Short Stories for Reading Comprehension

Sarah moves into her new home. She is very happy. But there’s a strange smell coming from somewhere… As she tries to find out the source of it, she makes an awful discovery.   Check out my thrilling short story What’s That Smell? It comes complete with a full lesson plan that you can download

Henry loves to eat. He eats at the finest restaurants and he loves to eat well. But then he starts to feel hungry…   This is a story about overeating. Maybe something of a sensitive subject… You can download the full and complete lesson plan by clicking the link below. It comes complete with the

You live next to someone who you just see occasionally. You know they are there, but you never speak. Then one day, your neighbour introduces himself. You get on while. You talk every day. It’s really great to have a neighbour who can become a good friend. But then one day, his daughter arrives to

Introduction   What is a catfish? What is an online scam? Can people easily be fooled by someone online? How?   The Catfish   “This is Detective Sergeant Mike Alloy interviewing John Sayles in connection with the crime of deception, fraud, and theft,” Mike stated firmly. He nodded to his colleague, Ella, and took a

Updated for October 2026. A honeymoon in Cornwall takes an unsettling turn when Charlotte and Sam discover a secluded old inn with a mysterious past. Read The Horsemen Inn, a suspenseful short story for intermediate English learners, and practise reading, comprehension, vocabulary and discussion skills. This B1–B2 lesson is suitable for classroom teaching and independent

Story Updated: September 2026 Car Trouble is a supernatural short story for intermediate English learners at B1–B2 level. Miles is driving home late at night when his car suddenly breaks down on a dark, isolated road. His phone is dead, there are no lights or houses nearby, and he has no idea where he is.

Updated for October 2026 Ray is about to speak in front of a large audience, and he is terrified. Can he find the courage to step onto the stage? This short story lesson gives English learners and teachers a chance to explore the language of public speaking and nervousness. Read the story, practise the vocabulary

Robert wakes up to find a complete stranger in his room. Who is he? And how did he get into the house? More importantly, what does he want? This is a thrilling short story about an intruder. It comes complete with: introductory questions a short story reading comprehension questions true or false exercise essential vocabulary

Introduction What is a shop window mannequin? What do you think of these things? Could a mannequin come to life? If so, how? Listen to the Story Watch the video below and listen as the story is read aloud. Pause after each section to answer the reading comprehension questions or discuss the story with your

Updated for October 2026 This revised edition of Under The Sand follows Simon, a metal detectorist who makes a disturbing discovery on a deserted winter beach. Read the story and use the comprehension, vocabulary and discussion activities to practise English reading and speaking. Introductory Questions What is a metal detector? Is metal detecting popular in