“Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance.”
-Samuel Johnson
Have you ever wanted to give up on something before you even started? That’s how Raja felt as he squinted up at the looming mountain crowned in clouds. Then he looked back at the group of boys behind him.
“Are you all ready?” one of their leaders, Max’s dad, shouted.All the boys turned to him and yelled, “Yeah!” Raja yelled too, but inside his stomach turned. He picked up his pack. When he swung it over his shoulder, the weight nearly toppled him to the ground. He looked quickly around to make sure no one had noticed him stumble. He saw several of his friends staggering under the weight of their packs.
“It takes some getting used to,” Leon’s dad chuckled, “but by tomorrow you’ll be expert backpackers. Okay, who wants to be first to lead us on the trail? Raja, why don’t you start out as the leader? Here’s the map. We’re following the green trail to the top of the mountain. That’s where we’ll camp for the night.”
Raja didn’t want to lead; he wasn’t even sure he could walk with the heavy pack. But he also didn’t want the other boys to think he was weak.
“Okay,” he managed, taking the map and turning toward the trail.
By noon Raja’s shoulders ached. When they stopped by a small waterfall for lunch, he let his pack fall to the ground and sat down heavily. Raja was so tired that he didn’t even want to eat. But Max and Leon’s dads cheerfully handed out sandwiches and drew the boys into a circle.
“Let’s talk about this morning’s hike,” Leon’s dad began. “Who has a comment?”
“It was long,” Leon piped up.
“It was hard,” Max agreed.
I’m tired. Do we have to hike all the way up the mountain?” whined Juan. Raja thought he was the only one whose muscles ached. He smiled to discover that all the boys had similar complaints.
“Well, we don’t have to hike all the way up. There’s a campground halfway. Are you all too tired to make it? Should we adjust our goal?” Max’s dad looked around the circle.
“I’m tired too,” Raja spoke up quietly, “but I think we can make it to the top. I didn’t think we could this morning, but now I see how far we’ve come.” Raja had never said so much in front of a large group. He didn’t know what gave him the confidence now.
“Who agrees with Raja?” Leon’s dad asked.
“I do,” Max shrugged.
“Yeah, I guess we shouldn’t give up now,” said Felipe.
The boys shouldered their packs again. This time Raja didn’t stumble. Somehow, the pack felt lighter. Or was he somehow stronger? Raja wondered this to himself as he followed the others past the waterfall and on up the mountain.
What is the most important question to ask after reading the comment by Felipe?
Will everyone be encouraged by Raja’s speech? ***
Will the fathers decide to stop at the campground?
Why is reaching the top so important to everyone?
Why did the boys want to stop so soon?
What does the phrase “By noon Raja’s shoulders ached” tell the reader?
Raja was not a very strong person.
Raja felt weak compared to the others.
Raja was working very hard physically.***
Raja was sure they would never reach the top.
In the 10th paragraph, why does Raja smile when Juan asks a question?
He thinks Juan’s question is quite amusing.
He hopes the question will mean they can camp for the night.
He realizes everyone else is struggling as much as he is.***
He feels much stronger than he did earlier.
Which statement best summarizes this story?
A group of students finds out that mountain climbing is far more demanding than they had thought.
Two fathers take on a huge goal as they work to keep students’ morale up as they get tired.
A young man discovers that a challenge can sometimes teach him new lessons about himself.***
Becoming expert backpackers and hikers takes a group of friends only a matter of hours.
18. Which of the following best describes Raja’s character?
becoming selfish and lazy
afraid to try new activities
developing more confidence**
bold and outspoken
I agree with your answers.
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kjbkralb
The passage tells the story of Raja, who initially feels overwhelmed and unsure about his ability to hike up a mountain with a heavy backpack. However, with the encouragement of his friends and their fathers, Raja finds the perseverance to continue on the trail.
The quote by Samuel Johnson - "Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance" - is relevant to this story as it emphasizes the importance of perseverance in achieving great things. Raja's journey up the mountain is a great example of this.
To answer the question, "Have you ever wanted to give up on something before you even started?" - it's a common feeling that many people experience. Starting a new venture or facing a challenge can be intimidating, and doubts may arise. It's important to remember that perseverance and determination often lead to success.
In Raja's case, he initially felt overwhelmed by the weight of his backpack and doubted his ability to lead the group. However, he didn't want others to perceive him as weak, so he took on the challenge. As the hike progressed, Raja's friends and their fathers provided support and encouragement, creating a sense of camaraderie. Raja's ability to overcome his doubts and continue hiking demonstrates his perseverance and determination to achieve the goal.
The lesson from this story is that greatness is not achieved solely through physical strength but rather through the perseverance to push through challenges and setbacks. Raja's journey up the mountain serves as a metaphor for life's obstacles and the importance of staying committed to our goals, even when faced with difficulties.