Learn Abstract Nouns With Short Story - The Gift of Courage

Do you know what Abstract nouns are?

They are words for ideas, feelings, and qualities — things you cannot touch or see, but you can feel or imagine.

Examples: love, courage, honesty, fear, happiness, friendship

In this blog, you’ll read an inspiring short story called “The Gift of Courage.”

It’s a story about friendship, fear, and bravery — and it’s a great way to learn abstract nouns in context.

🌷 The Gift of Courage – Short Story

Sofia had always been shy. She loved painting and dreamed of showing her art to the world, but fear stopped her.

Every time someone asked to see her work, she smiled and said, “Maybe next time.”

One day, her best friend Mia entered her name in a local art contest—without telling her.

When Sofia found out, her heart filled with anger, then worry, and finally doubt. “What if people laugh at me?” she whispered.

Mia looked at her gently. “You have talent, Sofia. Believe in yourself. You just need a little courage.”

For the next few days, Sofia painted every evening after work. She felt excitement but also nervousness.

On the day of the exhibition, she stood in front of her painting—hands shaking, heart racing.

When the judges announced the winners, Sofia didn’t win first place. But something special happened—people came to her and said her painting made them feel hope and peace.

That night, Mia smiled. “See? You gave them a gift—the gift of emotion.”

Sofia nodded. “And you gave me a gift too—the gift of courage.”

📘 What Are Abstract Nouns?

Abstract nouns are names of things we cannot touch physically. They describe feelings, ideas, or qualities.

Abstract Noun	Meaning
courage	bravery; strength to face fear
fear	feeling of being afraid
hope	feeling that good things will happen
peace	calmness; freedom from worry
talent	natural ability to do something well
anger	strong feeling of displeasure
worry	feeling of concern or anxiety
doubt	uncertainty; lack of confidence
excitement	feeling of happiness and anticipation
nervousness	feeling anxious or uneasy
emotion	a strong feeling like love, joy, or sadness
friendship	the bond between friends

✏️ Practice Exercises

A. Match the feelings to their definitions

1. Courage

2. Fear

3. Hope

4. Peace

5. Doubt

a. Being unsure about something

b. Calm and free from worry

c. Believing that something good will happen

d. Feeling scared or afraid

e. Being brave when something is difficult

B. Fill in the blanks with abstract nouns

1. Her heart was full of ______ when she stood on stage.

2. True ______ is doing something even when you’re scared.

3. The painting gave people a sense of ______ and calm.

4. Their ______ has lasted since childhood.

5. He felt deep ______ after telling the truth.

💬 Discussion Questions

1. What helped Sofia overcome her fear?

2. What emotions did Sofia experience in the story?

3. Which abstract nouns describe your personality?

🔑 Answer Key

✅  1–e, 2–d, 3–c, 4–b, 5–a

✅  fear, courage, peace, friendship, honesty

🪄 Teacher’s Tip

👉 Use this story for a listening or reading lesson.

👉 Highlight all abstract nouns in different colours.

👉 Ask students to write a short paragraph using three abstract nouns about their own life.

📎 Free Printable Worksheet

Click below to download the free PDF worksheet for classroom or self-study use.

🎥 Related Videos: YouTube Channel Playlist

🔗Learn Grammar Through Engaging Stories https://tinyurl.com/bvwvckfu

🔗Quick and Easy Vocabulary https://tinyurl.com/44chnrb9

🔗Learn Vocabulary Through Fun Stories https://tinyurl.com/567brdfr

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Happy learning! 🌟