The Broken Guitar String
A free A1-level English story for language learners, readable online in 5 languages, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
A guitar string breaks just before Bilal's school concert, and an older student offers help.
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Bilal sits backstage with his guitar. The school concert starts in ten minutes. He is ready.
He plays one last song. Then a string breaks with a loud sound. It hangs from the neck of the guitar.
His face goes white. "Oh no," he says.
He runs to the music teacher. "I need a new string!" he says.
The teacher looks in her box. "I have no strings," she says. "I am so sorry."
Bilal sits on a chair. His hands shake. He thinks about going home.
An older girl sits next to him. Her name is Lotte. She plays in the school band.
"What is wrong?" she asks.
"My string broke," he says. "I cannot play."
Lotte looks at his guitar. Then she points at a black case. "Use my guitar," she says.
"Are you sure?" Bilal asks.
"Yes. Go and play well."
Bilal takes the guitar. It feels a little different, but it is nice. The teacher calls his name.
He walks onto the stage. The lights are bright. He sits down and plays the first note. It sounds clear and warm.
