The first week with the car
A text in Polish at level B1. The translation sits next to it for checking, not for support: at this level the text is read whole, and an unknown word is usually guessed from the sentence. I bought a second-hand car on Monday, and on Tuesday the vehicle inspection was already waiting for me. On the way, in…
Text
- Używany samochód kupiłem w poniedziałek, a we wtorek czekał mnie już przegląd techniczny. Po drodze, w godzinie szczytu, stałem dwadzieścia minut przed tym samym skrzyżowaniem. Mechanik powiedział, że hamulce są w porządku, ale reflektory są za słabe do tunelu. W środę przebiłem oponę i wezwałem lawetę, bo zapasowego koła nie miałem. W czwartek rano samochód w ogóle nie odpalał, choć bateria była nowa. W piątek wszystko działało i pojechałem pierwszy raz spokojnie wzdłuż nabrzeża do pracy.I bought a second-hand car on Monday, and on Tuesday the vehicle inspection was already waiting for me. On the way, in the rush hour, I stood for twenty minutes in front of the same crossroads. The mechanic said the brakes were in order, but the headlights were too weak for the tunnel. On Wednesday I got a puncture and called a tow truck, because I had no spare wheel. On Thursday morning the car would not start at all, although the battery was new. On Friday everything worked, and for the first time I drove calmly along the embankment to work.
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 awaited the narrator on Tuesday?
- What did the mechanic say about the headlights?
- Why did he call a tow truck?
- What happened on Thursday morning?
Frequently asked
What level do you need to read this text in Polish?
B1. That means: everyday topics are behind you, you know about three thousand words, and an unknown word is more often guessed from the sentence than looked up.
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.