Lina’s Slow Spark

Lexile: 790 | Grade: 3

Passage

Lina wasn’t fast like the other kids. She didn’t run the quickest or shout the loudest. She liked to take her time—reading slowly, thinking carefully, moving gently through her day.

Sometimes she felt left behind, like everyone else was racing ahead. But she kept going at her own pace, even when it felt like no one noticed.

One morning, her teacher gave the class a challenge: 'Write a short story by the end of the day.' Some kids started writing right away. Others asked for help. Lina stared at her blank page for a long time.

She didn’t rush. She waited for the right words to come. They came slowly—one idea, then another, like small lights flickering on. By the end of the day, she had written something she was proud of.

When the teacher read her story out loud, the room got quiet. Her words were simple but strong. One classmate whispered, 'That was from Lina?' And Lina smiled, not big or loud, but deep. Her spark wasn’t fast—but it glowed steady, and that was enough.

Questions

Q1: What is the main message of the story?

  • A. Writing fast is the best way to finish work.
  • B. People who move slowly are not as smart.
  • C. Going at your own pace can still lead to something meaningful.
  • D. Lina should try to be louder in class.

Q2: Why does Lina wait before she writes her story?

  • A. She is trying to copy someone else's work.
  • B. She doesn’t like writing.
  • C. She wants to get every word perfect before starting.
  • D. She takes time to think and let her ideas come slowly.

Q3: What does Lina’s spark represent in the story?

  • A. Her favorite toy
  • B. Her fast running speed
  • C. Her quiet creativity and strength
  • D. A light in the classroom

Q4: How do the other students react to Lina’s story?

  • A. They laugh at her for being slow.
  • B. They are surprised and impressed.
  • C. They ignore it completely.
  • D. They ask her to write their stories too.

Q5: What does the story teach about being different?

  • A. Different is bad and should be changed.
  • B. Everyone should try to do things the same way.
  • C. Being different can be beautiful and meaningful.
  • D. People only like fast and loud things.

Printable Comprehension Practice

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Answers & Reasoning

Q1: What is the main message of the story?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: Lina’s story shows that being slow and thoughtful can lead to strong, meaningful work.

Q2: Why does Lina wait before she writes her story?

✅ Correct Answer: D

💡 Reasoning: Lina waits because her ideas come slowly, and she respects her own process.

Q3: What does Lina’s spark represent in the story?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The 'spark' is a metaphor for Lina’s inner creativity and personal way of shining.

Q4: How do the other students react to Lina’s story?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: The students didn’t expect such a powerful story from Lina, and their silence shows respect.

Q5: What does the story teach about being different?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: Lina’s unique way of working becomes something beautiful because she stayed true to herself.