Introduction
I have said this many times, but short stories are one of the best ways to improve your English.
They’re short, enjoyable, and full of useful language.
In this article, I’ve chosen 10 of the best short stories for English learners—six of them with a free lesson plan you can use for self-study or in the classroom.
Check them out!
1. The Conman
Level: B1–B2
Theme: Deception, street life
This story explores the world of a London street hustler. With a humourous twist at the end…
It’s full of natural dialogue and vivid imagery—perfect for intermediate learners.
You’ll Learn:
Phrasal verbs
Descriptive adjectives
Dialogue reading
2. The Picture
Level: B1
Theme: pictures, secrets, family, memory
A man finds a picture in his parents attic. As he tries to uncover its origin, the discovery sets off a chain of events that challenge his understanding of memory, love, and loss.
Great for exploring third-person narrative style and introspection.
You’ll Learn:
Past tense narration
Emotive vocabulary
Sequencing events
3. The Girl Who Knew No Fear
Level: B2–C1
Theme: Mystery, psychological drama
The Girl Who Knew No Fear is a short story about Lila, a young girl born without the ability to feel fear.
You’ll Learn:
Indirect speech
Literary vocabulary
Figurative language
4. The Grey Lady
Level: B1
Theme: Supernatural, suspense
A boy has to walk home through The Hollow. What he sees at the end, he just can’t believe.
You’ll Learn:
Descriptive adjectives
Prepositions of place
Building suspense in writing
5. Charlie
Level: B1
Theme: Love, sadness
A man is waiting to catch the bus home. Beside him an old lady starts talking about her dearly beloved Charlie. Who is Charlie?
You’ll Learn:
Narrative tenses
Expressing love
Speaking prompts for discussion
6. The Girl in the River
Level: B1–B2
Theme: Ghost stories, city life
Tony helps a girl into his taxi. He offers to take her back to her home. But then he sees she left something in the back of his taxi…
You’ll Learn:
Expressions of time and place
Character description
Reading for inference
7. The Umbrella Man (by Roald Dahl)
Level: B2
Theme: Trickery, social behaviour
Classic Roald Dahl story, great for teaching irony and British humour.
You’ll Learn:
Storytelling with irony
British English
Past tenses
8. Lamb to the Slaughter (by Roald Dahl)
Level: B2–C1
Theme: Crime, irony
A gripping and surprisingly funny crime story. Students always love the twist.
You’ll Learn:
Reported speech
Crime vocabulary
Suspense techniques
9. The Gift of the Magi (by O. Henry)
Level: B1
Theme: Love, sacrifice
A heartwarming Christmas story with a famous twist ending.
You’ll Learn:
Conditional sentences
Literary vocabulary
Expressing opinions
10. Fire Angel
Level: B1–B2
Theme: Tragedy, fire, supernatural
A man tries to escape from a burning building. He discovers a little girl crying and helps her. But when he gets to the roof, he realises what she really is.
You’ll Learn:
Past continuous and past simple
Expressing emotion
Group speaking prompts
Final Thoughts
Short stories give you everything you need to become a better English speaker.
Try reading one a day, follow the lesson plan, and watch your vocabulary and confidence grow.
🆓 Want more? Browse my full collection of free English short story lesson plans here.
