The Story
The traveling salesman had booked himself in for the night in a small boarding-house, but due to a lengthy business meeting he did not arrive until after midnight. He could see no signs of life, but not wanting to spend the night on the doorstep he pressed the bell. After an interval, an upstairs window opened and an angry woman peered out. "What is it?" she asked.
" It's Mr. Jerkins," replied the helpless salesman, "I'm staying here."
"All right," came the response. "Stay there". And she slammed down the window!
Vocabulary Practice
Mark the best choice.

1. To 'book' here means to ___.
• read a book
• reserve a room
• take a long trip
• make a call
2. 'Due to' means ___.
• but not
• moreover
• because of
• as well as
3. To '___' means to look carefully, as if unable to see.
• slam
• press
• peer
• meet
4. To 'slam' means to ___.
• look angrily at something
• shut loudly and forcefully
• move slowly
• say something
Questions for Discussion
1. What is funny about this story?
2. What do you think will the salesman do next?
3. Do you remember a misunderstanding like this one?