The Space Between

Lexile: 880 | Grade: 5

Passage

There’s a moment between thinking and doing. Between falling and rising. Between not knowing and beginning to understand.

That moment is quiet. It doesn’t shout or wave. But it matters.

It’s the space where you decide to try again. The pause before you raise your hand. The breath you take before starting something new.

We often rush past that space, chasing answers or avoiding doubt. But the space between isn’t empty. It’s full of potential. It’s where courage grows.

In that space, your choices begin. Not the easy ones, but the brave ones. The ones that say, 'This is hard, but I will keep going.'

Every inventor, every explorer, every artist has lived in that space—wondering, waiting, choosing. Not all at once. Not without fear. But with hope.

You don’t have to fill that space perfectly. You just have to step into it. To listen. To begin. Again and again.

Because sometimes, the space between is where becoming begins.

Questions

Q1: What is the main idea of the passage?

  • A. It’s important to always finish quickly.
  • B. There is power in the quiet moments before action.
  • C. People should never pause when learning.
  • D. Artists are the only ones who face challenges.

Q2: What does the author mean by 'the space between isn’t empty—it’s full of potential'?

  • A. The moment before acting holds opportunity and courage.
  • B. The space is filled with confusion and fear.
  • C. The author wants people to avoid the in-between time.
  • D. The space is a literal classroom where you study.

Q3: Why does the author describe the space as 'quiet'?

  • A. Because it's a boring part of learning
  • B. Because important choices can happen silently or inside your mind
  • C. Because teachers tell students not to speak
  • D. Because students are alone during tests

Q4: Which idea is most supported by the last line: 'the space between is where becoming begins'?

  • A. Success depends on being the fastest.
  • B. Growth happens before we act—when we decide to try.
  • C. You should avoid trying new things.
  • D. Mistakes mean you should stop learning.

Q5: Why does the author mention inventors, explorers, and artists?

  • A. To show that only creative people face challenges
  • B. To prove that courage is rare
  • C. To give examples of people who made brave choices despite uncertainty
  • D. To suggest students should become artists

Printable Comprehension Practice

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Answers & Reasoning

Q1: What is the main idea of the passage?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: The passage emphasizes the value of the space between thoughts and action—moments where growth and choice begin.

Q2: What does the author mean by 'the space between isn’t empty—it’s full of potential'?

✅ Correct Answer: A

💡 Reasoning: The author is using metaphor to show that moments of hesitation can be powerful and full of promise.

Q3: Why does the author describe the space as 'quiet'?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: The 'quiet' reflects the inner nature of personal growth and decision-making.

Q4: Which idea is most supported by the last line: 'the space between is where becoming begins'?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: The phrase connects the idea of personal growth ('becoming') to the internal decision to move forward.

Q5: Why does the author mention inventors, explorers, and artists?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: These examples support the idea that even great achievers faced hesitation, fear, and growth in the 'space between.'