Short stories are a great way of learning English.
They allow us to discover new words and worlds.
They are also a clever way of meeting and studying Grammar in context.
Besides, they allow students to build their autonomy and self-confidence as their language skills improve.
The short stories below are set in Africa and in the diaspora and are all an interesting read. Some of them also come with a Reading Comprehension and vocabulary worksheet to facilitate understanding.
Advanced Level (B1 to B2):
A Blessing in Disguise: This story tackles the paradox of creativity. Are the best works always birthed in pain? Follow an artist’s journey and learn more about the creative process with this thought-provoking short story.
Welcome to Migodi, the City of Hope: This is an inspirational story about the rebirth of a city that was once in decline. What brought about this incredible change? Who is responsible for this transformation?
The Language of the Heart: Sarah is a torn young woman who is getting to know the voice that resides within her heart. Learn vocabulary for self-talk and self-expression with this powerful motivational short story.
Let Life Happen: The birth of a child is a moment to remember and cherish. Raising a child is an arduous yet gratifying task. Tafika is an unusual child. Are his parents up to par?
Begone!: A poignant story about unrequited love. Loving someone is not easy but what happens when a lover’s strong feelings are not returned or reciprocated? Read this moving story to find out.
A Point of No Return: An ordinary evening that ends in an extraordinary way. Three people in an empty shop. A lonely, man and two impatient women. A tired cashier. Meet these four different characters and get to know them.
Picture Perfect: Anger and fear are a lovely couple, so they say. They walk hand in hand. You can easily spot them because they like to be seen and felt. They are wild and do not like to be ignored. What happens when someone decides to tame them? Read on to find out.
Unconditional Love: A deeply moving story about a mother’s ‘unconditional love’ for her children. The story is set in a once-thriving village that is slowly losing its sons.
The Pinnacle of Irresponsibility: Lawrence Gondwe is a Senior Accountant for a private firm. He does not like to talk about his past. One morning, he wakes up to an unpleasant surprise. There is a boy in his yard who claims to be a long-lost relative. The night guard thinks otherwise. Did the boy come on his own or was he sent by somebody? What will Lawrence do? Read this thought-provoking short story to find out (with Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary Worksheets).
The Departure Lounge: Airports are busy places. Airport patrons are busier. Grace is a quiet and timid 23-year-old student on her way back to Paris. She doesn’t like travelling. A hot afternoon, a surly guard, a chance encounter and a dose of courage. What does it take for a young woman to change in an irrevocable way?
The Perfect Present: Have you ever bought somebody a present and they destroyed it right in front of your eyes? Read this surprising short story and learn more about the Present Perfect.
Under?: This is a gripping story about a family man who has decided to do everything in his power to save his imperilled life.
Josephine, My Love: This is a coming-of-age short story about the transformational power of love. Joseph goes to his home village for holidays. Little does he know what is in store for him. Joseph discovers that some encounters are not easy to forget. Who is Josephine? Why does he feel so attracted to this girl? What awaits him in the future? Read this passionate story to find out.
Things: Tawonga is a twelve-year old girl who wants to become a journalist in the future. One day, four visitors from England make their way into her village. They have a surprise. ‘Things’ is an intermediate to advanced level short story about objects and their roles in our lives.
Beyond: Two people meet at the airport after a long, long time. Circumstances have brought them together for a common goal. Read this short story and follow this moving encounter while learning ‘Airport Vocabulary’ at the same time.
Outbound: A story about a son who has decided to leave home to try his luck abroad. How do you talk about the pain of a mother who is about to lose her only son? How do you talk about the anguish that grips a family when they are in the midst of a shattering storm? Read more to find out.
Don’t Go There: This is a heartbreaking story about two women whose lives are about to change in a way that they have never imagined before. It is also a story of tough decisions and haunting memories. You can study different types of Modal Verbs and the Imperative Form with this text.
Mangoes for Lydia: Lydia has always dreamed of seeing Lake Malawi. When her family finally has the opportunity to visit the Great Lake, a decision is made not to take the teenage girl with them. How does Lydia react to this injustice?
My Daughter from France: This is a story about Tamara, a Malawian girl, who lives in France. She loves her new life despite its difficulties and has done everything possible to fit into the mould. After five years, she is able to reunite with her family in rural Malawi. Her father is worried about her stay in a land so far away from her ancestors. He would like his daughter to remain in the village. How can these two generations reconcile their differences?
Intermediate Level (A2 to B1):
Nice to Meet You Father Christmas: Luso and his friends want to write a letter to Father Christmas, the richest man in the world. They want to ask him for presents. They have never done this before. Will their letter reach the North Pole? Will they get their presents? Read this quirky intermediate short story to find out.
Twenty out of Twenty: William is a strong-willed teenager. He likes to be challenged all the time. What is he up to now? Read this thought-provoking short story that will not leave you indifferent.
The Last Piece of Chicken: This is a funny short story about a boy who wants to get the last piece of chicken in the plate. He has a plan. Will it work? Read on to find out!
The Timetable: Study the Future tense with this mesmerising intermediate short story about a man who leaves his wife a timetable. He says that it is a token of love. What is she supposed to do with it? Read on to find out.
Those Whispers Were Not For Me: This is a story about love and the will to survive in hostile conditions.
A Job for Joe: This is a heart-warming short story about a young man who has just received an employment offer. Nothing can ruin his happiness or almost…
I will not learn under a mango tree: It is the first and last day of school for Jack Phiri. He wants to learn but he won’t learn at any cost. His friends won’t either. Why? Read on to find out.
Don’t Go There: This is a heartbreaking story about two women whose lives are about to change in a way that they have never imagined before. It is also a story of tough decisions and haunting memories. You can study different types of Modal Verbs and the Imperative Form with this text.
The Decision: This is a story about a girl who is always being punished at school. One day, something important happens to her.
Uncle John Has Come to Stay: Uncle John goes to his brother’s house for a temporary visit in the city. He soon outstays his welcome. Read this intermediate short story and find out what happens.
Beginner Level (A1 to A2):
A Party in the Savannah: Things can really get wild in the savannah. What happens when the animals decide to have fun? Who is invited? Who is left out? What type of food do they eat? What do they drink? Read this surprising short story to find out!
Beautiful Babies are Beautiful: Tami and Talu are twins and they make their mother very proud. How and why? It is your utmost duty to find out. Read on to discover more about these extraordinary sons.
When Lions Come to Town: This is a beginner short story about a courageous boy who learns to fight in a clever way with the help of his grandfather.
The Old Witch and the Wish: Charles always meets an old woman on his way to school. She is very friendly to him but rumour has it that she is a witch. However, the old lady has a wish.
The Most Beautiful Garden: Once upon a time, there was a rich family that lacked nothing except happiness. One day, a member of the family decided to do something about their situation.
Eight Days Before Christmas: This is a funny Christmas story about a father, husband and employee. His name is Christopher Bright and his boss has just given him a special task to complete. This must be done eight days before Christmas.
Dreams Can’t Be Too Big: We all have dreams and goals. They can be big or small; they can be achievable or not. What a pleasure it is when our dreams come true! This is a story about a boy who has such dreams. Will he be able to achieve them? Read on to find out!
The Astronaut from Bolero: Wongani wants to be an astronaut and he is not the only one to harbour such ambitions! His story is fascinating and inspiring- a must-read for everyone!
You can also find Paperback and Kindle versions of some of these stories on Amazon.