86. No Internet Connection

Jacob had to write a ten-page paper on Abraham Lincoln by tomorrow. He hadn't even started yet. He always procrastinated, but he always got good grades, too. Jacob poured himself a cup of coffee and drank the whole thing. 

He opened up his laptop. Then, he opened up a blank document. Next, he opened up the Internet browser. He had to look up information on Abraham Lincoln.

When he clicked the "Enter" button to look up information, it said there was an Internet connection problem! He checked his router. It looked fine. He double checked if he typed "Abraham Lincoln" incorrectly. 

He tried turning his wi-fi on and off. It still didn't work. Jacob started to sweat. He knew his teacher wouldn't give him a deadline extension. Jacob called customer service and explained his problem.

The person on the other line gave him suggestions, but nothing worked. Jacob talked to the person for about an hour and then gave up. He was upset that he wasted an hour. It was already 9 p.m., and he had to turn in his paper at 8 a.m. 

Jacob had to turn this around. He went to the library, picked out ten books on Lincoln and used the library computer. He finished writing at 2:00 a.m. He ended up getting an A on the paper!

Vocabulary Words

1. Procrastinated – delayed doing something important
   He always procrastinated, but he always got good grades.

2. Poured – caused liquid to flow from one container to another
   Jacob poured himself a cup of coffee.

3. Document – a file where you write or type information
   He opened up a blank document.

4. Browser – a program used to access the internet
   He opened up the Internet browser.

5. Connection – a link to the internet or network
   There was an Internet connection problem.

6. Router – a device that provides Wi-Fi connection
   He checked his router.

7. Double checked – checked again to be sure
   He double checked if he typed "Abraham Lincoln" incorrectly.

8. Wi-Fi – wireless internet connection
   He tried turning his Wi-Fi on and off.

9. Extension – extra time to complete something
   He knew his teacher wouldn't give him a deadline extension.

10. Customer service – help provided to solve a problem
    Jacob called customer service and explained his problem.

11. Suggestions – ideas or advice for solving a problem
    The person gave him suggestions, but nothing worked.

12. Gave up – stopped trying
    Jacob gave up after talking for an hour.

13. Wasted – used time or resources without result
    He was upset that he wasted an hour.

14. Deadline – the final time or date something is due
    He had to turn in his paper at 8 a.m.

15. Turn this around – change a bad situation into a good one
    Jacob had to turn this around.

16. Picked out – chose or selected
    He picked out ten books on Lincoln.

17. Library – a place with books and computers for study
    He went to the library and used the computer.

18. Finished – completed something
    He finished writing at 2:00 a.m.

19. Paper – an essay or written assignment
    Jacob had to write a ten-page paper.

20. A – the highest grade
    He ended up getting an A on the paper!

Comprehension Questions

1. What was Jacob’s assignment about?

2. When was the paper due?

3. Why did Jacob procrastinate?

4. What did Jacob do after pouring coffee?

5. What problem did Jacob face when he tried to go online?

6. What did he do to fix the Internet problem?

7. Why didn’t Jacob ask for more time?

8. Who did Jacob call for help?

9. How long did Jacob talk to customer service?

10. Why was Jacob upset after the call?

11. What time was it when Jacob finished the call?

12. What did Jacob decide to do after giving up on the internet?

13. Where did he go to find information on Lincoln?

14. How many books did he pick?

15. What did he use at the library to write his paper?

16. What time did Jacob finish writing the paper?

17. How many pages was the paper?

18. What grade did Jacob get on his paper?

19. What does “turn this around” mean in the story?

20. What lesson can be learned from Jacob’s experience?