The night shift: Easy English Story (Level 3) with Audio

Level 3 Story 13 of 16 · 190 words · intermediate (B1)

Key words

distribution centre a large warehouse that sends goods to shops
sceptical not sure something is true
gave it a go tried it
look out for take care of
penalty rates higher pay for nights, weekends or holidays
promoted given a higher job

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Retell the story in your own words in 4 or 5 sentences. Say it out loud, or write it down. Then read the story again and check what you missed.

The night shift

Graded story, level 3 · englishcoaching.au

1. Vocabulary: write the meaning

distribution centre: ________________________
sceptical: ________________________
gave it a go: ________________________
look out for: ________________________
penalty rates: ________________________
promoted: ________________________

2. Questions

What was hard for Daniel at first?
☐ Sleeping during the day ☐ Learning the job ☐ Getting to work
What was Rosa's advice?
☐ Blackout curtains, earplugs and the same routine ☐ Drink more coffee ☐ Quit the job
What helped Daniel save money?
☐ Penalty rates ☐ A second job ☐ A loan
What happened a year later?
☐ He was promoted to team leader ☐ He quit ☐ He moved overseas

3. Talk or write about it

Retell the story in 4 or 5 sentences.

Transcript

When Daniel started working night shifts at a distribution centre, his friends thought he was crazy.

"You'll never sleep properly," his brother warned. "And you'll never see anyone."

The first two weeks were hard. Daniel would get home at seven in the morning, try to sleep with the sun streaming through the curtains, and wake up feeling worse.

Then an older coworker, Rosa, gave him some advice during their break. "Blackout curtains, earplugs, and the same routine every day, even on your days off," she said.

Daniel was sceptical, but he gave it a go. Within a week, he was sleeping six or seven hours straight.

He also discovered things he hadn't expected. The night team was small and close, and they looked out for each other.

The penalty rates meant he could save for a deposit on a car. And with his afternoons free, he started an online course.

A year later, Daniel was promoted to team leader.

On his first shift in the new role, he noticed a new worker yawning and looking lost. Daniel walked over and smiled. "First week? Let me tell you about blackout curtains."

Answers: 1. Sleeping during the day · 2. Blackout curtains, earplugs and the same routine · 3. Penalty rates · 4. He was promoted to team leader

Frequently asked questions

What level is the story 'The night shift'?

Level 3, intermediate (B1). It has 190 words, with audio, key words and a quiz.

Can I listen to this English story?

Yes. Press Play and each sentence is read aloud and highlighted, so you can read and listen at the same time. Choose Slow speed if you're a beginner.

Which words will I learn?

distribution centre, sceptical, gave it a go, look out for, penalty rates, promoted.