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    Free Daily English · Level A2 (Elementary) · Topic: a job interview

    Omar's Big Day

    Name: ______________________   Date: ____________

    Omar wakes up early in the morning. He has a job interview today. He feels nervous but happy. The interview is at the community center. Omar puts on his best clothes. He wants to look smart and clean. He eats a small breakfast. He drinks a glass of water. He checks his bag. He has his papers inside. He looks in the mirror and smiles. "I can do this," he says to himself. He leaves his home and walks to the community center. It is a sunny day and the walk is short. Omar arrives at the community center. He opens the door and goes inside. A woman sits at a desk near the door.

    "Good morning," she says. "Good morning," Omar says. "My name is Omar. I have an interview today." The woman smiles. "Please take a seat," she says. "Someone will call you soon." Omar sits down on a chair. He waits quietly. He looks around the room. The room is clean and bright. There are some people near him. They wait too. Omar takes a deep breath. He feels a little better now. A man comes out of a room and calls Omar's name. "Hello, Omar. Please come in," the man says. Omar stands up and walks into the room.

    The man's name is Mr. Hassan. He asks Omar some questions. "Why do you want this job?" he asks. "I like to help people," Omar says. "I work hard and I learn fast." Mr. Hassan writes some notes. He nods his head. "That is very good," he says. They talk for about twenty minutes. At the end, Mr. Hassan stands up. "Thank you, Omar. We will contact you soon," he says. Omar shakes his hand and says thank you. He walks out of the community center with a big smile.

    Key vocabulary

    interview (noun)a meeting where someone is asked questions to see if they are right for a job“Omar has a job interview at the community center.”
    nervous (adjective)feeling worried or a little scared about something“Omar feels nervous before his interview.”
    arrive (verb)to reach a place“Omar arrives at the community center on time.”
    seat (noun)a chair or place where you can sit“The woman asks Omar to take a seat.”
    breath (noun)the air that goes in and out of your body“Omar takes a deep breath to feel calm.”
    question (noun)something you ask when you want to know an answer“Mr. Hassan asks Omar some questions about the job.”
    contact (verb)to call or write to someone“Mr. Hassan says he will contact Omar soon.”
    smart (adjective)wearing neat, clean, and tidy clothes“Omar puts on his best clothes to look smart.”

    Useful phrases

    • take a seat — to sit down“The woman at the desk says, "Please take a seat."”
    • take a deep breath — to breathe in slowly to feel calm“Omar takes a deep breath before his interview.”
    • I can do this — words you say to feel strong and ready“Omar looks in the mirror and says, "I can do this."”
    • work hard — to put a lot of effort into your job or task“Omar tells Mr. Hassan, "I work hard and I learn fast."”
    • come in — to enter a room“Mr. Hassan opens the door and says, "Please come in."”
    • shake someone's hand — to hold and move someone's hand as a greeting or goodbye“Omar shakes Mr. Hassan's hand at the end of the interview.”
    • we will contact you soon — used to tell someone you will call or write to them later“Mr. Hassan says, "Thank you, Omar. We will contact you soon."”
    • look around — to turn and see different things in a place“Omar looks around the room while he waits.”

    Word search

    Find all 8 key words from the story. They can read forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally.

    ABCDEFGHIJK
    1TYXXQRERTBD
    2REVIRRACGNC
    3ANVHFIACHIB
    4MAHCTTZNNUJ
    5SYYNNAOTVVL
    6EJXOEIETWTZ
    7MECQTRARSEW
    8GBLSVZVABDO
    9ZSEIUSPOKOB
    10DUEPWMEJULX
    11QWITTAESMSI

    Comprehension quiz

    1. Where is Omar's interview?

      • A) At a hospital
      • B) At a community center
      • C) At a shop
      • D) At a school
    2. How does Omar feel when he wakes up?

      • A) Angry and tired
      • B) Sad and bored
      • C) Nervous but happy
      • D) Sick and scared
    3. What does Omar check before he leaves home?

      • A) His keys
      • B) His shoes
      • C) His bag
      • D) His phone
    4. Who does Omar speak to first at the community center?

      • A) A security guard
      • B) Another job applicant
      • C) Mr. Hassan
      • D) A woman at a desk
    5. What does Omar do to feel calm while he waits?

      • A) He takes a deep breath
      • B) He calls a friend
      • C) He drinks some water
      • D) He reads a book
    6. What is the interviewer's name?

      • A) Mr. Omar
      • B) Mr. Ali
      • C) Mr. Ahmed
      • D) Mr. Hassan
    7. What does Omar say when Mr. Hassan asks why he wants the job?

      • A) "I have no other job."
      • B) "I live near here."
      • C) "I like to help people."
      • D) "I need the money."
    8. The word 'nervous' means feeling worried or a little scared. True or false?

      • A) True
      • B) Not mentioned
      • C) Not stated
      • D) False
    9. How long does the interview last?

      • A) About one hour
      • B) About twenty minutes
      • C) About thirty minutes
      • D) About ten minutes
    10. How does Omar feel when he leaves the community center?

      • A) Happy, with a big smile
      • B) Sad and worried
      • C) Confused and quiet
      • D) Tired and angry

    Answer key (A2 (Elementary))

    1. B 2. C 3. C 4. D 5. A 6. D 7. C 8. A 9. B 10. A

    Word search answer key (A2 (Elementary))

    Columns are lettered from the left, rows numbered from the top. The arrow shows the reading direction from the word's first letter.

    arrive: G2 ← · breath: I8 ↖ · contact: C7 ↗ · interview: J3 ↙ · nervous: D5 ↘ · question: A11 ↗ · seat: H11 ← · smart: A5 ↑

    Free Daily English · Level B1 (Intermediate) · Topic: a job interview

    Omar and the Interview

    Name: ______________________   Date: ____________

    Omar wakes up earlier than usual, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves. He has been preparing for this moment all week, and today is finally the day of his job interview at the local community center. He showers, dresses carefully in his smartest outfit, and eats a light breakfast to settle his stomach. Before leaving, he reads through his notes one final time and reminds himself of the key points he wants to make. The morning air is fresh as he walks to the community center, and with every step, he feels his confidence growing. He arrives five minutes early, which pleases him, as he knows that punctuality makes a strong first impression. He pushes open the heavy glass door and steps inside, ready to face whatever questions come his way. A friendly receptionist greets Omar and directs him to a row of chairs in the waiting area. While he waits, he observes his surroundings, noticing how well-organized and welcoming the community center looks.

    A few other candidates are also seated nearby, and although Omar feels a brief moment of doubt, he reminds himself of all the relevant experience he has to offer. When his name is finally called, he stands up, straightens his jacket, and walks with purpose into the interview room. The interviewer, a calm and professional man named Mr. Hassan, shakes Omar's hand warmly and invites him to sit down. "Tell me a little about yourself," Mr. Hassan begins, and Omar responds clearly and confidently, just as he had practiced. The interview covers a range of topics, from Omar's previous experience to his goals for the future. Mr. Hassan asks him to describe a time when he had to solve a difficult problem, and Omar gives a thoughtful and detailed answer.

    "I believe that listening carefully and staying calm under pressure are the most important skills in any role," Omar explains, and Mr. Hassan nods with visible approval. By the end of the interview, the atmosphere in the room feels relaxed and positive. Mr. Hassan thanks Omar for his time and lets him know that a decision will be made within the week. As Omar steps back out into the sunlight, he feels proud of how he handled himself. Whatever the outcome, he knows he gave his very best.

    Key vocabulary

    punctuality (noun)the habit of arriving or doing things at the correct time“Omar knows that punctuality makes a strong first impression at an interview.”
    receptionist (noun)a person whose job is to greet visitors and answer questions at the entrance of a building“The receptionist greets Omar and shows him where to wait.”
    candidate (noun)a person who applies for a job or takes part in a selection process“Several candidates are sitting in the waiting area before the interview.”
    confidence (noun)a strong belief in your own abilities“With every step towards the center, Omar feels his confidence growing.”
    relevant (adjective)closely connected to the subject or situation being discussed“Omar reminds himself of all the relevant experience he has to offer.”
    approval (noun)a positive reaction showing that someone agrees with or is pleased by something“Mr. Hassan nods with visible approval after Omar's answer.”
    outcome (noun)the result or consequence of a situation or event“Whatever the outcome, Omar is proud of how he performed.”
    thoughtful (adjective)showing careful consideration or serious thought“Omar gives a thoughtful and detailed answer to Mr. Hassan's question.”

    Useful phrases

    • make a strong first impression — to create a very positive image of yourself when you meet someone for the first time“Omar knows that arriving early helps him make a strong first impression.”
    • with purpose — in a determined and confident way“Omar stands up and walks with purpose into the interview room.”
    • cover a range of topics — to discuss many different subjects during a conversation or meeting“The interview covers a range of topics, including Omar's goals and experience.”
    • stay calm under pressure — to remain relaxed and in control when a situation is difficult or stressful“Omar tells Mr. Hassan that staying calm under pressure is a key skill.”
    • a mixture of — a combination of two or more different things or feelings“Omar wakes up feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves.”
    • settle one's stomach — to eat or do something that helps reduce feelings of sickness or anxiety“Omar eats a light breakfast to settle his stomach before the interview.”
    • within the week — before the end of the current week“Mr. Hassan says a decision will be made within the week.”
    • give one's very best — to make the greatest possible effort in something“Whatever the result, Omar knows he gave his very best.”

    Word search

    Find all 8 key words from the story. They can read forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally.

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMN
    1VTIMSYCVJNXETU
    2ORELEVANTHLSSA
    3IPBESXTDEXICMA
    4VQUCEWPTHNCCPJ
    5HRANMTANOTOPTV
    6FPKPCDJIHNRWST
    7YWZCITTOFOBRMH
    8EJNDDPUIVADIFI
    9EXNJEGDAIJAKDK
    10QABCHELMLINZZK
    11CKETNDHTTIEERN
    12ARFCVEPOOKTUDB
    13DUEIFICMQMJYMW
    14LMNKTPIOUTCOME

    Comprehension quiz

    1. How long has Omar been preparing for the interview?

      • A) Since the morning
      • B) For one day
      • C) All week
      • D) For a month
    2. Why is Omar pleased that he arrives five minutes early?

      • A) He wants to meet the other candidates
      • B) He knows punctuality makes a strong first impression
      • C) He wants to speak to the receptionist
      • D) He needs time to read his notes again
    3. The word 'candidate' refers to a person who applies for a job. True or false?

      • A) Not mentioned
      • B) Not stated
      • C) False
      • D) True
    4. What does Omar do when he feels a brief moment of doubt in the waiting area?

      • A) He calls someone for advice
      • B) He leaves the building
      • C) He reminds himself of his relevant experience
      • D) He talks to another candidate
    5. What is the first question Mr. Hassan asks Omar?

      • A) "Why do you want this job?"
      • B) "Tell me a little about yourself."
      • C) "Where did you work before?"
      • D) "What are your weaknesses?"
    6. What does Omar say are the most important skills in any role?

      • A) Being friendly and punctual
      • B) Experience and qualifications
      • C) Listening carefully and staying calm under pressure
      • D) Speed and accuracy
    7. How does Mr. Hassan react to Omar's answer about solving problems?

      • A) He looks confused
      • B) He writes a long note
      • C) He nods with visible approval
      • D) He asks another question immediately
    8. When will a decision about the job be made?

      • A) The following month
      • B) After a second interview
      • C) The same day
      • D) Within the week
    9. The story says Omar feels disappointed when he leaves the community center. True or false?

      • A) True
      • B) Not mentioned
      • C) False
      • D) Not stated
    10. Which word is closest in meaning to 'outcome' as used in the story?

      • A) Opportunity
      • B) Behavior
      • C) Result
      • D) Journey

    Answer key (B1 (Intermediate))

    1. C 2. B 3. D 4. C 5. B 6. C 7. C 8. D 9. C 10. C

    Word search answer key (B1 (Intermediate))

    Columns are lettered from the left, rows numbered from the top. The arrow shows the reading direction from the word's first letter.

    approval: N3 ↙ · candidate: A11 ↗ · confidence: L4 ↙ · outcome: H14 → · punctuality: B3 ↘ · receptionist: B12 ↗ · relevant: B2 → · thoughtful: J5 ↙

    Free Daily English · www.freedailyenglish.com/stories/omars-big-day-2026-07-30