Your Own North Star

Lexile: 1010 | Grade: 7

Passage

Not every path is marked. Not every goal is loud. Some journeys begin with a whisper—a small voice inside that says, 'Try this,' or 'Go there.'

That voice doesn’t always speak in full sentences. Sometimes it arrives as a feeling: curiosity, discomfort, or a sudden question. It may not come with applause or clear signs. But that doesn’t mean it’s wrong.

In a world full of noise—opinions, comparisons, instructions—it can be hard to hear your own direction. But just because others are walking one way doesn’t mean it’s the only way.

The North Star has guided travelers for centuries—not by shouting, but by being constant. In the same way, your values, interests, and questions can guide you, even if they seem quiet or different.

You don’t have to know the whole map to take one step. You don’t need perfect confidence to begin. What matters is listening—to the parts of yourself that speak through wonder, effort, and hope.

So follow your own North Star. Even if others don’t see it. Even if the sky is cloudy. Trust that direction grows stronger as you walk. And that becoming who you are doesn’t always require permission—just the courage to begin.

Questions

Q1: What is the main idea of the passage?

A. You should always do what everyone else is doing.
B. Following your unique path takes courage, even when it isn’t loud or clear.
C. Goals should be shared before you start them.
D. Curiosity can be dangerous when left unspoken.

Q2: What does the author compare the 'inner voice' to?

A. A GPS device
B. A crowd of cheering fans
C. The North Star—quiet but constant and guiding
D. A classroom teacher

Q3: Why does the author say, 'You don’t have to know the whole map to take one step'?

A. People should explore more maps.
B. Starting is more important than knowing every detail.
C. Directions are never helpful.
D. Everyone should follow the same plan.

Q4: Which phrase best supports the idea of trusting your personal journey?

A. 'The sky is cloudy.'
B. 'Others don’t see it.'
C. 'Becoming who you are doesn’t always require permission.'
D. 'Maps are always right.'

Q5: What tone does the author use in the passage?

A. Demanding and forceful
B. Humorous and sarcastic
C. Encouraging and thoughtful
D. Critical and argumentative

Q6: What does the passage suggest about uncertainty?

A. It should be avoided at all costs.
B. It is a sign that your goal is wrong.
C. It is normal and part of discovering your path.
D. It proves you're not ready.

Printable Comprehension Practice

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Answers & Reasoning

Q1: What is the main idea of the passage?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: The passage encourages readers to trust their inner voice and values, even without external approval or clarity.

Q2: What does the author compare the 'inner voice' to?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The passage uses the North Star as a metaphor for internal direction that stays steady even when unseen or quiet.

Q3: Why does the author say, 'You don’t have to know the whole map to take one step'?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: The author is emphasizing that taking the first step matters, even without full certainty.

Q4: Which phrase best supports the idea of trusting your personal journey?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: This line reinforces the message that self-trust and courage can guide you even without others' approval.

Q5: What tone does the author use in the passage?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The author’s tone is gentle, motivational, and reflective, encouraging readers to look inward for direction.

Q6: What does the passage suggest about uncertainty?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The passage portrays uncertainty as something natural and even meaningful when starting something new.