Reading Passage
The Journey to the Summit
Arun had always dreamed of climbing the highest mountains. From the time he was a little boy, he would gaze at the distant peaks near his village, wondering what it would feel like to stand at the top of the world. His fascination turned into determination as he grew older. He read books about mountaineering, attended training camps, and practiced climbing smaller hills near his home.
One summer, Arun finally got his chance. A well-known mountaineering group was organizing an expedition to Mount Kamet, one of the highest peaks in the region. Arun was thrilled when his application was accepted. The journey to the summit, however, was not going to be easy. Arun and his team had to endure harsh weather conditions, treacherous trails, and the constant challenge of thin air at high altitudes.
On the third day of their climb, disaster struck. One of Arun’s teammates, Rohan, slipped on an icy patch and injured his leg. The team was forced to stop and reassess their plans. Arun volunteered to stay back and help Rohan while the rest of the group moved forward to set up a base camp higher up. Arun knew this decision would delay his dream of reaching the summit, but he could not leave Rohan behind.
As the days passed, Arun and Rohan became a team. They supported each other through the cold nights, sharing food and stories to keep their spirits high. Arun helped Rohan regain strength by encouraging him to walk short distances every day. Eventually, Rohan was able to climb again, and together they caught up with the rest of the team at the base camp.
When the day finally came to push for the summit, Arun felt a mix of excitement and fear. The climb was steep, and the air was thinner than ever. But Arun’s heart was filled with determination. Step by step, he inched closer to his dream. When he finally reached the summit, the view took his breath away. The world stretched out beneath him, a sea of white clouds and jagged peaks. Arun realized that the journey had been about more than just reaching the top. It had taught him the value of teamwork, perseverance, and kindness.
Comprehension Questions
1. Understanding the Text
a. What inspired Arun to pursue mountaineering?
b. What challenges did the team face during their climb?
c. Why did Arun decide to stay back with Rohan?
2. Making Inferences
a. How do you think Rohan felt about Arun’s decision to stay with him?
b. What does Arun’s decision to help Rohan say about his character?
3. Vocabulary and Context
a. Find and write the meaning of the word treacherous as used in the passage.
b. What does the phrase “the journey had been about more than just reaching the top” mean?
4. Summarizing
Write a short summary (50-70 words) of the passage in your own words.
5. Critical Thinking
a. Do you think Arun made the right decision to stay back and help Rohan, even though it delayed his climb? Why or why not?
b. How might the lessons Arun learned during this journey help him in the future?
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