when we found the time.
We had spent weeks eagerly anticipating our trip to the jungle and the chance to see a lion in the wild.
The sun rose and illuminated the trees and plants all around our campsite as the birds started to sing.
Although we had been to the jungle before, we had only seen the lion from far away and hoped to get closer this time.
We had spent weeks eagerly anticipating our trip to the jungle and the chance to see a lion in the wild.
The King of the Jungle
(1) Finally, the day had dawned when Joe and I might spot the king of beasts! (2) We were thrilled beyond belief. (3) After all, this was the first time we were doing something of this kind. (4) Following our friend Ronald's advice, we had sought Milo's help. (5) Milo was a local tribesman and no visitor had ever returned disappointed with Milo. (6) Although Milo was busy as usual, he agreed to accompany us. (7) He was very possessive about the jungle and its animals. (8) Joe and I met Milo half a mile before the forest began and we got into a jeep. (9) As we drove toward the forest, the uneven stretch of road became narrower, and the ride got bumpy and uncomfortable. (10) As we approached the beginning of the forest, Joe and I were filled with excitement and nervous anticipation. (11) The path was covered with a thick carpet of creepers, plants, and fallen leaves, while the tall trees formed a green roof overhead. (12) "This is so beautiful and I'm so glad we came here!" exclaimed Joe. (13) Although Milo could not figure out what we were saying, the look of sheer awe and wonder on our faces were enough to tell him that we were spellbound and happy.
(14) As we crossed a stream, we saw elephants and their calves bathing and playing in the water. (15) Above, monkeys were swinging from the branches and leaping from tree to tree. (16) Milo frowned at Joe when he saw him clicking pictures. (17) We understood that he didn't like people taking pictures of the animals. (18) Driving farther inside, we saw stags and deer leaping and running about. (19) Suddenly, Milo placed a finger on his lips and gestured to us to remain quiet as we were about to enter the territory of the king of the jungle. (20) Obeying our guide's instructions, we did not move an inch and waited with bated breath to catch a glimpse of the King. (21) After a few moments, Milo turned to us excitedly and pointed his finger at a thicket. (22) We peered out of the window and saw a huge lion resting behind the thicket. (23) We could barely breathe! (24) We were completely awestruck by the sight of the lion caressing his cubs. (25) Using my binoculars, I watched him for quite some time. (26) Observing his golden skin, powerful piercing eyes, long silky mane and commanding stride, I could understand why the lion is called the king of the jungle.
Which description could best be added after sentence 11 to further describe the thick forest?
*
We were enveloped in semi-darkness, as sunlight could not penetrate through the thick canopy of leaves.
The trunks of the trees were covered with thick, slippery moss and insects and spiders crawled everywhere.
We were basking in the sun’s warmth and the rays of the afternoon sun glittered on the leaves and insects.
The branches of the trees bent low with fruits, and the sight tempted us to pluck a few juicy ones.