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    Free Daily English · Level A2 (Elementary) · Topic: preparing for an important meeting

    Yuki's Big Meeting

    Name: ______________________   Date: ____________

    Yuki woke up early on a quiet morning. Today was a very important day. Yuki had a meeting with a professor at the university. The meeting was about a research project. Yuki wanted to join the professor's team. Yuki felt nervous but also excited. Yuki got out of bed and took a shower. Then Yuki chose some neat, clean clothes. Yuki wanted to look professional. After getting dressed, Yuki ate a small breakfast. It was hard to eat because of the nerves. Yuki put some important papers into a bag. Yuki also packed a notebook and two pens. Yuki checked the time and left the apartment. The university campus was only a short walk away. Yuki arrived at the campus thirty minutes early. The trees on campus looked beautiful in the morning light.

    Yuki walked slowly and tried to stay calm. Yuki found a bench near the library and sat down. Yuki opened the notebook and read some notes. The notes were about the research project. Yuki practiced some answers to possible questions. "I am interested in this topic because it is useful," Yuki said quietly. A friend named Sam walked past and stopped. "Hey, Yuki! You look busy. What are you doing?" Sam asked. "I have an important meeting today," Yuki said. "I am preparing for it." Sam smiled and said, "You will do great! Just be yourself." "Thank you, Sam. That helps a lot," Yuki replied. Yuki felt a little better after talking to Sam. At ten o'clock, Yuki walked to the professor's office. Yuki knocked on the door politely.

    "Come in," said a voice from inside. Yuki opened the door and smiled. "Good morning. Thank you for meeting with me," Yuki said. The professor was friendly and asked Yuki to sit down. Yuki gave the professor the prepared papers. The professor looked at them and nodded. Then the professor asked some questions about the project. Yuki answered each question carefully. Yuki used the notes from the morning practice. The meeting lasted about twenty minutes. At the end, the professor smiled. "I am impressed, Yuki. Welcome to the team," the professor said. Yuki left the office feeling happy and proud.

    Key vocabulary

    nervous (adjective)feeling worried or afraid about something“Yuki felt nervous before the important meeting.”
    professional (adjective)looking or acting in a serious and proper way for work“Yuki wanted to look professional for the professor.”
    research (noun)a careful study to find new information about a topic“The research project was about a very interesting topic.”
    prepare (verb)to get ready for something“Yuki wanted to prepare well for the meeting.”
    bench (noun)a long seat, often found outside in parks or on campuses“Yuki sat on a bench near the library.”
    politely (adverb)in a way that shows good manners and respect“Yuki knocked on the door politely.”
    impressed (adjective)feeling admiration because something is very good“The professor was impressed with Yuki's answers.”
    nod (verb)to move your head up and down to show agreement“The professor looked at the papers and nodded.”
    proud (adjective)feeling happy about something you did well“Yuki felt proud after the successful meeting.”
    calm (adjective)relaxed and not worried or angry“Yuki tried to stay calm before the meeting.”

    Useful phrases

    • join the team — to become a member of a group that works together“Yuki wanted to join the team and help with the project.”
    • stay calm — to keep yourself relaxed and not get worried“Yuki tried to stay calm while waiting for the meeting.”
    • be yourself — to act naturally and not pretend to be different“Sam told Yuki, "Just be yourself and you will do well."”
    • look busy — to appear to be doing a lot of work or activity“"You look busy today," Sam said to Yuki.”
    • do great — to perform very well at something“Sam said, "You will do great in your meeting!"”
    • at the end — when something finishes; the final part“At the end of the meeting, the professor smiled.”

    Word search

    Find all 10 key words from the story. They can read forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally.

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMN
    1WLFHYUTMDWXINW
    2XKRCYPEZLEQHND
    3FHSNLMSLJADONQ
    4NAHEEVVAVGCYIQ
    5UEHBTRWNNMNMKR
    6RJREIRSOFEPRXM
    7DKHVLTEIZRIWNE
    8QBCEOZVSEDYYPF
    9PSREPUQSCNURJG
    10DZAXBNSEFYEOEG
    11GNEFTEGFWPHHRS
    12YLSSDQSOASOZTP
    13UYECVCHRRIIGQZ
    14WHRPTIEPAFFCGZ

    Comprehension quiz

    1. Why did Yuki have a meeting with the professor?

      • A) To return a library book
      • B) To complain about a class
      • C) To join the professor's research team
      • D) To ask about exam results
    2. What does the word 'nervous' mean in the story?

      • A) Feeling angry at someone
      • B) Feeling worried or afraid about something
      • C) Feeling hungry in the morning
      • D) Feeling tired and sleepy
    3. Yuki arrived at the campus two hours early. True or false?

      • A) True
      • B) Not stated
      • C) False
      • D) Not mentioned
    4. Where did Yuki sit to review notes on campus?

      • A) On a bench near the library
      • B) In the library
      • C) In the professor's office
      • D) In a classroom
    5. What does the word 'impressed' mean in the story?

      • A) Feeling confused about a topic
      • B) Feeling admiration because something is very good
      • C) Feeling scared of someone
      • D) Feeling bored by something
    6. What did Sam tell Yuki to do?

      • A) Arrive earlier than planned
      • B) Just be yourself
      • C) Cancel the meeting
      • D) Study harder for the meeting
    7. Yuki forgot to bring the important papers. True or false?

      • A) True
      • B) False
      • C) Not mentioned
      • D) Not stated
    8. What does 'politely' mean in the story?

      • A) In a fast and careless way
      • B) In a funny and silly way
      • C) In a way that shows good manners and respect
      • D) In a very loud way
    9. How long did the meeting last?

      • A) About one hour
      • B) About twenty minutes
      • C) About ten minutes
      • D) About five minutes
    10. The professor told Yuki to come back another day. True or false?

      • A) False
      • B) True
      • C) Not stated
      • D) Not mentioned

    Answer key (A2 (Elementary))

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

    bench: D5 ↑ · calm: K4 ↖ · impressed: M4 ↙ · nervous: A4 ↘ · nod: M3 ← · politely: E9 ↑ · prepare: M8 ↙ · professional: H14 ↑ · proud: N12 ↖ · research: C14 ↑

    Free Daily English · Level B1 (Intermediate) · Topic: preparing for an important meeting

    Yuki Prepares for a Turning Point

    Name: ______________________   Date: ____________

    Yuki had been waiting for this opportunity for weeks, and the morning of the big meeting had finally arrived. A well-known professor at the university was looking for a student to assist with a major research project, and Yuki had submitted an application letter the previous month. Now, standing in front of the mirror, Yuki carefully selected an outfit that looked both smart and comfortable. Although nerves were building in Yuki's stomach, there was also a sense of determination growing stronger by the minute. Yuki gathered all the necessary documents, including a printed copy of the application and a list of questions to ask the professor. Before leaving, Yuki glanced around the room one last time, making sure nothing had been forgotten. With a deep breath, Yuki stepped outside and headed toward the university campus, where the meeting would take place in just over an hour.

    The campus was already buzzing with activity when Yuki arrived, as students hurried between buildings and gathered in small groups on the grass. Yuki decided to find a quiet spot near the fountain to go over the preparation notes one final time. While reviewing the key points, Yuki suddenly heard a familiar voice calling from across the path. It was Sam, a close friend who had been encouraging Yuki throughout the entire application process. "You look like you are about to face a final exam!" Sam said with a warm laugh. Yuki smiled and replied, "Honestly, I think I would rather take an exam than sit through this interview." Sam sat down beside Yuki and offered some reassuring words, reminding Yuki of all the hard work that had gone into preparing. By the time they said goodbye, Yuki felt considerably more confident and ready to make a strong impression.

    As Yuki approached the professor's office, the sound of footsteps echoed softly in the quiet corridor. Yuki knocked on the door, and a calm voice invited Yuki to enter the room. The professor greeted Yuki with a welcoming smile and gestured toward a chair near the desk. Yuki began by thanking the professor for considering the application and then presented the prepared documents in an organized manner. The conversation that followed covered a range of topics, from Yuki's academic background to specific ideas for the research project. Yuki answered each question thoughtfully, drawing on the practice sessions from earlier that morning. At the end of the meeting, the professor leaned forward and said, "I have spoken with several candidates, but your preparation and enthusiasm truly stand out." Yuki walked out of the building with a wide smile, feeling that all the effort had been absolutely worthwhile.

    Key vocabulary

    opportunity (noun)a chance to do something positive or beneficial“Yuki had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.”
    determination (noun)a strong feeling of wanting to achieve something despite difficulties“Yuki felt a growing sense of determination before the meeting.”
    reassuring (adjective)making someone feel less worried or afraid“Sam offered some reassuring words to help Yuki feel better.”
    candidate (noun)a person who applies for a position or is considered for something“The professor had spoken with several candidates for the project.”
    enthusiasm (noun)a strong feeling of excitement and interest in something“The professor noticed Yuki's enthusiasm for the research topic.”
    considerably (adverb)by a large or noticeable amount“After talking to Sam, Yuki felt considerably more confident.”
    gesture (verb)to use a movement of the hand or body to indicate something“The professor gestured toward a chair near the desk.”
    corridor (noun)a long, narrow passage inside a building with doors on each side“Yuki's footsteps echoed softly in the quiet corridor.”
    worthwhile (adjective)valuable or important enough to justify the time and effort spent“Yuki felt that all the hard work had been absolutely worthwhile.”
    impression (noun)the opinion or feeling someone gets about a person or thing“Yuki wanted to make a strong impression during the meeting.”

    Useful phrases

    • go over — to review or check something carefully“Yuki decided to go over the notes one final time before the meeting.”
    • stand out — to be noticeably better or more impressive than others“The professor said that Yuki's preparation truly stood out.”
    • draw on — to use knowledge or experience that you already have“Yuki drew on the practice sessions from earlier that morning.”
    • a range of — several different types or kinds of something“The conversation covered a range of topics about the project.”
    • make an impression — to cause someone to notice and remember you“Yuki wanted to make a positive impression on the professor.”
    • by the time — when a particular moment arrives or has passed“By the time they said goodbye, Yuki felt much more confident.”

    Word search

    Find all 10 key words from the story. They can read forwards, backwards, up, down or diagonally.

    ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO
    1DPUYTINUTROPPOC
    2JENTHUSIASMWCNO
    3JZTJXMXJSTPOEGR
    4OMAEUDGLQKNRERR
    5EJPHRVHGRSVTNII
    6NTGSGMBAIZXHOWD
    7OWAVJYIDQWUWZGO
    8IPSDHLENDSJHTER
    9SQRKIRRJALJIMSF
    10SMBWADZGNTFLZTA
    11ENZBZWNIWDIENUL
    12RGLGOOVAUPCOERC
    13PYTEKYSPCPHXNEM
    14MAVMKOSMXKRJVTP
    15IQOOGNIRUSSAERD

    Comprehension quiz

    1. What had Yuki submitted to the professor the previous month?

      • A) A personal diary entry
      • B) A list of exam results
      • C) An application letter
      • D) A research paper
    2. What does the word 'reassuring' mean as used in the story?

      • A) Making someone feel tired after work
      • B) Making someone feel less worried
      • C) Making someone feel confused
      • D) Making someone feel excited about a trip
    3. Yuki reviewed notes near a fountain on campus. True or false?

      • A) True
      • B) Not stated
      • C) False
      • D) Not mentioned
    4. What does the phrase 'stand out' mean in the story?

      • A) To be noticeably better or more impressive than others
      • B) To wait outside a building
      • C) To stand up from a chair
      • D) To leave a room quickly
    5. How did Yuki feel after talking with Sam?

      • A) More nervous than before
      • B) Tired and ready to go home
      • C) Angry about the meeting
      • D) Considerably more confident
    6. The professor had not spoken to any other candidates before Yuki. True or false?

      • A) Not mentioned
      • B) Not stated
      • C) False
      • D) True
    7. What does 'worthwhile' mean in the context of the story?

      • A) Valuable enough to justify the effort spent
      • B) Expensive and difficult to afford
      • C) Boring and not interesting
      • D) Quick and easy to complete
    8. What did the professor do when Yuki entered the office?

      • A) Asked Yuki to wait outside
      • B) Greeted Yuki with a smile and gestured toward a chair
      • C) Gave Yuki a written test
      • D) Introduced Yuki to another student
    9. Yuki mentioned the exact grade of the previous semester during the meeting. True or false?

      • A) False
      • B) True
      • C) Not stated
      • D) Not mentioned
    10. What does the word 'determination' mean in the story?

      • A) A feeling of sadness about the future
      • B) A strong desire to achieve something despite difficulties
      • C) A sense of humor about everyday problems
      • D) A habit of arriving late to appointments

    Answer key (B1 (Intermediate))

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

    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.

    candidate: I13 ↖ · considerably: M2 ↙ · corridor: O1 ↓ · determination: A1 ↘ · enthusiasm: B2 → · gesture: N7 ↓ · impression: A15 ↑ · opportunity: N1 ← · reassuring: N15 ← · worthwhile: L2 ↓

    Free Daily English · www.freedailyenglish.com/stories/yukis-big-meeting-2026-04-18