Building Confidence
Instructions
Read the story below at your level. Then, study the key words and phrases. Later, use them in your conversations and writing this week.
Reading
Confidence is a big challenge for many young people. It is also hard for people in new jobs or new situations. You have to work hard to build confidence but it isn’t very complex. To start, look at what you can do now get some small wins. Then, do bigger challenges. If you can’t do something yet, that’s all right. You’re going to learn it.
For example, making a website might look really hard. So, start reading about website builders. When you are ready, try making a practice site. You’ll make mistakes but you will also gain experience and learn a lot. That will give you the confidence you need.
Flesch-Kinkead – Grade 3
Developing confidence is a major challenge for many young people. It is also a hurdle for adults entering new fields or new situations. Building confidence takes a little work but it isn’t complicated. Start by focussing on what you can do and get some small wins. Then, start taking on bigger challenges. If you can’t do something yet, that’s all right. You’re going to put in the work to learn it.
Designing a website is an example. It might seem overwhelming if you don’t have experience. So, start reading what website builders are out there. Once you have a little knowledge, you can try making a site to practice on. As you go, you’ll make mistakes, figure things out, and gain experience. You’ll also be more certain and that will give you the confidence you need.
Flesch-Kinkead – Grade 5
Developing confidence can pose a significant challenge for many young men and women. It can also be a hurdle for experienced adults entering new fields or dealing with unfamiliar situations. Though building confidence may take a bit of work, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Start off by focussing on what you can do and get some small wins. Then, start taking on bigger challenges. If you can’t do something yet, that’s all right because you’re going to put in the work to learn it.
Take designing a website as an example. It might seem daunting if you don’t have experience. So, start off by reading what options or platforms are available. Once you have a little knowledge, you can try making a site to practice on. As you go along, making mistakes, figuring things out, and gaining experience, you’ll also gain surety which will give you the confidence you need to excel.
Flesch-Kinkead – Grade 7
Key Terms
challenge – a difficult thing that usually has a reward
– I like finishing puzzles. They are nice challenges.
– This puzzle is very challenging. I love it.
situation – the place and condition you are in (often negative)
– I’m so busy. I worked thirty hours of overtime. I hope this situation ends soon.
– We have a situation at the office. Someone stole a company computer.
gain – get more of something
– I study hard to gain good language skills.
– Oh no. I gained ten kilos.
develop – to grow and mature
– I want to develop better programming skills.
– That neighborhood is developing quickly. It has lots of new shops and houses.
hurdle – a challenge to overcome
– In this race, runners have to jump over twenty hurdles.
– The language barrier is a hurdle, but I’m sure we can overcome it.
overwhelming – too much of something
– There are too many calls. I can’t answer them all. It’s overwhelming.
– My team won an overwhelming victory, 115 to 27.
field – an area of expertise or study
– Jobs in the medical field pay very well.
– Her field of study included biochemistry and genetics.
daunting – very difficult and a little scary
– The final test in this class is going to be daunting. I’m worried.
– I can’t climb that mountain. It’s too daunting.
surety – certainty / sure about something
A: I’m sure this project will be a success.
B: I wish I had your surety. I’m concerned.
