A1 short stories in English
Short stories at A1 (מתחילים) level, newest first. Press play to hear a story, read along, then write it down as a dictation.
The Sea Tower
Mara works in a tower by the sea. Each night, she turns on the lamp. A small boat needs the light. The wind shakes the window. The boat shines a small light back. Mara smiles and waves to the boat. In the morning, she turns off the lamp.
Write this story as a dictationPip And His Egg
Pip is a penguin dad. His wings help him swim fast. He cannot fly in the sky. On land, Pip takes short steps. Pip keeps his egg on his feet. Under his warm body, it stays safe. The egg cracks, and out comes a chick. Now the chick sits on his feet too.
Write this story as a dictationThe Mop Dog
Ned cleans a small shop. His yellow mop looks like a dog. A boy sees it and smiles. He thinks it is a real dog. The boy gives it a bone. Ned pushes the mop under a table. The boy looks under the table for his dog.
Write this story as a dictationThe Lunch Box Mouse
Mum, a small mouse sits by your bread. It looks at the bread and waits. I put your bread in a box. The mouse sits on the box. Your lunch stays safe inside. Now I ask it to watch my cake.
Write this story as a dictationMorning at the Station
I wait at the station each morning. My long red body has many doors. People sit inside and look out. I pass the tall clock by the road. A green mitten rides on one seat. I take people to work and school. I am a train.
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.