The New Coffee Machine
A free A1-level English story for language learners, readable online in 7 languages, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
A confusing new coffee machine stumps the whole office until Wanjiru finds its one hidden button.
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The office got a brand new coffee machine on Monday. It had five buttons and one small screen. Nobody knew the right way to use it.
Several coworkers tried the machine that morning. One got only hot water. Another got coffee grounds all over the counter.
Wanjiru watched everyone struggle from her desk. She decided to read the small manual. It sat unopened in a drawer.
She found the manual under old takeout menus. She read the first page carefully. The trick was one hidden button on the side.
Wanjiru pressed the power button and waited five seconds. She pressed the hidden side button next. Perfect coffee poured into her cup.
Her coworkers gathered around in surprise. "How did you do that?" one asked. "There's a hidden button," Wanjiru said.
She showed them the button one by one. Everyone tried it and got real coffee. The office cheered a small, happy cheer.
Wanjiru printed simple instructions on one page. She taped the page above the machine. Everyone read it before their next cup.
The coffee machine worked well all week.
