B2 English Reading – Short Story & Vocabulary Quiz
Eleanor approached the new “Smart Home Hub 5000” with high expectations. It had been released last week, supposedly a breakthrough in domestic technology. She had read all the glowing reviews, believing it would make her life effortlessly organized. This was the latest trend in home fashion, after all.
She unpacked the sleek device and plugged it in. “Hello, Aura,” she said, trying to sound welcoming. “Please play some relaxing jazz.” Aura, however, began blasting heavy metal out at full volume. Eleanor felt instantly stressed. “Aura, stop!” she commanded, her voice rising. It neither stopped nor changed the music. Instead, the lights flickered wildly on and off, and the blinds snapped up and down.
Her initial excitement quickly turned into an unexpected hassle. She tried to remain calm, but her apartment was now a noisy venue of electronic rebellion. Aura seemed to have a mind of its own, continuing its chaotic symphony. “What’s the matter with you?” she muttered, feeling overwhelmingly frustrated. This was not how she had imagined her upgraded home. The device, which has had a few glitches since she bought it, seemed determined to do the exact opposite of what she wanted. Eleanor sighed, defeated. She threw the user manual away and unplugged the device. She decided to return to simpler technology. That would suit her better. This extravagant gadget was more trouble than it was worth.