What is the main idea of the essay?

Making a clear decision about an unfinished task can free attention, whether the task is completed or released. (The essay locates relief in deciding rather than demanding completion of every task.)

Why does the shelf keep using attention?

The writer repeatedly remembers the missing part and displaced books. (The unfinished object prompts repeated thoughts about what remains to do.)

What does “released” mean here?

deliberately let go instead of completed (The essay contrasts completing some tasks with deciding to abandon others.)

What part was missing?

one bracket (The opening paragraph says one bracket was missing.)

The Unfinished Shelf: Level 1 Reading Comprehension Questions

An unfinished shelf leaned against my wall for months. Its boards were cut, but one bracket was missing. Each day, I noticed the gap and thought, “I should finish that.”

The shelf took no action, yet it used a little attention. I pictured the tool I needed and the books still on the floor. Small unfinished tasks can stay open in the mind like quiet questions.

One Saturday, I wrote down two choices: buy the bracket or give away the boards. The list felt kinder than another promise. I bought the part and finished the shelf.

Not every task must be completed. Some should be released. The relief came from making a decision, not only from driving the final screw.

Comprehension questions