Everyone at the office was nervous on Monday morning. The new boss was starting today. Maria arrived early to make a good impression. She cleaned her desk and organized her papers. Her colleague Tom walked in looking tired. 'Did you hear about the new boss?' Tom asked. 'Only that she is very strict,' Maria replied. Tom looked worried when he heard that. 'I hope she will like our work,' he said quietly. At nine o'clock, the office door opened. A tall woman with short hair walked in. She was wearing a dark blue suit and carried a briefcase. 'Good morning, everyone,' she said with a serious face. 'I am Ms. Anderson, your new department manager.' Everyone stood up to greet her. Ms. Anderson did not smile. 'I have seen your reports from last month,' she continued. 'There are many things we need to improve.' Maria felt her heart beat faster. Tom looked down at his shoes. 'I want individual meetings with each of you this week,' Ms. Anderson said. She walked to her new office and closed the door. 'This is going to be difficult,' Tom whispered to Maria. Maria nodded but tried to stay positive. On Tuesday, it was Maria's turn for the meeting. She knocked on the door and entered nervously. 'Please sit down,' Ms. Anderson said. Maria sat in the chair across from the desk. 'I looked at your project from last quarter,' the boss began. Maria held her breath, expecting criticism. 'It was excellent work,' Ms. Anderson said. Maria was very surprised by this comment. 'Your attention to detail is impressive,' the boss continued. 'Thank you very much,' Maria said, feeling relieved. 'However, I need you to work on a new project,' Ms. Anderson added. 'It is a big client and it will be challenging.' 'I would be happy to take it on,' Maria replied eagerly. For the first time, Ms. Anderson smiled slightly. 'Good. I knew I could count on you.' Maria left the office feeling happy and proud. Tom saw her face and looked curious. 'How was it?' he asked quickly. 'Better than expected,' Maria answered with a big smile. The weeks passed, and everyone got used to the new boss. Ms. Anderson was strict but also fair. She noticed when people worked hard. She also helped when there were problems. Maria finished her new project successfully. The client was very happy with the results. Ms. Anderson called a team meeting to share the news. 'I want to thank Maria for her excellent work,' she announced. Maria felt her cheeks turn red as everyone looked at her. 'This is the kind of work I expect from this team,' Ms. Anderson said. Tom whispered to Maria, 'Maybe the new boss is not so bad after all.' Maria smiled and agreed. Sometimes first impressions are not always right.
English Story (A2)The New Boss
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 and her colleagues are nervous about their new boss, Ms. Anderson, who seems very strict. During Maria's individual meeting, she is surprised when Ms. Anderson praises her work and assigns her an important new project. Maria completes the project successfully, and the boss publicly thanks her. Everyone realizes that although Ms. Anderson is strict, she is also fair and recognizes hard work.
Translations in English
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Why was everyone at the office nervous on Monday morning?
2
What did Ms. Anderson say about Maria's project from last quarter?
3
What did Ms. Anderson ask Maria to do?
4
What did the team learn about Ms. Anderson over time?
Vocabulary
30 words from this story
