Emma and Sophie were sisters who lived in a small town. Emma was sixteen years old, and Sophie was fourteen. They shared a bedroom in their family's house. The sisters argued almost every day. 'You took my blue sweater again!' Emma shouted one morning. 'I did not! It is mine!' Sophie replied angrily. Their mother sighed from the kitchen. 'Girls, please stop fighting before breakfast.' At school, Emma was popular and played on the soccer team. Sophie was quieter and loved painting in the art room. Sometimes Emma's friends laughed at Sophie's colorful clothes. This made Sophie feel hurt and embarrassed. One day, Sophie entered an art competition at school. She worked on her painting for three weeks. Emma did not know about the competition. The painting showed two birds flying in different directions. Sophie felt nervous when she submitted her artwork. Meanwhile, Emma had an important soccer match coming up. She practiced every afternoon until it got dark. Their father noticed the tension between his daughters. 'Why don't you support each other more?' he asked them. Both girls rolled their eyes and walked away. The week before the soccer match, Emma injured her ankle. The doctor said she could not play for two months. Emma was devastated and cried in her room. Sophie heard her sister crying through the wall. She hesitated, then knocked on Emma's door. 'Go away!' Emma shouted. Sophie opened the door anyway and sat on the bed. 'I know how it feels when something important is taken away,' Sophie said quietly. Emma looked at her sister with surprise. 'Remember when my painting was damaged last year?' Sophie continued. Emma nodded slowly, remembering that difficult time. The sisters talked for hours that evening. Emma learned about Sophie's art competition for the first time. 'I want to see your painting,' Emma said. Sophie showed her the artwork of the two birds. 'They are us,' Sophie explained. 'Flying apart but still connected.' Emma felt tears in her eyes. On the day of the art show, Emma went with Sophie. She cheered loudly when Sophie won second place. Their parents watched with happy smiles. After that day, the sisters started spending more time together. Emma helped Sophie with her confidence. Sophie taught Emma to appreciate art and slow down.
English Story (A2)Sibling Rivalry
This A2 English story is designed for elementarys learning English. It includes simple vocabulary and short sentences to help you improve your reading and listening skills. Click any word to see translations and hear pronunciation.
About this story
Two sisters, Emma and Sophie, argue constantly and compete for attention. When Emma injures her ankle, Sophie reaches out, and they finally discover the bond they have always shared.
Translations in English
Linked wordUnderlined wordOther words
Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
What did Sophie's painting show?
2
Why couldn't Emma play in the soccer match?
3
What place did Sophie win in the art competition?
4
What made Sophie go to Emma's room when Emma was crying?
Vocabulary
30 words from this story
