Easy English Reading Comprehension Exercises for Beginners

Here, we present a set of easy English reading comprehension exercises designed specifically for beginners. For beginners, it’s essential to engage in exercises that are not only educational but also enjoyable. Reading comprehension is a crucial skill that forms the foundation of language learning.

Reading Comprehension Exercises for Beginners 1

Sarah and Tom love to go to the park on weekends. Last Sunday, they packed a picnic basket with sandwiches, fruit, and juice. They brought a blanket to sit on and a frisbee to play with.

As soon as they arrived at the park, Sarah spread the blanket on the green grass. They enjoyed their sandwiches and had juicy oranges for dessert. After eating, they decided to play with the frisbee.

Tom threw the frisbee to Sarah, and she caught it with a big smile. Then, Sarah threw it back to Tom, and they laughed as they tossed it back and forth.

Soon, they saw some friends from school at the park. Sarah and Tom invited them to join the game. The more, the merrier! They all had a great time playing together.

When the sun began to set, Sarah and Tom gathered their things and said goodbye to their friends. They left the park, tired but happy, looking forward to the next weekend.

Exercises:

Answer the following questions briefly:

a. Where do Sarah and Tom like to go on weekends?

b. What did they pack in their picnic basket?

c. What did they spread on the grass at the park?

d. What did they play with at the park?

e. Who did they meet at the park?

Vocabulary Check:

a. What is another word for “spread” in the sentence “Sarah spread the blanket”?

b. What is the opposite of “tired” in the sentence “They left the park, tired but happy”?

c. Find a word in the passage that means the same as “enjoyed.”

d. What did they have for dessert?

e. Name one thing they brought for their picnic.

Fill in the Blank:

a. Last Sunday, Sarah and Tom packed a picnic basket with ____, fruit, and juice.

b. After eating, they decided to play with a ____.

c. Tom threw the frisbee to ____, and she caught it with a big smile.

d. They saw some friends from ____ at the park.

e. Sarah and Tom left the park, ____ but happy.

Writing 

Imagine you went to the park with your friends. Write a short paragraph describing what you did and how much fun you had.

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Reading Comprehension Exercises for Beginners 2

Once upon a time, in a small town, there was a little kitten named Whiskers. Whiskers loved to explore and play in the garden behind the house. One day, while chasing a butterfly, Whiskers wandered too far and got lost.

Whiskers meowed loudly, hoping someone would hear. A kind girl named Emily heard the meows and followed the sound. She discovered the little lost kitten behind the bushes. Emily gently picked up Whiskers and comforted the scared kitty.

Emily took Whiskers home and gave her a bowl of milk. Whiskers purred with contentment. Emily decided to keep Whiskers as her pet. From that day on, they became the best of friends.

Now, every day after school, Emily and Whiskers would play together in the garden. Whiskers was no longer a lost kitten; she had found a loving home with Emily.

Exercise:

Answer the following questions briefly:

a. What is the name of the little kitten?

b. How did Whiskers get lost?

c. Who heard Whiskers meowing?

d. What did Emily give Whiskers when she took her home?

e. What did Emily and Whiskers do together after becoming friends?

Vocabulary Check:

a. Find a word in the passage that means the same as “scared.”

b. What did Whiskers do when Emily gave her a bowl of milk?

c. What is the opposite of “lost” in the sentence “Whiskers was no longer a lost kitten”?

d. What did Whiskers chase before getting lost?

e. What is another word for “picked up” in the sentence “Emily gently picked up Whiskers”?

Fill in the Blank:

a. Whiskers loved to explore and play in the ____ behind the house.

b. Emily discovered the little lost kitten behind the ____.

c. Emily and Whiskers became the best of ____.

d. Every day after school, Emily and Whiskers would play together in the ____.

e. Whiskers purred with ____ when given a bowl of milk.

Writing Prompt:

Write a short story about a different adventure that Whiskers and Emily have in the garden. Include details about what they find or do together.

Reading Comprehension Exercises for Beginners 3

Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived two curious friends named Lily and James. One sunny day, they decided to explore the mysterious forest near their homes.

As they entered the forest, the trees seemed to whisper secrets, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers. Lily and James walked deeper into the woods, marveling at the colorful butterflies dancing around.

Suddenly, they stumbled upon a magical door standing alone among the trees. Intrigued, they opened it and found themselves in a different world—a world filled with talking animals, sparkling streams, and floating islands.

A wise old owl named Oliver approached them and explained that they had entered the Enchanted Forest. Oliver told them that they were the chosen ones, destined to bring joy and laughter to the magical creatures of the forest.

Lily and James spent the day playing with the animals, dancing with the butterflies, and exploring the wonders of the Enchanted Forest. As the sun began to set, they thanked Oliver and walked back through the magical door, returning to their village.

From that day forward, Lily and James cherished the memories of their magical forest adventure, always remembering the importance of curiosity and friendship.

Exercise:

Answer the following questions briefly:

a. What did Lily and James decide to do on a sunny day?

b. What did they find in the mysterious forest?

c. Who explained to them that they were in the Enchanted Forest?

d. What were Lily and James destined to do in the Enchanted Forest?

e. How did they feel when they returned to their village?

Vocabulary Check:

a. Find a word in the passage that means the same as “amazed.”

b. What did the trees seem to do as Lily and James entered the forest?

c. What did Oliver, the wise old owl, tell them about their purpose in the Enchanted Forest?

d. What is another word for “curious” in the sentence “Two curious friends named Lily and James”?

e. What did Lily and James cherish after their adventure?

Fill in the Blank:

a. Lily and James decided to explore the mysterious forest near their ____.

b. They stumbled upon a magical door standing alone among the ____.

c. Oliver explained that they were the chosen ones, destined to bring joy and laughter to the magical ____ of the forest.

d. They spent the day playing with the animals, dancing with the butterflies, and exploring the wonders of the Enchanted ____.

e. Lily and James always remembered the importance of ____ and friendship.

Writing Prompt:

Imagine you find a magical door in a forest that leads to an enchanted world. Write a short story about your adventure and the magical creatures you encounter.

Reading Comprehension Exercises for Beginners 4

Today is Emma’s birthday, and her friends are planning a surprise party for her. Sarah, Jake, and Alex are busy decorating the living room with balloons and streamers. They’ve also baked a delicious chocolate cake with candles.

Emma’s mom is in on the surprise and has invited Emma to the park for an afternoon picnic. While Emma is away, her friends set up the living room, placing the presents on the table and hiding behind the furniture in excitement.

When Emma returns, she is surprised to find the lights turned off. As she enters the room, her friends shout, “Happy Birthday, Emma!” The lights come on, revealing the decorated room and the yummy chocolate cake.

Emma is overjoyed with the surprise and hugs each of her friends. They spend the afternoon playing games, eating cake, and opening presents. It turns out to be the best birthday ever!

Exercise:

Answer the following questions briefly:

a. Whose birthday is it?

b. What are Sarah, Jake, and Alex busy doing?

c. What kind of cake did they bake for Emma?

d. Where does Emma’s mom invite her for an afternoon picnic?

e. How does Emma react to the surprise?

Vocabulary Check:

a. Find a word in the passage that means the same as “hidden.”

b. What do Emma’s friends shout when she enters the room?

c. What is another word for “excitement” in the sentence “hiding behind the furniture in excitement”?

d. What is the opposite of “overjoyed”?

e. Name one thing they did during Emma’s birthday party.

Fill in the Blank:

a. Today is ____ birthday.

b. Emma’s friends are busy decorating the living room with balloons and ____.

c. They baked a delicious chocolate ____ with candles.

d. Emma’s mom invites her to the park for an afternoon ____.

e. Emma is ____ with the surprise.

Writing Prompt:

Write a short paragraph about the best birthday surprise you’ve ever had or would like to have. Include details about the decorations, cake, and any special activities.

Reading Comprehension Exercises for Beginners 5

One sunny afternoon, Tim and Lisa discovered an old treasure map in their grandfather’s attic. Excited about the possibility of finding hidden treasure, they decided to follow the map’s clues.

The first clue led them to a large oak tree in the park. Underneath the tree, they found the second clue that pointed towards the old lighthouse by the sea. As they approached the lighthouse, the third clue guided them to a rocky beach.

Digging in the sand at the beach, they unearthed a chest filled with shiny gold coins and sparkling jewels. Tim and Lisa couldn’t believe their luck! They decided to share the treasure with their friends and use some of it to help the local animal shelter.

The adventure became a cherished memory for Tim and Lisa, reminding them that sometimes, the greatest treasures are found when you least expect them.

Exercise:

Answer the following questions briefly:

a. Where did Tim and Lisa find the old treasure map?

b. What was the first clue’s location?

c. Where did the second clue lead them?

d. What did they discover at the rocky beach?

e. What did Tim and Lisa decide to do with the treasure?

Vocabulary Check:

a. Find a word in the passage that means the same as “excited.”

b. What did they find underneath the large oak tree?

c. What is another word for “approached” in the sentence “As they approached the lighthouse”?

d. What is another word for “unearthed” in the sentence “they unearthed a chest”?

e. What is the opposite of “least” in the sentence “the greatest treasures are found when you least expect them”?

Fill in the Blank:

a. Tim and Lisa discovered an old treasure map in their ____ attic.

b. The first clue led them to a large oak ____ in the park.

c. Underneath the tree, they found the second clue that pointed towards the old ____ by the sea.

d. Digging in the sand at the beach, they unearthed a ____ filled with shiny gold coins and sparkling jewels.

e. Tim and Lisa decided to share the treasure with their friends and help the local ____ shelter.

Writing Prompt:

Imagine you find a mysterious map that leads to hidden treasure. Write a short story about your adventure, including the locations you visit and what you find at the end of the journey.

Reading Comprehension Exercises for Beginners 6

In the heart of the town, there was a quaint little bookshop called “Enchanted Pages.” Amelia, a curious girl with a love for stories, often visited the shop. One day, she discovered a dusty old book tucked away on a hidden shelf.

As she opened the book, a soft glow enveloped the room, and suddenly, Amelia found herself inside the story. The book transported her to a magical world filled with talking animals, floating castles, and colorful gardens.

Amelia met a wise wizard who told her that she was the chosen one to bring harmony to the enchanted realm. She was given a magical key that could unlock the secrets hidden in the book.

Excited and determined, Amelia embarked on a quest, meeting friendly dragons and solving riddles along the way. With the help of her new friends, she unlocked the final secret, bringing peace to the magical world.

When Amelia closed the book, she was back in “Enchanted Pages.” The bookshop owner, Mr. Bennett, smiled knowingly. He explained that the magic of the bookshop allowed readers to experience the wonders of different worlds.

Amelia left the bookshop with a heart full of stories and the magical key as a reminder of her extraordinary adventure.

Exercise:

Answer the following questions briefly:

a. What is the name of the bookshop?

b. How did Amelia discover the magical world?

c. Who told Amelia that she was the chosen one?

d. What did the wise wizard give Amelia?

e. How did Amelia bring peace to the enchanted realm?

Vocabulary Check:

a. Find a word in the passage that means the same as “hidden.”

b. What enveloped the room when Amelia opened the book?

c. What is another word for “excited” in the sentence “Excited and determined, Amelia embarked on a quest”?

d. What is the opposite of “full” in the sentence “Amelia left the bookshop with a heart full of stories”?

e. What does Mr. Bennett explain about the magic of the bookshop?

Fill in the Blank:

a. In the heart of the town, there was a quaint little bookshop called “Enchanted ____.”

b. As she opened the book, a soft glow ____ the room.

c. Amelia met a wise wizard who told her that she was the chosen one to bring ____ to the enchanted realm.

d. With the help of her new friends, she unlocked the final ____.

e. Amelia left the bookshop with a heart ____ of stories and the magical key.

Writing Prompt:

Write a short paragraph about a magical adventure you would like to have if you could step into any book. Include details about the world you would visit and the friends or characters you would meet.

Reading Comprehension Exercises for Beginners 7

In the bustling city of Techtopia, where robots were part of everyday life, there was a mystery afoot. Robo, the city’s friendly helper robot, had mysteriously disappeared.

Detective Mia, known for her sharp mind and keen observation skills, took on the case. She began by questioning the residents of Techtopia. The baker, the scientist, and even the mayor were all puzzled by Robo’s disappearance.

During her investigation, Mia discovered a trail of oil droplets leading to the city’s recycling center. She followed the clues and found Robo tucked away in a corner, looking sad and malfunctioning.

After some careful examination, Mia realized that Robo had accidentally tripped over a loose wire and needed a simple repair. With the help of the city’s tech expert, Mia fixed Robo, and the friendly robot was back to helping the community.

The city celebrated Robo’s return with a parade, and Mia received a medal for solving the mystery. From that day on, Techtopia became even more grateful for their helpful robots, and Detective Mia continued to solve mysteries big and small.

Exercise:

Answer the following questions briefly:

a. Who took on the case of the missing robot?

b. What was the name of the missing robot?

c. Where did Mia find a trail of oil droplets?

d. What was wrong with Robo?

e. How did the city celebrate Robo’s return?

Vocabulary Check:

a. Find a word in the passage that means the same as “mysteriously.”

b. What did Mia receive for solving the mystery?

c. What is another word for “puzzled” in the sentence “The baker, the scientist, and even the mayor were all puzzled”?

d. What is another word for “celebrated” in the sentence “The city celebrated Robo’s return with a parade”?

e. What does Mia receive a medal for?

Fill in the Blank:

a. In the bustling city of Techtopia, where robots were part of everyday ____, Robo mysteriously disappeared.

b. Detective Mia, known for her sharp mind and keen ____, took on the case.

c. During her investigation, Mia discovered a trail of oil droplets leading to the city’s ____ center.

d. With the help of the city’s tech expert, Mia fixed Robo, and the friendly robot was back to helping the ____.

e. The city ____ Robo’s return with a parade.

Writing Prompt:

Write a short story about a different mystery that Detective Mia solves in Techtopia. Include details about the problem, the clues she finds, and how she ultimately solves the case.

Reading Comprehension Exercises for Beginners 8

In a small village, there was a magical garden known as the Rainbow Garden. Legend had it that the garden bloomed with flowers in every color of the rainbow. Mia, a young girl with a love for nature, set out to find this enchanting place.

As Mia entered the garden, she marveled at the vibrant hues surrounding her. Each flower seemed to sparkle with a magical glow. Mia spotted a friendly butterfly, who guided her through the garden’s winding paths.

In the heart of the Rainbow Garden, Mia discovered a sparkling fountain. The water in the fountain was said to grant a special wish to those who believed in the magic of the garden. Mia closed her eyes, made a wish, and tossed a coin into the fountain.

Suddenly, the air shimmered with a soft glow, and Mia felt a warm breeze. When she opened her eyes, she found herself holding a small, shimmering crystal—the fulfillment of her wish.

Overjoyed, Mia explored the garden further, meeting talking birds and playful rabbits along the way. As the sun began to set, Mia bid farewell to the Rainbow Garden, promising to return whenever she needed a touch of magic in her life.

Exercise:

Answer the following questions briefly:

a. What is the name of the magical garden in the story?

b. What legend is associated with the Rainbow Garden?

c. What did Mia discover in the heart of the Rainbow Garden?

d. What did Mia wish for at the sparkling fountain?

e. What did Mia find herself holding after making a wish?

Vocabulary Check:

a. Find a word in the passage that means the same as “winding.”

b. What is another word for “guiding” in the sentence “a friendly butterfly, who guided her”?

c. What is another word for “fulfillment” in the sentence “the fulfillment of her wish”?

d. What is the opposite of “overjoyed”?

e. What does the water in the fountain grant to those who believe in the magic of the garden?

Fill in the Blank:

a. In a small village, there was a magical garden known as the ____ Garden.

b. Each flower in the Rainbow Garden seemed to sparkle with a magical ____.

c. Mia closed her eyes, made a wish, and tossed a coin into the ____.

d. The air shimmered with a soft glow, and Mia felt a warm ____.

e. Mia bid farewell to the Rainbow Garden, promising to return whenever she needed a touch of ____ in her life.

Writing Prompt:

Write a short paragraph about a magical garden you would like to visit. Describe the colors, creatures, and special features of the garden, and explain what magical experiences you would hope to have there.

Reading Comprehension Exercises for Beginners 9

One clear night, Emily gazed at the starlit sky from her backyard. To her surprise, a shooting star streaked across the darkness, leaving behind a sparkling trail. Intrigued, Emily decided to follow the trail, believing it might lead to an extraordinary adventure.

As Emily followed the sparkling path, she found herself transported to a magical land illuminated by the glow of countless stars. The Starlight Kingdom, as she discovered, was a place where dreams came to life.

The starry creatures welcomed Emily warmly. She met Moonbeam, a friendly glow-in-the-dark bunny, and Stardust, a playful comet with a tail that twinkled. Together, they embarked on a journey to the Crystal Palace, the heart of the Starlight Kingdom.

At the palace, the Starlight Queen greeted Emily. She explained that the shooting star had chosen her to bring a message of hope and inspiration to the world. The Queen gave Emily a radiant star pendant, a symbol of her newfound mission.

With Moonbeam and Stardust by her side, Emily returned to her backyard just as the first light of dawn broke. She clutched the star pendant, knowing that the magic of the Starlight Kingdom would forever inspire her to spread joy and kindness.

Exercise:

Answer the following questions briefly:

a. What did Emily see in the starlit sky that surprised her?

b. Where did the sparkling trail from the shooting star lead Emily?

c. Who did Emily meet in the Starlight Kingdom?

d. What was the mission the Starlight Queen gave to Emily?

e. What did Emily receive from the Starlight Queen?

Vocabulary Check:

a. Find a word in the passage that means the same as “intrigued.”

b. What is another word for “illuminated” in the sentence “a magical land illuminated by the glow of countless stars”?

c. What is another word for “embarked” in the sentence “Together, they embarked on a journey to the Crystal Palace”?

d. What is the opposite of “darkness”?

e. What is the symbol of Emily’s newfound mission?

Fill in the Blank:

a. One clear night, Emily gazed at the starlit sky from her ____.

b. Emily found herself transported to a magical land illuminated by the glow of countless ____.

c. At the palace, the Starlight Queen greeted Emily. She explained that the shooting star had chosen her to bring a message of hope and ____ to the world.

d. With Moonbeam and Stardust by her side, Emily returned to her backyard just as the first light of ____ broke.

e. She clutched the star pendant, knowing that the magic of the Starlight Kingdom would forever inspire her to spread joy and ____.

Writing Prompt:

Write a short story about a different magical land you would like to visit. Describe the creatures, landmarks, and special experiences you would have in this enchanting place.

Reading Comprehension Exercises for Beginners 10

In a hidden corner of the woods, Lily stumbled upon a mysterious gate that led to a secret garden. Intrigued, she opened the gate and found herself in a magical garden filled with colorful flowers, singing birds, and fluttering butterflies.

As Lily explored the garden, she discovered a charming tea set laid out on a table beneath a blooming cherry blossom tree. To her surprise, the tea set started arranging itself, and a soft voice invited her to join a tea party.

The voice belonged to Oliver, a friendly garden gnome who explained that the garden held a special tea party for those who truly appreciated the beauty of nature. Lily happily accepted the invitation and sat down for the most enchanting tea party of her life.

The tea set served delicious treats, and the flowers danced to a gentle melody played by the wind. Lily chatted with the wise old owl perched on a branch and listened to the stories told by the giggling fairies.

When the tea party came to an end, Oliver gave Lily a small, golden key. He whispered that the key could unlock the gate whenever she wished to visit the secret garden again.

With a grateful heart, Lily left the magical garden, promising to return and share the story of the secret tea party with her friends.

Exercises:

Answer the following questions briefly:

a. How did Lily discover the secret garden?

b. What magical thing happened with the tea set in the garden?

c. Who invited Lily to join the tea party?

d. What did the wise old owl do during the tea party?

e. What did Oliver give Lily at the end of the tea party?

Vocabulary Check:

a. Find a word in the passage that means the same as “charming.”

b. What is another word for “intrigued” in the sentence “Lily stumbled upon a mysterious gate”?

c. What is another word for “whispered” in the sentence “Oliver whispered that the key could unlock the gate”?

d. What is the opposite of “hidden”?

e. What did the tea set serve during the tea party?

Fill in the Blank:

a. In a hidden corner of the woods, Lily stumbled upon a ____ gate that led to a secret garden.

b. To her surprise, the tea set started arranging itself, and a soft ____ invited her to join a tea party.

c. The voice belonged to Oliver, a friendly garden ____ who explained that the garden held a special tea party for those who truly appreciated the beauty of ____.

d. When the tea party came to an end, Oliver gave Lily a small, golden ____.

e. With a grateful heart, Lily left the magical garden, promising to return and share the story of the secret tea party with her ____.

Writing Prompt:

Write a short paragraph about a magical tea party you would like to have in a secret garden. Describe the setting, the guests, and the delightful treats you would enjoy.

Reading Comprehension Exercises for Beginners 11

In the attic of her grandparents’ house, Emma discovered an antique telescope. Little did she know, this telescope had magical powers that could transport her through time. One evening, as Emma gazed through the telescope, she found herself in a bustling Victorian-era city.

Amazed and a bit perplexed, Emma explored the cobbled streets and saw people dressed in elegant 19th-century fashion. She marveled at the horse-drawn carriages and gas street lamps that lined the avenues.

As Emma continued her time-traveling adventure, she encountered a kind inventor named Mr. Thompson. He explained that the magical telescope allowed her to witness historical moments and learn valuable lessons from the past.

Together, they visited significant events like the first moon landing, the Renaissance, and even ancient civilizations. Emma was fascinated by the different eras and the stories each period had to tell.

When Emma returned to her present time, she had a newfound appreciation for history and the lessons it held. The magical telescope became a cherished family heirloom, and Emma continued to explore the wonders of the past whenever she desired a journey through time.

Exercises:

Answer the following questions briefly:

a. Where did Emma discover the magical telescope?

b. What era did Emma find herself in when she first used the telescope?

c. Who did Emma meet during her time-traveling adventure?

d. What did Mr. Thompson explain about the magical telescope?

e. What did Emma gain from her time-traveling experiences?

Vocabulary Check:

a. Find a word in the passage that means the same as “perplexed.”

b. What is another word for “amazed” in the sentence “Emma gazed through the telescope”?

c. What is another word for “avenues” in the sentence “gas street lamps that lined the avenues”?

d. What is the opposite of “present” in the sentence “When Emma returned to her present time”?

e. What became a cherished family heirloom?

Fill in the Blank:

a. In the attic of her grandparents’ house, Emma discovered an ____ telescope.

b. One evening, as Emma gazed through the telescope, she found herself in a bustling Victorian-era ____.

c. Together, Emma and Mr. Thompson visited significant events like the first moon landing, the ____ , and even ancient civilizations.

d. When Emma returned to her ____ time, she had a newfound appreciation for history and the lessons it held.

e. The magical telescope became a cherished family ____, and Emma continued to explore the wonders of the past whenever she desired a journey through time.

Writing Prompt:

Write a short story about a different magical object that transports someone through time. Describe the time periods they visit and the lessons they learn along the way.