7 English reading texts for A1, with translation

Short English texts for level A1: 7 stories, about 29 minutes of reading. Every sentence carries its English translation, and each text ends with comprehension questions. Read them right here — no sign-up needed.

A1 A2 B1

A morning in London

A1 · 4 min

Oleg wakes up early in his new flat in London.
Oleg wakes up early in his new flat in London.

He likes his new job, but he is still getting used to the city.
He likes his new job, but he is still getting used to the city.

Sarah, his coworker, helps him with everything.
Sarah, his coworker, helps him with everything.

She shows him where to buy food and how to use public transport.
She shows him where to buy food and how to use public transport.

Oleg is very grateful to Sarah for her help.
Oleg is very grateful to Sarah for her help.

Today, Sarah invites Oleg to have breakfast with her.
Today, Sarah invites Oleg to have breakfast with her.

They go to a small café near their office.
They go to a small café near their office.

Oleg feels happy and more at home in London now.
Oleg feels happy and more at home in London now.

Check yourself

What does Oleg like about his new life in London?
Show answer
His new job
Who helps Oleg in London?
Show answer
Sarah
Where do Oleg and Sarah have breakfast?
Show answer
In a café

Ordering Coffee in London

A1 · 5 min

Oleg is in London.
Oleg is in London.

He likes coffee.
He likes coffee.

Sarah is his coworker.
Sarah is his coworker.

She helps him.
She helps him.

They go to a coffee shop.
They go to a coffee shop.

Oleg orders coffee.
Oleg orders coffee.

Sarah orders tea.
Sarah orders tea.

They sit down.
They sit down.

They talk.
They talk.

Oleg is happy.
Oleg is happy.

Check yourself

Where is Oleg?
Show answer
In London
What does Oleg like?
Show answer
Coffee
What does Sarah order?
Show answer
Tea

Buying a Bus Ticket

A1 · 4 min

Oleg is new in London.
Oleg is new in London.

He needs a bus ticket.
He needs a bus ticket.

Sarah helps Oleg.
Sarah helps Oleg.

Oleg goes to the bus stop.
Oleg goes to the bus stop.

He buys a ticket from the driver.
He buys a ticket from the driver.

The ticket costs two pounds.
The ticket costs two pounds.

Oleg pays with a card.
Oleg pays with a card.

Now Oleg can travel by bus.
Now Oleg can travel by bus.

Check yourself

Where is Oleg?
Show answer
In London
What does Oleg need?
Show answer
A bus ticket
How much does the ticket cost?
Show answer
Two pounds

Registering at the Local Community Library

A1 · 4 min

Oleg wants to read easy books in English.
Oleg wants to read easy books in English.

His neighbour tells him about the community library.
His neighbour tells him about the community library.

The library is free for everyone who lives in the borough.
The library is free for everyone who lives in the borough.

Oleg brings his passport and a letter with his address.
Oleg brings his passport and a letter with his address.

The librarian types his name into the computer.
The librarian types his name into the computer.

"Do you want the app as well?" she asks.
"Do you want the app as well?" she asks.

Oleg says yes and gets his card the same day.
Oleg says yes and gets his card the same day.

He borrows two short novels and one film.
He borrows two short novels and one film.

Check yourself

Who pays for the library?
Show answer
Nobody — it is free for local residents
What does Oleg bring with him?
Show answer
Passport and proof of address
What does he borrow?
Show answer
Two short novels and a film

Shopping at the Supermarket

A1 · 4 min

Oleg goes to the supermarket.
Oleg goes to the supermarket.

He needs to buy food for dinner.
He needs to buy food for dinner.

Sarah helps him at the supermarket.
Sarah helps him at the supermarket.

Oleg is happy to have Sarah's help.
Oleg is happy to have Sarah's help.

They go to the checkout counter.
They go to the checkout counter.

The cashier scans their food.
The cashier scans their food.

Oleg pays for the food.
Oleg pays for the food.

Sarah and Oleg leave the supermarket.
Sarah and Oleg leave the supermarket.

Check yourself

Where does Oleg go?
Show answer
To the supermarket
Who helps Oleg at the supermarket?
Show answer
Sarah
What does the cashier do?
Show answer
Scans the food

Asking for Directions to Big Ben

A1 · 4 min

Oleg is lost in London.
Oleg is lost in London.

He asks Sarah for help.
He asks Sarah for help.

Sarah says, 'Go straight and turn left at the traffic lights.'
Sarah says, 'Go straight and turn left at the traffic lights.'

Oleg thanks Sarah and starts walking.
Oleg thanks Sarah and starts walking.

After 10 minutes, Oleg sees Big Ben.
After 10 minutes, Oleg sees Big Ben.

He is very happy.
He is very happy.

Oleg takes a photo of Big Ben.
Oleg takes a photo of Big Ben.

He sends the photo to his family.
He sends the photo to his family.

Check yourself

Why is Oleg lost?
Show answer
He doesn't know London.
What does Sarah tell Oleg to do?
Show answer
Go straight and turn left.
What does Oleg see after 10 minutes?
Show answer
Big Ben.

Checking in at a hotel in Edinburgh

A1 · 4 min

Oleg is in Edinburgh.
Oleg is in Edinburgh.

He needs a hotel.
He needs a hotel.

Sarah helps him.
Sarah helps him.

Oleg and Sarah go to the hotel.
Oleg and Sarah go to the hotel.

The hotel is big.
The hotel is big.

Oleg likes the hotel.
Oleg likes the hotel.

Sarah is happy.
Sarah is happy.

Oleg thanks Sarah.
Oleg thanks Sarah.

Check yourself

Where is Oleg?
Show answer
In Edinburgh
What does Oleg need?
Show answer
A hotel
Who helps Oleg?
Show answer
Sarah

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