Maria needed to get a new identity card. Her old card was going to expire next month. She woke up early on Tuesday morning to go to city hall. She had heard that the office could be very busy. Maria put on her coat and took her documents with her. She needed her old card, a photo, and a proof of address. The bus stop was just around the corner from her apartment. She waited only five minutes for the bus to arrive. The ride to city hall took about fifteen minutes. Maria looked out the window and watched the city wake up. People were walking to work and shops were opening. City hall was a large old building in the center of town. Maria had been there once before when she was a child. She remembered the long hallways and high ceilings. When she arrived, there were already many people waiting. Maria went to the information desk to ask for help. 'Good morning,' she said politely. 'I need to renew my identity card.' The woman at the desk smiled and gave her a number. 'Please go to the waiting room on the second floor,' she explained. Maria thanked her and walked to the stairs. There was also an elevator, but she preferred to walk. The waiting room was large with rows of plastic chairs. A screen on the wall showed which numbers were being called. Maria looked at her ticket and saw that she had number forty-seven. The screen was showing number thirty-two. She would have to wait for about fifteen more people. Maria found an empty seat near the window and sat down. She had brought a book to read while waiting. The book was a mystery novel that her friend had recommended. Time passed quickly as she read chapter after chapter. Suddenly she heard her number being called. 'Number forty-seven to counter three, please.' Maria quickly put her book away and gathered her documents. She walked to counter three where a young man was waiting. 'Good morning,' the clerk said with a friendly smile. 'How can I help you today?' Maria explained that she needed to renew her identity card. She handed over her old card, the photo, and her address document. The clerk looked at each document carefully. 'Everything looks good,' he said after a moment. He typed some information into his computer. 'Your new card will be ready in about two weeks,' he explained. 'We will send you a letter when you can pick it up.' Maria nodded and asked about the fee for the new card. 'It costs twenty-five euros,' the clerk replied. 'You can pay by card or cash at the payment desk.' Maria thanked the clerk and walked to the payment desk. There was no line, so she paid immediately with her bank card. The cashier gave her a receipt as proof of payment. The whole process had taken less than an hour. Maria was pleasantly surprised by how easy it had been. She had expected long lines and complicated forms. But the staff had been helpful and the system worked well. As she left the building, Maria felt relieved. One important task was now finished. She decided to reward herself with a coffee at a nearby cafe. She sat outside and enjoyed the warm morning sun. Two weeks later, the letter arrived just as the clerk had promised. Maria returned to city hall to collect her new identity card. This time the visit was even shorter and she was done in ten minutes. She looked at her new card and smiled at her photo. It would be valid for the next ten years.
English Story (A2)At City Hall
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 visits city hall to renew her expiring identity card. After waiting her turn, she submits her documents and pays the fee. Two weeks later, she picks up her new card, pleased by how smooth the process was.
Translations in English
Linked wordUnderlined wordOther words
Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Why did Maria go to city hall?
2
What documents did Maria need to bring?
3
How much did Maria have to pay for the new card?
4
How long would Maria have to wait for her new card?
Vocabulary
30 words from this story
