Step 1
Start with the warm-up and story
Each lesson starts with warm-up activities and optional vocab before the main reading. The level is clearly marked at the top.
ESL News Stories
Structured English lessons built around real-world topics that people want to talk about.
ESL News Stories uses news, reviews, and social media posts to build reading, listening, language, and discussion lessons for learners and teachers.
Post types to try
The site uses a few post types, each giving a different entry point into discussion and language practice.
News
Level 3 (CEFR B1)
Thieves Steal Crown Jewels from the Louvre
News lessons turn current events into structured reading, listening, vocabulary, and discussion practice.
Open example
Reviews
Level 2 (CEFR A2)
Zootopia 2 Review
Review lessons use films and other releases as an easy entry point for opinions, reactions, and discussion.
Open example
Level 2 (CEFR A2)
Uninvited from the Wedding
Social Media lessons use online posts and everyday dilemmas to spark practical, personal conversation.
Open exampleLevels at a glance
The site uses a simple Level 1-4 system tied to CEFR so teachers and learners can find the right level quickly.
Level 1
CEFR A1
Beginner
For learners just starting English and working with basic phrases and simple sentences about familiar topics.
Browse Level 1 lessons
Level 2
CEFR A2
Elementary
For learners who can manage simple everyday conversations and describe basic personal information.
Browse Level 2 lessons
Level 3
CEFR B1
Intermediate
For learners who can understand clear texts on familiar subjects and handle most everyday travel situations.
Browse Level 3 lessons
Level 4
CEFR B2
Upper-Intermediate
For learners who can understand more complex texts and hold more detailed conversations on many topics.
Browse Level 4 lessonsHow a lesson works
The example below uses Baby Monkey Learns to Live With Group to show the lesson flow.
Step 2
Add audio and focused listening
Learners can listen before, after, or instead of reading. A gap-fill task supports close listening.
Step 3
Check understanding in more than one way
Comprehension tasks include true or false, ordering, and other checks.
Step 4
Finish with speaking and discussion
Lessons end with language-building prompts and discussion questions that turn the topic into real communication.
Browse ESL News Stories
These links are the easiest places to start.