Learn English Long Story Reading – 5 Stories to Read

If you want to improve your English language skills, English long story reading can be a great way to practice and expand your vocabulary.

In this article, we have carefully selected five captivating stories that will not only entertain you but also provide ample opportunities for language acquisition.

Improve your English long story reading:

Reading long stories in English can greatly improve your language skills by exposing you to a wide range of vocabulary, sentence structures, and writing styles. Additionally, it helps you to develop your reading comprehension skills and gain a deeper understanding of the English language and culture.

“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry
“The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant
“The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe
“The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs
“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson

1. “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry

“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry is a heartwarming story about a young married couple, Jim and Della, who are struggling financially but deeply in love. The story takes place during Christmas time, and both Jim and Della want to give each other a special gift.

However, they have very little money. Della decides to sell her beautiful long hair to buy Jim a chain for his prized pocket watch, while Jim sells his watch to buy Della a set of combs for her hair.

On Christmas Eve, they exchange their gifts and realize the sacrifices they made for each other. Despite their gifts being rendered useless, they are overjoyed by the love and devotion they share. The story teaches us the true meaning of giving and selflessness.

2. “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant

“The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant is a story about a woman named Mathilde Loisel who is dissatisfied with her middle-class life. When she is invited to a high society event, she borrows a beautiful necklace from a friend to fit in.

However, after the event, she realizes that she has lost the necklace. In order to replace it, Mathilde and her husband go into debt, working tirelessly for years to repay the loan.

Eventually, Mathilde encounters the friend who had lent her the necklace, only to discover that the original necklace was a fake and had little value. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of vanity and the pursuit of material possessions.

3. “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe

“The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe is a dark and chilling tale that follows an unnamed narrator who is plagued by guilt and paranoia. The story revolves around the narrator’s obsession with an old man’s vulture-like eye, which ultimately drives him to commit murder.

As the story unfolds, the narrator’s sanity unravels, and he becomes increasingly haunted by the sound of the old man’s heartbeat. In a fit of guilt, the narrator confesses his crime to the police, convinced that they can also hear the relentless beating of the heart.

This summary captures the essence of Poe’s macabre masterpiece, highlighting the themes of guilt, obsession, and the descent into madness.

4. “The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs

“The Monkey’s Paw” by W.W. Jacobs is a captivating and chilling story that revolves around a magical talisman, the monkey’s paw, which grants three wishes to its possessor.

The story follows the White family, who come into possession of the paw and make a wish that ultimately brings them tragedy and despair. Despite warnings and skepticism, the family decides to use the paw to wish for money, only to face the consequences of their greed and the terrifying twist of fate that unfolds.

The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of tampering with fate and the unforeseen consequences that can arise from our desires and actions.

5. “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson

“The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson is a chilling story that explores the dark side of human nature and the dangers of blindly following tradition. Set in a small town, the story begins on a seemingly ordinary day where the townspeople gather for the annual lottery.

However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this lottery is not what it seems. The winner of the lottery is not rewarded but instead becomes the victim of a brutal stoning by the other villagers. The story serves as a commentary on the dangers of conformity and the capacity for violence within society.

Rules for Choosing English Long Story Reading

When choosing second language story books or English long story reading, you might consider questions like:

Level of Difficulty: Consider your current proficiency level in English and choose a story book that matches your reading abilities. Look for books that are labelled with appropriate reading levels or consider books that have been specifically designed for language learners.
Genre and Interests: Think about your personal preferences and interests when choosing a story book. Select a genre or topic that you enjoy, as it will make reading more enjoyable and engaging. Whether you prefer mystery, romance, fantasy, or non-fiction, there are a wide variety of options available.
Length of the Story: Consider the length of the story and how much time you are willing to invest in reading. If you are a beginner, start with shorter stories or books with shorter chapters. As you progress, you can gradually increase the length and complexity of the stories you choose.
Vocabulary and Language: Pay attention to the vocabulary and language used in the story. Look for books that have a good balance of familiar words and new vocabulary. This will help you expand your vocabulary while still allowing for comprehension and enjoyment.
Cultural Relevance: Choose stories that are culturally relevant to your interests or the English-speaking country you are interested in. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the culture, traditions, and customs of English-speaking countries.
Availability of Audio: Consider choosing a storybook that comes with an audio version or has audio support. Listening to the audio while following along with the text can improve your pronunciation, listening skills, and overall comprehension.
Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations from other language learners or teachers. They can provide valuable insights into the quality and suitability of the storybook for second language learners.
Supplementary Materials: Look for story books that come with supplementary materials such as exercises, comprehension questions, or vocabulary lists. These additional resources can enhance your learning experience and help you practice and reinforce what you have learned from the story.
Personal Goals: Consider your personal goals for reading in English. Are you looking to improve your vocabulary, grammar, or reading comprehension? Choose a storybook that aligns with your specific goals and allows you to practice and develop the skills you want to improve.
Enjoyment: Ultimately, choose a storybook that you enjoy reading. Reading should be a pleasurable experience, so select a book that captivates your interest and keeps you motivated to continue reading.

When reading English stories, it is important to read slowly and take the time to understand each sentence. As readers become more familiar with the language, they can begin to analyze the story’s plot, characters, and themes. ¹

FAQs:

Q1. How can I learn English by reading stories? – How can I learn English by English long story reading?

Reading stories in English can improve your vocabulary and language skills.
It can help you develop a better understanding of grammar and sentence structure.
Stories provide context and examples of how words and phrases are used in real-life situations.
Reading stories can also enhance your reading comprehension and overall language fluency.

Q2. What can I read to improve my English?

English literature classics: Reading classic novels and literature written in English can enhance your vocabulary, comprehension, and overall language skills.
English newspapers or magazines: Reading newspapers or magazines in English exposes you to current events, different writing styles, and a wide range of vocabulary.
English language learning websites or blogs: Exploring online resources specifically designed for English learners can provide interactive exercises, grammar tips, and reading materials tailored to your proficiency level.

Q3. What is the best story for storytelling competition?

The best story for a storytelling competition is one that captivates the audience from beginning to end, with compelling characters and a well-developed plot. It should also have a clear message or moral that resonates with the listeners.

Q4. What is a good story in English?

A good story in English is one that captivates the reader or listener, with well-developed characters, an engaging plot, and a meaningful message or theme. It should evoke emotions, spark imagination, and leave a lasting impact on the audience.

Q5. Which is the best story to learn English?

The best story to learn English is subjective and depends on the individual’s interests and language proficiency. However, classic novels like “To Kill a Mockingbird” or “The Great Gatsby” are often recommended for their engaging storytelling and rich language.

Q6. How can I improve my English speaking stories?

Practice speaking regularly to build confidence and fluency.
Expand your vocabulary by reading and listening to a wide range of materials.
Use varied sentence structures and tenses to make your stories more engaging.
Seek feedback from native speakers or language partners to identify areas for improvement and receive suggestions for enhancing your storytelling skills.
Focus on improving your pronunciation and intonation by listening to and imitating native English speakers.

In conclusion, English long story reading is a valuable way to improve language skills, as it exposes learners to authentic language use and helps them develop their reading comprehension abilities. By engaging with a variety of stories, learners can expand their vocabulary, improve their grammar, and gain a deeper understanding of the English language.

References:

English. (2023j, September 11). English Story Reading: 15 Stories in English to Read to Improve your Reading Skills! – English 100. English 100.