Comprehension Exercise 6

How to Approach the Goal

Imarot Hossain Rocky (ENG 045 06345)

Goal means aim or destination for getting which a man should work hard. Without hard work, reaching the goal is impossible. Men should have steady mind, studious approach, self-confidence, seriousness, great passion, and also should have a proper guidance. Thus men can reach their destination. 

It is final that a man should have aim which is a part of our life. If someone does not have any aim his life is like ‘a boat without a rudder’. So think about it. Is there anybody in the world who wants to journey by a boat without a rudder? None can find out this kind of person.

A little boy had many dreams in his life. He wanted to become an officer. Gradually, he became an adult and changed his aim.  Do you know readers who am I talking about? I am not talking about any other person but me. When I was a student of class eight, I watched a program on television where a man delivered speech in English at a cricket tournament. Then something happened in my heart and I wondered how he spoke so spontaneously. Afterwards, I made up my mind that I have to be a good speaker like him. I began to study English but I failed in English subject again and again. I thought that I was not a perfect man to learn English. I went to my father and told him that I found English very hard. He told me, “Everything is hard but my son, you have to know how to make possible the impossible. Therefore, you must pursue your goal steadily. For approaching your goal, you have to work heart and soul.” He inspired me so much to go ahead and I did so. In this way, I passed my SSC examination and HSC but I could not speak English very well. Then I took decision that I must study in English in a university at any cost. Unfortunately, it did not happen because I was not eligible for my favorite subject and I knew that it needs at least six years to complete this course in national university.    

Therefore, I had to complete this course from any private university. Then I got myself admitted in a private university. In the first trimester, I could not achieve good result and could not speak English well. After finishing my midterm examination, I went to my home and met my father. He asked me about study especially my progress in English. I said not so well and I could not speak in front of the audience because of fear. He suggested me I should speak confidently in front of the audience, should think people sitting in front of me are nothing to me, and I am the best speaker among them. There is a proverb - “failure is the key to success.”  

I came back from my house with a new passion and started studying. I tried to speak in English always and my dream was only to become a spontaneous speaker. Gradually, I developed my speaking skill and at last I have become a good speaker.

When I said to my father that I can speak English well now, he told me people must reach their destination who have great passion to learn and are studious, steady minded, serious, self­­­­- confident, and guided well. And my father was my guide.                    

Answer the following questions.

1. What is the synonym of ‘steady’?

(a)Stop

(b)Slow

(c)Confident

(d)Motionless

2. Which one of the following best describes the meaning of ‘passion’?

(a)To desire for something

(b)To desire for nothing

(c)To run against something

(d)To influence other

3. ‘I was not a perfect man to learn English.’ Why did the speaker think like this?

(a)He did not have passion to learn.

(b)He did not necessary equipment.

(c)Because he was weak in English.

(d)He hesitated to learn.

4. Why did the speaker go to his father?

(a)For taking money

(b)Just for talking

(c)For taking suggestion

(d)To learn English

5. Why did the speaker admit himself in a private university?
6. What happens to the speaker at the end?
7. Was the speaker able to reach his goal? Why or why not?
8. Create an alternate title for this story. Give a specific reason for choosing the title.

 Question set prepared by Masudur Rahman (ENG 045 06315)

About the Author

Imarot Hossain Rocky is now studying in the Department of English at Stamford University. He’s doing his major in linguistics. He passed SSC from Pragpur High School and HSC from Police Line’s School & College, Kushtia. He loves to study Islamic History. He likes to eat so much that he has a saying about this, “I remain always hungry after eating or before eating.” He also likes to visit historical places. He doesn’t like conspiracy. He has a great passion to see Bangladesh as a perfect Muslim country before his death.