When Andre arrived at the hotel, the front desk worker smiled and asked for his name. Andre said, “I have a reservation for one room.” The worker typed for a moment and then frowned. “I see your reservation, but the room is not ready yet,” she said. Andre looked at his watch and said, “That throws off my plan. I have to meet my team in an hour.” The worker nodded and said, “Let me sort this out.”

She made a quick phone call and checked the screen again. “We can check you into a different room on the same floor,” she said. Andre looked relieved and answered, “That would work.” As she handed him the key card, she said, “Thank you for being patient while we fixed the problem.” Andre nodded because he understood the message behind her words.

SPEAK

Think about the phrases. Answer in complete sentences.

1. The worker said the room was “not ready yet.” What problem did Andre face?

2. Andre said, “That throws off my plan.” What did the delay affect?

3. The worker said, “Let me sort this out.” What did she try to do?

4. The worker said they could “check you into a different room.” What solution did she offer?

5. Andre said, “That would work.” What did he accept?

6. Which phrase shows that Andre’s schedule was affected?

7. Which phrase shows that the worker wanted to fix the problem?

8. Did the worker sound professional, careless, or defensive? Use the reading to support your answer.

LISTEN

Listen to your teacher’s statement and question. Then answer in complete sentences.

Teacher recording:

“I think the hotel worker responded well because she did not argue with Andre. She understood that the delay affected his plan and tried to find another room.”

1. What did the speaker say?

2. Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why?

WRITE

Write 5–7 sentences.

Choose two phrases from the reading. Explain what they mean and how they help show the problem and solution.

NOTES

throw off a plan

• What it means:
  To disturb, delay, or change a plan.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when one problem affects what someone planned to do.

• Why we use it:
  It shows that a delay or mistake has a wider effect.

• Example:
  The room delay threw off Andre’s plan.

sort this out

• What it means:
  To fix, organize, or solve a problem.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when something is confusing or not working correctly.

• Why we use it:
  It sounds calm and practical.

• Example:
  The worker tried to sort out the room problem.

check into

• What it means:
  To register at a hotel or enter a place officially as a guest.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase for hotels, flights, appointments, and sometimes events.

• Why we use it:
  It is common travel language.

• Example:
  Andre checked into a different room.

that would work

• What it means:
  That solution is acceptable.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when a plan, time, or solution is okay.

• Why we use it:
  It sounds natural and cooperative.

• Example:
  Andre said the different room would work.