Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
A Free Scaffolded Reading Sample Your ESL Beginners Will Love
When it comes to teaching reading to A1-level ESL students, finding the right mix of challenge and support is everything. You want to give them something real—but not overwhelming. That’s exactly why I created this free scaffolded reading sample of The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant.
It’s designed for high school beginners who are just starting to build confidence with English texts. If you’ve ever wished for a classic short story that didn’t leave your newcomers confused or discouraged, this is it.
Why The Necklace Works for A1 ESL Readers
This adapted version of The Necklace focuses on:
- Simplified language that keeps the plot intact without overwhelming vocabulary
- Short, manageable paragraphs to help students track meaning more easily
- High-interest storyline that’s relatable, even for teens learning English
- Built-in supports like visual aids, sentence frames, and tiered questions (available in the full version)
Whether you’re introducing literary themes or just practicing basic reading fluency, this sample is a great way to bring literature into your ESL classroom—without frustration.
How to Use This Free Sample in Your Class
You can print the passage and use it:
- As a shared reading activity
- In reading groups
- For partner reading or one-on-one support
- As a warm-up for introducing theme, character traits, or cause and effect
It’s also a great lead-in to more scaffolded literature options if your students respond well to this story.
Download Your Free ESL Reading Sample
Click here to grab your free scaffolded A1 reading sample of The Necklace.
(Just enter your email and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.)
If your students love it, the full resource pack includes comprehension questions, vocabulary support, visual tools, and differentiated versions for A2 and B1 as well.
