The Pace That Belongs to You
Lexile: 830 | Grade: 4
Passage
Everyone grows at a different pace. Some people seem to learn quickly. Others take longer, stopping often, thinking deeply before moving ahead. But faster doesn’t always mean better. The best pace is the one that helps *you* grow—not just move.
In nature, no two trees grow the same way. Some stretch tall early, while others stay low, sending roots deep before rising. The small ones aren’t weak—they’re just working in a different way.
It’s easy to feel behind when you compare yourself to others. But your path is your own. Taking time to understand, to wonder, to try again—that’s not slowing down. That’s building something strong.
What matters most is not how quickly you arrive, but how you grow along the way. Are you kind when things are hard? Do you keep going when no one sees? Do you ask questions and stay curious? These things matter more than speed.
So go at the pace that belongs to you. Trust that quiet effort, steady and thoughtful, is still progress. You are not late. You are becoming—exactly in your own time.
Printable Comprehension Practice
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Questions
Q1: What is the main message of the passage?
- A. Everyone should try to grow as fast as possible.
- B. It’s important to go at your own pace and trust your progress.
- C. Only people who ask questions succeed.
- D. Trees grow faster than people.
Q2: Why does the author compare people to trees?
- A. To show that people grow leaves
- B. To explain that everyone grows in their own way and at their own speed
- C. To say trees are more important than people
- D. To teach how trees grow underground
Q3: According to the passage, what matters more than speed?
- A. Being the first to finish
- B. Copying others who move quickly
- C. Growing with kindness, effort, and curiosity
- D. Competing with your friends
Q4: What does the author want readers to feel about going slowly?
- A. Embarrassed
- B. Proud and thoughtful
- C. Competitive
- D. Nervous
Q5: What does the line 'You are not late. You are becoming—exactly in your own time' mean?
- A. People who go slowly are not welcome
- B. Everyone becomes their best self by rushing
- C. Everyone grows at a different pace, and that’s okay
- D. There is only one correct time to succeed
Printable Comprehension Practice
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Answers & Reasoning
Q1: What is the main message of the passage?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: The passage encourages readers to stop comparing themselves and focus on growing in their own way and time.
Q2: Why does the author compare people to trees?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: The tree metaphor shows that different growth styles are natural and not a sign of weakness.
Q3: According to the passage, what matters more than speed?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The author suggests that how you grow and who you become is more important than how fast you get there.
Q4: What does the author want readers to feel about going slowly?
✅ Correct Answer: B
💡 Reasoning: The tone is gentle and encouraging, helping readers feel confident in taking their time to grow.
Q5: What does the line 'You are not late. You are becoming—exactly in your own time' mean?
✅ Correct Answer: C
💡 Reasoning: The line reassures readers that their journey is valid, even if it’s different from others.
Printable Comprehension Practice
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