Short Stories for Reading Comprehension

Story updated: August 2026 Jonas is rowing his little sister across the fjord. It is late in the evening, but he knows he can get to the other side. He has done it many times before. But there is a rumbling deep below the water. And what rises up is more powerful than anything Jonas

Fully updated for September 2026. Lost is a suspenseful short story for English reading and speaking. Carl follows his classmate Dan into an abandoned mine, hoping for an adventure and a story to tell at school. Deep underground, with only one torch between them, he begins to regret his decision. This September 2026 update includes

Story updated for October 2026. Kevin decides he has had enough. He walks out of his office and heads for the ferry, determined to leave. But his colleagues, strangers and even the police want him to stay. Why are they so afraid to let him go? Just Leave is a short story about freedom, conformity

Gloria is in an artist’s studio. The artist is creating a portrait of her. But this is no ordinary portrait. Gloria has never experienced anything like this before… This is an entertaining story about a woman who visits an artist. Your students will love this story and the accompanying lesson plan. Try it today! Download

Bill makes his way to a stable to buy a horse. For his daughter. They had talked about it for some time. The horse that is for sale is kept at the far end of the grounds. Like it has been kept away from the others. Bill goes into the dark stable to see the

The Hole is a suspenseful short story for English learners about Billy and Jake, two schoolboys who explore a cave in Blake’s Wood. As Jake becomes fascinated by a mysterious black hole, Billy must decide whether to follow his friend or trust his fear. This B1–B2 English lesson develops reading comprehension, vocabulary, speaking and creative

Tony hears a noise in his home in the middle of the night. He goes downstairs to take a look and comes face to face with a burglar. This is a short story about burglary — thieves that break into people’s homes to steal — and what to do during a situation like this. This

Sam gets into a taxi after finishing work late at night. But the driver refuses to take him where he wants to go. Instead, he keeps asking Sam where he needs to go. This is a mystery short story that your students will love. It comes complete with a full lesson plan with lots of

Charlie – Updated August 2026 A little old lady sits down next to a stranger at the bus stop and starts talking about Charlie — the love of her life, always close to her heart, never far from her side. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear this isn’t a simple story about loss. And