Skip to content 
Funny stories from life are a great way to enjoy English and learn new words. This short story is written for A2 elementary English learners. It uses simple language, natural dialogue, and a funny surprise at the end. Enjoy the story and learn English as you read!
The story has been rewritten especially for English language learners.
Contents
The Shopkeeper – A Small Joke Story
The Smartest Man in The World
A doctor, a lawyer, a little boy and a priest were flying on a small private plane. Suddenly, the plane developed engine trouble. In spite of the best efforts of the pilot, the plane started to go down.
Finally, the pilot grabbed a parachute and yelled to the passengers that they better jump, and he himself bailed out. Unfortunately, there were only three parachutes remaining.
The doctor grabbed one of the parachutes and said “I’m a doctor, I save lives, so I must live to save other’s lives,” and jumped out. The lawyer then said, “I’m a lawyer and lawyers are the smartest people in the world. I deserve to live.” He also grabbed a parachute and jumped.
The priest looked at the little boy and said, “My son, I’ve lived a long and full life. You are young and have your whole life ahead of you. Take the last parachute and live in peace.”
The little boy handed the parachute back to the priest and said, “Do not worry Father. The smartest man in the world just took off with my back pack.”
Moral of the Story
Do not think you are better or smarter than everyone else. Sometimes, a simple person can understand things better than you.
— THE END –
Vocabulary
- Doctor /ˈdɒktə/ — a person who helps sick people.
Example: The doctor grabbed one of the parachutes. - Lawyer /ˈlɔɪə/ — a person who works with the law.
Example: The lawyer then said, “I’m a lawyer.” - Priest /priːst/ — a religious man who works in a church.
Example: The priest looked at the little boy. - Pilot /ˈpaɪlət/ — a person who flies a plane.
Example: The pilot grabbed a parachute and yelled to the passengers.
- Plane /pleɪn/ — a vehicle that flies in the sky.
Example: A doctor, a lawyer, a little boy and a priest were flying on a small private plane. - Parachute /ˈpærəʃuːt/ — a large piece of cloth that helps a person safely fall from a plane.
Example: There were only three parachutes remaining. - Jump /dʒʌmp/ — to move quickly off the ground or from a high place.
Example: He also grabbed a parachute and jumped. - Young /jʌŋ/ — not old; having lived for only a short time.
Example: You are young and have your whole life ahead of you.
Comprehension Questions
- Who was flying on the private plane?
- What happened to the plane?
- How many parachutes were left?
- Why did the doctor take a parachute?
- Why did the lawyer take a parachute?
- What did the priest tell the little boy?
- Why did the little boy give the parachute back to the priest?
- What did the “smartest man in the world” take?
Grammar Exercises
- The plane _ engine trouble.
A) has
B) had
C) have
D) having
- The pilot _ a parachute.
A) grab
B) grabs
C) grabbed
D) grabbing
- There _ only three parachutes remaining.
A) was
B) were
C) is
D) be
- The doctor took a parachute because _ wanted to live.
A) he
B) she
C) it
D) they
- The little boy gave the parachute back to _ priest.
A) a
B) an
C) the
D) —
- Lawyers _ the smartest people in the world.
A) is
B) am
C) are
D) be
- The little boy was _ than the lawyer.
A) smart
B) smartest
C) smarter
D) more smart
- The passengers _ jump from the plane.
A) must
B) are
C) was
D) does
Answer Key:
1-B, 2-C, 3-B, 4-A, 5-C, 6-C, 7-C, 8-A
More Funny Stories
01. It’s The Butcher (for Beginner Levels A1)
Funny stories are a fun way to improve your English and learn useful new words. In this short A2-level story, you will read about a doctor, a lawyer, a priest, and a little boy on a plane. Read the story, learn the vocabulary, and test your English with the questions and grammar exercises below.
02. The Dog (For A2 Elementary Level Learners)
Looking for more short and funny stories in English? Here you can find more A2-level stories with simple language, useful vocabulary, and fun endings. Choose a story, read for fun, and improve your English at the same time.
03. The Birthday Present (For A2 Elementary Level Learners)
Short funny stories are a great way to learn English and enjoy a good laugh. This A2-level story is about a woman who buys a very unusual birthday present for her mother. Read the story, learn useful words, and enjoy the funny surprise at the end.