Objective:
Practice reading fluently with emotion, rhythm, and clarity. This story uses humor and honesty to explore personal growth. Focus on reading it aloud with a mix of reflection, excitement, and humility—like you’re telling a story to friends.
Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reluctant | Unwilling or hesitant to do something |
| Candid | Honest and direct, even if it’s awkward |
| Pragmatic | Focused on practical solutions rather than big dreams |
| Refined | Improved or made more polished over time |
| Elated | Extremely happy, often from a big win or surprise |
| Humble | Not showing off; modest and grounded |
Fluency Paragraph:
Nobody really cared about the chicken coop—until I did. At first, I was reluctant to even mention it. I wasn’t brave, or loud, or even good with animals. But one day, I blurted it out during lunch: “The chickens deserve better.” That candid moment started everything.
I didn’t promise wild dreams. No chicken playgrounds or golden nests. Just a pragmatic plan: clean the wire, patch the roof, and add enrichment like mirrors or old toys. People actually listened. I practiced my speeches, fixed my flyers, and learned how to explain my ideas clearly. Slowly, I became more refined.
Election day came. I was shaking. But when they announced my name, I felt a rush like never before. I was elated—not because I won, but because I did it without pretending to be someone else. No shouting, no slogans—just me, being me. And I stayed humble, even when someone painted a chicken wearing a crown on the new coop.
Writing Question:
Have you ever spoken up about something important, even if you felt unsure? Or can you imagine what that might feel like? Write a short paragraph (5–6 sentences) describing a moment like that. Try to use at least two of these words: reluctant, candid, pragmatic, elated, refined, humble.
For you: TOEIC-SAMPLE
