Find Your Reading Level

Extensive reading works best when reading feels easy. You should understand about 97–98% of the words without using a dictionary. In the short samples below, this means choosing the highest level where only 1–2 words are unknown and you can understand the story comfortably.

Start with A1, then try A2 and B1. Stop when the reading begins to feel difficult.

Reading Level Sample Texts: Jesus Calms the Storm

(chose the level where only 1-2 words are unknown and you can read quickly and smoothly)

A1 — Beginning

Jesus and his disciples were in a boat on the lake. A big storm came, and strong waves hit the boat. Jesus was sleeping in the boat, but the disciples were afraid. They woke him and said, “Teacher, help us!” Then Jesus stood up and told the wind and the water to stop, and at once the lake became calm.

A2 — Elementary

Jesus and his disciples were crossing the lake in a boat when a violent storm began. The wind blew hard, and waves came into the boat. Jesus was asleep while the disciples were becoming more and more afraid. They woke him and cried out for help. Then Jesus stood up, spoke to the wind and the waves, and suddenly the storm stopped.

B1 — Intermediate

Jesus and his disciples were crossing the lake when a violent storm suddenly arose, and waves began breaking into the boat. While the frightened disciples struggled against the wind and water, Jesus was asleep. Filled with fear, they woke him and begged for help. Jesus rose, rebuked the wind, and commanded the waves to be still; immediately the storm ended and the lake became calm.