The Missed Train
Featured Story
The Missed Train 🚅
Carlos thinks he arrives at the right time, but...
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🟢 Beginner:
Carlos runs to the train.
"Wait!" he shouts, but the train leaves without him.
"Oh no!" he says.
He looks at the next train schedule. The next train will come in 20 minutes.
Expression: Just missed it (arrived too late for something)
• Train (noun, a vehicle that runs on tracks to transport people or goods)
• Run (verb, to move quickly on foot)
• Wait (verb, to stay in one place until something happens)
• Leave (verb, to go away from a place)
• Schedule (noun, a plan that shows times for events or activities)
Example:
Emma walked to the bus stop just as the bus pulled away.
She sighed. "Ugh, I just missed it!"
🟡 Intermediate:
Carlos rushed to catch his train but arrived as the doors closed.
"No!" he groaned.
He checked the schedule.
"Next one in 20 minutes," he sighed.
"Time for a coffee!"
Expression: Better luck next time (used to comfort someone after a small failure)
• Rush (verb, to move quickly because of limited time)
• Groan (verb, to make a low sound when in pain or frustration)
• Schedule (noun, a plan that shows times for events or activities)
• Sigh (verb, to breathe out loudly when frustrated or relieved)
• Time for __ (expression, to express something that will happen now)
Example:
Liam tried to win a prize at the carnival game but missed the target.
"Aw, so close!" his friend said. "Oh well, better luck next time!"
"Yes," Liam replied, "I’ll do better next time!"
🔴 Advanced:
Carlos dashed through the station, weaving between travelers.
He reached the platform just as the doors slid shut.
"Perfect timing… for missing it," he muttered.
He checked the next departure and smirked.
"Well, at least I can grab a pastry while I wait."
Expression: Make the best of it (to stay positive in a bad situation)
• Dash (verb, to run quickly for a short distance)
• Weave (verb, to move through a space by going in and out of things)
• Platform (noun, the area where people wait for a train or subway)
• Mutter (verb, to speak in a low, unclear voice, often in frustration)
• Smirk (verb, to smile in a way that looks slightly rude or confident)
Example:
Sophia’s flight was delayed for three hours.
Instead of complaining, she grabbed a book and said, "I’ll make the best of it!"
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