Teacher Matt COMPREHENSIBLE INPUT STORIES

English Comprehensible Input | Adapted Stories for A1/A2/B1 learners

[nobordersenglish]

The Miracle of Simon the Cat - Part 1

Eloyse was a vet, and she loved her black cat, Toothless. He had beautiful green eyes, but after an accident, he couldn’t walk. Eloyse tried everything—medicine, therapy, and even a small wheelchair—but nothing worked.

One day, while she was in her clinic with Toothless, an old woman walked in. She saw Toothless lying on the rug and said, “You need to take him to Simon. He’s a magical cat, and he can help.”

“Simon?” Eloyse asked, frowning.

“Yes, Simon,” the woman said. “He lives by the river. Take Toothless to him. He knows what to do.”

Eloyse looked at Toothless, then back at the woman. “I don’t believe in magic,” she said, shaking her head.

The woman smiled gently. “It’s your choice, but I think he can help. You have nothing to lose.”

Eloyse was unsure, but she was desperate. That night, she wrapped Toothless in a blanket and decided to visit Simon the next day.

When she arrived at Simon’s house by the river, the door opened to reveal an orange cat with wise, sharp eyes.

“I’m Simon,” he said, his voice calm and steady. “Come in.”

Eloyse walked inside, still feeling a little uncertain. She gently placed Toothless on a soft rug, and Simon immediately began to examine him.

“This is going to be tricky,” Simon said after a moment, his voice serious. “To heal him, we need a special potion. But first, we need to find three magical ingredients.”

Eloyse raised an eyebrow. “Magical ingredients? You expect me to believe this?”

Simon didn’t answer right away. He simply looked at her, his bright eyes calm but firm. “Yes, I do. I know this will work. But we can’t do it without the ingredients.”

Eloyse felt a wave of doubt wash over her. “What ingredients?”

“The first is a golden leaf from the tallest tree in the forest. The second is a feather from the white bird that lives in the mountains. And the third is a piece of moonlight,” Simon explained.

Eloyse crossed her arms, skeptical. “This sounds... impossible.”

Simon looked at her closely. “I understand that you don’t believe in magic. But I can help your cat. If you’re not ready to trust me, I can’t help you.”

Eloyse looked down at Toothless, his green eyes still full of hope despite his paralysis. She sighed. “I don’t know about this, Simon. It sounds like a fairy tale.”

Simon said, “I know this isn’t easy, but I believe we can find them. I’ll come with you. We’ll do it together.”

Eloyse felt torn. She wanted to help Toothless, but she couldn’t shake the doubt in her mind. “What if this doesn’t work?”

Simon paused, then said, “Then we’ll try something else. But you’ll never know unless we try.”

Eloyse looked at Toothless again, then finally nodded. “Alright, I’ll do it. But I’m not sure I believe in this magic.”

Simon gave a small smile. “You don’t have to believe in magic to see it work.”

And so, with her doubts still in her heart, Eloyse, Simon, and Toothless set off on their journey to find the magical ingredients. The road ahead was unclear, but they had to try.

Glossário

Vet – veterinário/a (profissional especializado na saúde de animais, que realiza exames, tratamentos, cirurgias e cuida do bem-estar dos animais)

Magical – mágico/a (algo que tem poderes ou qualidades sobrenaturais, fora do comum, normalmente relacionado a feitiçaria, encantamentos ou fenômenos inexplicáveis)

Ingredient – ingrediente (substance ou elemento que é parte de uma mistura ou receita, como em poções, comidas ou remédios, que desempenham uma função específica no resultado final)

Potion – poção (líquido preparado com ingredientes especiais, muitas vezes usados em práticas mágicas ou medicinais, com efeitos desejados como cura ou transformação)

Examine – examinar (analisar, inspecionar ou verificar com cuidado, de forma detalhada, especialmente no contexto de saúde ou avaliação)

Skeptical – cético/a (ter dúvidas, ser desconfiado ou não acreditar em algo sem provas concretas, especialmente quando se trata de algo novo ou incomum)

Torn – dividido/a (sentir-se em dúvida ou indeciso sobre uma escolha, quando se está em conflito interno e não sabe qual decisão tomar)

Reassuring – tranquilizante (algo ou alguém que dá conforto, segurança ou alívio, especialmente em momentos de incerteza ou ansiedade)

Desperate – desesperado/a (sentir-se sem esperança ou sem opções viáveis para resolver uma situação, geralmente devido a um grande problema ou necessidade urgente)

Uncertain – incerto/a (não ter certeza ou clareza sobre algo, ou sentir-se inseguro sobre o que fazer ou como algo vai acontecer)

Firm – firme (algo que é forte, resoluto e inabalável, como uma decisão, opinião ou atitude que não muda facilmente)

Doubt – dúvida (sentimento de incerteza, insegurança ou falta de convicção sobre a veracidade ou a viabilidade de algo)

Try – tentar (fazer um esforço para alcançar algo, mesmo sem garantia de sucesso; é o ato de experimentar ou dar uma tentativa)

Work – funcionar (quando algo faz o que se espera ou produz o efeito desejado, ou seja, está operando corretamente ou realizando a função para a qual foi projetado)

Trust – confiar (ter fé ou acreditar que alguém ou algo é confiável, seguro ou competente para cumprir suas promessas ou agir de maneira correta)

Journey – jornada (um percurso ou viagem, física ou metafórica, que envolve um processo de mudança, aprendizado ou busca por algo específico)

Look after – cuidar de (assumir a responsabilidade por alguém ou algo, garantindo que suas necessidades sejam atendidas, protegendo e zelando pelo bem-estar daquilo ou da pessoa)

Get over – superar (passar por algo difícil ou doloroso, deixando para trás o impacto emocional ou físico da situação, especialmente após um evento negativo ou traumático)

Take care of – cuidar de (ter responsabilidade de garantir que algo ou alguém esteja seguro, saudável e bem tratado, assegurando que tudo esteja em boas condições)

Set off – partir (iniciar uma jornada ou viagem, começar um percurso em direção a um destino, seja físico ou figurado)

Wash over – tomar conta (sentir uma emoção intensa de forma repentina, como se fosse uma onda ou um fluxo, envolvendo a pessoa de maneira profunda, geralmente associada a sentimentos como alívio, medo, tristeza ou alegria)

Hesitant – hesitante (sentir-se indeciso, com dúvida ou insegurança sobre o que fazer ou escolher, especialmente ao tomar uma decisão importante)

Assess – avaliar (examinar algo de forma cuidadosa e detalhada, para julgar ou decidir o valor, a condição ou a necessidade de alguma ação)

Miracle – milagre (evento extraordinário ou sobrenatural que ocorre de forma inexplicável, muitas vezes relacionado à intervenção divina ou a uma situação impossível de ser resolvida de outra forma)

Urgent – urgente (algo que exige ação imediata, que não pode ser adiado ou ignorado, devido à sua importância ou necessidade de ser resolvido rapidamente)

Sigh – suspirar (emitir um som profundo e leve, geralmente devido a alívio, frustração, cansaço ou desânimo)

Spiritual – espiritual (relacionado à alma ou ao espírito, especialmente em termos de crenças, práticas religiosas ou experiências que vão além do físico)

Reluctant – relutante (não querer fazer algo, sentir-se desconfortável ou hesitar diante de uma ação ou decisão, mesmo sabendo que talvez seja necessário)

Effort – esforço (o trabalho, a energia ou a dedicação empregada para alcançar um objetivo ou realizar uma tarefa, especialmente quando é desafiador ou exigente)

Glimpse – vislumbre (ver algo rapidamente ou parcialmente, geralmente sem ter uma visão completa ou clara, mas apenas uma parte ou uma ideia geral do que está acontecendo)

She couldn’t shake the doubt in her mind – Ela não conseguia tirar a dúvida da cabeça.

[nobordersenglish]

The Gas Station at Midnight

One dark, rainy night, Sarah was working alone at a small gas station. She was tired, but she needed the money. The station was quiet, and the only sound was the rain hitting the windows.

At midnight, a strange car pulled up. It was old and rusty, with no lights on. Sarah felt a chill as the driver stepped out. He was tall, wearing a long black coat, and his face was hidden under a wide hat.

The man walked slowly to the counter. Sarah tried to smile, but her hands were shaking. "Can I help you?" she asked.

The man didn’t speak. He just pointed at a pack of cigarettes behind her. Sarah turned to grab them, but when she looked back, the man was gone. She looked outside, but the car was still there, empty.

Suddenly, the lights flickered. Sarah heard a loud bang from the storage room. Her heart raced as she grabbed a flashlight and went to check. The door creaked open, and the room was pitch black.

Inside, she saw something moving in the shadows. It was the man, but his face was pale and his eyes were glowing red. Sarah screamed and ran back to the counter, but the man was already there, waiting for her.

"Leave me alone!" she shouted. The man smiled, showing sharp, yellow teeth. "You shouldn’t work here," he whispered. "This place is cursed."

Sarah’s phone rang. She answered it, and a voice said, "Get out now!" She dropped the phone and ran to her car. As she drove away, she looked back. The gas station was gone. Only an empty field remained.

The next day, Sarah quit her job. She never went back to that gas station. But sometimes, late at night, she dreams of the man in the black coat, waiting for her in the shadows.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GLOSSARY:

Gas station → Posto de gasolina

Rainy → Chuvoso

Alone → Sozinho

Quiet → Silencioso

Strange → Estranho

Rusty → Enferrujado

Chill → Calafrio

Counter → Balcão

Shaking → Tremendo

Cigarettes → Cigarros

Flickered → Piscou

Loud → Alto

Bang → Explosão / Barulho forte

Storage room → Depósito

Pitch black → Escuro total

Shadows → Sombras

Glowing → Brilhando

Screamed → Gritou

Whispered → Sussurrou

Cursed → Amaldiçoado

Empty → Vazio

Field → Campo

She dreams → Ela sonha

Midnight → Meia-noite

Driver → Motorista

Hidden → Escondido

Wide → Largo

[nobordersenglish]

STARDEW VALLEY II

One morning, Emma was drinking tea in her farmhouse when she heard a loud knock on the door. It was Marnie, the animal farmer. Marnie looked worried. “Emma, one of my pigs is missing! Can you help me find it?” she asked.

Emma nodded. “Of course, Marnie. Where did you last see the pig?”

“In the forest, near the old cave,” Marnie said. “Be careful. Some wolves live there.”

Emma grabbed her backpack, put on her boots, and called Whiskers. “Stay here, Whiskers. This is not safe for cats.”

She walked into the forest, following small hoof prints in the dirt. The trees were tall, and the forest was very quiet. Suddenly, Emma heard a noise—rustle, rustle. She turned around.

“Hello?” she called. But it was only a bird flying away.

After walking for an hour, she saw the pig near the cave. It was stuck in a bush, squealing loudly. Emma rushed towards it, but she didn’t see the steep bank ahead. Her foot slipped on some loose dirt, and she tumbled down the bank.

“Oof!” Emma groaned as she hit the bottom. Her hands were scraped, and her bag was covered in mud. She stood up slowly. “Well, that was fun,” she said, brushing herself off.

When she reached the pig, she bent down to free it. “Don’t worry, little pig. I’ll get you out,” she said softly.

But then, she heard growling behind her. Wolves were watching her from the shadows!

Emma felt scared, but she stayed calm. She remembered the box of matches in her backpack. Quickly, she grabbed a stick and lit the end on fire.

Waving the flaming stick, Emma shouted, “Go away, wolves!” The wolves growled, their eyes glowing in the dark, but the fire scared them. They backed away slowly and disappeared into the forest.

Emma sighed with relief and turned back to the pig. “Alright, let’s go home.”

She climbed back up the bank with the pig, holding its leash tightly. When they reached Marnie’s farm, Marnie hugged the pig tightly. “Thank you, Emma! You’re a hero.”

That night, Emma sat by the fireplace with Whiskers on her lap. “Today was wild, Whiskers,” she said with a laugh. “But I’m glad the pig is safe.”

Whiskers purred, and Emma closed her eyes, feeling proud of her adventure.

How’s that? It’s a bit more intense now with the fall and the fire! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY:

Emma está tranquila em sua fazenda quando Marnie aparece preocupada porque um de seus porcos está perdido. Ela pede ajuda, e Emma decide procurar o porco na floresta perto de uma caverna. No caminho, Emma escorrega em um barranco e cai, mas continua a busca.

Ela encontra o porco preso em um arbusto, mas é surpreendida por lobos que aparecem na escuridão. Pensando rápido, Emma usa um graveto e o acende com um fósforo para afastar os lobos. Com o perigo resolvido, ela resgata o porco e o leva de volta em segurança para a fazenda de Marnie.

À noite, Emma relaxa com Whiskers, seu gato, ao lado da lareira, orgulhosa de sua aventura.

[nobordersenglish]

Fortnite

It’s a sunny morning on the Fortnite island. The battle bus flies across the sky. Pedro jumps off and lands near a small house. The sky is clear, and everything feels calm.

Pedro grabs his pickaxe and starts breaking trees to gather wood. His friend Jess lands nearby. “Hi, Pedro!” she says. “Ready to play?” Pedro smiles and says, “Let’s go!”

They find a chest inside the house. The chest has a tactical shotgun, some shields, and a rare rifle. “Nice! We’re ready for anything,” Jess says. She drinks a shield potion, and Pedro does the same.

As they leave the house, they notice a portal in the distance. “Look, a rift!” Pedro says. Jess nods, “Let’s use it.” They run toward the portal and jump in. Suddenly, they are teleported to a different part of the island. The sky is now darker, and they see a new area.

They walk carefully and hear footsteps. Pedro spots an enemy player. “Get ready,” he whispers. The enemy shoots at them, but Pedro quickly builds a wall to block the bullets. Jess pulls out her shotgun and takes down the enemy with one shot. “Nice job!” Pedro says, high-fiving her.

“Let’s move,” Jess says. They take some of the enemy’s loot—ammo, shields, and a rocket launcher. Pedro drinks a shield potion, and they keep going.

They find another portal. “Should we take it?” Pedro asks. Jess looks around and says, “Yes, let’s go.” They jump through the rift and are taken to a new part of the island with a big hill.

As they walk up the hill, they spot another player. “There’s one more!” Pedro says. He aims and shoots, but the enemy runs and hides behind a tree. “I’ll take him down,” Jess says. She builds a ramp to get a better view and shoots the enemy. “Got him!” she says, smiling.

The sun is setting, and they start building a fort. The storm is coming, so they build walls and ramps quickly. They check their weapons and prepare for the final battle.

When the storm circle is very small, they see the last group of enemies. Pedro and Jess fight together. They shoot, throw grenades, and use the rocket launcher. After a tough fight, they manage to take down the last enemies.

“Victory Royale!” the screen says.

Pedro grins. “That was awesome. Good job, Jess!”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quiz:

Where does Pedro land at the beginning of the story? a) Near a small house b) Near a portal c) On top of a hill d) In the forest

What does Jess drink to get more shields? a) Health potion b) Shield potion c) Energy drink d) Medkit

What does Pedro notice in the distance after leaving the house? a) A mountain b) A rift (portal) c) A lake d) An enemy player

How does Pedro defend himself when the enemy shoots at him? a) He hides behind a tree b) He builds a wall c) He runs away d) He shoots back

What is the final message on the screen after the last battle? a) Game over b) Victory Royale c) Better luck next time d) You lost

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unscramble the Sentences:

does / Pedro / drink / potion / the / shield / not.

drinks / Jess / potion / shield / the / first.

builds / Pedro / wall / a / quickly.

away/ runs / enemy / the.

we / should / take / it /?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Answer Key:

Quiz:

a) Near a small house

b) Shield potion

b) A rift (portal)

b) He builds a wall

b) Victory Royale

Unscramble the Sentences:

Pedro does not drink the shield potion.

Jess drinks the shield potion first.

Pedro builds a wall quickly.

The enemy runs away.

Should we take it?

[nobordersenglish]

A Day in Stardew Valley

It’s a sunny morning in Stardew Valley. The birds are singing, and the sky is clear. Emma wakes up in her small farmhouse. She stretches and looks out the window. The fields are full of crops, ready to be harvested.

Emma puts on her boots and grabs her watering can. First, she waters the plants. Then, she picks tomatoes, corn, and strawberries. She puts the crops in her basket and heads to the market.

At the market, Emma meets her friend Sam. "Good morning, Emma!" says Sam. "Your crops look amazing today!" Emma smiles. "Thanks, Sam! Do you need any tomatoes?"

Sam nods and buys a few. After selling her crops, Emma goes to the blacksmith’s shop. Her old axe is broken. Clint, the blacksmith, fixes it for her. Now, Emma can chop wood again!

In the afternoon, Emma visits the beach. She finds seashells and fishes with her fishing rod. The sea is calm, and the sound of the waves is relaxing. She catches a big fish and feels happy.

As the sun sets, Emma returns home. She cooks dinner using her fresh crops. After a long day, she sits by the fireplace with her cat, Whiskers. Emma feels tired but content. She knows tomorrow will be another beautiful day in Stardew Valley.

Quiz:

What does Emma do first in the morning? a) Waters the plants b) Picks crops c) Stretches d) Goes to the beach

What does Emma sell at the market? a) Fish b) Tomatoes, corn, and strawberries c) Seashells d) Firewood

What does Clint fix for Emma? a) Her fishing rod b) Her basket c) Her axe d) Her boots

Where does Emma go in the afternoon? a) To the blacksmith b) To the beach c) To the market d) To her farmhouse

What does Emma do after a long day? a) Sits by the fireplace b) Waters the plants c) Catches more fish d) Goes to the market

Unscramble the Sentences:

waters / Emma / plants / the / first / the.

her / Clint / for / axe / fixes / Emma.

the / finds / seashells / beach / Emma / on / the.

the / goes / to / Emma / market / after / sells / her / crops.

Answer Key:

Quiz:

c) Stretches

b) Tomatoes, corn, and strawberries

c) Her axe

b) To the beach

a) Sits by the fireplace

Unscramble the Sentences:

Emma waters the plants first.

Clint fixes Emma’s axe.

Emma finds seashells on the beach.

Emma goes to the market after she sells her crops.

[nobordersenglish]

Leo's Journey

Leo lived in a small village where life was tough. Every day, he worked long hours in the fields to help his family. The family's income was very low, and they barely had enough money to buy food. Despite the hard work, Leo always found a way to smile because he believed that joy could be found in the little things.

One day, Leo heard about a job in the city that paid well. He thought, "If I take this job, I can earn more money and make life easier for my family." After discussing it with his parents, he decided to go. He packed his bag, said goodbye, and started his journey.

The city was far, and Leo had to travel through forests and mountains. The path was not easy, and he often felt tired. However, he kept going, driven by the thought of helping his family.

Suddenly, as he was walking through a dark forest, he heard a noise. He felt scared, but he remembered his father's advice: "Stay calm, and you will find a way to stay safe." Leo looked around and saw a small cave. He hid inside until the noise stopped. When he felt it was safe, he continued his journey.

After many days of walking, Leo finally reached the city. It was big and noisy, very different from his quiet village. He found the place where the job was being offered. The manager asked him many questions, and Leo answered confidently. The manager said, "You have a strong spirit. I think you could do well here." Leo got the job!

Leo worked hard every day and earned more money than he ever did before. He sent money back home and saved some for himself. With his new income, his family could live more comfortably. Leo also made new friends in the city, and they often shared moments of joy together.

Leo learned that life can be tough, but with determination and a bit of courage, one can find happiness and success.

Comprehension Quiz

What was the main reason Leo decided to leave his village? a) To explore the city b) To earn more money c) To visit friends d) To go on an adventure

What advice did Leo remember from his father when he heard a noise in the forest? a) Run as fast as you can b) Stay calm, and you will find a way to stay safe c) Call for help d) Climb a tree

How did Leo feel about moving to the city at first? a) Excited and confident b) Scared and nervous c) Angry and reluctant d) Sad and homesick

What did the manager say about Leo during the interview? a) He was too young for the job b) He had a strong spirit c) He needed more experience d) He should come back later

What lesson did Leo learn by the end of the story? a) Life is always easy in the city b) Money is more important than family c) Determination and courage can lead to success d) It's better to stay in your village

Answer Key

b) To earn more money

b) Stay calm, and you will find a way to stay safe

b) Scared and nervous

b) He had a strong spirit

c) Determination and courage can lead to success

[nobordersenglish]

Festivus

Festivus is a special holiday from the popular TV show Seinfeld. It is different from Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other holiday you know. Festivus was created by Frank Costanza, one of the characters in the show. He wanted a holiday that was simple and free of commercial pressures (pressões comerciais).

The Festivus Pole

Instead of a Christmas tree, Festivus has an aluminium pole. The pole is plain (simples) and has no decorations. Frank Costanza says it is perfect because it is strong and doesn’t require much effort (esforço).

The Airing of Grievances

During the Festivus dinner, everyone gathers around the table to eat. Before the meal begins, there is a tradition called the "Airing of Grievances." Each person takes turns telling the others how they have been disappointed (decepcionado) by them over the past year. It is not very cheerful, but it is an important part of Festivus.

Feats of Strength

After dinner, there is another tradition: the "Feats of Strength." This is a wrestling match between the head of the household and one of the guests. Festivus is not over until the head of the household is pinned to the ground

A Holiday for Everyone

Festivus has no religion and no rules about how to celebrate. It is a fun and silly way to spend time with family and friends. Over the years, many real people have started celebrating Festivus.

Would you celebrate Festivus? It might be strange, but it is definitely unforgettable (inesquecível)!

Comprehension Questions

What is Festivus? Festivus is a holiday created by Frank Costanza on the TV show Seinfeld.

Does Festivus have a decorated Christmas tree? No, it does not. Festivus has a plain (simples) aluminium pole instead of a tree.

What happens during the "Airing of Grievances"? During the "Airing of Grievances," people share how others have disappointed (decepcionado) them over the past year.

Is the Festivus dinner cheerful and happy? No, it is not very cheerful because people talk about their grievances (queixas).

Who participates in the "Feats of Strength"? The head of the household and one of the guests participate in the "Feats of Strength" (Proezas de Força).

Is Festivus only for religious people? No, it is not. Festivus is for everyone, regardless of religion.

Does Festivus have strict rules? No, it does not. Festivus is flexible, and people can celebrate it however they like.

Does Festivus include wrestling? Yes, it does. Wrestling (luta livre) is part of the "Feats of Strength."

Is the aluminium pole decorated? No, it is not decorated. The pole is plain (simples).

Do real people celebrate Festivus today? Yes, they do. Many real people celebrate Festivus as a fun and silly tradition.

[nobordersenglish]

The Haunting of Pine Hill

Lila, Sam, and Zoe were best friends who loved ghost hunting. Every weekend, they went to spooky places, hoping to find a real ghost. “The mansion on Pine Hill is the scariest place in town,” Sam said one night. “People hear strange noises and even see glowing eyes.”

The three friends packed their flashlights, cameras, and snacks. They walked up the hill to the old house. It looked big and dark, with broken windows. “This place is creepy,” Zoe said quietly.

Inside, it was icy cold. Dust covered everything, and spiderwebs hung everywhere. “Guys, look at that chair!” Lila whispered. It was moving back and forth by itself.

Then, they heard footsteps upstairs. “Something’s there,” Sam said, holding his flashlight tightly. They climbed the old, squeaky stairs. At the end of the hallway, a door slowly opened.

In the room, they saw a piano. The keys were moving, playing a strange song. “No way,” Zoe said softly, stepping closer. Suddenly, a shadow moved across the room very quickly.

“It’s the ghost!” Lila shouted. The shadow came closer. Its glowing eyes stared at them. Zoe screamed.

Then they heard a soft meow. The shadow jumped onto the piano. It wasn’t a ghost—it was a scruffy black cat!

The friends laughed nervously. “That was scary!” Sam said. But as they turned to leave, the door slammed shut by itself. The cat purred, staring at something behind them.

[nobordersenglish]

The Bear

Johnny wanted to get some coffee. He drove his car to the nearest convenience store. He couldn't find a parking space in front of the convenience store, so he parked his car one block away. Johnny walked to the convenience store to buy some coffee. The morning was cool, and he hummed a song as he picked up his favorite coffee. After paying and walking back, he saw something unbelievable—a bear was sitting in his car.

The bear started the car and drove away. Johnny stood on the pavement, holding his coffee, his mouth open. A police officer nearby saw everything and quickly started chasing the car.

The sirens were loud as the officer followed the car through the streets. He called for backup, and backup put a spike strip on the road. The car’s tires went flat, and it crashed into a tree.

The police walked to the car carefully. When they opened the door, they found out the truth—it was not a bear. It was “One-Eyed” Jack, a wanted criminal, wearing a bear costume. Johnny watched as the police arrested Jack and took him away. One officer shook his head and said, “Only in this town.”

Johnny sighed and took a sip of his coffee, thinking, Maybe next time, I’ll just stay home.

SUMMARY: Johnny foi até a loja comprar café, mas não conseguiu encontrar vaga na frente da loja e estacionou o carro a uma quadra de distância. Ao voltar, viu algo inacreditável: um urso estava dentro do seu carro, ligando o motor. Quando o urso (na verdade, um criminoso procurado chamado "Jack de Um Olho Só", vestido com fantasia de urso) dirigiu o carro e fugiu, a polícia começou a perseguição. Após colocar um tira-pinos na estrada, os policiais conseguiram fazer o carro bater em uma árvore. Ao abrir a porta, descobriram a identidade de Jack e o prenderam. Johnny, observando a cena, suspirou e pensou: Talvez da próxima vez eu fique em casa.

[nobordersenglish]

Pizza Date

Josh met Anna on Tinder. After chatting for a while, he decided to invite her to dinner at his apartment. He told her he would cook, even though he didn’t know how to cook at all.

On the day of the date, Josh was nervous. He tried to cook fish, but it was a disaster. The fish burned, and the smell was terrible! In a panic, he ran to the supermarket and bought a pizza instead. When he got home, he warmed it up and told Anna, “This is my grandmother’s special recipe!”

Anna ate the pizza but didn’t look very impressed. After dinner, she looked at the clock. “It’s late. I should go home now,” she said.

Josh, hoping to impress her, asked, “What did you think of the pizza?”

Anna smiled. “It was nice, but don’t worry, I’ll let your girlfriend know that you buy pizza for your matches on Tinder.”

Josh’s heart sank. He had been caught!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SUMMARY:

Josh conheceu Anna no Tinder e a convidou para jantar em seu apartamento, dizendo que ia cozinhar. No entanto, ele não sabia cozinhar e, após uma tentativa desastrosa de fazer peixe, decidiu correr até o supermercado e comprar uma pizza. Quando Anna chegou, ele esquentou a pizza e disse que era uma receita especial de sua avó.

Após o jantar, Anna percebeu que era tarde e se preparou para ir embora. Josh, esperançoso, perguntou o que ela achou da pizza. Anna sorriu e disse que foi boa, mas fez uma revelação surpreendente: ela contaria à namorada dele que ele comprava pizza para seus matches no Tinder. Josh ficou em choque ao perceber que tinha sido descoberto, pois realmente tinha uma namorada e estava traindo-a.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTIONS:

Where did Josh meet Anna?

Answer: Josh met Anna on Tinder.

Did Josh cook the fish successfully?

Answer: No, Josh did not cook the fish successfully. It burned.

What did Josh buy instead of cooking the fish?

Answer: Josh bought a pizza from the supermarket.

What did Josh tell Anna about the pizza?

Answer: He told Anna that the pizza was his grandmother’s special recipe.

Did Anna know Josh had a girlfriend?

Answer: Yes, Anna knew Josh had a girlfriend. She mentioned telling her about the pizza.

Was Josh honest about cooking the fish?

Answer: No, Josh lied and said it was his grandmother’s recipe.

Was Josh happy when Anna left?

Answer: No, Josh was nervous and unhappy because Anna knew the truth about his cheating.

[nobordersenglish]

Kim & Snow - Chapter 2

Kim had been riding for hours through the quiet countryside when the weather changed. Dark clouds gathered, and soon, the rain started to fall. It wasn’t a heavy storm, but the drizzle made the roads slippery. Kim could feel Snow shifting (= moving) in his backpack, probably trying to stay dry.

They arrived at a small village nestled between rice fields and hills. The village looked peaceful, but just as Kim was about to stop and ask for directions, he saw something strange. A young woman was running down the path, and behind her, charging fast, was a large buffalo.

“Help! Someone help!” she screamed, looking terrified. The buffalo was gaining on her, its big horns low and ready to strike.

Without thinking, Kim pulled over, jumped off his bike, and shouted at the woman, “Over here! Quick!” He held out Snow. “Take care of him!” he said urgently, placing Snow in her arms.

The woman nodded, clutching Snow tightly, and ran off to safety. But now, the buffalo turned its attention to Kim.

“Great,” Kim muttered to himself. The buffalo snorted and began to charge at him.

Kim sprinted to his motorcycle and jumped on. He revved the engine, making as much noise as possible. “Come on, big guy!” he yelled, trying to distract the beast.

The buffalo snorted again and charged. Kim sped off, racing through the muddy rice fields with the buffalo close behind. The chase was on. Water splashed everywhere as Kim tried to keep his bike steady in the wet fields.

Finally, he reached a flat area and stopped, facing the buffalo. The animal slowed down, huffing and puffing. They stared at each other, both waiting to make a move.

Just as the buffalo was about to charge again, a loud voice echoed across the fields. “Stop!”

Kim turned to see an old woman standing on a small hill.

The buffalo stopped immediately. The woman walked over and pointed at the buffalo. “What do you think you’re doing, you big fool? Go back!” she scolded. The buffalo lowered its head, looking ashamed, and slowly turned around, walking back to the village.

Kim took a deep breath, relieved. He looked up as the woman came closer.

“Thank you,” she said, smiling. “That buffalo belongs to our village, but he gets wild (= enlouquece) sometimes. You saved my daughter. I’m the village leader.”

Kim smiled back. “I’m just glad she’s okay.”

The young woman returned, still holding Snow. She handed him back to Kim. “Thank you so much,” she said softly, looking embarrassed.

The village leader put her hand on Kim’s shoulder. “You must be hungry. Come, join us for lunch. It’s the least we can do.”

Kim looked down at Snow, who wagged his tail, happy and dry. “I think we’d like that.” _____________________________________________________________

Comprehension Checklist:

What was the weather like when Kim arrived at the village?

☐ Sunny

☐ Rainy

☐ Snowy

Who was being chased by the buffalo?

☐ A young woman

☐ An older man

☐ Kim

What did Kim give to the young woman?

☐ His helmet

☐ Snow, his dog

☐ His motorbike

Where did the buffalo chase Kim?

☐ Through the mountains

☐ In the rice fields

☐ Inside the village

Who stopped the buffalo from attacking Kim?

☐ The village leader

☐ Kim

☐ The young woman

What did the villagers invite Kim to after the buffalo was stopped?

☐ A meeting

☐ Lunch

☐ A celebration party

[nobordersenglish]

Kim's Big Adventure

Kim had always wanted to explore the world. One day, he made a big decision: he was going to travel through rural China on his motorcycle. He wasn’t going alone, though. His dog, Snow, would come with him. Snow was a small, white dog that fit perfectly in Kim’s backpack.

They set off early in the morning, with the mountains in the distance. The roads were quiet, and Kim loved the feeling of the wind on his face. Snow was sitting comfortably in the backpack, enjoying the ride.

After riding for a few hours, Kim decided to pull over and take a break. He stopped at the side of the road, and the view was amazing. Tall mountains surrounded them, and there was nothing but nature as far as he could see. Kim took off his helmet and looked back at Snow. Snow barked happily, wagging his tail.

“This is just the beginning,” Kim thought. He knew there were many more days of adventure ahead.

He sat down on a rock, took out some water and a snack, and shared a bit with Snow. They both looked at the mountains, feeling calm and free.

As the sun started to set, Kim got back on the bike. He put on his helmet, and Snow climbed back into the backpack. They rode off, ready to see what the next day would bring. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comprehension Questions

Did Kim decide to travel through Japan? He didn’t decide to travel through Japan. He decided to travel through China.

Did Snow sit on the motorcycle’s seat? Snow didn’t sit on the motorcycle’s seat. He sat in Kim’s backpack.

Did Kim stop after riding for ten minutes? He didn’t stop after ten minutes. He stopped after riding for a few hours.

Did Kim and Snow look at cars and buildings? They didn’t look at cars and buildings. They looked at the mountains.

Did Kim take a snack break before the ride? He didn’t take a snack break before the ride. He took a break during the ride.

Did Kim and Snow stop for the night after sunset? They didn’t stop for the night after sunset. They continued their journey.

[nobordersenglish]

Wildfire Destroys Part of Brasilia's Forest - A2

A large fire burned 20% of the National Forest of Brasilia for two days. This happened in the capital city of Brazil. Firefighters worked hard to control the fire, and they managed to stop three out of four smaller fires. They hope to stop the last one soon.

The National Forest of Brasilia is very important. It is a large area that gives water to the city. The fire started in the dry season, when everything is very dry, and it is easy for fires to spread. The fire may have been started by people on purpose, but this is not confirmed yet. Some people said they saw three people near where the fire started.

Firefighters also had to protect farms close to the forest. These farms grow tomatoes and flowers. The wind made the fire worse by blowing it towards the farms. Emilia, a woman who has a farm near the fire, thinks some people started the fire to take the land for themselves, but she has no proof.

The forest was already smaller than before because, in 2022, part of it was cut down to make space for new buildings. Also, this year, the weather has been hotter and drier because of something called El Niño, which made the Amazon rainforest even more vulnerable to fires.

Comprehension Questions

How much of the National Forest of Brasilia was destroyed by the fire?

20% of the forest was destroyed.

Why is the National Forest of Brasilia important?

It provides 70% of the city's freshwater.

What made the fire spread so quickly?

The fire spread quickly because it is the dry season and everything was very dry.

Did firefighters stop all the fires?

No, they stopped three out of four fires and hoped to stop the last one soon.

What do people think caused the fire?

Some people think it was started by arsonists, but this has not been confirmed.

Why is the forest smaller now than before?

Part of the forest was cut down in 2022 to make space for buildings.

How has the weather affected the Amazon rainforest this year?

The weather, especially the El Niño, made the rainforest drier and more vulnerable to fires.

_____________________________________________________________

"High-Risk Alert for Wildfires Extended in São Paulo"

The Civil Defense of São Paulo has extended its warning for wildfires across the state until Tuesday, September 10. The Emergency Management Center said the temperature will continue to rise, and the air will get drier. The humidity level will drop below 35%, which is very low and dangerous.

In the metropolitan area of São Paulo, the temperature will reach 33°C on Tuesday. The air will be very dry, which can cause problems for people.

Air Quality in São Paulo

The air quality in São Paulo is not good. Out of 22 stations that check the air, ten said the air was "very poor," ten said it was "poor," and only two said it was "moderate."

The worst place for air quality in São Paulo is Ponte dos Remédios, near the Tietê River. There are many small particles in the air here, called PM2.5. These particles can go deep into our lungs and cause health problems. They can increase the risk of heart and lung diseases.

Comprehension Questions

Until when is the wildfire alert in São Paulo extended?

The alert is extended until Tuesday, September 10.

What temperature is expected in the São Paulo metropolitan area on Tuesday?

The temperature is expected to reach 33°C.

What will happen to the air humidity in the coming days?

The humidity will fall below 35%, making the air very dry.

How many air quality stations said the air was "very poor"?

Ten stations reported "very poor" air quality.

What is the worst area for air quality in São Paulo?

The worst area is Ponte dos Remédios, near the Tietê River.

What are PM2.5 particles, and why are they dangerous?

PM2.5 are small particles that can go deep into the lungs and cause heart and lung problems.

[nobordersenglish]

Casper

What do you see in this picture? Is this a cat? No, this is not a cat. This is a ghost. What's its name? Its name is Casper. He's a character from Casper the Friendly Ghost. He's white and semi-transparent.

What does he have in front of him? Does he have a box of cookies in front of him? No, he doesn't have a box of cookies in front of him. He has a book in front of him. What does he have next to him? He has a box of "Ghost Goodies" next to him.

Is he eating the goodies? Yes, he's eating the goodies while reading a book. It seems he's enjoying it because he's smiling. Casper likes to read. Ghosts usually like to do spooky things, but Casper is different. He prefers to be friendly and kind.

Is he scared? No, he’s not scared. He looks happy and relaxed, lying on the floor with his book and snacks. Casper doesn't like to scare people. He likes to make friends instead.

Would you like to read a book with Casper? Reading with a friendly ghost sounds fun. I think it would be a great way to spend some time together, especially if you like ghost stories!

What kind of books do you think Casper likes to read? Maybe he likes to read books about adventures or other friendly ghosts like himself. He might even enjoy reading about humans and how they live.

Ghosts are usually associated with spooky things, but Casper shows us that not all ghosts have to be scary.

[nobordersenglish]

The Haunted Temple

Yuki and Haru are best friends. They are Japanese live streamers. One night, they decide to explore a haunted temple in the forest. They think it will be fun to show their viewers something scary.

They walk through the dark forest. The wind is cold, and the trees make strange noises. Yuki holds a flashlight, and Haru carries the camera. 

When they reach the temple, the door is open. Inside, it is dark and quiet. They step inside, the floor creaking under their feet. The temple smells old and damp. They see an altar in the middle of the room. It is covered in dust.

As they explore, they hear a faint noise. It sounds like someone crying. Yuki shines the flashlight around, and they see a small girl hiding beneath the altar. She looks scared and dirty. Her hair is messy, and her clothes are torn.

"Are you okay?" Haru asks, stepping closer. The girl looks at them with big, dark eyes. She doesn't say anything. Yuki and Haru feel uneasy, but they want to help her.

Suddenly, they hear footsteps behind them. They turn around and see a group of people dressed in black robes. 

Their faces are hidden. These are the cult followers. They grab Yuki and Haru, but the girl just stands there, smiling.

Yuki and Haru struggle to escape, but the cult followers are too strong. The little girl laughs, and her eyes glow yellow. She is not a normal girl. She is an evil entity.

Their live stream ends with the camera lying on the ground, pointing at the dark trees. 

The next morning, the forest is quiet again. No one sees Yuki and Haru ever again. 

Unscramble the Sentences

are / Yuki / streamers / Haru / and / live.

decide / They / to / haunted / explore / forest / in / temple / a / the.

cold / is / wind / The / trees / and / noises / strange / make.

a / girl / They / small / the / beneath / altar / hiding / find.

black / appear / robes / people / of / in / group / a / behind / them.

Answer Key:

Yuki and Haru are live streamers.

They decide to explore a haunted temple in the forest.

The wind is cold, and the trees make strange noises.

They find a small girl hiding beneath the altar.

A group of people in black robes appear behind them.

Cloze Exercise

Complete the sentences with the correct word(s):

Yuki and Haru are live __________ (streamers/viewers).

They decide to explore a __________ (haunted/bright) temple in the forest.

The wind is __________ (cold/hot), and the trees make strange __________ (noises/smells).

Inside the temple, it is __________ (dark/bright) and __________ (quiet/loud).

They find a small girl hiding __________ (beneath/above) the altar.

The girl looks __________ (happy/scared) and her clothes are __________ (clean/torn).

A group of people dressed in black __________ (robes/shirts) appears.

Yuki and Haru struggle to __________ (escape/stay), but the cult followers are too __________ (strong/weak).

Answer Key:

streamers

haunted

cold, noises

dark, quiet

beneath

scared, torn

robes

escape, strong

Let me know if you'd like any additional exercises!

youtube rec: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zAdNupbHTM film rec: https://letterboxd.com/film/incantation-2022/

[nobordersenglish]

A Strange Night on the Highway

Jerry is a police officer. One night, he is patrolling a quiet highway. The night is dark and silent. Suddenly, Jerry spots something strange in the sky. It's an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO). The UFO has bright lights and moves very fast.

Jerry decides to chase after the UFO. He drives quickly, trying to catch up with the strange object. He calls for reinforcements on his radio, but no backup is available. Jerry is on his own.

The UFO touches down in a field near the highway. Jerry pulls over and gets out. He hears a girl crying in the woods nearby. 

He heads towards the sound, his heart pounding. Suddenly, he comes across two men in black suits. They look very serious. Jerry watches as they point their guns at the girl and shoot her. Jerry lets out a scream in shock.

But then something strange happens. The girl comes back to life. But she isn't a girl. She is an alien. The alien has a long, sharp tail. It takes out both agents with its tail, knocking them down.

The alien then turns towards Jerry and lunges at him. Jerry is scared out of his wits, but he manages to shoot the alien with his pump shotgun. The alien goes down.

Jerry makes a run for it back to his car. When he gets there, a black car is waiting. Two more agents in black suits get out.

"Stop right there," one of the agents says, pulling out a strange device.

Jerry, out of breath and confused, stares at them. "Who are you? What is going on?"

The second agent steps forward. "Just relax, Officer. This will only take a moment."

They point the device at Jerry and press a button. A bright flash of light wipes out (= deletes) Jerry's memory.

Jerry blinks, feeling disoriented. "What... what happened?"

The first agent speaks calmly. "You had a long night, Officer. It's best if you head back to the station and get some rest."

Jerry rubs his head. "Did I see something out here? I remember... lights in the sky?"

"Don't worry about it," the second agent says. "Sometimes, the night can play tricks on you."

Jerry nods, still feeling a bit out of sorts (=  a bit confused). "I guess you're right. I should get going."

"Take care, Officer," the first agent says. "And remember, there's nothing to worry about out here."

Jerry gets into his car and drives away, leaving the strange encounter behind. The highway is quiet again, and the UFO is gone. He shrugs it off, thinking it was all just a bad dream.

[nobordersenglish]

Swamped with Work

Intermediate B1 Last Monday, I woke up early, feeling ready for the day. I made myself a cup of coffee and cooked eggs sunny side up for breakfast. I ate them with some toast. That day, I decided to avoid scrolling through social media in the morning.

After breakfast, I sat down at my desk. I had a long list of tasks to complete. First, I needed to answer some emails. There were about twenty (20) emails waiting for me. Some were from my boss, others from colleagues. I quickly realised it was going to be a busy day.

After replying to the emails, I had to finish a report. The deadline was the next day, and I hadn't started yet. I opened the document and began typing. Suddenly, my phone rang. It was my boss.

"Hi, can you prepare a presentation for the meeting at 11?" he asked.

"Sure, I'll get right on it," I replied, feeling the pressure already.

I rushed to get ready for work and grabbed my things. As I drove to the office, I got stuck in traffic. Cars were barely moving, and I was getting more and more anxious. By the time I arrived, I was already running late.

When I finally sat down at my desk, I looked down and realised I was wearing my slippers. In my hurry (= na minha pressa), I hadn't noticed I left home without changing into my shoes. I sighed and quickly put my feet under the desk, hoping no one would notice.

I felt overwhelmed. I had so much to do and not enough time. I started working on the presentation, trying to stay calm. My hands were shaking a bit, but I managed to finish it just in time. I rushed to the meeting room, feeling a bit stressed.

During the meeting, my boss said, "Great job on the presentation. We might need a few more details on the last slide."

"Got it," I said, making a note to update it later.

The meeting went well, but I still had the report to finish. I went back to my desk and continued typing. Just then, a colleague messaged me, asking for the ETA on a project we were working on together. 

"Hey, what's the ETA on the project?" she asked. 

"I haven't started my part yet. What's your progress?" I replied.

"I've done most of it. Just need your input," she said.

"Okay, I'll work on it tonight," I promised, feeling the weight of another task.

The clock was ticking, and I could feel the pressure. I took a deep breath and kept going. By the end of the day, I was exhausted, but I had completed all my tasks.