Today was an important day for Emma. She was going to get her first ID card. Emma had just turned eighteen years old. Her mother helped her prepare all the documents. They needed her birth certificate and two photos. Emma put everything in a small folder. The government office opened at nine in the morning. Emma and her mother arrived there at eight thirty. There were already many people waiting outside. 'I'm glad we came early,' said Emma's mother. When the doors opened, everyone walked inside. Emma took a number from a machine near the entrance. Her number was forty-seven. The screen showed that number twenty-three was being served. 'We have to wait a while,' Emma said. They found two empty chairs and sat down. Emma looked around the waiting room. There were families with children and older people. Some people were reading magazines. Others were looking at their phones. A small boy was playing with a toy car. Emma took out her phone and checked her messages. Her best friend Anna had sent her a text. 'Good luck with your ID card!' the message said. Emma smiled and wrote back to her. After thirty minutes, a voice called her number. 'Number forty-seven, please go to counter five.' Emma stood up quickly and walked to the counter. Her mother followed behind her. A friendly woman with glasses sat behind the counter. 'Good morning! How can I help you today?' she asked. 'I would like to apply for my first ID card,' Emma said. 'Of course! Do you have all the required documents?' the woman asked. Emma handed over her folder with all the papers. The woman looked through the documents carefully. 'Everything looks good,' she said with a smile. 'Now I need to take your photo and your fingerprints.' Emma sat in front of a small camera. 'Please look straight ahead and don't smile,' the woman said. Emma tried to keep a serious face. The camera flashed and the photo was done. Then Emma placed her fingers on a special scanner. The machine beeped and recorded her fingerprints. 'Perfect! Now you need to sign here,' the woman said. Emma signed her name on a digital screen. 'Your ID card will be ready in two weeks,' the woman explained. 'We will send you a text message when it arrives.' 'How much does it cost?' Emma asked. 'The first ID card is free for young adults,' the woman replied. Emma was happy to hear that. She thanked the woman and walked back to her mother. 'Everything went well,' Emma told her mother. 'I'm proud of you,' her mother said. They left the building together. Outside, the sun was shining brightly. 'Would you like to get some coffee?' her mother asked. 'Yes, that sounds nice,' Emma answered. They walked to a small café near the government office. Emma ordered a hot chocolate and her mother got a coffee. 'I can't wait to receive my ID card,' Emma said. 'Now I will finally be able to travel abroad alone.' Her mother smiled and sipped her coffee. Two weeks later, Emma received a text message. Her ID card was ready to be picked up. Emma went back to the government office the next day. This time the line was much shorter. She only waited for ten minutes. A different employee helped her this time. 'I need to see your old student card to verify your identity,' he said. Emma showed him her student card from high school. He checked it and nodded his head. 'Here is your new ID card,' he said, handing it to her. Emma took the card and looked at it carefully. She saw her photo and her name printed on the front. The card also showed her date of birth and address. 'The card is valid for ten years,' the employee explained. 'Thank you very much,' Emma said with a big smile. She put the ID card safely in her wallet. Now Emma was officially an adult with her own ID card. She felt proud and ready for new adventures.
English Story (A2)Getting an ID Card
This A2 English story is designed for elementary learners. Click any word for instant translation and build your vocabulary as you read.
aboutStory
Emma, who has just turned eighteen, visits a government office with her mother to get her first ID card. After waiting in line, providing documents, having her photo taken and fingerprints recorded, she learns her card will be ready in two weeks. When she picks it up, she feels proud to finally be an official adult.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Why was Emma going to the government office?
2
How long did Emma wait before her number was called?
3
What did the woman need to do to complete Emma's application?
4
