At the bus station, four travelers waited near the luggage area. Carmen reached for her suitcase, but it was not there. Her brother Luis said, “Don’t panic. Let’s track it down.” A station worker walked over and asked for the luggage tag. Carmen handed it to him and said, “I held on to this because I thought I might need it.” The worker nodded and checked the number.

Another traveler pointed to a suitcase near the far bench and said, “Is that yours?” Carmen walked over and saw her blue ribbon on the handle. Luis said, “It must have been moved by mistake.” Carmen picked it up and said, “I’m glad we didn’t jump to conclusions.” The station worker smiled because he understood the message behind her words.

SPEAK

Think about the phrases. Answer in complete sentences.

1. Luis said, “Let’s track it down.” What were they trying to find?

2. Carmen said she “held on to” the luggage tag. Why was the tag useful?

3. Luis said the suitcase “must have been moved by mistake.” What probably happened?

4. Carmen said, “We didn’t jump to conclusions.” What did they avoid doing?

5. What part of the story shows how Carmen recognized the suitcase?

6. Which phrase shows searching for something?

7. Which phrase shows keeping something important?

8. Did Carmen and Luis react carefully or carelessly? 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 Carmen and Luis handled the missing suitcase carefully. They did not blame anyone right away. They used the luggage tag and checked the area first.”

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 helped show the travelers’ reaction.

NOTES

track it down

• What it means:
  To search carefully and find something or someone.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase for missing items, information, people, records, or answers.

• Why we use it:
  It shows active searching.

• Example:
  Luis wanted to track down the missing suitcase.

hold on to

• What it means:
  To keep something and not lose it.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase for tickets, papers, receipts, bags, and important items.

• Why we use it:
  It shows that something may be needed later.

• Example:
  Carmen held on to the luggage tag.

by mistake

• What it means:
  Accidentally or not on purpose.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when something happens without intention.

• Why we use it:
  It can soften blame.

• Example:
  The suitcase may have been moved by mistake.

jump to conclusions

• What it means:
  To decide something too quickly without enough information.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone assumes the answer before checking.

• Why we use it:
  It warns people to think carefully.

• Example:
  Carmen was glad they did not jump to conclusions.