Long ago, there lived a young man named Robin Hood. He lived in Sherwood Forest in England. Robin was not always an outlaw. He came from a good family and had a happy life. But then the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham took his lands. Robin had to escape into the forest. In the forest, Robin met other people who had lost everything. They became his friends and followers. People called them the Merry Men. Little John was Robin's best friend. He was a very tall and strong man. Robin and Little John met on a bridge. They both wanted to cross first. So they had a fight with wooden sticks. Little John won the fight and pushed Robin into the water. Robin laughed and asked Little John to join his band. Robin Hood was famous for one thing. He stole from the rich and gave to the poor. The poor people of England loved Robin Hood. But the Sheriff of Nottingham hated him. The Sheriff tried many times to catch Robin. But Robin always escaped because he knew the forest well. Robin Hood was also a very good archer. He could hit any target with his bow and arrow. One day, the Sheriff organized an archery contest. He wanted to use it as a trap to catch Robin. The prize was a golden arrow. Robin knew it was a trap, but he wanted to win. He wore a disguise so nobody would recognize him. Robin entered the contest and won easily. He split his opponent's arrow in two with his final shot. Everyone cheered for the mysterious stranger. The Sheriff gave him the golden arrow. Then Robin removed his disguise and laughed. 'Thank you for the prize, Sheriff!' he shouted. Before the soldiers could catch him, Robin ran into the forest. There was also a beautiful woman named Maid Marian. Robin and Marian loved each other since they were young. Marian secretly helped Robin and his Merry Men. She brought them food and warned them about the Sheriff's plans. The Sheriff discovered that Marian was helping Robin. He locked her in the castle tower. Robin heard the news and decided to rescue her. He and his Merry Men made a clever plan. They dressed as monks and entered the castle. Robin found Marian in the tower and freed her. They escaped through a secret passage. The Sheriff was very angry when he found out. Years passed, and a new king came to England. His name was King Richard, and he was a good and fair ruler. King Richard heard about Robin Hood and his good deeds. He decided to forgive Robin for being an outlaw. The king gave Robin back his lands and title. The Sheriff of Nottingham was punished for his crimes. Robin and Marian finally got married. They lived happily in their home. But Robin never forgot about the poor people. He continued to help them with money and food. People told stories about Robin Hood for many years. He became a legend that everyone remembers today.
English Story (A2)Robin Hood
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
Robin Hood is a legendary outlaw who lives in Sherwood Forest with his Merry Men. After the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham takes his lands, Robin steals from the rich and gives to the poor. He wins an archery contest in disguise, rescues his love Maid Marian from the castle, and is eventually pardoned by King Richard. Robin becomes a hero whose legend lives on.
Translations in English
Linked wordUnderlined wordOther words
Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Why did Robin Hood become an outlaw?
2
What happened when Robin Hood and Little John met on the bridge?
3
Why did the Sheriff organize the archery contest?
4
How did Robin Hood enter the castle to rescue Maid Marian?
Vocabulary
30 words from this story
