The tree in the courtyard
A short in Spanish text at level B1. The translation sits next to it: reading with a dictionary is still too early at this level, and without support it will not happen at all. In my building we have spent two years arguing about a tree in the courtyard, and the argument has lasted longer than…
Text
- En mi edificio llevamos dos años discutiendo sobre un árbol del patio, y la discusión ha durado más que cualquier obra. La mitad de los vecinos quiere cortarlo porque las raíces levantan el suelo y en otoño hay que barrer todos los días. La otra mitad afirma que da sombra a los pisos bajos y que en verano se nota en la factura de la luz. En la última junta cada uno repitió su argumento, dos se insultaron, y el administrador tuvo que pedir que nadie levantara la voz. Entonces una vecina propuso algo sensato: pedir un informe a un especialista antes de votar nada. El informe llegó en marzo y decía que el árbol está sano, que las raíces se pueden desviar y que cortarlo costaría el doble que arreglarlas. Nadie reconoció que se había equivocado, pero todos votaron a favor de arreglar el suelo, y del árbol ya no se habla.In my building we have spent two years arguing about a tree in the courtyard, and the argument has lasted longer than any renovation. Half of the residents want it cut down: the roots lift the paving, and in autumn you have to sweep every day. The other half claims it gives shade to the lower apartments and in summer you notice it in the electricity bill. At the last meeting everyone repeated their argument, two people exchanged insults, and the manager had to ask that nobody raise their voice. Then one neighbor proposed something sensible: order a report from a specialist before voting on anything. The report arrived in March: the tree is healthy, the roots can be diverted, and cutting it down would cost twice as much as fixing the paving. Nobody admitted being wrong, but everyone voted for repairing the courtyard, and the tree is no longer mentioned.
Comprehension questions
The questions are asked in Russian on purpose: we test your understanding of the text, not your ability to read the question.
- What are the residents arguing about?
- What do the tree's defenders cite in its favor?
- What did one of the neighbors propose?
- How did the matter end?
Frequently asked
What level do you need to read this text in Spanish?
B1. That means: you know the letters and have a stock of everyday words — about two or three hundred.
How to read a text in an unfamiliar language usefully?
First all the way through without peeking at the translation — just to catch the familiar words. Then with the translation. Then all the way through again: the second pass brings noticeably more, and that feeling matters more than any rule.