Reader 08
The Missing Form
Daniel arrived at a community office with a folder in his hand. He needed to turn in an important form before the office closed. After waiting in line, he walked to the front desk and gave the folder to the receptionist, Ms. Carter.
Ms. Carter looked through the papers carefully. “This form isn’t complete,” she said.
Daniel frowned. “I filled everything out this morning. What did I miss?”
Ms. Carter turned the folder toward him and pointed to the bottom of the second page. “You answered all the questions, but this page still needs your signature.”
Daniel rubbed his forehead. “I must have looked right past it. I was in a hurry this morning.”
“That happens,” Ms. Carter said. She handed him a pen. “Let’s go over everything together before you leave.”
Daniel signed the page, and they checked the rest of the folder. Ms. Carter confirmed that everything was complete and accepted the form.
“Thank you for catching that,” Daniel said. “I would have had to come back tomorrow.”
Ms. Carter smiled. “I’m glad we noticed it before you left.”
Daniel placed his copy of the form in his folder and left the office feeling relieved.
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.
Daniel believes he has completed the form because he answered every question. How does Ms. Carter’s explanation reveal a difference between what he checked and what the office required?
Ms. Carter says, “That happens,” and offers to review the papers with Daniel. What do her words and actions suggest about her approach to helping people?
How does the approaching closing time affect the importance of finding the mistake? Explain why Daniel’s feelings change from the moment Ms. Carter identifies the problem to the moment he leaves.
LISTEN
Listen to the recording and respond in complete sentences.
What did the speaker say?
Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why?
