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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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)

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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."

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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?

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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.