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English reading practice by level (A1–C2)

48 original texts. Every text uses only the words and grammar of its level, so you can read without a dictionary.

A1 A1 Beginner

My MorningAnna tells us about her morning before work.
Tom and the Red BikeTom finds a red bike and meets a new friend.
A Message from LisbonBen writes an email to his friend from a trip to Lisbon.
At the CafeTwo friends order food and drink in a cafe.
Meet Mr AliA short profile of Mr Ali, a friendly baker.
How to Make a Good Cup of TeaDo six easy steps to make a nice cup of tea.
A Quiet Day in the ParkA family spends a Sunday in a green park.
A New Student in ClassA teacher asks a new student, Yuki, five simple questions.

My First Week in a New CityMaria writes about her first week after moving to a new city.
The Lost UmbrellaA rainy day, a lost umbrella and an unexpected friendship.
Planning a Weekend TripJulia writes to a friend about a plan for a weekend at the coast.
At the Train StationA traveller asks for help at a busy station.
A Day with a Street MusicianA journalist asks a street musician about his work and life.
How to Start RunningSimple advice for people who want to begin running safely.
A Small Bakery Wins the TownA local bakery becomes popular after a simple idea.
Meet Kenji, the GardenerA profile of Kenji, who turned an empty roof into a green garden.

The Lost BicycleA boy loses his bicycle and learns who really helped him.
Email to a New FlatmateA student writes to her new flatmate before they move in together.
At the Travel AgencyA couple talk to a travel agent about a holiday they want to book.
Learning to Cook at FortyA blogger tells how learning to cook changed his everyday life.
A New Park for the TownA small town changes an old car park into a park for everyone.
Interview with a Mountain GuideA mountain guide talks about her work, her habits and her advice for walkers.
How to Prepare for an ExamA step-by-step guide to study well and stay calm before an exam.
Meet Carlos, the BakerA profile of a man who left an office job to open a bakery.

The Last Train to PortoA traveller misses her train and finds that the delay changes more than her schedule.
Request for a Schedule ChangeAn employee writes to her manager to ask for a more flexible working week.
Choosing a LaptopTwo friends discuss what matters most when buying a new laptop.
Why I Moved to a Small TownA blogger explains what she gained and lost after leaving a big city.
The City That BikesA city has changed the way its people travel by investing in cycling.
Interview with a TranslatorA professional translator talks about her skills, her challenges and her view of technology.
How to Run a Productive MeetingA practical guide to planning meetings that are short, clear and useful.
Profile of a Sea BiologistA portrait of a scientist who studies the coast and shares her passion with young people.

The Last Ferry to InisA cancelled ferry forces two strangers to spend an evening together on a small island pier.
A Proposal for a Shared GardenAn employee writes a persuasive email to her manager about turning an unused roof into a shared garden.
The Art of Slow TravelA travel blogger explains why she stopped rushing between sights and what she gained from staying longer in fewer places.
Bees on the RoofA news report on a city school that keeps bees on its roof and what the pupils have learned.
Deciding Where to LiveTwo friends discuss the advantages and drawbacks of leaving the city for a small coastal town.
Interview with a GlassblowerA magazine interviews a glassblower about her craft, her failures and what the work has taught her.
How to Prepare for a PresentationA practical guide that explains how to plan, practise and deliver a clear and confident presentation.
Profile: The Mapmaker of Lisbon StreetA profile of Irina Petrova, who draws detailed hand-made maps of cities and the small stories hidden in them.

The Clockmaker of Vesna StreetA young woman brings a broken watch to an old clockmaker and learns something unexpected about patience and memory.
A Message from the Festival TeamA festival organiser writes to volunteers to explain a last-minute change of venue and what it means for their duties.
In Praise of BoredomA blogger argues that moments of boredom are valuable and describes how she learned to protect them.
The Return of the Night SkyA news feature on a coastal town that reduced its street lighting and rediscovered the stars above it.
The Translator’s DilemmaTwo translators argue over whether to preserve an author’s odd phrasing or make a novel read smoothly in English.
Interview with a Sound RecordistA radio presenter talks to a sound recordist who spends weeks in remote places capturing the voices of the natural world.
How to Learn from FeedbackA practical guide on how to receive criticism without defensiveness and use it to improve.
Profile: The Keeper’s DaughterA profile of Maren Holt, who grew up in a lighthouse and has turned it into a small museum and guesthouse.