The Things You Can’t See Yet

Lexile: 800 | Grade: 4

Passage

Some of the most important things you do won’t show right away. Like a seed growing roots underground, your effort can be working even when it looks like nothing is happening.

When you practice a new skill, your brain is making connections. When you read something challenging, your thinking is stretching. When you try again after a mistake, your courage is growing—even if no one else sees it.

Progress isn’t always loud. It doesn’t always come with awards or attention. Sometimes, it feels quiet. Sometimes, it feels slow. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t real.

Imagine building a staircase inside yourself. Every time you try, every time you learn, every time you care—you’re adding a step. Others might not see the staircase. But one day, you’ll notice how high you’ve climbed.

So if today feels small or hard or invisible, remember: important things often start that way. Keep building. Keep trying. The things you can’t see yet might be your greatest growth of all.

Questions

Q1: What is the main idea of the passage?

  • A. You should always show your progress to others.
  • B. Most learning happens in school only.
  • C. Real growth can happen quietly, even when no one notices.
  • D. Making mistakes means you're doing something wrong.

Q2: What does the author compare progress to in the passage?

  • A. A falling leaf
  • B. A race between friends
  • C. A staircase being built inside you
  • D. A treasure map

Q3: Why does the author mention a seed growing roots?

  • A. To explain how plants grow faster than people
  • B. To show that all things need sunlight
  • C. To help readers understand that progress can happen before results are visible
  • D. To say seeds are smarter than we think

Q4: According to the passage, what happens when you try again after a mistake?

  • A. You start over completely
  • B. You make more mistakes
  • C. Your courage grows
  • D. Your progress stops

Q5: How does the passage try to make readers feel?

  • A. Nervous about being seen
  • B. Proud of doing things perfectly
  • C. Encouraged to keep going even when it’s hard or slow
  • D. Competitive with other learners

Printable Comprehension Practice

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Answers & Reasoning

Q1: What is the main idea of the passage?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The passage emphasizes that important progress can be quiet, slow, and unseen—but still powerful.

Q2: What does the author compare progress to in the passage?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The passage uses the image of a staircase to show how effort adds up over time, even when it's not visible.

Q3: Why does the author mention a seed growing roots?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: This metaphor shows that important work often happens quietly, like a seed growing underground before sprouting.

Q4: According to the passage, what happens when you try again after a mistake?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The passage suggests that persistence helps you grow braver and stronger, even when things are hard.

Q5: How does the passage try to make readers feel?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The tone is supportive and positive, encouraging the reader to stay motivated even when growth isn’t obvious.