Returning a Broken Toaster
A free A1-level English story for language learners, readable online in 7 languages, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
Maria discovers her new toaster does not work and goes back to the shop to fix the problem.
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Maria buys a new toaster at a shop. The shop is on Elm Street. She takes it home and opens the box. She puts a piece of bread inside. She presses the button down. Nothing happens. She waits and tries again. The toaster still does not work.
Maria checks her bag. She still has the receipt. She puts the toaster back in its box. She carries it back to the shop.
"Hello," says the man at the counter. "How can I help you?"
"Hi," says Maria. "This toaster does not work. I bought it yesterday."
"I'm sorry about that," he says. "Do you have your receipt?"
"Yes, I have it right here," Maria says.
The man looks at the receipt and nods. "Would you like a new toaster, or your money back?"
Maria thinks for a moment. "A new toaster, please."
The man takes a new box from the shelf. "Here you are. Let's check it together."
He plugs it in at the counter. He puts in a piece of bread. He presses the button. A minute later, the bread pops up, warm and brown.
"It works," Maria says.
"Great," says the man. "Have a good day."
Maria takes the new toaster home. She opens the box in the kitchen. She puts in two pieces of bread. She presses the button. She waits by the counter and watches the clock.
