The Tent That Wouldn't Stand
A free A1-level English story for language learners, readable online in English, with an option to listen via the free Storyteller app.
Wei and Suki arrive at their campsite two tent poles short, and they build a clever fix out of two sturdy branches.
Wei and Suki drove to a quiet campsite. The drive took almost two hours. They picked a flat spot near the trees. Wei pulled the tent out of its bag. Suki set down the cooking gear nearby.
Suki laid out all the tent poles. She counted them twice, then frowned. "We only have six poles," she said. "The tent needs eight poles to stand."
Wei checked the bag again carefully. "We do not have two poles," he said. "We left them at home, I think."
Suki looked around the campsite for ideas. She spotted two straight, sturdy branches nearby. "These branches look strong enough," she said.
Wei trimmed the branches with his small knife. He tied them where the missing poles belonged. Suki pulled the tent fabric tight and smooth.
Slowly, the tent began to take its shape. The branches held their spots firmly. The whole tent stood tall and steady.
Wei stepped back and looked at their work. "It stands," he said with a proud smile.
Suki laughed and patted the tent gently. "Our tent has a little extra style now," she said.
They set their bags inside the tent. Outside, the campfire crackled in the evening light. Wei and Suki sat down and relaxed together. Suki looked back at the sturdy branches. "Next time, we pack extra poles," she said. Wei nodded and poked the fire with a stick.
