Choosing Between Choir and Debate
A free A2-level English story for language learners, readable online in English, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
Mabel tries both a new choir and a new debate club before picking the one that pushes her to grow.
Mabel's school offers new after-school clubs this year. She wants to join one, but two clubs interest her.
The choir meets on Tuesdays. Mabel loves to sing. But she feels shy about singing in front of people.
The debate club meets on Thursdays. Mabel likes to talk about ideas, but arguments make her nervous.
She talks to her friend Beckett about it at lunch. "I can't choose," Mabel says. "I like both clubs."
"Why not try both for one week?" Beckett suggests. "Then you can decide."
Mabel likes this plan. On Tuesday, she goes to choir practice. Her voice shakes during the first song.
By the end of practice, her voice feels steady.
On Thursday, she goes to the debate club instead. The topic is about school lunch menus.
Mabel raises her hand and speaks about the lunch menu. Her heart pounds, but she keeps talking anyway.
After both meetings, Mabel makes her choice. "I pick debate," she tells Beckett on Friday. "It's scary, but it makes me feel strong."
"Good choice," Beckett says. "You can still sing in the shower." Mabel laughs and agrees.
