Reading Competition

1. The wind howled through the trees as Farhan walked home. Suddenly, he heard footsteps behind him. “Who’s there?” he called, turning quickly. No one answered. He gripped his phone tighter. “Relax, it’s probably just a squirrel,” he muttered, though he didn’t believe it. Still, he quickened his pace, glancing over his shoulder now and then.

2. Nina stared at the broken vase on the floor. “Oh no, Mom’s going to be so mad,” she whispered. Her younger brother peeked in and said, “It wasn’t me!” Nina sighed. “We’ll have to tell her the truth,” she decided. They sat quietly, waiting for their mother to return, rehearsing the words they’d say together.

3. Rain poured as Ardi waited at the bus stop, his clothes soaked. A stranger offered him an umbrella. “You look cold. Take this,” she said. Ardi hesitated. “Are you sure?” She nodded. “I live nearby.” He took it with gratitude. “Thank you so much,” he said, surprised by her kindness on such a gloomy day.

4. Sarah flipped through the old photo album, smiling. “Look at this one,” she said, pointing. Her grandmother laughed. “That was your first birthday. You cried when the cake arrived!” Sarah chuckled. “Some things never change—I still don’t like too much attention.” They spent the afternoon reminiscing, each photo sparking stories filled with laughter and memories

5. Kevin stood at the edge of the diving board, trembling. Below, the pool looked much deeper than before. “Come on, you can do it!” his friend shouted. Kevin took a deep breath. “Okay… one, two, three!” He jumped, splashing into the water. When he surfaced, he laughed. “That wasn’t so bad after all!”

6. Tono sat on the bench, watching the sky turn orange. His sister came over and asked, “What are you thinking about?” Tono smiled a little. “Just... how fast time flies.” She sat beside him. “Yeah, feels like yesterday we were kids.” Tono nodded. “Now look at us—almost grown up.” They sat there in quiet peace.

7. In the middle of the night, Ana woke up to the sound of thunder. “That was loud,” she whispered, pulling the blanket closer. The rain hit the windows hard. Her little brother knocked and said, “Can I sleep here?” Ana nodded. “Come in,” she said softly. He climbed into bed, and they fell asleep listening to the storm.

8. Raka entered the classroom late. The teacher looked at him and asked, “Why are you late again?” Raka scratched his head. “Sorry, I missed the bus.” The teacher sighed. “Try to be on time tomorrow.” Raka nodded. “I will.” He sat down quietly and opened his notebook, hoping not to get any more attention.

9. Santi opened the gift box and gasped. “Oh wow, it’s beautiful!” she said, holding up the necklace. Her friend smiled. “I knew you’d like it.” Santi looked closer. “It even has my name on it.” She hugged her friend. “Thank you so much!” The room filled with laughter as they celebrated her birthday together.

10. The alarm didn’t go off, and Fajar woke up late. “Oh no!” he shouted, jumping out of bed. His mom knocked. “You’re still here?” He grabbed his bag. “I overslept!” he yelled, rushing to the door. “Don’t forget your lunch!” she called. “Got it!” he replied, running down the street, hoping to catch the bus.

11. Ilham waited nervously outside the principal’s office. A teacher passed by and asked, “Are you alright?” Ilham nodded. “Just a little scared,” he admitted. The teacher smiled. “You’ll be fine. Just be honest.” A moment later, the door opened. “Come in,” the principal said. Ilham stood up, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.

12. During lunch break, Vina spilled juice on her white shirt. “Oh no, not again,” she groaned. Her friend handed her tissues. “Quick, wipe it before it dries.” Vina tried cleaning the stain. “It’s not working,” she sighed. “Don’t worry, I have a jacket you can borrow,” her friend said. Vina smiled. “You’re a lifesaver!”

13. Adit looked at the map and frowned. “I think we’re lost,” he said. His cousin pointed ahead. “Let’s just follow that trail.” Adit hesitated. “Are you sure it leads back?” His cousin shrugged. “Only one way to find out.” Adit laughed nervously. “This better not turn into a movie scene.” They started walking again.

14. Nina opened her math book and stared at the problem. “How is this even possible?” she muttered. Her brother walked by and asked, “Need help?” Nina nodded. “Yes, please! This question is driving me crazy.” He sat beside her. “Let’s solve it step by step.” Nina smiled. “Thanks! I really need a math hero right now.”

15. While waiting at the airport, Fikri looked out the window. “That’s our plane, right?” he asked his dad. His dad nodded. “It should be boarding soon.” Fikri checked the clock. “I hope it’s not delayed.” A voice came from the speaker. “Flight 214 is now boarding.” Fikri stood up. “Finally! Let’s go, Dad.”

16. Joko stared at the menu for a long time. The waiter came over and asked, “Ready to order?” Joko shook his head. “Too many choices,” he said. His friend laughed. “Just pick the one with the picture.” Joko smiled. “Good idea. I’ll take this one.” The waiter nodded. “Great choice.” They both laughed and relaxed.

17. The power suddenly went out, and the room turned dark. “Whoa!” shouted Rani. Her sister lit a candle. “Don’t panic. It’s just a blackout.” Rani whispered, “It feels creepy.” Her sister smiled. “Let’s tell ghost stories.” Rani shook her head. “No thanks!” she said. They sat close together, waiting for the lights to return.

18. Hadi stood in front of the class, holding his notes. “You can do it,” his teacher whispered. Hadi cleared his throat. “Good morning, everyone. Today I will talk about volcanoes.” His voice trembled, but he continued. After the presentation, his friend said, “You did great!” Hadi smiled. “Thanks. I was so nervous.”

19. Alya tried to take a photo of the sunset, but her phone battery died. “Nooo,” she groaned. Her brother laughed. “You always forget to charge it.” Alya sighed. “It was the perfect moment.” He handed her his phone. “Use mine.” She smiled. “Really? Thanks!” They stood together, watching the colors fade behind the hills.

20. Bayu ran to the store just before it closed. “Wait! Please don’t lock the door,” he called. The shopkeeper smiled. “You made it just in time.” Bayu caught his breath. “I need some milk.” He grabbed a bottle and paid. “Thanks for staying open,” he said. “No problem,” replied the shopkeeper. “Have a good night.”

21. Tari opened her locker and found a small note inside. “What’s this?” she wondered. She read it quietly: You did great in the debate! Her friend walked by. “Did you get one too?” she asked. Tari smiled. “I think it’s from the teacher.” They both laughed. “Nice way to start the day,” Tari said.

22. It started to rain while Dimas was biking home. “Great... no jacket,” he sighed. He stopped under a tree. A man nearby said, “There’s a shelter just ahead.” Dimas smiled. “Thanks, I’ll go there.” As he pedaled again, the rain got heavier. “I’m gonna be soaked,” he muttered, but kept riding through the storm.

23. At the zoo, Nadia pointed at the giraffe. “It’s so tall!” she said. Her cousin laughed. “Taller than your house!” Nadia nodded. “I wonder what it eats.” A guide nearby said, “They love leaves and fruits.” Nadia smiled. “That’s so cool.” They watched the giraffe eat, amazed by its long neck and slow movements.

24. Reno looked at the broken toy in his hands. “Can you fix it, Dad?” he asked. His father took it gently. “I’ll try.” Reno watched closely. “It’s my favorite one,” he added. His dad smiled. “Then I’ll do my best.” After a few minutes, it was working again. “You’re the best!” Reno shouted happily.

25. The teacher handed back the test papers. Lisa looked at her score. “Eighty-five?” she said aloud. Her friend leaned over. “Not bad!” Lisa smiled. “I studied hard for this one.” The teacher walked by and said, “Good job, Lisa. Keep it up.” Lisa nodded. “Thank you!” She felt proud and more confident than before.

26. Fira tried a new recipe for cookies. Her brother walked into the kitchen. “What’s that smell?” he asked. “It’s my first try,” Fira said nervously. He took a bite. “Wow, not bad!” Fira laughed. “Really?” He nodded. “You could sell these!” She blushed. “Let’s not go that far... yet.” But she felt proud inside.

27. In the park, Hasan saw a child crying alone. “Are you okay?” he asked gently. The boy sniffed. “I can’t find my mom.” Hasan knelt beside him. “Let’s ask for help.” They went to the guard. “Don’t worry, we’ll find her,” the guard said. Moments later, the mother came running. “Thank you,” she said, hugging her son.

28. The school bell rang, and everyone rushed outside. Tia stayed behind to clean her desk. Her friend asked, “Aren’t you coming?” Tia shook her head. “I like to take my time.” Her friend smiled. “You’re so different.” Tia laughed. “Maybe, but it’s peaceful.” They walked out together, the hallway quiet behind them.

29. Wawan practiced guitar in his room. His sister knocked. “Can you stop for a minute?” she asked. “I have a video call.” Wawan paused. “Okay, five minutes break.” She smiled. “Thanks, you're the best.” Wawan sat on his bed, strumming softly. “I really need soundproof walls,” he muttered, grinning to himself.

30. Bella watched the stars from the balcony. Her dad joined her. “Thinking about something?” he asked. Bella nodded. “Just... life.” He smiled. “Big topic for a school night.” She laughed. “I guess my brain won’t sleep.” He put an arm around her. “The stars always help me think clearer.” Bella whispered, “Me too.”