The Lost Key - An ESL Listening Story With Lost-And-Found Vocabulary

Rose Sensei
Jun 26
4 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

In this short, everyday English story, follow Emma’s little adventure as she searches for her missing keys with help from her friendly neighbour, Liam.

This story is perfect for intermediate English learners looking to improve their listening skills and expand vocabulary related to everyday situations.

Learn vocabulary in context to handle everyday scenarios, like retracing steps when something’s missing, asking for help, and expressing relief or gratitude.

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Colourful cityscape background with plants. A man and woman converse in a circle inset. Text: "Learn English Through Short Stories," "The Lost Key," "Listening Practice."

🎥 Check out the YouTube video with 🗣️voice narration for listening practice:

👉The Lost Key - https://youtu.be/c_x1sPi5s4E

🎧 Listening Tip: Try listening once without looking at the screen, then listen again with text to catch any details you missed!

🗝️ Story Summary:Emma realises she lost her keys and, with the help of her neighbour Liam, tries to remember where she last had them. They retrace her steps, heading back to a local coffee shop where, luckily, the keys are found!

Characters:

👩Emma: A young woman, thoughtful but a little forgetful.

👨‍🦱Liam: Emma’s friendly neighbour, always willing to lend a hand.

Setting: Emma’s apartment building, specifically in the elevator and hallway outside her door.

The Lost Key - A Story With Lost-And-Found Vocabulary

Emma sighed as she reached her apartment building’s front door and checked her purse. "Keys, keys...where are they?" she mumbled, searching through her things. Her keys were nowhere to be found. Just then, Liam, her neighbour, walked up behind her.

“Everything alright, Emma?” Liam asked, noticing her worried expression.

Emma looked up, frustrated. “I think I’ve lost my keys!” she said, patting her coat pockets and looking around her.

Liam smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, let’s retrace your steps. When did you last have them?”

Emma thought back. “Hmm...I’m pretty sure I had them at the coffee shop earlier. I placed them on the table while I was ordering.”

“Alright,” Liam said, “Let’s head back there and see if they’re still around.”

The two walked quickly down the street, arriving at the coffee shop. Inside, they went to the counter, where Emma spotted a familiar face—Sara, the barista.

“Hi, Sara! Did anyone find a set of keys here today?” Emma asked, hopeful.

Sara nodded. “Yes! Someone turned them in an hour ago. Let me check the lost-and-found drawer.”

Emma held her breath as Sara opened the drawer and pulled out a set of keys. Emma’s face lit up. “Yes! Those are mine!” she exclaimed.

Sara handed over the keys with a grin. “I’m glad they’re yours. We don’t want anyone else going into your apartment!”

Emma laughed. “Thank you, Sara! And thank you, Liam. You saved the day.”

Liam shrugged. “No problem, Emma. Next time, maybe keep them on a keychain?”

Emma smiled sheepishly. “Good idea. I think I’ll start right now!”

📙Vocabulary & Phrases:

Retrace your steps – To go back to where you were before to find something you’ve lost.
Lost-and-found – A place where lost items are kept until the owner comes to claim them.
Pat your pockets – To check your pockets by tapping or pressing on them.
Hold your breath – To wait anxiously.
Sheepishly – To look or act embarrassed.

✍🏻Comprehension Questions:

Why did Emma feel worried?
Who helped Emma find her keys?
Where did Emma leave her keys?
How did Sara know the keys belonged to Emma?
What advice did Liam give Emma at the end?

📌True/False Statements:

Emma lost her keys in her apartment.
Liam suggested they go back to the coffee shop.
Sara found Emma’s keys in her coat pocket.
Emma thanked both Liam and Sara for their help.

✅ Answers:

(False)
(True)
(False)
(True)

🔍 Part 1: Match the Word to the Meaning

Match the expression to the correct meaning:

1. Sheepishly a. Check your pockets by tapping or pressing them

2. Retrace your steps b. A place where people leave and collect lost items|

3. Pat your pockets c. Wait anxiously for something to happen

4. Lost-and-found d. Go back to where you were to find something

5. Hold your breath e. Look or act embarrassed

✍️ Part 2: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the correct expression from the box:

Retrace your steps – Lost-and-found – Pat your pockets – Hold your breath – Sheepishly

I had to ____________________ after realising I left my phone somewhere.
Before leaving, he ____________________ to check if he had his wallet.
“I think someone turned it in to the ____________________,” said the security guard.
She ____________________ smiled and apologised for being late.
We all ____________________ as the agent opened the apartment door.