Directions: Read the texts and choose the correct answer to each question.
2. The Final Challenge
Ethan had always been an overachiever. At 18, he was in his final year at a prestigious boarding school in Surrey, where he excelled in both academics and sports. He was the captain of the rugby team, president of the debating society, and top of his class in nearly every subject. Everyone expected great things from Ethan, including himself.
However, as his final exams approached, Ethan began to feel an unfamiliar pressure. The weight of expectations—his parents’, his teachers’, and his own—was becoming overwhelming. His sleep was restless, and during the day, he found it hard to focus, a sharp contrast to his usual sharpness and determination.
One evening, after an intense rugby practice, Ethan’s coach, Mr. Harris, pulled him aside. “Ethan, you’ve been off your game lately,” Mr. Harris said, his voice filled with concern. “What’s going on?”
Ethan hesitated before answering. “I don’t know, Coach. It’s just... everything feels like it’s too much. The exams, the university applications, the pressure to perform. I’m trying, but I feel like I’m losing control.”
Mr. Harris nodded, his expression softening. “You know, Ethan, it’s okay to feel this way. The important thing is not to bottle it up. Sometimes, taking a step back and gaining perspective can help.”
That night, Ethan couldn’t stop thinking about his coach’s words. He had always been the one to push through difficulties without complaint, but now, he felt as though he was standing on the edge of a cliff, and one wrong step could send him over.
The next day, Ethan decided to take Mr. Harris’s advice. He took a break from his rigorous schedule and spent the weekend at home with his family. For the first time in months, he allowed himself to relax—no studying, no rugby, no responsibilities.
During a walk in the nearby woods, Ethan’s father, a successful lawyer who had always been a source of inspiration for Ethan, noticed the change in his son. “You seem more at ease today, Ethan,” his father said as they strolled along the wooded path.
Ethan took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air fill his lungs. “I’ve been struggling, Dad. The pressure of everything is getting to me, and I’m not sure how to handle it.”
His father stopped and turned to face him. “Ethan, I’ve always admired your drive and determination, but you need to remember that life isn’t just about achievements. It’s about balance. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.”
Those words struck a chord with Ethan. He realized that he had been so focused on succeeding that he had forgotten to take care of himself. The weekend spent with his family gave him the clarity he needed to face his challenges with a new perspective.
When Ethan returned to school, he felt different. The pressure was still there, but it no longer felt insurmountable. He restructured his study schedule, allowing time for breaks and relaxation, and he sought support from his friends and teachers rather than trying to manage everything on his own.
In the end, Ethan performed exceptionally well in his exams and received offers from several top universities. But more importantly, he learned that success is not just about reaching goals; it’s also about knowing when to step back and take care of your mental and emotional well-being.