Key Vocabulary
| Word | Definition | Usage (Sentence) |
|---|---|---|
| rival | A person competing with another for the same objective. | The two companies are big rivals in the tech industry. |
| constantly | Continuously over a period of time. | He is constantly checking his phone for new messages. |
| determined | Having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it. | She was determined to finish the race despite her injury. |
| defeat | To win a victory over someone in a battle or other contest. | Our team is hoping to defeat the champions this year. |
| tense | Causing feelings of nervousness or anxiety. | There was a tense silence in the room before the winner was announced. |
| ignored | Paid no attention to someone or something. | He ignored my text messages all day. |
| focused | Paying close attention to a particular thing. | If you want to pass the exam, you need to stay focused. |
| outperform | To do better than someone else. | The new car model will outperform the old one. |
| unexpected | Not expected or regarded as likely to happen. | His unexpected visit was a pleasant surprise. |
| incident | An event or occurrence, often an unpleasant one. | The police are investigating a strange incident that happened last night. |
| hesitated | Paused before saying or doing something. | She hesitated for a moment before answering the question. |
| compassion | Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings of others. | The nurse showed great compassion to her patients. |
| mutual | Experienced or done by each of two or more parties toward the other. | The two leaders had a mutual respect for each other. |
| respect | A feeling of deep admiration for someone. | It is important to show respect to your elders. |
| discovered | Found something unexpectedly during a search. | She discovered that she had a talent for painting. |
| relieved | Feeling happy that something unpleasant has not happened. | I was relieved to find my lost wallet. |
| encouraged | Gave support, confidence, or hope to someone. | My teacher encouraged me to apply for the scholarship. |
| competed | Took part in a contest. | Over 500 runners competed in the marathon. |
| relationship | The way in which two or more people are connected. | He has a very good relationship with his colleagues. |
| support | Help or encouragement given to someone. | My family gave me a lot of support during the difficult time. |
The Story
Leo and Jake were on the same track team, but they were not friends. In fact, each was the other’s biggest rival. They were the fastest runners in the school, and they constantly tried to be better than each other. With the final championship race just a few weeks away, both were determined to defeat the other.
Their training sessions were always tense. They ran side-by-side on the track, but they completely ignored each other. Each was focused only on his own performance and how to outperform the other. Their coach often told them that teamwork was important, but they didn’t listen. The competition between them was too strong.
One Saturday, the coach sent them on a long training run through the countryside. About halfway through, an unexpected incident occurred. Jake tripped on a loose stone and twisted his ankle. He fell to the ground in pain, unable to continue. Leo, who was running just ahead, heard him fall. He stopped and hesitated for only a moment. A feeling of compassion took over his competitive spirit.
Leo helped Jake to sit up and checked his ankle. He then helped him walk slowly back towards the school, which was several kilometers away. For the first time, they talked. They didn’t talk about running, but about music, movies, and their plans for the future. A feeling of mutual respect began to grow. They discovered they had a lot in common and felt relieved to finally break the silence between them.
On the day of the championship, the atmosphere was different. They still competed hard against each other, but this time, they encouraged each other before the race. Jake won by just a second, but when he crossed the finish line, Leo was the first person to congratulate him. Their competitive relationship had not disappeared, but now it was built on a foundation of friendship and support.
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, they were not.
2. No, they did not.
3. No, it was not.
4. No, he did not.
5. No, he did not.
6. No, they did not.
7. Yes, they did.
8. No, they did not.
9. No, he did not.
10. Yes, it did.
