The stupid farmer of Shen story

The stupid farmer of Shen story
(Favourite stories from Chinese)

Narrative text story

Long long ago, in the Province of Shen, there was a farmer. He was not only lazy but stupid. One day, while ploughing his fields, he saw two rabbits playing together. As he watched, one of them fell and hit its head against a tree. The farmer picked it up. It had broken its neck and was already dead. The farmer was pleased at his good luck. He decided to stop work for the day and take it home to eat.

When he reached home, his wife asked him why he had come back so early.

“”Why should I work so hard?” he asked her. “I know how to get food every day without working for it.”

His wife said nothing more. She cooked the rabbit and they ate it for dinner.

The next morning, the farmer left his house very early. His wife was very pleased. She thought he was going to work as usual. When the farmer reached his farm, he sat down under the tree where he had picked up the rabbit the previous day.

Although he waited all day. He did not even see another rabbit. He did the same thing the next day and every day after that. When his neighbours heard of it, they laughed. “If he waits all his life.” They said, “he will never catch a rabbit again like that!”

Source: Favourite stories from Chinese by Leon Comber

shared by www.englishstory12.blogspot.com

Why frogs and mosquitoes are enemies story

Narrative text fable - Why frogs and mosquitoes are enemies story
(Favourite stories from Philippines)

A long time ago, there was an old crab who liked to sleep. But there were some frogs living  nearby who made a loud noise. They kept him awake at night.

One night, the crab became very angry. “Don’t make so much noise!” he shouted.

“we can’t help it,” said the king of the frogs. “We’re talking about our friend the turtle.”

Narrative text fable

“What’s wrong with the turtle?”

“Don’t you know?” asked the king of the frogs. “he carries his house on his back.”

The crab then asked the turtle, “Why do you carry your house on your back?”

“Because I’m afraid the firefly will set light to it,” answered the turtle.

The crab then asked the firefly, “Why do you want to set fire to the poor turtle’s house?”

“Because the fire will keep away the mosquitoes,: said the firefly.

“And why do you want to give so much trouble to the firefly?” the crab asked the mosquito.

“I don’t,” replied the mosquito. At the same time, the mosquito bit the king of the frogs who had first spoken to the crab.

He jumped at least six inches in the air. “Ooch!” he cried. “Don’t bite me! It’s painful!”

But the mosquito dived at him again. He was very angry.

The king of the frogs stuck out his tongue and caught him. That was the end of the mosquito.

Since then, frogs and mosquitoes have been enemies. Even now, mosquitoes always chase frogs and bite them whenever they have the chance.

The city of the lion story

The city of the lion story
(Favourite stories from Singapore)

The city of the lion story

Hundred of years ago there was a powerful king called Sang Nila Utama. He lived in Palembang in southern Sumatera and ruled the kingdoms of Sri Vijaya Empire.

One day, the king decided to travel to the island of Bentang. When the ships were ready, he and his followers set out. While they were at sea a fierce storm up: the wind howled and the sea became very rough.

“Your Majesty, it is dangerous to travel in such weather.” Said the captain of Sang Nila Utama’s ship. “Tumasik island is nearby, and we could stay there until the storm is over.”

The king agreed, and so the ship left stormy sea and sailed into the safe and quite harbor of Tumasik.

“Since we’re here, we should have a look around,” said the king.

Sang Nila Utama and his followers then left their ship to explore the island. It was heavily wooded and had many beautiful flowers. As the man walked further from the sea, Sang Nila Utama suddenly saw a fine large animal. Its body was as snowy white. Larger than a goat, the animal moved quickly and soon disappeared into the dark forest.

“What was that?” asked the king, “I have never seen such a strange and wonderful animal.”

“It’s a lion,” replied one of his followers.

“If the animals here are as fine and as fierce as lions, this would be a good place to start a new kingdom,” said the king.

“I agree,” said a prince, “but I think we should re-name the island to mark your visit.

“Good idea,” said Sang Nila Utama. “I think we should call it “Singapura”. City of the lion.

Lebai malang story (unlucky religious teacher)

Lebai malang story
(Favourite stories from Malaysia)

Lebai malang story (unlucky religious teacher)

Long, long ago. The name of Lebai Malang (Unlucky Religious Teacher) was known all over Malaysia. Some people are born to have good fortune in life, others are always unlucky. Lebai Malang was one of those who are always unlucky.

One day, three people approached him. One asked him to hold a funeral service. Another wanted him to recite the Koran. The third invited him to attend a dinner being given for his son who had just completed his religious studies.

Lebai Malang did not know what to do. He had never been asked to do three things on one day before.

“If I go to the funeral,” he thought, “I’m sure to get a present of cloth. If I

recite the Koran. I shall get as many cakes and sweets as I can eat. If I attend the dinner, I can eat as much as I want.”

At last he decided. “I shall go to the funeral,” he said. “The holy prophet said this is a duty.”

Unfortunately, by the time he arrived at the first man’s house, the funeral was over. He went on to the second man’s house, but the reciting of the Koran had finished. He was too late for the dinner at the third man’s house but there was a little food left over for him.

Sadly, he returned home. “I’ll climb my coconut tree and pick some coconuts,” he thought. He put the food he was carrying on the ground at the foot of the tree. He had only climbed half-way up the tree when he saw a dog stealing his food. He slid down the tree as fast as he could and chased the dog. The dog dived into a hole in a tree to escape. Lebai Malang thought, “Ah, now he can’t  get away!” he took off his clothes and stuffed them in the hole. He didn’t know that the dog had got out through another hole at the back of the tree.

Just at that moment, two pigeons flying overhead mistook him for a tree-stump. They landed on his head. “Cheh! Who do you think you are?” he said. Before they could fly away, he quickly caught hold of both of them. He then tried to transfer the bird in his right hand to his left hand  so that he could pick up his clothes with his right hand. While he was doing so, both birds flew away. Lebai Malang scratched his head, wondering what to do. As he bent down to pick up his clothes, a thief pushed him from behind. He fell over, and in a flash the thief snatched his clothes and ran away.

So Lebai Malang, un happy, hungry and naked, tried to enter his house unseen through the kitchen at the back. But his wife saw him and chased him round the house, and scolded and beat him until he cried for mercy.

Kancil and tiger story

Contoh Narrative text - Kancil and tiger story
(Favourite stories from Indonesia)

Contoh Narrative text

Another enemy of Kancil was tiger. But just like Crocodile, Tiger not a clever fellow.

One day tiger saw Kancil sitting dreamily under a big shady tree. He did not even look up when tiger approached him. He just sat there, playing with a stick which he held in his front paws.
Contoh Narrative text

“What are you doing there, Kancil?” asket Tiger curiously.

“Shhh, don’t disturb me, tiger,” answered Kancil, “I am thinking of my reward.”

“Your reward?” said the tiger more

curiously than ever. “Who will give you a reward, and why should you get a reward?”
Contoh Narrative text

Kancil and tiger story

“Ah, one can’t even think in peace for one moment without being disturbed,” Grumble Kancil. “Well if you want to know, it is Nabi Sulaiman himself who will give me a reward,”
Contoh Narrative text

“Ah why should Nabi Sulaeman give you a reward. Kancil?” asked the tiger again.
Contoh Narrative text

“My goodness, you  are really a busy-body,” said Kancil impatiently. “I suppose I have to tell you everything, otherwise you won’t leave me in peace. You see, Nabi Sulaeman has asked me to guard his drum during his absence, so that nobody will play on it. If I do  my task well, he will be, but it will certainly be something precious, as Nabi Sulaeman is both rich and generous. You know that as well as I do.”
Contoh Narrative text

“You are indeed lucky, Kancil,” said Tiger enviously, “but where is that drum you are guarding?”

“Up there in the tree,” answered Kancil, pointing upwards with his stich. Tiger looked up and saw a round  dark object hanging from one of the lower branches.
Contoh Narrative text

“That looks like a beehive to me,” said tiger amazed.

“A beehive! Tiger, if the Nabi could hear you! How dare you compare his holy drum with a beehive!” said Kancil in a shocked tone.
Contoh Narrative text

“Well,” said the tiger hastily, “I think it has a very unusual shape.”

For a moment Kancil and Tiger sat silently under tree, each absorbed in his own thoughts. Then Tiger said again, “Kancil, what will happen when somebody plays the drum?”
Contoh Narrative text

“Only Nabi Sulaeman may play the drum,” said Kancil quickly. “I have to prevent anybody from playing that drum.”
Contoh Narrative text

“Yes, but what will happen when Nabi sulaeman plays that drum?” Tiger insisted, not put off by Kancil’s gruff tone.
Contoh Narrative text

“According to what I have from my grandfather,” answered Kancil putting on a seriously face, “the person who plays that drum will hear beautiful music all around him. All the animals in the forest will come to listen, but they will be so afraid of the power of the player that they will hide their faces from him in awe. Nobody will dare to come near. Everybody will stay at a respectful distance. That’s what happens when Nabi sulaeman plays the drum.”
Contoh Narrative text

Kancil’s story made a deep impression on tiger. Suddenly he was seized with a great desire to play the drum, to hear the beautiful music Kancil had talked about and to enjoy the sight of the awestruck animals of the forest.
Contoh Narrative text

“Kancil,” he said, “lease, let me play just one little note on that drum. The Nabi will never hear it. I shall play softly.”
Contoh Narrative text

“Tiger, are you out of your mind?” shouted Kancil. “I have promised the great Nabi not to let anyone come near that drum?”
Contoh Narrative text

“Please, Kancil, dear friend, I long so much to hear that music and to see all the animals of the forest coming to me. If you let me do it, I shall tell you about a place where you can find the juiciest cucumbers in the world,” begged tiger.
Contoh Narrative text

“Cucumbers! Hmm, I do happen to be thirsty at the moment,” said kancil pensively. “Well … if you tell me where I can find there nice cucumbers, I shall pass my task on to you for a moment until I have quenched my thirst. The Nabi sulaeman not object to that, I think.”
Contoh Narrative text

“That’s a good idea!” tiger exclaimed.

“but remember, if the Nabi sulaeman finds out and punished you, you must not blame me.” Warned Kancil.
Contoh Narrative text

“Of course, Kancil, of course. Now, if you go straight along this path and turn to the left, you will find a little creek. Just follow the creek you will find the cucumber field.”
Contoh Narrative text

Tiger was very impatient to get Kancil going so that he could play the mysterious drum. Knacil gave him the stick and ran away as lighting.
Contoh Narrative text

Tiger picked up the stick expectantly and tapped lightly on the drum. Immediately, a soft humming sound was heard from inside the object. But nothing else happened. Tiger did not see a single animal approaching and soon afterward the humming stopped.
Contoh Narrative text

“I have to play a little louder,” he thought, and picking up the stick again he pounded in the drum. To his alarm the drum fell to pieces and before he realized exactly what he had done a great bunch of furious wasps fell upon him, stinging him everywhere. Tiger ran for his life, howling an roaring with all his might.
Contoh Narrative text

From all sides of the forest animals came running to see what all the noise was about. But as soon as they saw the wasps around tiger they covered their faces and ran away. Tiger ran on and on, until he reached the river. He plunged into the water and dives as deeply as he could. Only then did the wasps leave him.
Contoh Narrative text

Kancil meanwhile sat in the cucumber field wasps and stuffed himself with cucumbers until he nearly burst. Naturally, he was cautious not to come near Tiger to the next few weeks.
Contoh Narrative text

Dragon Fable

The dragon who liked to sunbath story

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Once there was a lonely old dragon that lived in a cave beneath a river. He liked to live under the sun, and because he looked fierce, villagers were afraid of them. Actually, the old dragon was not fierce at all. He had lost his horns and had only one large yellow tooth left.

One day, the old dragon tried to fly, but his wings were stiff, so he just lay in the sun, wishing he were young again.  Just then, he heard someone crying for help. Looking up, the dragon saw a young girl had fallen into the river. He jumped into the water and quickly pulled her to shore.

The girl was not afraid  of him because her grandfather told her that the old dragon had never eaten anyone. To replay the dragon , the little girl brought him a swallow because it is his favorite food. Since then they became friends.

One day, the young man of the village saw the girl with the dragon. He planned to frighten the dragon.

When the dragon was sleeping in the sun, the young man tied ropes and nets around the old dragon’s body. When the dragon woke up, he was surprised and he pulled the ropes and the nets. He tore many trees and threw rock into the air. He made such a noise that the villagers were very frightened.

The little girl knew about this and ran to help him. But it was too late. The tired old dragon had died, and his body slowly sank unto the muddy

Sumber: Siap Ujian Nasional Bahasa Inggris SMP/MTs

Posted : www.englishstory12.blogspot.com

a little elephant story

Mantu’s little elephant story

Little Mantu lived in a village deep in the jungle where elephants helped the men with their work. These elephants were so big and strong. They could lift up the heaviest logs with their trunks and toss them high in the air.

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Now, Mantu had an elephant of his very own. His name was Opie. He was just a baby and Mantu loved him very much. Mantu whispered to Opies’ ear that someday he would become the biggest, strongest, and bravest elephants in the jungle. The other elephants heard this. They began to laugh and made rude noises with their trunks. “We’re so big and tall, but you’re so small. You’re nothing at all,” said one of the big elephants.

Mantu looked up at the huge elephants with a mischievous glint in his eye. “You’re so tall and can see far away. We can see what is happening down here in the jungle. In fact, we would be the first to see any slithering snakes that may be a danger.” After hearing the word snakes, the elephants screeched and off they go thundering in fright.

“Did I say there were  snakes?” giggled Mantu. “No, I don’t think so,” smiled Opie. Mantu then climbed upon his little friend’s back and went home to the village to tell everyone about the foolish elephants.