A Birthday Surprise
Read and practice vocabulary with this graded reading passage
Reading
It was Maria’s thirtieth birthday, and she thought everyone had forgotten. She went to work as usual, and nobody mentioned it all morning.
At lunch time, her friend Kate invited her to a new restaurant. “Let’s try it,” Kate said. “I’ve heard the food is excellent.”
When they arrived at the restaurant, it seemed very dark inside. Suddenly, the lights came on and Maria heard everyone shout: “Surprise!”
All her friends and family were there! Her husband had organized the whole party with Kate’s help. There were balloons, a huge cake, and a table full of presents.
“I can’t believe this!” Maria said with tears of joy. “I thought everyone had forgotten!”
Her husband smiled and gave her a small box. Inside was a beautiful gold necklace. “Happy birthday, my love,” he said.
They spent the evening dancing, laughing, and celebrating. Maria said it was the best birthday she had ever had.
Key Vocabulary
| Word | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| forget | v. | not remember |
| invite | v. | ask someone to come |
| organize | v. | plan and arrange |
| believe | v. | think something is true |
| celebrate | v. | do something special for an event |
Comprehension Questions
- Why did Maria think everyone forgot her birthday?
- Where did Kate invite Maria?
- What was the surprise?
- What gift did her husband give?