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A1 short stories in English

Short stories at A1 (Beginner) level, newest first. Press play to hear a story, read along, then write it down as a dictation.

A2 stories — ElementaryB1 stories — IntermediateB2 stories — Upper-intermediateC1 stories — Advanced

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How 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.

Keep practising

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Free interactive English dictation practice to build confident listening comprehension, spelling, and vocabulary across A1–C1 levels.

Daily DictationLevel Test

Practice

  • All Dictations
  • Sentence of the day
  • English sentences
  • Short stories

Levels

  • A1 Beginner
  • A2 Elementary
  • B1 Intermediate
  • B2 Upper-intermediate
  • C1 Advanced

Tests

  • Listening test
  • IELTS listening

Guides

  • Listening for beginners
  • Improve your listening
  • What is dictation?
  • Connected speech
  • All guides
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