Alex lived in a small flat in London. He was twenty-five years old. He had short brown hair and green eyes. Alex was a friendly person, but he was also a little shy. He worked in a supermarket. He stacked shelves. It was a boring job. Alex didn’t like it very much. He wanted a new job.
One day, Alex saw an advertisement in the newspaper. It said: “Receptionist wanted at Greenview Hotel.” Greenview Hotel was a big, modern hotel in the city centre. Alex thought, “This could be interesting.” He decided to apply for the job.
He wrote a letter of application and sent it to the hotel manager. A few days later, he received a letter inviting him for an interview. Alex was very nervous. He bought a new shirt and trousers for the interview.
On the day of the interview, Alex arrived at the hotel early. He sat in the lobby and waited. He felt his heart beating fast. The hotel lobby was very grand. There were comfortable sofas and big plants. People walked past, dressed smartly. Alex felt a little out of place.
Finally, a woman called his name. She was the hotel manager, Mrs. Davies. She was a tall woman with short grey hair. She smiled at Alex and shook his hand.
“Please, come into my office,” she said.
Alex followed her into a large office. They sat down at a big desk.
“So, Alex,” Mrs. Davies began, “tell me why you want this job.”
Alex took a deep breath. “Well,” he said, “I’m looking for a new challenge. I want to work with people, and I think I’m a good communicator. I’m also very organised and reliable.”
Mrs. Davies asked him some more questions about his experience and his skills. Alex answered them as best he could. He was honest and polite.
After about half an hour, Mrs. Davies said, “Thank you for coming, Alex. We will let you know our decision next week.”
Alex thanked her and left the office. He felt a little better now that the interview was over. He hoped he would get the job.
The following week, Alex waited anxiously for a phone call or a letter. On Wednesday morning, the phone rang. It was Mrs. Davies.
“Alex,” she said, “I’m pleased to offer you the job of receptionist. You impressed us with your enthusiasm and your positive attitude.”
Alex was very happy. “Thank you very much!” he said. “I’m really excited to start.”
“You can start next Monday,” Mrs. Davies said. “We look forward to welcoming you to the team.”
Alex put down the phone and smiled. He had a new job! He told his friends and family the good news. They were all very happy for him.
On Monday morning, Alex arrived at Greenview Hotel. He wore his new shirt and trousers. He felt a little nervous, but also very excited. He went to the reception desk and introduced himself to the other staff. They were all very friendly.
His first day was busy. He answered phone calls, greeted guests, and helped them with their luggage. He learned how to use the hotel’s computer system. It was a lot to learn, but Alex enjoyed it. He liked working in a busy and exciting environment.
At the end of his first day, Alex felt tired but satisfied. He knew he had made the right decision. He liked his new job. He liked working at Greenview Hotel. He felt more confident and happier than he had felt in a long time. He was looking forward to the future. He knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in his life. He was no longer just stacking shelves. He was a receptionist at a busy hotel in London. He was meeting new people every day and learning new skills. He felt proud of himself.
Alex continued to work hard at the hotel. He was always friendly and helpful to the guests. He became a valued member of the team. He was happy in his new job. He had found his place.
Vocabulary Notes
Stack (verb)
Meaning: To arrange things in a neat pile.
Example: “He worked in a supermarket. He stacked shelves.”
Explanation: Alex’s job involved putting products onto the shelves in an organized way.
Similar words: pile, arrange, heap, assemble
Advertisement (noun)
Meaning: A public notice in a newspaper, on television, or on the internet promoting a product, service, or event.
Example: “One day, Alex saw an advertisement in the newspaper.”
Explanation: The advertisement was how Alex found out about the job opening.
Similar words: ad, advert, commercial, promotion
Apply (verb)
Meaning: To make a formal request for something, typically a job.
Example: “He decided to apply for the job.”
Explanation: Alex sent in his information to be considered for the position.
Similar words: request, petition, bid, solicit
Interview (noun)
Meaning: A formal meeting in which someone is asked questions to see if they are suitable for a job or course.
Example: “A few days later, he received a letter inviting him for an interview.”
Explanation: The hotel wanted to meet Alex in person to talk about his qualifications.
Similar words: meeting, appointment, discussion, examination
Nervous (adjective)
Meaning: Anxious or worried.
Example: “Alex was very nervous.”
Explanation: Alex felt worried and uneasy before the interview.
Similar words: anxious, worried, apprehensive, uneasy
Lobby (noun)
Meaning: A large open space inside the entrance of a public building such as a hotel or theatre.
Example: “He sat in the lobby and waited.”
Explanation: The lobby was the waiting area for guests and visitors.
Similar words: entrance hall, foyer, reception area
Grand (adjective)
Meaning: Impressive and large or magnificent in appearance, size, or scope.
Example: “The hotel lobby was very grand.”
Explanation: The lobby was impressive and luxurious.
Similar words: magnificent, imposing, splendid, impressive
Impressed (verb)
Meaning: To make someone feel admiration and respect.
Example: “You impressed us with your enthusiasm.”
Explanation: Mrs. Davies thought Alex had a good attitude.
Similar words: influenced, affected, struck, moved
Enthusiasm (noun)
Meaning: Intense excitement and interest.
Example: “You impressed us with your enthusiasm.”
Explanation: Alex showed he was very keen on the job.
Similar words: eagerness, passion, zeal, excitement
Positive attitude (phrase)
Meaning: A way of thinking that focuses on the good aspects of situations.
Example: “You impressed us with your positive attitude.”
Explanation: Alex seemed optimistic and hopeful.
Similar phrases: optimistic outlook, upbeat manner, hopeful disposition
Greet (verb)
Meaning: To give a polite word of recognition or sign of welcome to (someone) on meeting.
Example: “He answered phone calls, greeted guests…”
Explanation: Alex welcomed the people who arrived at the hotel.
Similar words: welcome, receive, address, salute
Luggage (noun)
Meaning: Suitcases or other bags in which to carry belongings when traveling.
Example: “…and helped them with their luggage.”
Explanation: Alex assisted guests with their bags and suitcases.
Similar words: baggage, bags, cases, suitcases
Environment (noun)
Meaning: The surroundings or conditions in which a person lives or operates.
Example: “He liked working in a busy and exciting environment.”
Explanation: Alex enjoyed the atmosphere and activity of the hotel.
Similar words: atmosphere, surroundings, setting
Story written by Google Gemini 2.0 AI
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