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A Late Report
A small kindness at work, when a manager bends the plan.
A short listening story for elementary learners. Nadia is a good worker, but this week her report is late and Friday is the deadline. Her manager Amir notices something is wrong — and decides to help. You'll listen for the big picture, then for detail, and focus on must, have to, and can.
This is a short workplace story about a manager and a worker on his team. They have a deadline this week, and one person is having a hard time. Before you listen, here are two words to know.
Words
Listen to the whole story once. Don't read along this time — just focus on the big picture. Then answer the question.
Listen again. You can read along with the transcript now. Then answer the questions.
Amir is a project manager in Amman. He works with a small team. Nadia is on his team, and she is a good worker.
This week, Nadia is late with her report. The team must finish the project on Friday. Amir is worriedworried · feeling nervous because something might go wrong. “We have to talk,” he says.
Amir thinks, “Nadia is never late. She must have a problem.” He goes to her desk. “Can I help you?” he asks.
Nadia looks tiredtired · needing rest; low on energy. “My son is sick. I have to take him to the doctor.”
“You can work from homework from home · do your job from your house, not the office,” Amir says. “We can change the plan.” Nadia smiles. “Thank you.”
I have to take him to the doctor.
You can work from home. = It's allowed.
We can change the plan. = It's possible.
Quick check — must, have to, or can? Write a word in each gap. Sometimes two answers are OK.
Three useful words and phrases
| Word / phrase | Line from the story | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| worried | “Amir is worried.” | feeling nervous because something might go wrong |
| tired | “Nadia looks tired.” | needing rest; low on energy |
| work from home | “You can work from home.” | do your job from your house, not the office |
• what the problem is
• that you want to work from home
Use have to and can.
First, answer from memory — then tap to check.
Now finish each sentence from memory. Type the missing word(s). No options.
You listened, noticed must, have to, and can, and used them yourself. Come back any time to listen again — repetition is how grammar becomes automatic.
