Grammar
The school decided to close the canteen temporarily after it was discovered to be ______ with rats.
(1) invaded (2) infested (3) infected (4) influenced
Answer: (2) infested
Explanation: Infested means overrun or troubled by a large number of pests, such as rats, cockroaches or insects.
Passage: With a twinkle in his eye, Father declared that the most worthy of us all would get a spot in the spectator's seat for the upcoming Liverpool versus Manchester City football friendly match. That spurred us to put on our best behaviour that week. As the week drew to a close, my two brothers began to drift away from their goal.
1) Compelled
2) Persuaded
3) Encouraged
4) Commanded
Encouraged! - Motivated someone to do something (a positive word)
--------------------------------------------------------
Wrong answers:
Compelled - forced to do something
Persuaded - convinced to do something Commanded - gave someone an order
Peter is the only student in the class who is not going for the excursion.
(Your beginning word is "all")
All the students in the class except Peter are going for the excursion.
When Ryan realised that his wallet was missing, he immediately retraced his steps. He searched his schoolbag (1) ______ but could not find it. Just as he was about to give up, a schoolmate approached him and returned the wallet, which she had found near the canteen. Ryan was filled with (2) ______ and thanked her for her honesty.
Choose the most suitable word for each blank.
1.
A. carelessly
B. thoroughly
C. reluctantly
D. occasionally
2.
A. gratitude
B. hesitation
C. confusion
D. frustration
1. B — thoroughly
Means searching carefully and completely.
2. A — gratitude
Means thankfulness for someone's kindness.
Read the following passage, then, roll a dice. The number you roll is the questions you have to answer
(If you get a"6" roll again):
Comprehension Passage: The Last Chance
At the edge of a quiet village stood an old community library. Its wooden shelves were worn, and the paint on its walls had begun to peel. Although a new shopping centre had recently opened nearby, the library remained a special place for twelve-year-old Ethan, who visited every Saturday to read adventure stories.
One rainy afternoon, Ethan noticed a handwritten notice pinned to the library door. The building was due to close permanently at the end of the month because the village council could no longer afford its maintenance. Ethan stared at the notice in disbelief. To him, the library was more than a place filled with books; it was a refuge where he could escape his worries and let his imagination roam freely.
Determined to save it, Ethan approached the librarian, Mrs Lim, and proposed organising a book fair to raise funds. Mrs Lim smiled sadly. “It is a thoughtful idea, Ethan, but we have very little time. People may not be willing to help.”
Undeterred, Ethan spent the following week making colourful posters and visiting nearby shops to ask for donations. At first, several shopkeepers dismissed him, claiming they were too busy to get involved. Nevertheless, Ethan persevered. He even persuaded his classmates to help sort books, decorate the library and spread the word.
On the day of the fair, dark clouds gathered overhead. Ethan felt a knot tighten in his stomach as rain began to pour. He feared that nobody would turn up. However, to his astonishment, villagers arrived carrying umbrellas, bags of second-hand books and homemade refreshments. Some had heard about his efforts from their children, while others had fond memories of the library themselves.
By evening, the fair had raised enough money to cover several months of maintenance. Although the funds could not guarantee the library's future indefinitely, the village council was moved by the community's support and agreed to reconsider its decision. As Ethan watched the villagers laughing and exchanging stories, he realised that his efforts had achieved something far greater than he had imagined: he had reminded the community of the value of a place they had almost forgotten.
Question 1
Why was the village library due to close permanently?
Question 2
What does the word “persevered” in paragraph 4 tell you about Ethan? Explain your answer using information from the passage.
Question 3
Why do you think several shopkeepers initially dismissed Ethan when he asked for donations?
Question 4
How did the villagers' response to the book fair differ from what Ethan had expected? Support your answer with evidence from the passage.
Question 5
The passage states that Ethan achieved “something far greater than he had imagined”.
What do you think Ethan learned from this experience? Explain your answer using two pieces of evidence from the passage.
1. The library was due to close because the village council could no longer afford to maintain the building.
2. It tells us that Ethan was determined and did not give up easily. Although several shopkeepers dismissed him, he continued asking for donations and persuaded his classmates to help.
3. They may have thought that Ethan's idea would not succeed, or they were too busy with their own businesses to help with the book fair.
4. Ethan expected that nobody would attend because of the heavy rain. However, many villagers arrived with books, umbrellas and refreshments to support the fair.
5. Ethan learned that one person's determination can inspire an entire community to work together. Firstly, he continued organising the fair even when shopkeepers dismissed him. Secondly, villagers eventually arrived to support the event, and their response encouraged the council to reconsider closing the library.
The witness gave such a ______ account of the incident that the police were able to identify the culprit easily.
(1) precise (2) concise (3) decisive (4) excessive
Answer: (1) precise — Precise means exact and accurate.
Despite feeling reluctant at first, Sarah eventually agreed to participate in the competition. Her courage was commendable, earning her praise from her teacher.
1. The closest word to reluctant is…
Unwilling
Excited
Anxious
Confused
2. The closest word to commendable is…
Ordinary
Praiseworthy
Unusual
Impressive
1. Reluctant → 1) Unwilling
Reluctant means unwilling or hesitant to do something.
2. Commendable → 2) Praiseworthy
Commendable means deserving praise or approval.
Although Ryan was feeling exhausted, he continued practising for the piano competition.
Rewrite the sentence beginning with: Despite
Despite feeling exhausted, Ryan continued practising for the piano competition.
Mei Ling had always struggled with mathematics. Instead of allowing her difficulties to (3) ______ her confidence, she sought help from her teacher and practised diligently every evening. Her efforts eventually (4) ______ off when she achieved a remarkable improvement in her examination results.
3.
A. undermine
B. restore
C. establish
D. enhance
4.
A. took
B. made
C. paid
D. brought
3. A — undermine
Means to weaken or damage confidence.
4. C — paid
The expression “efforts paid off” means the hard work produced good results.
Read the following passage, then, roll a dice. The number you roll is the questions you have to answer
(If you get a"6" roll again):
Passage 1: The Forgotten Promise
When fourteen-year-old Lucas promised his grandfather that he would help restore an old wooden boat, he had imagined spending a pleasant afternoon sanding its surface and applying a fresh coat of paint. He had not anticipated the countless splinters, stubborn nails and hours of exhausting work that lay ahead.
The boat had belonged to his grandfather for nearly forty years. It had once carried the family on fishing trips, but after his grandmother passed away, his grandfather had gradually stopped using it. Now, the boat sat neglected behind the house, its once-bright blue paint faded and its wooden panels cracked.
Lucas initially found the task tedious. His friends were spending their school holidays cycling and playing computer games, while he was hunched over a boat that seemed determined to resist every attempt at repair. More than once, he considered abandoning the project. However, whenever he glanced at his grandfather watching quietly from the veranda, he felt a pang of guilt and returned to work.
One afternoon, Lucas discovered a small metal box hidden beneath a loose floorboard. Inside were several faded photographs and a handwritten letter from his grandmother. The letter described how she and his grandfather had saved for years to purchase the boat, which had eventually become a symbol of their shared adventures and struggles. Lucas suddenly understood why his grandfather had kept the boat for so long.
The following morning, Lucas began working with renewed enthusiasm. He carefully repaired the damaged panels and polished the metal fittings until they gleamed. When the boat was finally restored, his grandfather ran his fingers over the smooth wooden surface, his eyes glistening with tears. He thanked Lucas quietly, explaining that the boat now reminded him not only of the past but also of the love and care that continued to surround him.
Lucas had expected a simple repair project. Instead, he had discovered that keeping a promise could mean far more than completing a task; it could mean helping someone preserve a treasured part of their life.
Question 1
Why had Lucas's grandfather gradually stopped using the boat?
Question 2
What does the phrase “a pang of guilt” in paragraph 3 tell you about Lucas's feelings? Explain your answer using information from the passage.
Question 3
Why do you think Lucas's attitude towards restoring the boat changed after he discovered the metal box?
Question 4
How did the restoration of the boat affect Lucas's grandfather emotionally? Support your answer with evidence from the passage.
Question 5
The passage suggests that keeping a promise can have a deeper meaning than simply completing a task.
What do you think the author wants readers to understand about promises and relationships? Explain your answer using two pieces of evidence from the passage.
1. Why had Lucas's grandfather gradually stopped using the boat?
His grandfather had gradually stopped using the boat after his grandmother passed away.
2. What does the phrase “a pang of guilt” tell you about Lucas's feelings?
It tells us that Lucas felt guilty about wanting to abandon the project because he knew that his grandfather was watching him and that he had promised to help restore the boat.
3. Why did Lucas's attitude towards restoring the boat change after he discovered the metal box?
Lucas discovered photographs and a letter explaining the boat's sentimental importance to his grandparents. He realised that the boat represented their shared memories and struggles, which made him understand why restoring it mattered so much to his grandfather.
4. How did the restoration of the boat affect Lucas's grandfather emotionally?
His grandfather was deeply moved and emotional. His eyes glistened with tears as he ran his fingers over the restored boat, and he thanked Lucas for helping him preserve a treasured part of his life.
5. What does the author want readers to understand about promises and relationships?
The author wants readers to understand that keeping a promise can demonstrate love and consideration for others. Lucas persevered with the restoration despite finding it tedious, showing his commitment to his grandfather. Furthermore, his grandfather was deeply touched by the restored boat, which reminded him of his memories and the love surrounding him.
Question 2
Despite repeated warnings from his parents, Jason remained ______ in his decision to climb the forbidden hill.
(1) reluctant (2) resolute (3) reluctant (4) redundant
Answer: (2) resolute — Resolute means firmly determined and unwilling to change one's mind.
To my utter disbelief, I saw a ticket to the dream match; my hard work had been duly rewarded! This was a life lesson in responsibility that had stuck with me till today
-> The closest word to utter is....
1) Huge
2) Great
3) Entire
4) Complete
-> The closest word to duly is...
1) Honestly
2) Fittingly
3) Peculiarly
4) Surprisingly
The closest word to utter is... complete!
(Utter disbelief means complete or absolute disbelief)
The closest word to duly is...fittingly!
(fittingly means appropriately or deserved)
The box was too heavy for Sarah to carry by herself.
Rewrite the sentence using “so … that”.
The box was so heavy that Sarah could not carry it by herself.
Passage 3 — Protecting Wildlife
The destruction of natural habitats has forced many animals to seek shelter elsewhere. Some species are now threatened with extinction because they are unable to (5) ______ to their rapidly changing surroundings. Conservationists have therefore urged the public to take immediate action to preserve these fragile ecosystems.
5.
A. adapt
B. adopt
C. adjust
D. adept
5. A — adapt
Means to change or adjust to suit new conditions. Adapt to is the most suitable expression here.
Read the following passage, then, roll a dice. The number you roll is the questions you have to answer
(If you get a"6" roll again):
Passage 2: A Voice in the Crowd
Amelia had always preferred working behind the scenes. Whether it was organising classroom materials or helping her classmates prepare for presentations, she was content to contribute without drawing attention to herself. Speaking before a large audience, however, was something she dreaded. Even the thought of standing on a stage made her palms grow clammy.
When her English teacher announced that the school would be holding a public-speaking competition, Amelia immediately decided not to participate. Her best friend, Priya, encouraged her to reconsider, reminding her that she often expressed her ideas clearly during small-group discussions. Amelia dismissed the suggestion, insisting that being able to speak to a few classmates was entirely different from addressing an entire hall.
A week later, Amelia overheard two younger pupils discussing a problem they had encountered in the school library. They were struggling to find books suitable for their reading levels, as many of the books available were either too difficult or too childish. Their frustration reminded Amelia of how she had struggled to find enjoyable books when she was younger. She realised that she could use the public-speaking competition to raise awareness of the issue.
Although she remained apprehensive, Amelia began preparing a speech proposing a better system for organising the library's books. She practised in front of a mirror, recorded herself speaking and asked Priya to provide honest feedback. Each practice session revealed new weaknesses, but instead of allowing them to discourage her, Amelia used them to improve her delivery.
On the day of the competition, Amelia stood backstage, listening to the confident voices of the other participants. For a moment, she considered withdrawing. Her heart pounded as she stepped onto the stage, and the bright lights temporarily blinded her. Then she noticed the two younger pupils sitting in the audience. Remembering why she had entered the competition, she took a deep breath and began.
By the end of her speech, Amelia had not only presented her proposal clearly but also persuaded several teachers to consider implementing it. She did not win first prize, yet she left the stage with a quiet sense of accomplishment. For the first time, she understood that courage did not mean being free from fear; it meant choosing to act despite it.
Questions
Question 1
What problem had the two younger pupils encountered in the school library?
Question 2
What does the word “apprehensive” in paragraph 4 tell you about Amelia's feelings towards the competition?
Question 3
Why did Amelia decide to participate in the public-speaking competition despite her fear of speaking before a large audience?
Question 4
How did Amelia's attitude towards her weaknesses change during her preparation for the competition? Support your answer with evidence from the passage.
Question 5
Amelia did not win first prize, yet she felt a sense of accomplishment.
What does this suggest about how success should be measured? Explain your answer using two pieces of evidence from the passage.
1. What problem had the two younger pupils encountered in the school library?
They struggled to find books suitable for their reading levels because many of the available books were either too difficult or too childish.
2. What does the word “apprehensive” tell you about Amelia's feelings?
It tells us that Amelia felt anxious or nervous about participating in the competition because she was afraid of speaking in front of a large audience.
3. Why did Amelia decide to participate despite her fear?
She wanted to raise awareness of the difficulties younger pupils faced when finding suitable books in the school library. She realised that the competition would give her an opportunity to present a solution to the problem.
4. How did Amelia's attitude towards her weaknesses change during her preparation?
Initially, Amelia was afraid of public speaking and was reluctant to participate. However, during her preparation, she began to view her weaknesses as areas she could improve. She recorded herself speaking, practised in front of a mirror and sought feedback from Priya instead of allowing her mistakes to discourage her.
5. What does this suggest about how success should be measured?
Success should not be measured solely by winning or receiving prizes, but also by personal growth and making a positive difference. Although Amelia did not win first prize, she overcame her fear of public speaking and delivered her proposal successfully. Furthermore, she persuaded several teachers to consider implementing her suggestion, showing that her efforts had a meaningful impact.
The manager was forced to ______ the announcement after discovering that the information provided was inaccurate.
(1) retract (2) detract (3) extract (4) subtract
(1) retract — To retract means to withdraw a statement or announcement that one has previously made.
Detract: to reduce the value or importance of something.
Extract: to remove or take something out.
Subtract: to take away a number or amount from another.
Despite the heavy rain, Daniel remained perseverant and continued training for the upcoming competition. His coach was impressed by his resilience in the face of repeated setbacks.
1. The closest word to perseverant is…
Determined
Impatient
Careless
Reluctant
2. The closest word to resilience is…
Confidence
The ability to recover from difficulties
Willingness to take risks
Readiness to obey
Answers
1. Perseverant → 1) Determined — continuing to work towards a goal despite difficulties.
2. Resilience → 2) The ability to recover from difficulties — the ability to bounce back after challenges or setbacks.
“I have already completed my science project,” said Daniel.
Rewrite the sentence beginning with: Daniel said that
Daniel said that he had already completed his science project.
Passage 4 — The Perils of Procrastination
Despite knowing the consequences of his actions, Marcus continued to (6) ______ his responsibilities, convinced that he would somehow find the time to complete everything at the last minute. However, as the deadline drew nearer, he became increasingly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work. His teacher reminded him that success rarely comes to those who rely on luck; rather, it is the result of consistent effort and careful planning. Marcus finally realised that his habit of procrastination had (7) ______ his academic progress and resolved to manage his time more effectively.
6. Choose the most suitable word.
A. evade
B. elude
C. escape
D. avoid
7. Choose the most suitable word.
A. hindered
B. restrained
C. withheld
D. refrained
6. A — evade
Evade responsibilities means to avoid dealing with duties or obligations, often deliberately. Although avoid is similar, evade conveys a stronger sense of deliberately escaping responsibility.
7. A — hindered
Hindered means obstructed or made progress more difficult. The other options do not fit the meaning and grammatical structure as well.
Read the following passage, then, roll a dice. The number you roll is the questions you have to answer
(If you get a"6" roll again):
Passage 3: The Price of Popularity
When Noah transferred to a new school, he quickly discovered that fitting in seemed to require more effort than he had expected. His classmates frequently discussed the latest gadgets, fashionable shoes and expensive weekend activities. Although Noah's family lived comfortably, his parents had always taught him to spend carefully and appreciate what he already possessed.
At first, Noah was unbothered by these differences. He enjoyed getting to know his classmates and participated enthusiastically in classroom activities. However, when several pupils began teasing him about his outdated trainers, he became increasingly self-conscious. Their remarks were often disguised as jokes, making it difficult for him to express how hurt he felt without appearing overly sensitive.
Determined to avoid further embarrassment, Noah used most of his savings to purchase a pair of fashionable trainers. For several days, his classmates complimented his new shoes, and Noah felt as though he had finally secured his place among them. Yet the satisfaction was short-lived. Soon, conversations shifted towards another expensive trend, and he found himself worrying about how to keep up.
The turning point came when Noah's class organised a charity sale to raise funds for a children's home. While sorting donated items, he discovered a collection of barely used schoolbags. One of his classmates suggested discarding them because they were no longer fashionable. Noah disagreed, pointing out that the bags could be cleaned and given to children who needed them. To his surprise, several classmates supported his suggestion and helped prepare the bags for donation.
As the class worked together, Noah noticed that nobody seemed concerned about appearances. Instead, they exchanged ideas, laughed over small mishaps and took pride in their shared progress. He began to question why he had spent so much time trying to impress people whose approval was constantly shifting.
By the end of the project, Noah had formed genuine friendships with classmates who appreciated his thoughtfulness and initiative. His new trainers were still in good condition, but he no longer regarded them as a measure of his worth. He had learnt that belonging to a group was far more meaningful when it did not require him to pretend to be someone he was not.
Questions
Question 1
Why did Noah initially purchase a pair of fashionable trainers?
Question 2
What does the phrase “the satisfaction was short-lived” in paragraph 3 tell you about Noah's feelings after buying the trainers?
Question 3
Why was Noah surprised when several classmates supported his suggestion to donate the schoolbags?
Question 4
How did participating in the charity sale change Noah's understanding of friendship and acceptance? Support your answer with evidence from the passage.
Question 5
The title of the passage is “The Price of Popularity”.
What do you think the author means by the word “price” in the title? Explain your answer using two pieces of evidence from the passage.
1. Why did Noah initially purchase a pair of fashionable trainers?
He bought the trainers because he wanted to avoid further embarrassment after his classmates teased him about his outdated shoes. He hoped that having fashionable trainers would help him fit in with his classmates.
2. What does “the satisfaction was short-lived” tell you about Noah's feelings?
It tells us that Noah's happiness from buying the trainers did not last long. Although his classmates initially complimented his shoes, they soon began discussing another trend, causing him to worry about keeping up with them again.
3. Why was Noah surprised when several classmates supported his suggestion?
He was surprised because one of his classmates had suggested discarding the schoolbags simply because they were no longer fashionable. He may have expected his classmates to care more about appearances than about helping others.
4. How did the charity sale change Noah's understanding of friendship and acceptance?
Noah realised that genuine friendship was based on shared experiences, kindness and cooperation rather than appearances or possessions. During the charity sale, his classmates worked together, laughed and supported one another without worrying about fashion. He subsequently formed genuine friendships with people who appreciated his thoughtfulness and initiative.
5. What does the author mean by “price” in the title?
The word “price” refers to the emotional cost of trying to gain popularity by meeting other people's expectations. Noah spent most of his savings on fashionable trainers to gain his classmates' approval, yet his satisfaction did not last. He also became increasingly worried about keeping up with changing trends. Eventually, he realised that genuine friendships did not require him to pretend to be someone he was not.
Although the suspect appeared cooperative, the detective remained ______ of his explanation, sensing that he was concealing important information.
(1) sceptical (2) susceptible (3) speculative (4) suspiciously
(1) sceptical — To be sceptical means to have doubts about whether something is true or trustworthy.
Susceptible: easily influenced or affected by something.
Speculative: based on guesses rather than definite knowledge.
Suspiciously: in a manner that suggests distrust; this is an adverb and does not fit grammatically after “remained”.
Although Olivia was initially apprehensive about speaking in front of a large audience, she eventually delivered her speech with remarkable confidence. Her teacher commended her for overcoming her fears instead of allowing them to undermine her progress.
1. The closest word to apprehensive is…
Hesitant
Anxious
Uninterested
Astonished
2. The closest word to undermine is…
Strengthen
Support
Weaken
Prevent
Answers
1. Apprehensive → 2) Anxious — feeling worried or fearful about something that may happen.
2. Undermine → 3) Weaken — to gradually reduce someone's confidence, strength or chances of success.
Unless you submit your application by Friday, you will not be considered for the position.
Rewrite the sentence beginning with: If
If you do not submit your application by Friday, you will not be considered for the position.
Passage 5 — The Importance of Critical Thinking
In an age where information is readily available, it is increasingly important to distinguish fact from fiction. Rather than accepting every claim at face value, individuals should scrutinise the evidence presented and remain (8) ______ of information that lacks credible sources. While it is tempting to accept information that reinforces our existing beliefs, doing so may lead us to form (9) ______ conclusions based on incomplete or biased evidence. Ultimately, critical thinking enables us to make informed decisions instead of being easily (10) ______ by misleading claims.
8. Choose the most suitable word.
A. sceptical
B. susceptible
C. speculative
D. sensitive
9. Choose the most suitable word.
A. premature
B. preceding
C. preliminary
D. primitive
10. Choose the most suitable word.
A. swayed
B. stirred
C. stirred up
D. stirred on
8. A — sceptical
Sceptical of means doubtful about the truth or reliability of something.
9. A — premature
Premature conclusions are reached too early, before sufficient evidence has been considered.
10. A — swayed
Swayed by means influenced or persuaded by something. The expression fits naturally with “misleading claims”.
Read the following passage, then, roll a dice. The number you roll is the questions you have to answer
(If you get a"6" roll again):
Passage 4: Beyond the Finish Line
For as long as she could remember, Isabelle had measured her achievements by the number of medals displayed on her bedroom shelf. As a competitive swimmer, she had spent countless hours training before sunrise, convinced that every sacrifice would eventually bring her closer to becoming the best in her age group.
Her determination appeared to pay off when she qualified for the national junior swimming championships. Her coach praised her discipline, and her parents rearranged their schedules to attend her competitions. Isabelle felt a growing pressure to justify their support. Winning was no longer simply something she wanted; it had become something she believed she could not afford to lose.
During the final training session before the championships, Isabelle noticed that her shoulder felt unusually stiff. Her coach advised her to rest and seek medical advice if the discomfort continued. Isabelle dismissed the warning, reasoning that missing even one training session might cost her the advantage she had worked so hard to gain. She continued swimming, concealing her discomfort from her parents.
On the morning of the competition, Isabelle's shoulder throbbed with pain. Nevertheless, she entered the pool, determined to finish the race. Halfway through, the pain became unbearable, and her strokes grew uneven. She eventually stopped swimming and held on to the lane divider, fighting back tears as the other competitors finished.
For several days, Isabelle avoided her teammates, embarrassed by what she considered a humiliating failure. When her coach visited her, however, he did not criticise her performance. Instead, he explained that an athlete's responsibility was not merely to pursue victory but also to recognise personal limits and make decisions that protected long-term well-being.
His words forced Isabelle to reconsider her priorities. She began rehabilitation with a physiotherapist and gradually returned to training. The recovery was frustratingly slow, and there were moments when she doubted whether she would ever regain her previous strength. Nevertheless, she learnt to listen to her body, celebrate small improvements and appreciate the encouragement of those around her.
Months later, Isabelle competed again. She did not break any records, nor did she win a medal. Yet, as she touched the finishing wall, she felt a satisfaction that had eluded her for years. For the first time, she understood that perseverance was not about pushing forward regardless of the consequences. Sometimes, it meant having the wisdom to pause, recover and begin again.
Questions
Question 1
What advice did Isabelle's coach give her when he noticed that her shoulder felt unusually stiff?
Question 2
What does the word “eluded” in the final paragraph suggest about Isabelle's previous experiences of satisfaction?
Question 3
Why did Isabelle conceal her shoulder discomfort from her parents and continue training despite her coach's warning?
Question 4
How did the swimming incident change Isabelle's attitude towards success and perseverance? Support your answer with evidence from the passage.
Question 5
The passage ends with the idea that perseverance sometimes means having the wisdom to pause, recover and begin again.
Do you agree that knowing when to stop can be just as important as refusing to give up? Explain your answer using two pieces of evidence from the passage.
1. What advice did Isabelle's coach give her?
Her coach advised her to rest and seek medical advice if her shoulder discomfort continued.
2. What does the word “eluded” suggest about Isabelle's previous experiences of satisfaction?
It suggests that Isabelle had been unable to experience or attain genuine satisfaction for years, despite winning medals and achieving success in swimming.
3. Why did Isabelle conceal her shoulder discomfort and continue training?
She was afraid that missing training sessions would cause her to lose the advantage she had worked hard to gain. She also felt pressured to win because she believed she had to justify her parents' support and her coach's praise.
4. How did the swimming incident change Isabelle's attitude towards success and perseverance?
The incident taught Isabelle that success was not simply about winning or pushing herself regardless of the consequences. During her recovery, she learnt to listen to her body, appreciate small improvements and accept encouragement from others. She eventually understood that perseverance also involved recognising her limits and allowing herself time to recover.
5. Do you agree that knowing when to stop can be just as important as refusing to give up?
Yes. Knowing when to stop can protect a person from further harm and allow them to recover before trying again. Isabelle ignored her coach's warning and continued swimming despite her shoulder pain, eventually having to stop midway through the competition. During rehabilitation, however, she learnt to listen to her body and gradually regained her strength. This shows that taking a break when necessary can help someone achieve their long-term goals.