Reader 21
The Small Table
Mr. Kim and his daughter Hana went to a restaurant for lunch. A server seated them at a small table near the kitchen door. Every few minutes, workers walked past them carrying large trays. The kitchen door also opened and closed repeatedly.
Mr. Kim looked at the menu, but he kept moving his chair to make room for the workers. Hana noticed that he was having trouble concentrating.
“Something about this table doesn’t sit right with you, does it?” she asked.
Mr. Kim smiled a little. “I don’t want to complain, but this spot is distracting. I feel as though I’m in everyone’s way.”
When the server returned, he asked if everything was okay.
“The food sounds wonderful,” Hana said, “but would it be possible for us to move to a quieter table?”
The server looked around the dining area. Hoping to smooth things over, he said, “A table near the window should be available in a few minutes. I’ll prepare it for you.”
Soon, the server helped them move to the new table. It was larger and farther from the kitchen.
“Thank you,” Mr. Kim said. “That makes a big difference.”
Hana smiled. They opened their menus again and enjoyed a much quieter lunch.
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.
What does Hana notice about her father before he explains his discomfort? How do his actions help her understand that the table is affecting his experience?
How does Hana’s request communicate the problem while showing respect for the server? Explain why her wording makes it clear what would help them.
Mr. Kim says the new table “makes a big difference.” Which details explain why the change matters to him? Consider more than the size of the table.
LISTEN
Listen to the recording and respond in complete sentences.
What did the speaker say?
Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why?
