Have you ever noticed a friend looking upset and wondered how they felt? Maybe you offered a kind word or just sat with them. That simple act is an example of **empathy**—the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.
Empathy is not the same as sympathy. Sympathy means feeling sorry for someone. Empathy means imagining what it’s like to be in their place. It means listening, noticing how someone feels, and responding with care.
People who show empathy often build stronger friendships and communities. When students include others at lunch or stand up against bullying, they are putting empathy into action. It helps create safer, more supportive environments where everyone feels valued.
Empathy can also help solve problems. When leaders, teachers, or even teammates try to understand each other’s point of view, they’re more likely to find fair solutions. Instead of arguing or judging, they ask, 'How would I feel in their situation?'
Just like a muscle, empathy can grow stronger with practice. Reading stories, asking questions, and paying attention to others’ emotions are ways to build empathy. It doesn’t take a big speech—sometimes just listening is enough.
In a world with many differences, empathy connects people. It reminds us that even if we don’t look or live the same way, we all want to be understood and treated with kindness.
Q1: What message does the author want readers to take away from the passage?
Q2: How does the author describe the difference between empathy and sympathy?
Q3: Which example from the passage shows someone using empathy?
Q4: What does the author mean when they say 'Empathy can grow stronger with practice'?
Q5: What is the author’s tone in this passage?
Printable Comprehension Practice
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Q1: What message does the author want readers to take away from the passage?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: The passage focuses on how empathy builds relationships, solves problems, and creates connection.
Q2: How does the author describe the difference between empathy and sympathy?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The passage defines sympathy as feeling sorry and empathy as imagining yourself in someone else’s position.
Q3: Which example from the passage shows someone using empathy?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The passage explains that including others and showing care are signs of empathy in action.
Q4: What does the author mean when they say 'Empathy can grow stronger with practice'?
✅ Correct Answer: A
💡 Reasoning: The metaphor compares empathy to a muscle, meaning it can grow if you actively practice being thoughtful and aware of others’ feelings.
Q5: What is the author’s tone in this passage?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: The passage clearly explains the concept while also encouraging readers to build empathy and treat others kindly.