The Empty Bench

Preface

In every school there are places that become special because of the memories they hold. A classroom, a library, or even a simple bench in the schoolyard can remind us of friendship, kindness, and important life lessons. Sometimes the greatest teachers are not found only in books but also in everyday experiences. As you read the story, think about this question:

How can one person's actions influence many others?

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Main Text

The Empty Bench

Every morning, before the first lesson began, an elderly man sat on the same wooden bench outside the school. He greeted every student with a smile and wished each of them a good day. Some students smiled back, while others hurried past without paying much attention.

No one knew very much about him. The teachers simply called him "Grandfather Niko." He never interrupted classes or spoke loudly. Instead, he quietly watched students arrive and leave each day.

One rainy morning, the bench was empty.

The students noticed it immediately.

"Where is Grandfather Niko?" one girl asked.

The headteacher explained that he had become ill and was resting at home.

During the following weeks, something unexpected happened. Students who had rarely spoken to one another began greeting each other every morning. Some helped younger children carry their schoolbags. Others picked up litter from the playground without being asked.

One teacher smiled and said, "Perhaps Grandfather Niko has taught his greatest lesson without entering a classroom."

A month later, the old man returned.

As he approached the school, dozens of students welcomed him with applause. They told him how much they had missed his cheerful greeting.

Grandfather Niko looked around and noticed the clean playground, the smiling faces, and the friendly atmosphere.

"It seems," he said quietly, "that the bench was never important. What mattered was the kindness that began there."

From that day onward, the students understood that kindness is like a light. When one person shares it, many others begin to shine as well.

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Comprehension Questions

A. Answer the Questions

1. Where did Grandfather Niko sit every morning?

2. How did he greet the students?

3. Why was the bench empty one morning?

4. What changes did the students make while he was away?

5. What did one teacher say about Grandfather Niko?

6. How did the students welcome him back?

7. According to Grandfather Niko, what was more important than the bench?

8. What is the main message of the story?

B. True or False

1. Grandfather Niko taught English classes.

2. He greeted students every morning.

3. The students ignored his absence.

4. The playground became cleaner while he was away.

5. Kindness inspired other acts of kindness.

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Vocabulary Practice

Match the words with their meanings.

1. greeted

2. interrupted

3. atmosphere

4. applause

5. inspired

a. clapping to show appreciation

b. welcomed someone

c. encouraged someone to act

d. the feeling or mood in a place

e. stopped something while it was happening

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Grammar Practice

A. Past Simple and Past Continuous

Choose the correct form.

1. Grandfather Niko ______ (sat / was sitting) on the bench every morning.

2. The students ______ (were arriving / arrived) when he greeted them.

3. It ______ (was raining / rained) when the bench was empty.

4. The children ______ (helped / were helping) younger students during his absence.

5. Everyone ______ (clapped / was clapping) when he returned.

B. Passive Voice

Rewrite the sentences in the passive voice.

1. The students cleaned the playground.

2. The teachers welcomed Grandfather Niko.

3. The children carried the schoolbags.

4. Someone repaired the old bench.

5. The students remembered his kindness.

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Discussion

Discuss these questions with a partner.

1. Why do small acts of kindness matter?

2. Can one person change the atmosphere of a school?

3. Who has inspired you through simple actions?

4. What act of kindness could you do this week?

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Writing Task

A Person Who Made a Difference

Write 150–180 words about someone who has influenced your life.

Include:

• Who the person is.

• What he or she did.

• How that person influenced you.

• What lesson you learned.

Try to use:

• at least two examples of the Past Continuous;

• one passive sentence;

• three linking words (however, therefore, although, meanwhile, finally).