The Story
Check Your Understanding
Vocabulary Glossary
Frequently Asked Questions
What CEFR level is "The Mysterious Letter"?
"The Mysterious Letter" is written for B1 (Intermediate) learners. It uses everyday and some topic-specific vocabulary, a mix of tenses including present perfect, some complex sentences with 'because', 'although', 'when', and is approximately 650 words long — a length chosen to match what a B1 reader can comfortably finish in one sitting.
How should I use this story to practise reading?
Read the story once for general understanding without stopping at every unknown word. Then read it a second time more slowly, using the vocabulary glossary below for any words you don't recognise. Finally, try the comprehension questions without looking back at the text, then check your answers against the story.
What if a word in the story is too difficult?
First try to guess the meaning from the surrounding sentence — this is a key reading skill called 'guessing from context'. If you still aren't sure, check the Vocabulary Glossary section on this page, which explains the harder words used in the story.
What is a graded reader?
A graded reader is a short story or book written specifically for language learners, using vocabulary and grammar structures that match a particular CEFR level (A1-C2). Graded readers let learners enjoy a complete story without being overwhelmed by unfamiliar language.
How many times should I read a graded reader like this one?
Most teachers recommend reading a graded reader at least twice: once quickly for overall meaning (extensive reading), and once more slowly and carefully, looking up new words and studying sentence structure (intensive reading).
Can I print this story to read offline?
Yes. Use the 'Print / Save as PDF' button near the top of the page. It produces a clean, printer-friendly version of the story, comprehension questions, and vocabulary glossary without the site navigation.
Is this graded reader suitable for classroom use?
Yes. Teachers can use this story for silent reading practice, as homework, or as the basis for a speaking activity where students discuss the comprehension questions in pairs or small groups.
How long does it take to read this story?
At an average reading speed for B1 learners, this story (about 650 words) takes roughly 5-7 minutes to read once, plus extra time to check the vocabulary and answer the comprehension questions.
Where can I find more graded readers like this one?
This story is part of the free LexFizz Graded Readers collection, which includes short stories at A1, A2, B1, and B2 level. Visit the <a href="/graded-readers/">Graded Readers hub</a> to see all available stories.
What should I do after finishing this story?
Try summarising the story in your own words, either in writing or out loud, using two or three sentences. This is one of the most effective ways to check and reinforce your understanding of what you read.