The B1 story today: The Girl in the Painting Sophie had been meaning to visit the old house on the hill for years, and she was surprised to see the door open, as though inviting her to visit. Inside, the air was heavy and quiet. She glanced around the dusty room and saw an old mirror. In the glass, she saw a handsome young man smiling at her. She turned sudd ... Show More
Jul 28
320. Bully! (B1 short story)
Hello, and welcome to Practising English! Mike Bilbrough is on his summer holiday, so we'd like to offer a B1 story recorded way back in 2022. It's called Bully, and it's taken from Mike Bilbrough's book for preparing for the Cambridge Preliminary exam: "B1 English Vocabulary Bui ... Show More
25m 1s
Feb 2025
222 | Intermediate - Short Story: The Enchanted Mirror [English Listening Practice]
Title: The Enchanted Mirror in the Antique ShopLevel: Intermediate (B2)#Story : Sophie, a lover of antiques, discovers a mysterious mirror in a hidden shop called Curiosities and Wonders. The mirror shows her a different version of the shop, brighter and magical. When she touches ... Show More
4m 41s
Dec 2024
167 | Intermediate - Short Story: The Mirror of Forgotten Reflections [English Listening Practice]
Title: The Mirror of Forgotten ReflectionsLevel: Intermediate (B1)#Story : Emma, a young woman who loves old books and antiques, discovers a mysterious mirror hidden in an antique shop. The mirror has the power to transport her to different times and places, showing her memories ... Show More
9m 24s
Aug 2025
295 | Beginner - Short Story: The Alive Painting [English Listening Practice]
Title: The Alive PaintingLevel: Beginner (A1)#Story : Ellie discovers a mysterious painting in her grandmother’s attic that acts as a gateway to a vibrant and magical world. Inside the painting, she meets Leo, a boy who has lived there as long as he can remember. Together, they e ... Show More
9m 52s
Apr 2025
270 | Intermediate - Short Story: Beneath the Starlit Sky [English Listening Practice]
Title: Beneath the Starlit SkyLevel: Intermediate (B1-B2)Story: Seven years ago, Sienna De Luca walked away from Alessandro Marino, leaving behind not just their love but the city that had once been their world. Now, standing in a grand art gallery in Florence, she finds herself ... Show More
10m 37s
Dec 2024
153 | Beginner - Short Story: The Book of Forgotten Stories [English Listening Practice]
Title: The Book of Forgotten StoriesLevel: Beginner (A1)#Story : Sophie, a curious girl, discovers a magical book in the library. The Book of Forgotten Stories reveals the lives and struggles of people she meets. As Sophie reads each story, she helps those in need, bringing hope ... Show More
5m 44s
Dec 2024
191 | Intermediate - Short Story: The Garden of Forgotten Dreams [English Listening Practice]
Title: The Garden of Forgotten DreamsLevel: Intermediate (B1)#Story : Sophie discovers a hidden garden behind her grandmother’s house, guided by an old letter and a rusty key. The garden, filled with glowing flowers representing forgotten dreams, reveals her abandoned aspirations ... Show More
8m 3s