Marcus sat in the back row of the school auditorium, fingers tapping nervously against his notebook. Today was the final vote for who would lead the middle school debate club. Two candidates had stepped forward—Cynthia, known for her quick thinking, and Ravi, known for his careful preparation.
Marcus admired both of them, and he wasn't sure how to vote. Cynthia had energy and confidence that could captivate a crowd. She never seemed nervous, even when questions came out of nowhere. Ravi, on the other hand, was calm and precise. He took time to plan every point and often surprised the judges with quiet but powerful arguments.
The student body president stepped up to the microphone. 'Before we vote, each candidate will give one final speech.'
Cynthia went first. Her words were passionate and loud. She promised to make the club more exciting and take more risks at competitions. 'We need to be bold!' she said.
Then Ravi took the stage. He spoke slowly, with steady eyes. He talked about listening to everyone’s ideas and making sure even shy members had a chance to speak. 'Debate isn’t just about talking. It’s about hearing what others say,' he said.
Afterward, the room buzzed with conversation. Some students liked Cynthia’s energy. Others appreciated Ravi’s thoughtfulness. Marcus sat still, weighing what he had heard.
When it was time to vote, Marcus walked slowly to the ballot box. He had made his choice—not just for who spoke better, but for the kind of leader he believed the club truly needed.
Q1: Which theme is most clearly developed in this passage?
Q2: What internal conflict does Marcus face in the story?
Q3: Which best explains how the author uses contrast to develop the text?
Q4: What does Ravi mean when he says, 'Debate isn’t just about talking. It’s about hearing what others say'?
Q5: Why does Marcus’s final decision reflect growth in his thinking?
Q6: What is most likely to happen after the story ends?
Printable Comprehension Practice
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Q1: Which theme is most clearly developed in this passage?
✅ Correct Answer: A
💡 Reasoning: The story explores two types of leadership and ends with Marcus valuing thoughtful, inclusive qualities, suggesting that real leadership involves listening and caring for others.
Q2: What internal conflict does Marcus face in the story?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The story centers on Marcus’s struggle to choose between Cynthia and Ravi, showing his internal debate over who would be the better leader.
Q3: Which best explains how the author uses contrast to develop the text?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: The author uses contrast between Cynthia’s bold, energetic style and Ravi’s calm, thoughtful approach to show how different strengths shape leadership.
Q4: What does Ravi mean when he says, 'Debate isn’t just about talking. It’s about hearing what others say'?
✅ Correct Answer: D
💡 Reasoning: Ravi’s statement emphasizes the value of listening in debates, highlighting his inclusive and reflective leadership style.
Q5: Why does Marcus’s final decision reflect growth in his thinking?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: Marcus doesn’t vote based on popularity or energy—he reflects on what kind of leadership the club needs, showing maturity and critical thinking.
Q6: What is most likely to happen after the story ends?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The story builds to a vote and portrays a strong debate community, so it's logical that the new leader would begin organizing with the team.