Here are some short stories categorized by themes and skills they target, suitable for Intermediate 2 English learners:
Theme: Everyday Life & Relationships
* "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry: A heartwarming story about sacrifice and love. Explores vocabulary related to relationships, gifts, and financial struggles.
* "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson: A chilling story about conformity and tradition. Introduces vocabulary related to community, superstition, and rituals.
* "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin: Explores themes of freedom and societal expectations. Introduces vocabulary related to marriage, grief, and emotions.
* "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant: A story about vanity and the consequences of deception. Introduces vocabulary related to social status, materialism, and regret.
* "The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane: A thrilling story about survival and the power of nature. Explores vocabulary related to the sea, storms, and teamwork.
Theme: Mystery & Suspense
* "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe: A psychological thriller about guilt and madness. Introduces vocabulary related to fear, paranoia, and madness.
* "The Adventure of the Speckled Band" by Arthur Conan Doyle: A classic mystery featuring Sherlock Holmes. Introduces vocabulary related to crime, investigation, and deduction.
* "The Red Room" by H.G. Wells: A ghost story with suspenseful atmosphere. Introduces vocabulary related to fear, supernatural, and paranormal.
* "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs: A cautionary tale about the consequences of wishing. Explores vocabulary related to superstition, magic, and regret.
* "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell: A suspenseful story about hunting and survival. Introduces vocabulary related to danger, wilderness, and pursuit.
Theme: Culture & Identity
* "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: A timeless story about love, friendship, and imagination. Explores vocabulary related to childhood, philosophy, and interplanetary travel.
* "The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury: A science fiction story about technology and family. Introduces vocabulary related to technology, virtual reality, and human nature.
* "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" by James Thurber: A humorous story about escapism and daydreams. Explores vocabulary related to fantasy, ambition, and reality.
* "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: A psychological story about mental health and societal expectations. Introduces vocabulary related to mental illness, confinement, and rebellion.
* "The Sniper" by Liam O'Flaherty: A story about war and its impact on individuals. Introduces vocabulary related to war, violence, and human cost.
Skills Focus:
* "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle: Simple story suitable for practicing basic vocabulary, retelling, and sequencing.
* "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein: Explores themes of love and sacrifice, suitable for practicing comprehension, discussion, and character analysis.
* "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss: Highly engaging story with repetitive rhymes and silly vocabulary, suitable for practicing fluency and pronunciation.
* "The Velveteen Rabbit" by Margery Williams: Story about love and transformation, suitable for practicing descriptive language, metaphors, and imagery.
Tips for Selecting Stories:
* Consider learners' interests and previous knowledge: Choose stories relevant to their lives and experiences.
* Focus on themes and vocabulary: Select stories that reinforce vocabulary related to specific themes.
* Introduce challenging but manageable language: Choose stories with appropriate vocabulary and grammar complexity.
* Use diverse authors and genres: Expose learners to different voices and perspectives.
* Plan engaging activities: Design activities that encourage discussion, comprehension, and creative expression.
This list is just a starting point, and you can explore many other excellent short stories suitable for Intermediate 2 English learners. Remember to adapt the chosen story to your students' needs and learning goals.