PDF – Short Stories for ESL Students

If there were a magic pill to help English learners improve their language skills, it would definitely be reading short stories! Yes, you read that right! After all, we learn a language to communicate, not to crack secret codes from another planet. Short stories offer simple, easy-to-understand vocabulary and everyday conversations that will help you gain confidence and keep up with native speakers.

In this article, we’ll dive into why short stories are such a powerful tool for ESL students. We’ll also share tips on how to make the most of these stories by using the exercises and comprehension questions at the end. Plus, you can download each story as a PDF, so you can read and practice anytime, even when you’re offline. For teachers, we also offer free worksheets with fun classroom activities to help reinforce the language learned from the stories.

Whether you’re just starting to learn English or looking to improve your skills, short stories are a fun and practical way to grow your language abilities. So, let’s jump into the world of ESL short stories and start building your English skills today!

ESL Beginner Stories

Raj’s First Day at Work – ESL Beginner Story (A1)

Intro:
This story is useful for beginner ESL learners. It teaches basic vocabulary for the workplace and feelings about starting a new job.

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Story:
Raj wakes up early. Today is his first day at work. He is a little nervous but also excited. He wears a clean shirt and black shoes. He eats breakfast and takes the bus.

Raj’s new job is at a grocery store. He will work as a cashier. When he enters the store, the manager, Mr. Smith, smiles and says, “Welcome, Raj!”

Mr. Smith shows Raj how to use the cash register. “Press this button for total. This button for card,” he explains. Raj listens carefully and takes notes.

At 9 o’clock, the first customer comes. She is an old woman. She buys milk, eggs, and bread. Raj says, “Good morning!” and smiles. He scans the items and takes her money.

“You are very kind,” the woman says. Raj feels happy.

During lunch break, Raj sits with his coworker, Sofia. She is from Mexico. “How is your first day?” she asks. “It’s good! I’m learning a lot,” Raj replies.

At the end of the day, Mr. Smith says, “Great job today, Raj!” Raj goes home tired, but proud. He tells his parents, “My first day was good. I want to do better tomorrow.”

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Vocabulary Table:

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Comprehension Questions:

1. Where does Raj go on his first day?

2. Who is Mr. Smith?

3. What does Raj do at the store?

4. What does the customer buy?

5. How does Raj feel at the end of the day?

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2. Sarah’s Birthday Party – ESL Beginner Story (A1)

Intro:
This story is useful for beginner ESL learners. It teaches basic vocabulary for a birthday party and socializing with friends.

Story:
Today is Sarah’s birthday. She is very happy because her friends are coming to her party. Sarah wears a pink dress and puts on her favorite shoes.

Her mom and dad decorate the house with balloons and colorful lights. Sarah helps them set the table with plates, cups, and snacks.

The first friend, Anna, arrives with a big gift. “Happy Birthday, Sarah!” Anna says. Sarah smiles and says, “Thank you, Anna!”

The guests play games like musical chairs and pin the tail on the donkey. They laugh and have fun. After playing, they eat cake. Sarah blows out the candles and makes a wish.

At the end of the party, Sarah says, “Thank you for coming to my party. It was the best birthday ever!”

Vocabulary Table:

Comprehension Questions:

1. What is Sarah celebrating?

2. Who brings Sarah a gift?

3. What games do the guests play?

4. What does Sarah do after blowing out the candles?

5. How does Sarah feel at the end of the party?

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3. Jack Learns to Ride a Bike – ESL Beginner Story (A1)

Intro:
This story is useful for beginner ESL learners. It teaches basic vocabulary for learning how to ride a bike and feelings of achievement.

Story:
Jack is learning how to ride a bike. He is excited but also a little scared. His dad is helping him. “Don’t worry, Jack. I will hold the bike,” his dad says.

Jack gets on the bike. He tries to pedal, but he falls off. “It’s okay,” his dad says. “Try again.”

After a few tries, Jack can ride a little. He pedals slowly. His dad lets go of the bike. Jack is riding alone! He is so happy. “I did it!” he says.

Jack rides around the yard. He feels proud. “I can ride a bike now!” he tells his mom.

Vocabulary Table:

Comprehension Questions:

1. Who helps Jack learn to ride a bike?

2. How does Jack feel when he first tries to ride the bike?

3. What happens after Jack falls off the bike?

4. What does Jack say when he can ride the bike alone?

5. Where does Jack practice riding the bike?

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4. Anna Goes Grocery Shopping – ESL Beginner Story (A1)

Intro:
This story is useful for beginner ESL learners. It teaches basic vocabulary for grocery shopping and common food items.

Story:
Anna needs food for dinner. She takes her shopping list and goes to the grocery store. The store is big and has many shelves.

Anna picks up vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and potatoes. She also buys bread and cheese. “Do we need milk?” she thinks. “Yes, I will buy some.”

At the checkout, the cashier asks, “Do you have a loyalty card?” Anna says, “No, thank you.” She pays with cash and gets her change.

Anna carries the bags home. She feels happy because she bought everything on her list. At home, she cooks dinner for her family.

Vocabulary Table:

Comprehension Questions:

1. What does Anna need to buy?

2. What vegetables does Anna buy?

3. What does the cashier ask Anna?

4. How does Anna pay for her food?

5. What does Anna do after shopping?

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5. Lily’s Trip to the Zoo – ESL Beginner Story (A1)

Intro:
This beginner-level ESL story is about Lily’s exciting trip to the zoo. It’s a great way to learn new vocabulary related to animals, places, and simple actions. By reading this story, you’ll practice words and sentences used when talking about visiting a zoo and interacting with animals. At the end of the story, there are comprehension questions to help you test your understanding, and you can download the story as a PDF for easy offline reading.

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Story:
Lily wakes up early on Saturday. Today is a special day. She is going to the zoo with her family. Lily is very excited. She loves animals, especially elephants and giraffes.

At the zoo, they see many animals. First, they go to the monkey cage. The monkeys are playing and jumping from tree to tree. Lily laughs and says, “Look at the monkeys! They are so funny!”

Next, they visit the elephant. The elephant is very big and has large ears. Lily watches as the elephant uses its trunk to pick up food. “Wow, look how strong it is!” Lily says.

Then, they go to see the giraffes. The giraffes are tall and have long necks. Lily is amazed. “They can eat leaves from the tallest trees!” she says.

Lily’s favorite part of the zoo is the penguin exhibit. The penguins are swimming in the water, and some are waddling around. “Penguins are so cute!” Lily says.

At lunchtime, Lily sits with her family and talks about all the animals they saw. “I want to come back to the zoo again soon!” Lily says, smiling.

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Vocabulary Table:

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Comprehension Questions:

1. What animals did Lily see at the zoo?

2. What does the elephant use its trunk for?

3. What is Lily’s favorite part of the zoo?

4. What does Lily want to do after her trip to the zoo?

5. How does Lily feel about the monkeys?