Ten More Short Stories Every English Learner Should Read

Introduction

Short stories are one of the best ways to improve your English.

They’re short, fun to read, and full of useful vocabulary and grammar in context. Even better, they make you think, laugh, and sometimes even feel surprised.

I’ve always loved using short stories to learn and teach English. They’re my favourite way to discover new words and expressions without getting bored.

This is my second collection of recommended short stories—some are my own with free lesson plans you can use, and others are classic tales that every English learner should read.

Let’s dig in!

1. The Fog (Original Lesson Plan)

Level: B1–B2
Theme: Suspense, mystery, horror

Tom encounters a thick fog while out on his evening walk with his pet dog, Jasper.

But is the fog hiding something much more?

You’ll Learn:

• Vocabulary for atmosphere

• Sequencing events

• Predicting outcomes

👉 Download the full lesson plan here

2. Cat Woman (Original Lesson Plan)

Level: B2
Theme: Supernatural, horror

A man meets a strange old lady on a train platform late in the evening.

But something is a little different about her…

You’ll Learn:

• Character description

• Indirect speech

• Discussion on morality

👉 Download the full lesson plan here

3. Hey Boy! (Original Lesson Plan)

Level: B1
Theme: Mystery, supernatural

A boy sees a dog while out on his bike.

But this is no ordinary dog…

You’ll Learn:

• Narrative tenses

• Vocabulary of memory

• Speaking prompts for personal stories

👉 Download the full lesson plan here

4. The Squid (Original Lesson Plan)

Level: B2–C1
Theme: Science fiction, mystery

A man finds something very strange in his swimming pool late in the evening.

How could it have got there?

You’ll Learn:

• Action verbs

• Figurative language

• Suspense in storytelling

👉 Download the full lesson plan here

5. The Necklace (Guy de Maupassant)

Level: B1–B2
Theme: Vanity, irony

A woman borrows a necklace for a glamorous evening, but the consequences change her life.

You’ll Learn:

• Conditional sentences

• Irony in storytelling

• Discussing moral choices

👉 Download the full lesson plan here

6. Harrison Bergeron (Kurt Vonnegut)

Level: B2–C1
Theme: Dystopia, equality, satire

A satirical vision of forced equality in the future, both humorous and disturbing.

You’ll Learn:

• Advanced vocabulary

• Satire and irony

• Critical discussion skills

👉 Download the full lesson plan here

7. The Lottery (Shirley Jackson)

Level: B2
Theme: Tradition, morality

A town gathers for its annual lottery—an event with shocking consequences.

You’ll Learn:

• Symbolism

• Critical thinking

• Group debate skills

👉 Download the full lesson plan here

8. The Happy Prince (Oscar Wilde)

Level: B1
Theme: Compassion, sacrifice

A statue and a swallow work together to help the poor, at great cost to themselves.

You’ll Learn:

• Emotive vocabulary

• Storytelling in the past tense

• Reading aloud with feeling

👉 Download the full lesson plan here

9. The Tell-Tale Heart (Edgar Allan Poe)

Level: B2–C1
Theme: Madness, guilt, suspense

A man insists he is sane—while confessing to a chilling crime.

You’ll Learn:

• Suspense techniques

• Literary vocabulary

• Dramatic reading

👉 Download the full lesson plan here

10. Mr Septimus Scribble & the Sentient Scone (Original Lesson Plan)

Level: B1–B2
Theme: Comedy, imagination

A man is about to eat and enjoy his delicious scone, but then he thinks he sees it move a little…

Is this scone alive?

You’ll Learn:

• Humour in English

• Idiomatic expressions

• Creative speaking prompts

👉 Download the full lesson plan here

Conclusion

Stories do more than just help you practise English—they make you feel emotions, imagine new worlds, and stay curious.

By reading both classic tales and my original lesson plans, you’ll enjoy learning while keeping your studies fresh and exciting.

👉 🆓 Want more? Browse my full collection of free short story lesson plans here.