Follow along while you listen.
Hello, and welcome to Orbit English. Today's story is called A Small Change. Listen to find out how one small change helps a busy student.
Maya is twenty years old. She studies at a college near the city centre. Every morning, she takes the bus at eight o'clock. But she often leaves home late. She runs to the bus stop, and sometimes she misses the bus.
On Monday, Maya arrives late for her first class. After class, her friend Ben asks, "What happened?" "I couldn't find my keys," Maya says. "Then I had to look for my notebook."
Ben smiles. "Why don't you keep everything in one place? I leave my bag by the front door every evening." Maya likes the idea. It sounds easy, so she decides to try it.
That evening, Maya puts her notebook and her keys in her bag. Then she puts the bag by the door. It takes only two minutes. In the morning, she doesn't have to look for anything. She has time to eat breakfast and walk to the bus stop.
On Wednesday, Maya wakes up late again. But her bag is ready. She gets dressed, takes her bag, and leaves. This time, she catches the bus. When she sees Ben, she says, "Your idea really helped. My mornings are easier now."
Maya didn't change everything in her life. She made one small change. She got ready the night before. Think about your day. Is there something you always look for? Where could you keep it?
Let's review two phrases. To miss the bus means to arrive too late to get on it. To get ready means to prepare yourself or your things. Maya gets ready before she goes to bed.
Now think about the story. What made Maya late on Monday? What did she put by the door? You can check your answers in the questions below. Thanks for listening. See you next time.
Comprehension questions
1. Why was Maya late for class on Monday?
A) She could not find her keys and notebook.
B) Her bus was broken.
C) She went to the wrong college.
2. What does Ben do every evening?
A) He calls Maya.
B) He puts his bag next to the front door.
C) He walks to the bus stop.
3. How long does Maya need to get her bag ready?
A) Twenty minutes.
B) Ten minutes.
C) Two minutes.
4. What happens on Wednesday?
A) Maya wakes up early.
B) Maya misses the bus again.
C) Maya wakes up late, but she catches the bus.
5. What does “miss the bus” mean?
A) Arrive too late to get on the bus.
B) Forget the name of the bus stop.
C) Leave a bag on the bus.
Answer key
1. A — She had to look for her keys and notebook before leaving home.
2. B — Ben keeps his bag next to the front door so it is ready in the morning.
3. C — The story says it takes only two minutes.
4. C — Her bag is ready, so she can leave quickly and catch the bus.
5. A — You miss a bus when it leaves before you can get on.