How to read a short ESL story for language learners?
This short story includes a word list to help you with new vocabulary. There are also some questions and exercises to reinforce understanding.
1.First, look out for any words on the vocabulary list you're not familiar with.
2.Read through the story once. Don't worry about any words you do not know.
3.Read again to check your understanding.
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1. Vocabulary - Word List
set off : start on a trip.
venture : to go somewhere that is unfamiliar or dangerous.
marvelled : to be filled with wonder or astonishment.
frantically : in a hurried, disorganised, and desperate manner.
landmark : place or building which is easy to recognise.
gnaw : to cause persistent discomfort or anxiety.
pitch dark : no light at all.
cosy : warm, comfortable and snug.
gratefully : feeling/showing appreciation for kindness or benefits received.
wander : walk around without clear direction.
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2. ESL Reading / Listening Comprehension - Short Stories
A Forest Adventure
George was a cheerful young boy who lived in a small village surrounded by dense forest.
One sunny afternoon, George decided to explore the woods near his home.
With nothing but a small backpack he set off on his own.
Feeling adventurous, he decided to take the pathway by the pond.
He'd never taken this route before.
Marvelling at the tall trees towering above him, George ventured deeper & deeper into the forest.
"Oh, what a beautiful day!", he thought to himself.
He felt a sense of excitement as he felt the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.
With the sound of birds singing high up in the trees around him he experienced a feeling of freedom like never before.
George began to hum and whistle as he enjoyed the sights and sound of nature all around him.
But, as the hours passed, George realised he had lost track of the path he had taken. He began to panic.
Frantically, he started searching for any familiar landmarks. Nothing looked familiar at all. And everything looked similar.
All he can see is how vast the forest is...
It was getting dark in the woods and soon, George found himself completely lost.
As strange sounds echoed through the forest, fear began to gnaw at his heart.
He wondered if he would ever find his way home again.
By this time, it was almost pitch dark.
George was starting to feel desperate... when suddenly he spotted a faint glimmer of light in the distance.
Feeling hopeful, he started to follow the light.
He kept walking and walking until he stumbled upon a cosy cottage among the trees.
He felt so relieved as he knocked on the cottage door. A kind old man welcomed him inside and offered him food and a hot drink.
Sitting by the crackling fireplace,
George began to tell the old man his story...
"Don't worry George, " the old man said reassuringly. "Everything will be all right."
"Oh, thank you so much, sir," George said gratefully.
After that, he was so exhausted that he fell asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow.
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast George set off for home with the old man's help.
"Goodbye sir. Thank you again for your help", he said to the old man.
They shook hands.
"Don't mention it, my boy," the old man smiled. "It was a pleasure meeting you. Promise you'll never wander off on your own again?"
George said, "I promise."
English Study Tip!
The exercises below can help reinforce understanding and usage of the vocabulary words from the story.
3. Answer the Questions
1.What is the name of the main character in the story?
2.Where did George decide to explore one sunny afternoon?
3.What did George take with him on his adventure?
4.What feelings did he experience as he ventured deeper into the forest?
5.Why did George begin to panic as he explored the woods?
6.What did George find in the darkness of the forest?
7.Who welcomed George inside the cosy cottage?
8.How did George feel as the old man offered to guide him back to the village?
4. Match the vocabulary words with their definitions:
-venture
-marvelled
-frantically
-gnawed
-cosy
Definitions:
a) to be filled with wonder or astonishment.
b) in a hurried, disorganised, and desperate manner.
c) to go somewhere that is unfamiliar or dangerous.
d) to cause persistent discomfort or anxiety.
e) warm, comfortable, and snug.
English Learning Tip!
Add any new words to your vocabulary list. Practise writing out in sentences. Make the sentences personal to you. e.g. talk about your best friend, family etc.
Hope you had a good time reading and listening to this ESL short story!
Thanks a lot for dropping by and have fun learning.
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