Read this story from my Beginner English Short Stories book with me!

Josh loves basketball. Every day he practices outside in his driveway. Today, he is playing with his friend Dan. Josh dribbles the ball, he shoots the ball, and then he passes the ball to his friend Dan.

One day Josh’s parents buy him a cat. Josh loves the cat. He names the cat Freckles. There is only one problem. The cat always bites Josh’s ankles. Josh wants to go outside, but Freckles is outside. Josh is afraid to go outside. He tells his mom he is scared, but she says, “Oh it’s just a little cat. Don’t be silly.”

So Josh goes outside to play, and Freckles is waiting for him. Freckles bites Josh’s ankles. This time, Freckles bites Josh so hard. Now Josh is bleeding. Josh starts to shout and cry. Josh’s mom comes running to him. His mom feels terrible. “What a naughty little cat!” she says. She puts bandages on Josh’s ankles. She brings the cat back to the shop. “Sorry Freckles, you have to go,” she says.

Josh doesn’t like cats anymore. His mom comes home with a new dog. Josh names it Ruby.

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True/False

Is the statement below true or false? Write T for true or F for false.

1. Josh practices basketball indoors. _____
2. Josh’s friend’s name is Dan. _____
3. Josh’s parents buy him a cat. _____
4. Freckles, the cat, bites Josh’s ankles. _____
5. Josh’s mom keeps Freckles even after Freckles bites Josh. _____

Multiple Choice

Circle the correct answer

1. Where does Josh practice basketball?
   a) At the park
   b) In his driveway
   c) Indoors
   d) At the gym
2. What does Josh name the cat his parents buy him?
   a) Spot
   b) Freckles
   c) Ruby
   d) Dan
3. What does Freckles do to Josh when Josh goes outside to play?
   a) Bites his ankles
   b) Plays with him
   c) Ignores him
   d) Meows loudly
4. How does Josh’s mom react when Freckles bites Josh?
   a) She laughs.
   b) She scolds Josh.
   c) She apologizes and puts bandages on his ankles.
   d) She ignores Josh.
5. What pet does Josh’s mom bring home after returning Freckles?
   a) A cat
   b) A dog
   c) A rabbit
   d) A fish

Fill in the blank

Fill in the blank with the sentences below.

1. He ______ playing with his friend. will / are / is
2. There ______ only one problem. is / are / be
3. Josh ______ afraid to go outside. are / am / is
4. Don’t ______ silly. be / are / is
5. What ______ naughty little cat. a / the / one

Answers

True/False

1. F  – 2. T  – 3. T  – 4. T  – 5. F

Multiple Choice

1. b) In his driveway 2. b) Freckles 3. a) Bites his ankles 4. c) She apologizes and puts bandages on his ankles. 5. b) A dog

Fill in the blank

1. is – 2. is – 3. is  – 4. be  – 5. a

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