Reader 07
The Late Train
Four coworkers were traveling to another city for a training meeting. They planned to take the 8:15 train and arrive early enough to have breakfast near the meeting place. However, when they entered the station, they saw a long line at the ticket machine.
James looked at the station clock and said, “We’re cutting it close.”
“If we miss this train, the whole morning could get thrown off,” Mina replied. “The next train doesn’t leave for another hour.”
Omar checked the schedule on his phone while Kelly searched for another ticket machine. She found one near the other entrance, but several people were already waiting there too.
When the group finally reached the front of the line, an announcement came over the speaker. Their train would begin boarding in two minutes.
“We still have time if we move quickly,” Kelly said.
They bought their tickets and hurried toward the platform. As they reached the train, the doors opened. They stepped inside and found four seats together.
James sat down and took a deep breath. “That was too close for comfort.”
Mina smiled. “Next time, we should buy our tickets before we come to the station.”
Everyone agreed. They had made the train, but they did not want to begin another trip that way.
VOCABULARY
Write the words or expressions from the story that are new to you or that you want to review.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Share your thoughts. Use details from the story to support your answers.
How does the information about breakfast and the next train explain why the delay matters to the group? What could missing the 8:15 train change about their morning?
How do the coworkers respond to the time pressure in different ways? Compare two characters’ words or actions and explain what each contributes to the situation.
The group catches the train, but everyone agrees that they need to prepare differently next time. What does this suggest about how they judge the experience? Use details from the ending to explain.
LISTEN
Listen to the recording and respond in complete sentences.
What did the speaker say?
Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why?
