This Reading Comprehension worksheet is suitable for higher elementary to proficient ESL learners or native English speakers. The text describes the spread and devastating effects of the bubonic plague (Black Death) in the mid-1300s in Europe. After carefully reading the text, students are required to complete some comprehension exercises including true or False exercises, a fun crossword, a fill in the gaps exercise, a title match exercise and a picture match exercise. The text can be used for vocabulary building purposes. This handout can be completed in class or assigned for homework. A full answer key is included. Total number of pages: 8

This Reading Comprehension handout is best suited for advanced ESL learners. Students are introduced to the legend of Saint Valentine and the different versions/stories of his life and death during the reign of Claudius II. The text concludes with more contemporary traditions and customs associated with Saint Valentine’s day and gives some valuable advice about choosing the perfect Valentine’s gift. After carefully reading the text the students are required to complete some comprehension exercises including: questions, True or False, gap filling exercises and engage in an in class discussion. The vocabulary used in the text is rather advanced and can also be used for IGSCE or IELTS vocabulary building purposes.

Few names have cast more terror into the human imagination than Dracula. The legendary vampire, created by author Bram Stoker in his 1897 novel of the same name, has inspired countless horror movies, television shows and other bloodcurdling tales of vampires. While Dracula is a purely fictional creation however, few people know that Stoker named his infamous character after a real person who happened to also have a horrid taste for blood: Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia or — as he is better known — Vlad the Impaler. This Reading Comprehension mini lesson recounts the story of Vlad III of Wallachia or Vlad the Impaler, the real life character that inspired Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula”. This activity can also be used during Halloween and is suitable for advanced to proficient ESL learners or native English speakers. After carefully reading the text, students are required to complete some comprehension exercises including: comprehension questions a definitions match exercise a multiple choice exercise a crossword This handout can be used as a mini-lesson, assigned for homework or used to for vocabulary building purposes. Total number of pages: 7 A full answer key is included