Short Stories for Reading Comprehension

This lesson has been updated for October 2026. Introductory Questions 1. Is there such a thing as the angel of death? 2. How does he collect souls? 3. If it is someone’s time to die, what choice do they have? Video for Listening Listen to Last Orders in the video above to practise your English

Introduction Can a house be haunted by a ghost? Do you know of any haunted houses? Would you live in a haunted house? The House We all laughed when the landlady told us the story of the ghost. “I expect you’ve all heard about this house,” she said. “And the ghost that occupies it.” And

Updated for October 2026: this lesson plan includes the revised story and updated exercises. A man wakes up in his bathroom. He can’t remember getting home, but he often gets drunk, so he has trouble remembering anything at all. Some memories of a woman – a very beautiful woman – in the bar… But something

A man is at home. It is late in the evening and he is bored. So he picks up his phone. What would happen if he called his own number? And what if someone answered it? This is a chilling short story that comes with a full English lesson plan. You can use this short

Introduction Can people turn into animals at will? Are there any folk tales or urban myths of people turning into animals in your country? Would you like to turn into any animal at will? What animal would you be? Story for Listening Watch the video below and listen. This is good for listening comprehension. But

Introduction What is a ghost train? Have you ever been on a completely empty train? Have you ever had any strange experience on a train? Is it possible for a large group of people to just disappear? Listen to the Story Watch the video below and listen as the story is read aloud. Pause after

Updated for October 2026. Jamie has a dream: to build a machine that can take him into the sky. But with failed attempts behind him and little encouragement at home, will his determination be enough? The Flying Machine is a short story for English language learners and teachers, with reading comprehension, vocabulary and discussion activities

Introduction Is there such a thing as time travel? Can people suddenly move from one time to another? Would you like to do this? Story for Listening Use the audio track below to listen to the story. Now you can practice listening too! Where Have You Been? “Where have you been?” Sam looked at his

Maureen has lost her dog. She has no idea where he can be. The police don’t seem to be able to help. No one knows where he can be. It just seems hopeless. Until Mr McKenzie appears. With the dog in his arms. Check out my short story, Lost Dog. This story is sure to

This is a revised version for October 2026. Peter is in the basement despite his mother telling him not to play down there. He sees a door. Then encourages his little sister to come down and help him open it. Then they see her. This is a terrifying short story you can use in your