The Strength of Keeping Your Word

Preface

People are remembered not only for what they know but also for what they do. One of the qualities that earns lasting respect is reliability—the habit of keeping one's promises. Whether we are students, teachers, friends, or family members, our words have value only when our actions support them. The following story shows how one simple promise changed a young person's life.

---

Main Text

The Strength of Keeping Your Word

Daniel was one of the brightest students in his class. He answered questions confidently, completed difficult exercises, and enjoyed helping his classmates. However, he had one habit that often disappointed people. He frequently promised to do things but forgot about them a few days later.

One Monday, his grandfather asked him to water a young apple tree while he was away visiting relatives.

"It only needs a few minutes each evening," his grandfather said.

Daniel smiled and replied, "Don't worry. I'll take care of it."

The first evening, Daniel remembered immediately. On the second evening, he almost forgot but watered the tree just before sunset. By the third day, he was busy playing football with his friends and completely forgot his promise.

Several days later, his grandfather returned home. The tree had not died, but its leaves looked dry and weak.

His grandfather said nothing for a moment. Then he quietly asked,

"Daniel, which is easier: making a promise or keeping one?"

Daniel lowered his head.

"Making one," he answered softly.

His grandfather nodded.

"Most people can make promises. The people others truly trust are those who keep them."

Those words stayed with Daniel for many years. From that day onward, whenever he agreed to do something, he wrote it in a small notebook and completed it before doing anything else.

Months later, his teachers noticed that he always finished his work on time. His friends knew they could depend on him, and his family trusted him with greater responsibilities.

Looking back, Daniel often smiled when he thought about the little apple tree. It had grown into a strong tree, just as his sense of responsibility had grown inside him.

---

Comprehension Questions

A. Answer the Questions

1. What was Daniel good at?

2. What weakness did he have?

3. What did his grandfather ask him to do?

4. Why did Daniel forget his promise?

5. What happened to the apple tree?

6. What question did the grandfather ask?

7. How did Daniel change his habits?

8. What changes did other people notice?

9. Why did Daniel remember the apple tree years later?

10. What is the main lesson of the story?

---

B. True or False

1. Daniel disliked studying English.

2. His grandfather asked him to water a tree.

3. Daniel remembered every evening.

4. The grandfather became very angry.

5. Daniel became more responsible after the experience.

---

Vocabulary Practice

Match the words with their meanings.

1. reliability

2. responsibility

3. depend on

4. weak

5. promise

a. something you say you will do

b. not strong

c. to trust someone to do what is expected

d. the quality of being dependable

e. the duty to take care of something

---

Grammar Practice

A. Present Perfect or Simple Past

Choose the correct answer.

1. Daniel ______ his grandfather many times before.
   (has helped / helped)

2. Last Monday, he ______ to water the tree.
   (promised / has promised)

3. His teachers ______ a great change in him.
   (noticed / have noticed)

4. He ______ much more responsible since then.
   (became / has become)

5. His grandfather ______ home a few days later.
   (returned / has returned)

---

B. Conditional Sentences (First Conditional)

Complete the sentences.

1. If you keep your promises, people ______ (trust) you.

2. If Daniel forgets his duties again, he ______ (learn) another lesson.

3. If we are responsible, others ______ (respect) us.

4. If you water a tree regularly, it ______ (grow).

5. If students study consistently, they ______ (improve).

---

Discussion

Discuss these questions with a partner.

1. Why is it important to keep promises?

2. Have you ever forgotten an important promise?

3. How do people earn trust?

4. Is it difficult to become more responsible? Why or why not?

5. What small promise can you make to yourself this week?

---

Writing Task

A Promise I Will Keep

Write 150–180 words.

Include:

• A promise you have made or want to make.

• Why it is important.

• What difficulties you may face.

• How you plan to keep your promise.

• What you hope to achieve.

Try to use:

• at least three linking words (however, therefore, although, finally, because);

• two examples;

• at least two first conditional sentences.

 

The Empty Bench

Preface

In every school there are places that become special because of the memories they hold. A classroom, a library, or even a simple bench in the schoolyard can remind us of friendship, kindness, and important life lessons. Sometimes the greatest teachers are not found only in books but also in everyday experiences. As you read the story, think about this question:

How can one person's actions influence many others?

---

Main Text

The Empty Bench

Every morning, before the first lesson began, an elderly man sat on the same wooden bench outside the school. He greeted every student with a smile and wished each of them a good day. Some students smiled back, while others hurried past without paying much attention.

No one knew very much about him. The teachers simply called him "Grandfather Niko." He never interrupted classes or spoke loudly. Instead, he quietly watched students arrive and leave each day.

One rainy morning, the bench was empty.

The students noticed it immediately.

"Where is Grandfather Niko?" one girl asked.

The headteacher explained that he had become ill and was resting at home.

During the following weeks, something unexpected happened. Students who had rarely spoken to one another began greeting each other every morning. Some helped younger children carry their schoolbags. Others picked up litter from the playground without being asked.

One teacher smiled and said, "Perhaps Grandfather Niko has taught his greatest lesson without entering a classroom."

A month later, the old man returned.

As he approached the school, dozens of students welcomed him with applause. They told him how much they had missed his cheerful greeting.

Grandfather Niko looked around and noticed the clean playground, the smiling faces, and the friendly atmosphere.

"It seems," he said quietly, "that the bench was never important. What mattered was the kindness that began there."

From that day onward, the students understood that kindness is like a light. When one person shares it, many others begin to shine as well.

---

Comprehension Questions

A. Answer the Questions

1. Where did Grandfather Niko sit every morning?

2. How did he greet the students?

3. Why was the bench empty one morning?

4. What changes did the students make while he was away?

5. What did one teacher say about Grandfather Niko?

6. How did the students welcome him back?

7. According to Grandfather Niko, what was more important than the bench?

8. What is the main message of the story?

B. True or False

1. Grandfather Niko taught English classes.

2. He greeted students every morning.

3. The students ignored his absence.

4. The playground became cleaner while he was away.

5. Kindness inspired other acts of kindness.

---

Vocabulary Practice

Match the words with their meanings.

1. greeted

2. interrupted

3. atmosphere

4. applause

5. inspired

a. clapping to show appreciation

b. welcomed someone

c. encouraged someone to act

d. the feeling or mood in a place

e. stopped something while it was happening

---

Grammar Practice

A. Past Simple and Past Continuous

Choose the correct form.

1. Grandfather Niko ______ (sat / was sitting) on the bench every morning.

2. The students ______ (were arriving / arrived) when he greeted them.

3. It ______ (was raining / rained) when the bench was empty.

4. The children ______ (helped / were helping) younger students during his absence.

5. Everyone ______ (clapped / was clapping) when he returned.

B. Passive Voice

Rewrite the sentences in the passive voice.

1. The students cleaned the playground.

2. The teachers welcomed Grandfather Niko.

3. The children carried the schoolbags.

4. Someone repaired the old bench.

5. The students remembered his kindness.

---

Discussion

Discuss these questions with a partner.

1. Why do small acts of kindness matter?

2. Can one person change the atmosphere of a school?

3. Who has inspired you through simple actions?

4. What act of kindness could you do this week?

---

Writing Task

A Person Who Made a Difference

Write 150–180 words about someone who has influenced your life.

Include:

• Who the person is.

• What he or she did.

• How that person influenced you.

• What lesson you learned.

Try to use:

• at least two examples of the Past Continuous;

• one passive sentence;

• three linking words (however, therefore, although, meanwhile, finally).

 

The Lamp in the Window

Level: B1–B2
Theme: Kindness, Responsibility, Community, Hope
Skills: Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar, Speaking, Writing

---

Preface

In life, we often admire people who achieve great things.

However, some of the most important people are those who quietly help others without expecting praise, rewards, or recognition.

Their actions may seem small, but they can change lives.

As you read this story, think about the following question:

Can a small act of kindness have a lasting impact?

---

Main Text

The Lamp in the Window

Many years ago, in a small village surrounded by hills, there lived an elderly woman named Elira.

Her house stood at the edge of the village, near a narrow road that crossed the countryside.

Every evening, just before sunset, Elira placed an oil lamp in her front window.

The warm light could be seen from far away.

People often wondered why she did this.

After all, electricity had already arrived in the village, and most families used electric lights inside their homes.

One autumn evening, a young traveller arrived after dark.

He had lost his way and was unable to find the village road.

The night was cold, and thick clouds covered the moon.

As he searched for the correct path, he noticed a small light shining in the distance.

He followed it.

Eventually, he reached Elira’s house.

The woman welcomed him warmly and offered him food and tea.

Before leaving the next morning, the traveller thanked her.

“That lamp saved me last night,” he said.

Elira smiled.

“My father taught me to place it there,” she replied.

“He believed that somebody might need it one day.”

Years passed.

The traveller became a successful businessman.

Although he lived far away, he never forgot the woman and her lamp.

One winter, he returned to the village.

To his sadness, he learned that Elira had passed away.

However, he also noticed something unusual.

Many houses now had lamps in their windows.

When he asked why, an old neighbour explained:

“Elira's light helped many people through the years. After she died, we decided to continue her tradition.”

The traveller looked around.

Dozens of small lights shone across the village.

At that moment, he understood an important truth:

A good deed does not end when the person who started it is gone.

Sometimes it continues to shine through others.

---

Vocabulary

Word	Meaning
surrounded	having something all around
traveller	a person who is travelling
narrow	not wide
path	a route or way
welcomed	received kindly
successful	achieving desired results
tradition	a custom passed from one generation to another
deed	an action

---

Comprehension Questions

A. Answer in complete sentences.

1. Where did Elira live?
2. What did she place in her window every evening?
3. Why did the traveller follow the light?
4. How did Elira help him?
5. What lesson had Elira learned from her father?
6. What happened after Elira died?
7. Why did other villagers place lamps in their windows?
8. What is the main message of the story?

---

B. True or False

1. Elira lived in a large city.
2. The traveller was lost at night.
3. Elira refused to help him.
4. The traveller forgot about Elira.
5. The villagers continued her tradition.

---

Grammar Practice

Passive Voice

Rewrite the sentences in the passive voice.

1. Elira placed the lamp in the window.
2. The light guided the traveller.
3. The villagers continued the tradition.
4. People remembered Elira's kindness.
5. The businessman visited the village.

---

Relative Clauses

Combine the sentences.

Example:

Elira lived in a house. The house stood near the road.
→ Elira lived in a house which stood near the road.

1. The traveller met a woman. The woman helped him.
2. He followed a light. The light was shining in the distance.
3. The village had many houses. The houses displayed lamps.
4. Elira taught a lesson. The lesson inspired the villagers.
5. The neighbour explained the tradition. The neighbour had known Elira for years.

---

Discussion

1. Why do small acts of kindness matter?
2. Have you ever received help from a stranger?
3. Can one person influence an entire community?
4. What traditions in your town should be preserved?

---

Writing Task

180–220 words

“A Light for Others”

Write about a person whose actions helped others in a meaningful way.

Include:

• At least two passive voice sentences
• At least two relative clauses
• At least three linking words (however, therefore, although, moreover, nevertheless)

 

The Bridge of Trust

Preface

Every day, people depend on one another. Families, friends, teachers, students, and neighbors all build relationships through trust. Trust is not created in a single moment; it grows slowly through honesty, responsibility, and kindness. The following story shows how trust can be built and how easily it can be lost.

---

Main Text

The Bridge of Trust

In a small town near a beautiful lake, there lived a boy named Ardit. He was intelligent and friendly, but he had one weakness: he often made promises that he did not keep.

One day, Ardit borrowed a book from his teacher. He promised to return it within a week. However, he forgot about it and left it at a friend's house. When the teacher asked for the book, Ardit invented an excuse instead of telling the truth.

A few days later, he found the book and returned it. Although the teacher accepted the book, she was disappointed because Ardit had not been honest.

Months passed. Ardit began to realize that people were becoming less willing to rely on him. His friends hesitated when he offered help. Even his younger brother preferred to ask someone else for advice.

One afternoon, Ardit spoke with his grandfather, who listened carefully to his concerns.

"Trust is like a bridge," his grandfather explained. "Every honest action adds a strong stone to the bridge. Every lie removes one. If too many stones disappear, the bridge becomes unsafe."

The words remained in Ardit's mind. From that day forward, he decided to be truthful, even when it was difficult. When he made mistakes, he admitted them. When he gave his word, he kept it.

Slowly, people noticed the change. His friends began to trust him again. His teacher praised his honesty, and his brother started asking for his advice.

Years later, Ardit remembered his grandfather's lesson. He understood that trust, once damaged, can be repaired, but only through patience and consistent effort.

---

Comprehension Questions

Answer the Questions

1. What weakness did Ardit have?

2. What did he borrow from his teacher?

3. Why was the teacher disappointed?

4. What change did Ardit notice in his relationships?

5. Who gave him advice?

6. What did the grandfather compare trust to?

7. What happened when Ardit became more honest?

8. What lesson did Ardit learn?

True or False

1. Ardit always kept his promises.

2. He lost the borrowed book permanently.

3. The teacher was pleased with his excuse.

4. Ardit's grandfather compared trust to a bridge.

5. Trust can be repaired through effort and patience.

---

Vocabulary Practice

Match the words with their meanings.

1. honest

2. rely on

3. hesitate

4. consistent

5. effort

a. hard work
b. dependable and regular
c. to depend on someone
d. truthful
e. to pause because of uncertainty

---

Grammar Practice

Present Perfect or Simple Past

Choose the correct answer.

1. Ardit ______ the book last month.
   (borrowed / has borrowed)

2. He ______ many important lessons since then.
   (learned / has learned)

3. His grandfather ______ him valuable advice.
   (gave / has given)

4. People ______ him more in recent years.
   (trusted / have trusted)

5. He ______ to become more responsible.
   (decided / has decided)

---

Reported Speech

Rewrite the sentences in reported speech.

1. Grandfather said, "Trust is like a bridge."

2. Ardit said, "I will be more honest."

3. The teacher said, "You must tell the truth."

4. His friend said, "I trust you."

5. Ardit said, "I made a mistake."

---

Discussion

1. Why is trust important?

2. Is it easy to regain trust after losing it?

3. Have you ever broken a promise?

4. What qualities make a person trustworthy?

---

Writing Task

Write 120–150 words on the topic:

"A Time When Honesty Was Important"

Include:

• What happened

• Why honesty mattered

• How people reacted

• What you learned from the experience

Use clear paragraphs and suitable linking words.

 

The Garden That Taught a Lesson

Preface

Many people think a garden is simply a place where flowers and vegetables grow. However, a garden can also teach us important lessons about patience, responsibility, and respect for nature. The following text tells the story of a teacher who discovered that a small garden could become a classroom without walls.

---

Main Text

The Garden That Taught a Lesson

For many years, Mr. Naf taught English to children in a small town. His classroom was full of books, maps, and posters, but he often felt that his students learned best when they could connect their lessons with real life.

One spring, he decided to create a small garden beside the school. The students helped him prepare the soil, plant seeds, and water the young plants. At first, some of them complained because the work seemed slow and difficult. They expected to see flowers and vegetables immediately.

Days passed, and nothing appeared above the ground. A few students began to lose interest. Nevertheless, Mr. Naf encouraged them to continue caring for the garden. He explained that many worthwhile things require patience.

Several weeks later, the first green shoots appeared. The students were excited. They measured the plants, kept records, and even wrote short reports about their observations. The garden became part of their science, mathematics, and English lessons.

As the months went by, the students learned much more than gardening. They learned that success often comes from consistent effort rather than luck. They discovered that every plant depended on water, sunlight, and care. Most importantly, they realised that nature rewards those who respect it.

By the end of summer, the garden was full of colourful flowers and healthy vegetables. The students proudly showed their work to their families. Many of them later said that the garden had taught them one of the most valuable lessons of all: good things grow slowly, but they are worth waiting for.

---

Comprehension Questions

A. Answer the Questions

1. What did Mr. Naf teach?

2. Why did he decide to create a garden?

3. How did the students help at the beginning?

4. Why did some students complain?

5. What happened after several weeks?

6. How did the garden become part of different subjects?

7. What lesson did the students learn about success?

8. What was the most valuable lesson mentioned in the text?

B. True or False

1. The students immediately saw flowers growing.

2. Some students lost interest after a few days.

3. The garden was used only for science lessons.

4. The students kept records of their observations.

5. The garden was unsuccessful by the end of summer.

---

Vocabulary Practice

Match the words with their meanings.

1. worthwhile

2. consistent

3. observation

4. patience

5. reward

a. careful watching
b. something valuable or useful
c. regular and steady
d. the ability to wait calmly
e. something received for good work

---

Grammar Practice

Present Perfect vs. Simple Past

Choose the correct form.

1. The students ______ (plant / planted) the seeds last spring.

2. Mr. Hoxha ______ (has taught / taught) English for many years.

3. The plants ______ (have grown / grew) a lot since May.

4. They ______ (measured / have measured) the plants yesterday.

5. The students ______ (have learned / learned) many lessons from the garden.

Passive Voice

Rewrite the sentences in the passive voice.

1. The students planted the seeds.

2. Mr. Naf created the garden.

3. The children watered the plants.

4. The families admired the garden.

5. The students wrote reports.

---

Discussion

Discuss with a partner:

1. Have you ever grown a plant?

2. What qualities are necessary for success?

3. Can nature teach people important lessons? Why?

4. What would you plant in a school garden?

---

Writing Task

Write 120–150 words on the following topic:

"A Lesson I Learned Outside the Classroom."

Describe:

• where it happened,

• what happened,

• what you learned,

• why you still remember it today.

Use clear paragraphs and give specific examples.

Small steps

 

The Value of Small Steps

Preface

Many people dream of achieving great things in life. They want to learn a language, build a successful career, improve their health, or master a new skill. However, large goals often seem difficult and distant. Successful people understand an important secret: great achievements usually begin with small daily actions. The following text illustrates how persistence and patience can lead to remarkable results.

---

Main Text

The Value of Small Steps

When people look at a tall tree, they rarely think about its beginning. Yet every giant tree once started as a tiny seed hidden beneath the soil.

A young man named Adrian learned this lesson when he decided to improve his English. At first, he was enthusiastic and spent several hours studying every day. However, after a few weeks, he became tired and discouraged. He felt that his progress was too slow.

One evening, while walking through a nearby park, Adrian noticed an elderly gardener watering young plants. Curious, he stopped and asked the man how long it would take for the small trees to become large and strong.

The gardener smiled and replied, "Many years. Growth is slow, but every day matters."

The answer stayed in Adrian's mind. He realized that he had been focusing too much on immediate results instead of consistent effort. From that day forward, he changed his approach. Rather than studying for several hours occasionally, he studied for thirty minutes every day.

Months passed. His vocabulary expanded, his pronunciation improved, and he became more confident when speaking English. Although the daily improvement was often difficult to notice, the overall progress was remarkable.

Several years later, Adrian looked back and understood what the gardener had meant. Success is rarely the result of one extraordinary effort. More often, it is the result of many small steps repeated consistently over time.

Today, whenever Adrian faces a difficult challenge, he remembers the young trees in the park and the lesson they taught him: small steps, taken every day, can eventually lead to extraordinary destinations.

---

Comprehension Questions

A. Answer the Questions

1. What comparison is made in the first paragraph?

2. What did Adrian want to improve?

3. Why did he become discouraged?

4. Whom did Adrian meet in the park?

5. What was the gardener doing?

6. What advice did the gardener give?

7. How did Adrian change his study habits?

8. What improvements did Adrian notice?

9. What lesson did he learn about success?

10. What does he remember when facing challenges today?

---

B. True or False

1. Adrian wanted to improve his mathematics.

2. He was satisfied with his progress at the beginning.

3. The gardener was planting flowers.

4. Adrian later studied a little every day.

5. The story suggests that success often comes from consistency.

---

Vocabulary Practice

Match the words with their meanings.

Word	Meaning
1. discouraged	a. unusual and impressive
2. consistent	b. losing confidence or hope
3. remarkable	c. regular and dependable
4. approach	d. a method or way of doing something
5. eventually	e. after a period of time

---

Grammar Practice

Present Perfect vs. Simple Past

Choose the correct answer.

1. Adrian ______ English for several years.
   (studied / has studied)

2. He ______ the gardener in the park one evening.
   (met / has met)

3. His vocabulary ______ greatly since then.
   (improved / has improved)

4. The gardener ______ him valuable advice.
   (gave / has given)

5. Adrian ______ more confident recently.
   (became / has become)

---

Relative Clauses

Combine the sentences using who, which, or that.

1. Adrian met a gardener. The gardener gave him advice.

2. The trees were small. The trees would become strong.

3. He followed a method. The method improved his English.

4. The lesson was valuable. The lesson changed his attitude.

5. He met a man. The man worked in the park.

---

Discussion

Discuss the following questions with a partner:

1. Do you agree that small daily actions are important?

2. What skill would you like to improve?

3. Have you ever achieved something through patience and persistence?

4. Why do people sometimes give up too quickly?

5. What is one small step you can take today toward a future goal?

---

Writing Task

A Goal I Achieved Through Persistence

Write 150–180 words about a goal that you achieved or hope to achieve.

Include:

• What the goal was or is.

• Why it is important to you.

• The difficulties you faced.

• The small steps you took or plan to take.

• What you learned from the experience.

Use clear paragraphs and appropriate linking words such as:
first, however, therefore, because, although, finally, and as a result.

93/100 idioms to learn during this semester

 93. Just what the doctor ordered

1. Meaning: exactly what someone needs.
   Example: A quiet weekend was just what the doctor ordered.
   Albanian: pikërisht ajo që duhej.