I’ll read a story from my Intermediate Level English Short Story book explaining English words and phrases. After, we’ll do a comprehension quiz after so stay till the end!

FREE STORY FROM MY BOOK!

STORY 17 – Missed Flight

Tom and Helen had booked their flight to the Dominican Republic months prior. They were so excited for this vacation. They had one connecting flight in Miami. However, their first plane was delayed by one hour due to technical problems. They knew there was a tight connection, and they were nervous about missing their plane.

When they arrived in Miami, they saw their flight was leaving in 20 minutes. They took off sprinting through the airport. It was hard because they were pulling their carry-ons behind them.

“Last boarding call for flight #2702 to the Dominican Republic,” the overhead speaker bellowed on the intercom.

Tom and Helen looked at each other in despair and kept running. They finally arrived at the gate out of breath and handed their tickets over to the ticket agent.

“I’m so sorry; the boarding door has just been closed,” the woman said.

“When does the next flight leave?” Tom inquired.

“Let me see. I can get you on the next flight in two hours. Would you like me to rebook it for you?” she asked.

“I guess it’s our only option. Yes, please,” Tom responded.

She entered in all of their information, and after hearing their story about their previous delayed flight, she handed over two E20 food vouchers.

“Enjoy a meal on us while you wait for your next flight,” she said kindly.

Tom and Helen gladly accepted the vouchers and went to find a restaurant nearby.

Multiple Choice Quiz

1. Where were Tom and Helen going on vacation?
   a. Miami
   b. Dominican Republic
   c. Puerto Rico
   d. Canada
2. Why were Tom and Helen running through the airport in Miami?
   a. They were late for their connecting flight.
   b. They were late for their first flight.
   c. They were trying to catch a taxi.
   d. They were participating in a race.
3. What did the overhead speaker announce about flight #2702?
   a. It was the last boarding call.
   b. It was delayed by one hour.
   c. It was canceled.
   d. It had already left.
4. What did the ticket agent tell Tom and Helen when they arrived at the gate?
   a. The flight was full, and they couldn’t board.
   b. The flight had been delayed.
   c. The boarding door had just been closed.
   d. They were at the wrong gate.
5. When was the next flight to the Dominican Republic?
   a. In 20 minutes
   b. In two hours
   c. The next day
   d. The ticket agent didn’t provide that information.
6. What did the ticket agent give to Tom and Helen as compensation for their inconvenience?
   a. Flight vouchers
   b. Hotel vouchers
   c. E20 food vouchers
   d. Upgraded seats on the next flight

Fill in the blanks

1. Tom and Helen had booked their flight to the Dominican Republic _________ prior.
2. Their first plane was delayed by one hour due to _________ reasons.
3. Tom and Helen sprinted through the airport, pulling their _________ behind them.
4. The overhead speaker bellowed on the intercom, announcing the_________.
5. The ticket agent offered to _________ them on the next flight in two hours.
6. The ticket agent handed Tom and Helen _________ as compensation.

Answers:

Multiple choice: 1. b. Dominican Republic, 2. a. They were late for their connecting flight., 3. a. It was the last boarding call., 4. c. The boarding door had just been closed., 5. b. In two hours, 6. c. $20 food vouchers

Fill in the blank: 1. months, 2. technical, 3. carry-ons, 4. last boarding call, 5. rebook, 6. food vouchers

Word List

• book a flight (phrase) – to reserve a seat on an airplane
• delay (verb) – to postpone something (often a plane, train, or event); to push something back to a later time
• delayed (adjective) – happening at a later time than expected or intended
• miss (verb) – to arrive too late to board a plane
• sprint (verb) – to run or go very fast for a short distance
• carry-on (noun) – a small bag, suitcase, or item of luggage that a passenger is allowed to bring with them onto an airplane or other means of transportation
• bellow (verb) – to shout in a deep voice
• despair (noun) – a state of deep sadness, hopelessness, or discouragement
• voucher (noun) – a document or certificate that serves as evidence of a particular entitlement or right
• on us (idiom) – something is provided or paid for by someone else

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