Cover of The Language Exchange Partner

Elsie signed up for a language exchange group to practice her Spanish. On her first night, she stood outside the community center. She did not go in.

She felt nervous about her accent. She worried about making mistakes.

Finally, she opened the door and walked inside. A man waved at her from a table near the window.

"Hi! Are you here for Spanish practice?" he asked. "My name is Dev."

"Yes," Elsie said. "This is my first time. My Spanish isn't very good."

Dev smiled. "Mine wasn't either, one year ago," he said. "Sit down. We can go slowly."

They sat together for an hour. Dev asked simple questions in Spanish. Elsie answered them one by one.

When she made a mistake, he did not laugh. He just repeated the word correctly and waited.

By the end of the night, Elsie felt relaxed and happy. She even laughed at her own mistakes.

"Same time next week?" Dev asked.

"Yes," Elsie said. "I'll bring a notebook next time."

🧠 Check your understanding

  1. Why does Elsie wait outside the community center at first?

    Show answer

    Answer: She feels nervous about her accent

    She felt nervous about her accent and worried about making mistakes.

  2. What language does Elsie want to practice?

    Show answer

    Answer: Spanish

    She signed up for a language exchange group to practice her Spanish.

  3. How does Elsie feel by the end of the night?

    Show answer

    Answer: Relaxed and happy

    By the end of the night, Elsie felt relaxed and happy.

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