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
What was Daniel good at?
What weakness did he have?
What did his grandfather ask him to do?
Why did Daniel forget his promise?
What happened to the apple tree?
What question did the grandfather ask?
How did Daniel change his habits?
What changes did other people notice?
Why did Daniel remember the apple tree years later?
What is the main lesson of the story?
B. True or False
Daniel disliked studying English.
His grandfather asked him to water a tree.
Daniel remembered every evening.
The grandfather became very angry.
Daniel became more responsible after the experience.
Vocabulary Practice
Match the words with their meanings.
reliability
responsibility
depend on
weak
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.
Daniel ______ his grandfather many times before.
(has helped / helped)Last Monday, he ______ to water the tree.
(promised / has promised)His teachers ______ a great change in him.
(noticed / have noticed)He ______ much more responsible since then.
(became / has become)His grandfather ______ home a few days later.
(returned / has returned)
B. Conditional Sentences (First Conditional)
Complete the sentences.
If you keep your promises, people ______ (trust) you.
If Daniel forgets his duties again, he ______ (learn) another lesson.
If we are responsible, others ______ (respect) us.
If you water a tree regularly, it ______ (grow).
If students study consistently, they ______ (improve).
Discussion
Discuss these questions with a partner.
Why is it important to keep promises?
Have you ever forgotten an important promise?
How do people earn trust?
Is it difficult to become more responsible? Why or why not?
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.
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