A2 short stories in English
Short stories at A2 (Mírně pokročilý) level, newest first. Press play to hear a story, read along, then write it down as a dictation.
The Glove Show
On Tuesday, Rosa found a yellow glove outside the bakery. Rain was coming, so she brought it inside. A boy hurried in, searching beneath every chair. He lost it before his puppet show began. The glove was much too big for him. Rosa planned to take it to the lost and found desk. Then he tucked his tiny puppet inside the glove. It made a perfect sleeping bag, and the show began.
Write this story as a dictationA Cloud Above Lunch
On Friday, Nia bought three warm rolls at the bakery. She put them inside a small paper bag. At home, their tops felt soft, not crisp. Warm rolls make steam inside a closed bag. The steam makes the bread soft and damp. Nia opened the bag, and a warm cloud rose. Her glasses turned cloudy, and she laughed at lunch.
Write this story as a dictationWarm Apple Toast
Spread soft cheese over one slice of brown bread. Lay thin apple slices on top of the cheese. Look for honey, but the jar is empty. Spread orange jam over the apples instead. Warm a little butter in a pan over low heat. Place the bread in the pan, toppings facing up. Cook until the bottom is crisp and cheese melts. Soon the kitchen smells like apple pie, not toast.
Write this story as a dictationA Mapless Island Day
Our bike plan went wrong today on the island. The owner lost the shop key, so no bikes were available. We took the island bus to a cafe near the lighthouse. The path was wet, so we ate pies inside the cafe. After lunch, a playful dog grabbed my map outside. When our bus came back, we waved to the driver. He stopped and pointed to signs for the harbor. We followed them and found the harbor without our map. Thanks for a funny day, and see you soon!
Write this story as a dictationOrdering Lunch
I walk to a small cafe at noon. The menu has soup, bread, and fresh salad. I usually order chicken, but today I want fish. The waiter asks if I want a drink. I choose water because it is cold and fresh. Then I sit by the window and wait. The soup was warm, and the bread tasted good. Tomorrow, I am going to try the salad.
Write this story as a dictationHow to learn English with short stories
Short stories are one of the easiest ways to practise listening: they are short enough to finish, and the story helps you guess the words you don’t catch. Listen once without reading, then listen again while you read, and notice the words you missed.
When a story feels familiar, write it down as a dictation. You type each sentence as you hear it, and every word is checked, so you see exactly which sounds still slip past you. Every level gets a new story each day.
Where can I find short English stories with audio?
Here, for every level from A1 to C1. Each story has its own recording and full text, and new stories are added every day.
Are these stories good for beginners?
Yes. A1 stories use short sentences, common words and slow, clear speech. Start there, and move up when you understand most of a story on the first listen.
Should I read the text while I listen?
Listen once without the text first, so you train your ear. Then read along to check what you missed, and listen a last time without it.