Vocabulary Passage

In a small yet affluent town nestled near an arable valley, there lived an audacious young leader named Arjun. Unlike the autocratic rulers before him, Arjun was known for his affable nature and deep affection for his people. He would never abstain from helping those in adversity, whether they faced misfortune or severe calamity.

However, not everyone admired him. His chief antagonist, a bitter and acerbic nobleman, felt a strong aversion toward Arjun’s popularity. This rival often tried to abuse and scorn him publicly, making absurd accusations to damage his reputation. Despite such atrocity in behavior, Arjun remained calm and did not let anger reach its apex.

Instead, he chose to assuage the tensions among the people. He would advocate unity and harmony, encouraging citizens to anticipate a brighter future rather than dwell on adverse circumstances. His palace, though not overly adorned, reflected simplicity rather than affectation or unnecessary show.

One day, a grave misunderstanding led to Arjun being falsely accused of wrongdoing. Many expected him to react in an adamant and defensive manner. But instead, he allowed the truth to appear naturally. Soon, evidence surfaced that completely absolved him of all blame, and the false ascription of guilt was removed.

His rival, overwhelmed by guilt, finally realized the error of his ways. Arjun, showing no bitterness, chose to forgive him, further strengthening the unity of the town. His leadership reached its zenith, becoming a model of wisdom, patience, and compassion.

Questions

#Comprehension

  1. Why was Arjun considered different from previous rulers?
  2. What caused the antagonist’s aversion toward Arjun?
  3. How did Arjun handle accusations against him?
  4. What role did adversity play in shaping Arjun’s character?
  5. Why did Arjun choose to assuage tensions instead of reacting harshly?

#Vocabulary

  1. Find a word that means “to calm or reduce anger.”
  2. Which word describes someone who is stubborn and unyielding?
  3. Identify the word that means “false attribution or assigning blame.”
  4. Which word means “extreme suffering or hardship”?
  5. Find a word that means “friendly and easy to talk to.”

Answers

#Comprehension Answers

  1. Arjun was affable and compassionate, unlike the autocratic rulers before him.
  2. The antagonist was jealous of Arjun’s popularity and success.
  3. Arjun stayed calm and allowed the truth to appear, which eventually absolved him.
  4. Adversity helped Arjun show his compassion and strength as a leader.
  5. He wanted to maintain peace and unity among the people.

#Vocabulary Answers

  1. Assuage
  2. Adamant
  3. Ascription
  4. Adversity / Calamity
  5. Affable

Word Meanings

  • Audacious – Bold, daring
  • Affluent – Wealthy, prosperous
  • Abstain – Refrain from doing something
  • Aversion – Strong dislike
  • Autocratic – Dictatorial
  • Atrocity – Brutality, violence
  • Appear – Seem
  • Abuse – Insult, scorn
  • Adorn – Decorate, beautify
  • Abundant – Plentiful
  • Anticipate – Expect or hope
  • Adverse – Unfavourable
  • Apex – Highest point
  • Absurd – Ridiculous
  • Adversity – Hardship, misfortune
  • Antagonist – Opponent
  • Absolve – Free from blame
  • Ascription – Attribution
  • Advocate – Support or encourage
  • Affection – Liking, fondness
  • Affectation – Show-off behavior
  • Assuage – Calm, reduce pain/anger
  • Adamant – Stubborn
  • Arable – Fertile
  • Acerbic – Bitter in tone
  • Affable – Friendly
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Last updated on 3/30/2026