C2 Graded Readers

Literary stories with subtle ideas and precise language, for proficient readers.

C2 Proficiency stories

Read the story, tap the underlined words for their meanings, then answer five questions to check your understanding.

C2Literary7 min
Every summer of her childhood, Leah stayed with a grandmother who had removed every mirror from her house. Years later, clearing out that house, she finally understands why.
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C2Science7 min
A young radio astronomer detects a mysterious, repeating burst of radio waves that nobody can explain. As excitement grows, she must decide how much she wants the answer to be extraordinary.
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C2Legal drama7 min
A court interpreter realises that a single word in a witness's evidence carries two meanings, and that the jury will hear only one of them. Her duty is to be invisible, but staying invisible may decide the verdict.
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C2Mystery7 min
A meticulous mapmaker finds a village on her company's maps that does not exist, invented decades ago to catch copycats. Then she drives there, and discovers that it does.
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C2Drama7 min
For three years, Owen has learned every line of a role he never expects to play. When the star collapses an hour before curtain-up, he finally gets his chance, and discovers that success feels nothing like he imagined.
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Looking for another level? See all graded readers.

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