eslreading.org for English language learners

Did That Really Happen?

Strange news stories from round the world.
Which stories are true? Or partly true? Or not true at all?

Can you spot the false stories?

With quizzes, crosswords and other learning activities.
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Heard about the boy who (didn't) fly away in a balloon?
Read about the man who really did fly away from his garden in a
flying balloon chair!
Pre-Intermediate

Bear Hug - Don't get too close to a brown bear!
Rocky Runs Away - Dog goes for a very long walk
Lucky Break - Car thief's lucky day?
Thief Regrets - 'I made a mistake!'
Fastest wheelchair? - A 50 mph wheelchair?
Raining Cows - A cow falls on holiday couple's car?
Intermediate

Call Me! - Young robber leaves his business card.
Elevator Ordeal - Office worker trapped for 41 hours in New York lift.
Lucky Escape - Cigarette-break saves Empire State elevator operator.
Flying Monkey - Monkey travels economy class
Iguanas - Man smuggles iguanas in his false leg.
Lucky Break - Car thief's lucky day?
Upper Intermediate/Advanced

Doctor Who? - Popular doctor hides big secret.
Stupid Parrot? - Take care with a talking bird.
Wrong Number - Detective gets unexpectedly helpful call.
Wrong Place, Wrong Time - Amazing Hiroshima escape.
The Did that Really Happen? stories were first published in the English language learner section of Ming Pao Daily. Illustrations are by MPD illustrator Iris Tsoi.
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Note for ESL, EFL & ESOL Teachers

What is ESL Reading?

An independent website providing free resources for English language teachers and students. These include reading and listening materials for use in the classroom or online.


ESL Reading is edited by Kieran McGovern, described as 'amongst the best writers of language learner materials in English'. It has links with Extensive Reading, the British Council and many other organisations promoting English language learning through reading.

More about ESL Reading
here.