The Hidden Talent
Emma always thought of herself as an ordinary girl. She went to school, did her homework,
and spent time with her friends. However, there was something that made her di erent
from everyone else, though she didn’t realise it for a long time.
One day, during art class, the teacher asked everyone to draw their favourite place. Some
students drew their homes, while others drew the park or the beach. Emma felt unsure at
first but then closed her eyes and imagined the small forest behind her grandmother’s
house. She remembered the tall trees, the way sunlight shone through the leaves, and the
little stream that flowed beside the rocks. When she finished her drawing, her classmates
gathered around her desk. They were amazed.
“How did you make it look so real?” asked her friend Liam.
“I… I don’t know,” Emma said quietly.
Their teacher walked over, her eyes wide with surprise. “Emma, this is beautiful. Have you
ever taken art lessons?”
“No, ma’am,” Emma replied, shaking her head.
“That makes it even more special,” said the teacher. “You have a natural talent for drawing.
You should practise more and join the school art club.”
That afternoon, Emma went home feeling proud. She told her parents about what
happened. They were delighted and bought her sketchbooks and pencils that evening.
From then on, Emma spent time every day drawing di erent things she saw around her. She
soon realised that art was not just a talent – it was her way of seeing the world and sharing
her thoughts with others.
As weeks passed, Emma’s drawings improved greatly. She started experimenting with
watercolours and coloured pencils. One day, her art teacher announced that there would
be an inter-school art competition and encouraged Emma to take part. Emma felt nervous.
What if her drawings weren’t good enough? But her teacher and parents convinced her to
try.
On the day of the competition, Emma saw students from other schools carrying beautiful
paintings and professional art kits. She felt intimidated but reminded herself that she was
here to do her best. When she began drawing, she lost herself in her work. She drew a
scene of children playing under cherry blossom trees, with delicate pink petals falling like
snow.
When the judges walked past her, they stopped to observe her drawing closely. After an
hour, the winners were announced. Emma could not believe her ears when she heard her
name called for the first prize. She walked up to the stage, her hands shaking, as everyone
clapped for her. That day, Emma realised that believing in yourself is just as important as
having talent.
Questions:
1. Why did Emma think she was an ordinary girl?
2. What did Emma draw in art class and why was it special?
3. How did Emma’s parents support her after her teacher noticed her talent?
4. Why did Emma feel nervous about joining the competition?
5. Describe what Emma drew for the competition.
6. What did Emma learn at the end of the story?
7. Find a word in the passage that means “felt scared or lacked confidence”.
8. Why did the teacher suggest Emma should join the art club?
9. What do you think Emma will do in the future with her talent? (Answer in your own
words)
