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    Soraya and the Stubborn Artist

    helping someone who refuses to accept helpa small art galleryCEFR A2
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    Soraya worked in a small art . She loved her job. Every day she helped look at the paintings. She also helped the artists who showed their work there. One morning, an old man came into the . His name was Mr. Osman. He was an artist. He had a big box of paintings with him. The box was very . Soraya could see that. Mr. Osman walked slowly. He stopped many times. His face looked tired and red. "Can I help you with that box?" Soraya asked. "No, thank you," Mr. Osman said. "I am fine." But Soraya did not think he was fine. Soraya watched Mr. Osman . He put the box down on the floor.

    Then he picked it up again. Then he put it down again. He did this three times. "Please, let me it for you," Soraya said. "I do this every day. It is easy for me." Mr. Osman looked at her. "I can do it myself," he said. His voice was quiet but strong. Soraya smiled at him. She did not walk away. She stood near him. She waited. Then Mr. Osman tried to lift the box again. One of the paintings fell out. It hit the floor. Mr. Osman looked sad. "Oh no," he said quietly. Soraya picked up the painting quickly. She looked at it.

    It was very beautiful. There were colors and soft shapes. "This is wonderful," she said. "Did you paint this?" Mr. Osman . He looked . "Yes," he said. "I painted it a long time ago." Then he looked at the box. He looked at Soraya. "Maybe... you can help me it," he said slowly. Soraya smiled. "Of course," she said. They walked together to the back of the . Soraya the box. Mr. Osman walked beside her. He told her about every painting. Soraya listened to every word. At the end, Mr. Osman said, "Thank you, young lady." Soraya felt happy. It was a good morning.

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    Key Vocabulary

    How to use these cards
    1. Read each word and its meaning.
    2. Tap “Cover the meanings”, then tap a card to check yourself.
    3. Tap “Quick quiz” for a short test. Tap “I know this” on cards you have learned.
    gallery
    /ˈɡæl.ər.i/
    noun

    a room or building where people look at art

    "Soraya worked in a small art gallery."

    visitor
    /ˈvɪz.ɪ.tər/
    noun

    a person who comes to a place

    "Every day she helped visitors look at the paintings."

    heavy
    /ˈhev.i/
    adjective

    weighing a lot and difficult to lift or carry

    "Mr. Osman had a big, heavy box of paintings."

    carefully
    /ˈkeə.fəl.i/
    adverb

    giving close attention to what you are doing

    "Soraya watched Mr. Osman carefully."

    carry
    /ˈkær.i/
    verb

    to hold something and take it somewhere

    ""Please, let me carry the box for you," Soraya said."

    nodded
    /ˈnɒd.ɪd/
    verb

    moved the head up and down to show agreement

    "Mr. Osman nodded when Soraya asked if he painted the picture."

    proud
    /praʊd/
    adjective

    feeling happy because you have done something well

    "Mr. Osman looked proud when Soraya said his painting was wonderful."

    bright
    /braɪt/
    adjective

    having a strong, clear color that is easy to see

    "The painting had bright colors and soft shapes."

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    Useful Phrases

    How to use these cards
    1. Read each phrase and its meaning.
    2. Tap “Cover the meanings”, then tap a card to check yourself.
    3. Tap “Quick quiz” for a short test. Tap “I know this” on cards you have learned.

    I am fine

    used to say you do not need help or that you are okay

    ""No, thank you," Mr. Osman said. "I am fine.""

    I can do it myself

    used to say you want to do something without anyone's help

    ""I can do it myself," Mr. Osman said in a quiet but strong voice."

    Can I help you with that?

    a polite way to offer help to someone

    ""Can I help you with that box?" Soraya asked Mr. Osman."

    walked away

    to leave a place or person by walking

    "Soraya smiled at him and did not walk away."

    a long time ago

    many years in the past

    ""I painted it a long time ago," said Mr. Osman."

    Of course

    used to agree with something in a friendly and natural way

    ""Of course," Soraya said, and she carried the box for him."

    beside her

    next to someone, at their side

    "Mr. Osman walked beside her as they went to the back of the gallery."

    at the end

    when something is finished or at the final moment

    "At the end, Mr. Osman said, "Thank you, young lady.""

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