Classic Fables for English Learners

Fables are short stories that teach important lessons or morals. They often feature animals as characters and are perfect for learning English in a fun and meaningful way. Each story includes vocabulary highlights, a moral, and comprehension questions.

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The Fox and the Grapes

Level: Beginner

A hungry fox saw some fine bunches of grapes hanging from a vine. He did his best to reach them by jumping as high as he could into the air, but it was all in vain, for they were just out of reach.

So he gave up trying, and walked away with an air of dignity and unconcern, remarking, 'I thought those grapes were ripe, but I see now they are quite sour.'

Vocabulary

  • vain: unsuccessful; without result
  • dignity: a sense of pride in oneself
  • remarking: saying; commenting
Moral: It is easy to despise what you cannot have.

Comprehension Questions

  1. What did the fox try to reach?
    • apples
    • grapes
    • bananas
    Answer: grapes
  2. Why did the fox say the grapes were sour?
    • He tasted them
    • He couldn't reach them
    • They were green
    Answer: He couldn't reach them
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