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The Dog and the Castle
Preview
Beginner (A1 Low) CEFR A1

The Dog and the Castle

Max is a small dog. He lives in a big castle. The castle is old and dark. Max is happy in the castle. He plays with his friend, a bird named Pip.One day, Max and Pip play in the castle. They see a big...

Duration

5 min read

Length

96 words

Story

3 paragraphs

Story Excerpt

Sample preview reading passage

Paragraphs 1–2 of 3

Max is a small dog. He lives in a big castle. The castle is old and dark. Max is happy in the castle. He plays with his friend, a bird named Pip.

One day, Max and Pip play in the castle. They see a big door. The door is open. Max is scared. He does not want to go in. Pip says, "Come, Max! It is fun!" Max is still scared.

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Educational Objectives

Story Details

Grammar focus and learning objectives covered in this story.

Grammar Level

A1 · Present Simple, verb 'be', negation with 'not'

Learning Outcomes

  • Read and understand simple sentences about a dog and his friend.
  • Recognise and use the present simple form 'is' and action verbs like 'lives' and 'plays'.
  • Answer questions about why the dog is scared and how friendship helps him.

Grammar Focus

Present Simple: subject + be (is/are)

Use 'is' to describe people, animals, or things. Use 'are' for plural subjects.

“ Max is a small dog.
Tip: Remember: 'He is', 'She is', 'It is', 'They are'.
Present Simple: subject + verb (action)

Use the present simple to talk about habits, facts, or actions happening now.

“ He lives in a big castle.
Tip: Add -s for he/she/it: 'He lives', 'She plays'.
Negation with 'not': subject + be + not + adjective

Use 'not' after 'be' to make a negative sentence.

“ Max is not scared now.
Tip: Put 'not' after 'is/are/am': 'He is not happy.'

Reading tip

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