A1 · English
English short stories for A1 learners
Classic stories, retold for your level
These are classics originally written in English, retold for A1–A2 learners. A retelling keeps the whole plot of the original — every scene, every turn — in language pitched at your level. Every sentence has a translation into your language, and the first sentences of any story are free to type, no account needed.
The Story of an Hour
Kate Chopin, 1894
Mrs. Mallard had a weak heart, so her family was careful with her.
A1–A2978 words~30 min to typeTranslation: UK ES FR DE IT PT KO
The Open Window
Saki, 1911
"My aunt will come down soon, Mr. Nuttel," said a young lady.
A1–A21,072 words~32 min to typeTranslation: UK ES FR DE IT PT KO
Miss Brill
Katherine Mansfield, 1920
The day was bright and clear, and the sky was blue with a little gold.
A1–A21,670 words~51 min to typeTranslation: UK ES FR DE IT PT KO
The Tell-Tale Heart
Edgar Allan Poe, 1843
It is true that I was nervous, and I am still very nervous now.
A1–A21,897 words~57 min to typeTranslation: UK ES FR DE IT PT KO
The Gift of the Magi
O. Henry, 1905
Della had only one dollar and a few cents.
A1–A21,968 words~60 min to typeTranslation: UK ES FR DE IT PT KO
The Happy Prince
Oscar Wilde, 1888
High above the city stood a golden statue.
A1–A22,860 words~87 min to typeTranslation: UK ES FR DE IT PT KO
The Monkey's Paw
W. W. Jacobs, 1902
Outside, the night was wet and cold.
A1–A23,238 words~98 min to typeTranslation: UK ES FR DE IT PT KO
The Signal-Man
Charles Dickens, 1866
"Halloa!
A1–A24,372 words~132 min to typeTranslation: UK ES FR DE IT PT KO
To Build a Fire
Jack London, 1908
The day began cold and gray, very cold and very gray.
A1–A24,779 words~145 min to typeTranslation: UK ES FR DE IT PT KO
A1 in other languages
Questions
How were these retellings made?
Each retelling starts as an AI draft written to its level. A second pass critiques and revises it: does it fit the level, is the whole plot still there? A mechanical check makes sure no long passages are copied from the original. English and Ukrainian retellings are also read by a person before they go live.
Are these official CEFR levels?
No. A1–A2, B1–B2 and C1 are the targets each retelling is written to, on the CEFR scale (the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) you know from courses and exams. No one certifies the level of a story, ours included, so treat it as a guide: if a page feels too easy or too hard, move one level over.
Can I switch levels in the middle of a story?
Yes. The three levels are separate retellings of the same story, and each keeps its own progress — switch to an easier or a harder one whenever you like, and come back to where you left off.
Is it free?
The first sentences of every retelling are free to type, no account needed, and the free daily practice draws sentences from the whole library. Whole stories, at all three levels, come with Krapka Pro — $5 a month or $45 a year.