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.
SPEAK
Answer in complete sentences.
Why was Mr. Kim uncomfortable at the first table?
How did Hana know that something was bothering her father?
How did Hana ask the server for help?
What solution did the server offer?
How did moving to the new table improve their lunch?
WRITE
Write 3 full sentences to explain:
How did Hana and the server help make Mr. Kim more comfortable?
LISTEN
Listen to the recording and respond in complete sentences.
What did the speaker say?
Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why?
