Maria is a student who lives with her parents. Today she wants to go to a party at her friend's house. She walks into the living room where her mother is reading. 'Mom, can I ask you something?' Maria says. 'Of course, what is it?' her mother replies. 'May I go to Lisa's party tonight?' Maria asks politely. Her mother thinks for a moment. 'What time does the party start?' she asks. 'It starts at seven o'clock,' Maria answers. 'And what time will you come home?' her mother continues. 'Would it be okay if I came home at eleven?' Maria asks. Her mother nods slowly. 'That sounds reasonable. Yes, you may go,' she says. 'Thank you so much, Mom!' Maria says happily. The next day, Maria is at school. She needs to use the bathroom during class. She raises her hand and waits for the teacher. 'Excuse me, Mr. Johnson. May I go to the bathroom?' she asks. 'Yes, you may. Please be quick,' the teacher responds. Maria thanks him and leaves the classroom. Later, she wants to borrow a pen from her classmate Tom. 'Tom, do you mind if I borrow your pen?' she whispers. 'Not at all. Here you go,' Tom says quietly. 'Thanks, I'll give it back after class,' Maria promises. After school, Maria goes to her part-time job at a café. She wants to leave early today for the party. She approaches her manager, Mrs. Chen. 'Mrs. Chen, I was wondering if I could leave an hour early today?' Maria asks. 'Is there a special reason?' her manager asks. 'Yes, I have a family event this evening,' Maria explains. Mrs. Chen looks at the schedule. 'That should be fine. James can cover for you,' she says. 'Thank you very much. I really appreciate it,' Maria replies. At the party, Maria meets many friends. She sees someone using a phone charger. 'Excuse me, would you mind if I used the charger after you?' she asks. 'Sure, I'll be done in five minutes,' the person says. Maria thanks them and waits patiently. Her friend Lisa comes over with a camera. 'Is it okay if I take a photo of us?' Lisa asks. 'Of course! Let me fix my hair first,' Maria laughs. They smile together and Lisa takes the picture.
English Story (A2)Asking for Permission
This A2 English story is designed for elementarys learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
Maria learns different ways to ask for permission in everyday situations. She asks her mother to go to a party, her teacher to use the bathroom, her manager to leave work early, and practices polite requests with friends.
Translations in English
Linked wordUnderlined wordOther words
Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Where does Maria ask her mother for permission to go?
2
What time does Maria's mother allow her to come home?
3
What does Maria ask her manager Mrs. Chen?
4
What does Lisa ask Maria at the party?
Vocabulary
30 words from this story
