A2 · Elementary · Errands · 98 words · ~2 min read

🏦 Opening a Bank Account

Language focus: Present Simple · forms & requirements

Sofia has just moved to the UK, and she needs a bank account. She visits a branch in the town centre and speaks to an adviser.

“I’d like to open a current account, please,” she says. The adviser asks her to fill in a form and show some identification.

“We will set up your account today,” the adviser explains. “Your debit card will arrive in five working days.” Sofia pays in some cash to start.

“You can check your balance and transfer money using our app,” he adds. Sofia feels organised and very pleased with the easy process.

Key vocabulary (8 words)

accountnoun
An arrangement to keep your money at a bank.
branchnoun
One of the local offices of a bank.
advisernoun
A person whose job is to give helpful advice.
identificationnoun
A document that proves who you are.
debit cardnoun
A card that takes money directly from your account.
balancenoun
The amount of money in your account.
transferverb
To move money from one account to another.
withdrawverb
To take money out of your account.

Phrasal verbs in this story

  • fill in — To fill in a form means to write the needed information on it.
  • set up — To set up means to create or arrange something.
  • pay in — To pay in means to put money into a bank account.

Comprehension quiz

  1. What does Sofia want to open?

    • A bank account
    • A shop
    • A window
    Show answer

    A bank account

  2. What does she show the adviser?

    • Some identification
    • A photograph
    • A receipt
    Show answer

    Some identification

  3. When will her debit card arrive?

    • In an hour
    • In five working days
    • Next year
    Show answer

    In five working days

  4. She ___ some cash to start.

    • pays in
    • runs out
    • throws away
    Show answer

    pays in

  5. How can she check her balance?

    • Using the app
    • By post only
    • She cannot
    Show answer

    Using the app

  6. “Fill in” a form means to…

    • write the information on it
    • tear it up
    • post it
    Show answer

    write the information on it

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