Past Simple Tense Stories – PDF
In these Past Simple Tense Stories you will read stories where the past simple tense is used to talk about completed actions. After each story, try the exercises to practice identifying and using the tense correctly. The past simple tense is used to describe actions that happened at a certain time in the past. To tell a story about events that happened yesterday, last week or even years ago, we use the past simple tense. You can also download a PDF of stories in the past simple tense at the bottom of this page.
Past Simple Tense Stories
Past Simple Tense Stories PDF
Story 1: The Lost Wallet
John was walking home from work when he noticed something unusual. As he crossed the street, he saw a small wallet lying on the ground. He picked it up and opened it to see if there was any identification inside. To his surprise, the wallet belonged to his neighbor, Mrs. Brown.
John immediately decided to return it. He knocked on her door, and after a few seconds, Mrs. Brown answered. When she saw her wallet, she smiled with relief and thanked John repeatedly. She had been worried because she thought she had lost it forever. John felt happy that he could help her.
After chatting for a while, John said goodbye and went home. That night, he thought about the day’s events and realized that small acts of kindness could make a big difference.
Exercises:
- What did John notice on the ground?
- Who did the wallet belong to?
- How did Mrs. Brown feel when she saw her wallet?
- What did John realize at the end of the day?
Answer Key:
- John noticed a wallet on the ground.
- The wallet belonged to his neighbor, Mrs. Brown.
- Mrs. Brown felt relief and thanked John.
- John realized that small acts of kindness could make a big difference.
Story 2: A Day at the Beach
Last Saturday, Emma and her friends decided to spend the day at the beach. They packed their bags with snacks, sunscreen, and towels, and they left early in the morning to avoid the traffic. When they arrived, the sun was shining brightly, and the water looked perfect for swimming.
Emma and her friends swam in the ocean for hours. They played beach volleyball, built sandcastles, and ate delicious sandwiches. In the afternoon, they sat under an umbrella and watched the waves. Everything seemed perfect until dark clouds began to gather.
Suddenly, it started to rain heavily. They quickly grabbed their things and ran to the car. Even though the rain ruined their plans, Emma and her friends laughed about the unexpected turn of events and agreed that it was still a fun day.
Exercises:
- What did Emma and her friends do at the beach?
- What ruined their day?
- How did they feel about the rain?
Answer Key:
- Emma and her friends swam, played volleyball, and built sandcastles.
- The rain ruined their day.
- They laughed and agreed that it was still fun.
Story 3: The Surprise Party
Last Friday, Sarah’s friends threw her a surprise birthday party. They planned it for weeks, carefully organizing every detail. On the day of the party, they decorated her living room with balloons and banners and prepared her favorite cake.
When Sarah came home from work, she noticed that the house was unusually quiet. As she opened the door to the living room, all of her friends jumped out and shouted “Surprise!” Sarah was shocked and started to cry tears of joy. She hugged each of her friends and thanked them for the amazing surprise.
They spent the rest of the evening eating, laughing, and telling stories about their favorite memories together. Sarah felt grateful to have such wonderful friends who cared about her so much.
Exercises:
- What did Sarah’s friends do to prepare for the party?
- How did Sarah react when she saw her friends?
- What did Sarah and her friends do during the evening?
Answer Key:
- Sarah’s friends planned the party, decorated the room, and prepared her favorite cake.
- Sarah was shocked and started to cry tears of joy.
- They spent the evening eating, laughing, and telling stories.
