Key Vocabulary
| Word | Definition | Usage (Sentence) |
|---|---|---|
| challenge | A difficult task or situation that tests your abilities. | Running a marathon is a big challenge for me. |
| prepare | To get ready for something that will happen in the future. | You need to prepare well for your job interview. |
| doubt | A feeling of not being certain about something. | I have some doubt about whether this plan will work. |
| journey | The act of traveling from one place to another, often a long one. | Our journey to the coast took five hours by car. |
| equipment | The necessary items for a particular purpose or activity. | You need special equipment for rock climbing. |
| struggled | Tried very hard to do something that was difficult. | He struggled to lift the heavy box. |
| progress | Forward movement toward a goal. | She is making good progress with her English lessons. |
| discouraged | Feeling less confident or enthusiastic about something. | Don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed at first. |
| strategy | A plan that you use to achieve something. | Our company needs a new marketing strategy. |
| support | Help or encouragement from someone. | I couldn’t have finished without the support of my family. |
| guidance | Help and advice about how to do something. | I am very grateful for my teacher’s guidance. |
| steadily | In a gradual, regular, and continuous way. | The company’s profits have grown steadily. |
| confidence | The feeling that you can trust or believe in someone or something. | He has the confidence to speak in front of a large audience. |
| peak | The highest point of a mountain or a process. | We reached the peak of the mountain at noon. |
| exhausted | Extremely tired. | After working for 12 hours, I was exhausted. |
| achieve | To succeed in finishing something or reaching an aim. | She worked hard to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor. |
| view | What you can see from a particular place. | The view from our hotel room was amazing. |
| proud | Feeling pleased and satisfied about something you have done. | Her parents were very proud of her graduation. |
| realized | Understood a situation, sometimes suddenly. | I suddenly realized I had left my wallet at home. |
| valuable | Very useful or important. | He gave me some valuable advice. |
The Story
For months, the final university entrance exam felt like a huge mountain I had to climb. It was a significant challenge, and I knew I had to prepare thoroughly. At the beginning, I felt a lot of doubt about my ability to succeed. The long journey ahead seemed impossible, and I wasn’t sure if I had the right mental equipment to handle it.
During the first few weeks of studying, I really struggled. I tried to study for hours every day, but I wasn’t making much progress. Some subjects were particularly difficult, and I often felt discouraged. It felt like I was trying to climb a steep, rocky path with no clear direction.
I realized I needed a better strategy. I decided to create a detailed study schedule and break down large topics into smaller parts. I also asked for support from my friends and teachers. Their advice and guidance were like a map, showing me a better way to climb. With their help, I started to move forward steadily.
My confidence grew with each small success. The weeks passed, and the “mountain” didn’t seem so intimidating anymore. In the final days before the exam, I felt like I was approaching the peak. I was mentally exhausted from all the hard work, but I was determined to reach the top.
Finally, the day of the exam arrived. I did my best, and a few weeks later, I received my results. I had passed! I managed to achieve my goal. The feeling of success was incredible, like the beautiful view from the top of a mountain. I felt so proud of myself. I realized that with the right plan and support, any challenge is possible. It was a valuable lesson.
Comprehension Quiz
Type the correct long-form answer (e.g., “Yes, it is” or “No, they are not”). You’ll get instant feedback!
Correct Answers Key
1. No, it was not.
2. No, they did not.
3. Yes, they did.
4. No, they did not.
5. Yes, they did.
6. No, they did not.
7. No, it did not.
8. No, they did not.
9. No, they did not.
10. No, it was not.
