Reader 05
The Park Bench
After a strong wind, leaves and branches covered the walking path at a neighborhood park. Mr. Lewis brought a broom and began clearing it. Ana arrived with trash bags.
“I didn’t know a cleanup was planned,” she said.
“It wasn’t,” Mr. Lewis replied. “The path was getting hard to use, so I decided to step up.”
Ana opened a bag. “Then I’ll pitch in. You sweep, and I’ll collect the branches.”
A few minutes later, Devon approached on his walk. “What’s going on?” he asked.
“Mr. Lewis saw the mess and started cleaning,” Ana explained. “I decided to help.”
Devon glanced toward the clear part of the path. “It looks as though you have it under control.”
“We’re making progress,” Mr. Lewis said, “but there’s still plenty to do.”
Devon hesitated, then removed his jacket. “All right. I can help for a while. What should I do?”
Ana handed him a bag. “Could you collect the smaller branches? That would take a load off us.”
“Of course,” Devon answered. “I came to exercise anyway.”
By the time they reached the park bench, the path was clear. Devon smiled. “I’m glad I stopped. Helping was better than simply walking past the problem.”
SPEAK
Answer in complete sentences.
Why did Mr. Lewis begin cleaning the walking path?
How did Mr. Lewis and Ana step up?
What did Devon first think when he saw them working?
How did Devon’s help take a load off Mr. Lewis and Ana?
Do you agree that helping was better than walking past the problem? Why?
WRITE
Write 3 full sentences to explain:
How did Devon’s actions change after he saw his neighbors cleaning?
LISTEN
Listen to the recording and respond in complete sentences.
What did the speaker say?
Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why?
