Short sentences · A clear starting point
Easy English News — Level 1
Level 1 is our simplest version of each news story. It uses shorter sentences and more familiar words while keeping the main event and important facts. Start here if a full English news report feels difficult. You can read about the same event at Level 2 or Level 3 whenever you want more detail.
How to read a short news story
- Read the title, then read once without stopping at every new word. Ask: who is the story about, and what happened?
- Choose one paragraph to read again. Tap a highlighted word for help, or use the language selector to show a translation. Try the English again after checking the meaning.
- Say the main idea in one or two sentences. Check it against the text. On guided stories, try the reading questions before opening the answers.
A short example and a reading question
Illustrative example — not a news report
A library opened on Monday. Local children can borrow books there.
Each sentence gives one main idea. Opened describes a completed event; can borrow describes what is possible now. Short sentences can still contain important differences in time.
Try it: In the example, did the library open before or after the children could use it?
Check the explanation
It opened first. The example then describes what children can do now. Use the words in the text rather than adding an imagined opening ceremony.
If you understand the main idea but meet a few new words, that is a useful place to practise. If almost every sentence is difficult, use translation for one paragraph at a time. These levels are site reading choices, not an exam score or a certified CEFR level.
Stories with guided practice
- Tomb Raider Looks Back Over 30 Years — questions, explanations and a printable worksheet.
- Scientists Prepare to Study an Unusual Dinosaur — questions, explanations and a printable worksheet.
- Antonelli Is Fastest in US Qualifying — questions, explanations and a printable worksheet.
Explore all guided reading practice, or choose a news story below. News versions are adapted from the sources cited on each article; the learning examples above are written for this guide.
Updated daily
Level 1 stories
All links below open Level 1.
Scientists Prepare to Study an Unusual Dinosaur
Visitors will be able to watch the work.
A Film About Judy Heumann Closes the Festival
The screening is planned for Sunday evening.
