step up

 step up

= to take action, increase effort, or assume responsibility, especially in a challenging situation

During the marathon, Mark stepped up his pace to win.

Mark stepped up to lead the new business venture.

Susan stepped up to organize a sports event at university. 

Susan stepped up her game in basketball practice.

To meet more people, Susan stepped up and joined clubs.

Some synonyms and antonyms for "step up":

Synonyms:

advance

increase

take charge

rise

Antonyms:

decline

withdraw

retreat

reduce

Question:

What does "step up" most likely mean?

A) Give up

B) Take responsibility

C) Move backward

D) Stop working

Reading comprehension

Mark, a successful businessman, decided to join a marathon to impress his girlfriend, Chloe. But Mark wasn’t a serious runner—he loved sports cars more than running shoes. Susan, a sporty university student, also signed up for the race.

At the start, Mark struggled to keep up. Seeing this, Susan shouted, “Mark, step up!” She then ran beside him, giving him funny tips like, “Imagine you’re chasing your sports car!”

During the marathon, Mark stepped up his pace to win. But just when he thought victory was near, his shoelace came undone, and he tripped over a squirrel named Speedy. Susan laughed and helped him get back on track. Thanks to Susan, Mark crossed the finish line first, with Chloe cheering wildly. Mark promised to buy Susan coffee every weekend as a thank-you!

 

01. What does "step up" mean in the story?

A) Slow down

B) Take action and increase effort

C) Sit down

D) Give up

02. How did Susan help Mark during the marathon?

A) By running faster and encouraging him

B) By tying his shoelace before the race

C) By driving him in a car

D) By distracting the squirrel