Core 2000 Graded Reading

What this band means
Texts in this band use the most common 2,000 words in English.

Why this works
This level covers the core vocabulary needed for many real-world texts. Reading here helps bridge the gap between graded reading and more authentic English.

Reading tip
Focus on understanding ideas, not translating word by word.

Choose any text below. You don’t need to read them in order.

The Dancing Plague of 1518

A city trapped in endless motion

The Wow! Signal from Space

Are aliens out there?

The Lost Colony of Roanoke

A 400-year mystery

The Year Without a Summer

A summer of snow, hunger, and darkness

The Money That Fell From the Sky

Pennies from heaven?

The Disappearing Lighthouse Keepers

A remote island, a darkened light, and three missing men.