Fun and Easy Stories for Beginners: Six Sketches by Leslie Dunkling

Reading in English is fun! When you read simple stories, you learn new words and understand English better. Six Sketches by Leslie Dunkling is a great book for English learners. It has six short and funny stories. The book is from Penguin Readers – Level 1, and it is good for CEFR A1 level students. If you are starting to read in English, this book is perfect for you!

Let’s look at what this book is about.

What is Six Sketches?

Six Sketches is a book with six short stories. These stories are about everyday people and everyday life. Some stories are funny, and some are surprising. All the stories are easy to read and understand.

The six stories are:

1. I’m Right!
2. A Good Story
3. Cheese!
4. A Good Match
5. Wedding Day
6. The English Teacher

The book has 14 pages, and each story is about 2–3 pages long. You can read one story every day!

Story 1: I’m Right!

Norma and Colin are travelling by train. They are going to a wedding in Winchester. They are happy, but something small happens. The ticket inspector comes to check their tickets. But – oh no! They cannot find the tickets.

Norma says, “You have the tickets!”
Colin says, “No, you have the tickets!”

They start to argue. Each one says, “I’m right!” But who really has the tickets? This story is short and funny. It shows how people sometimes argue over small things.

Story 2: A Good Story

Mrs. Price has a son. His name is Michael. Michael likes to tell stories. One day, he is at home with Mrs. Price and Mrs. Roberts. Michael starts telling a story.

Mrs. Roberts listens. She thinks it is a true story. But is it? Or is Michael just telling a good story?

This sketch is fun and shows how some people are very good at telling stories – even if they are not true!

Story 3: Cheese!

Mr. Smith has a shop. He sells many things, like bread and cheese. Every day, a man comes to the shop. He is a photographer. He always buys cheese. Mr. Smith is surprised. Why does he buy so much cheese?

One day, the man tells him the reason. It is very funny! He also tells Mr. Smith to smile at the people in the shop. Mr. Smith learns something new that day.

This story is short but very interesting. It has a happy message.

Story 4: A Good Match

The Green family is watching a football match on TV. The teams are Rovers and United. The Green family loves Rovers. They are big Rovers fans.

But then, Susan comes with her boyfriend. His name is David. He supports United! Oh no! What will happen in the house? Can they enjoy the football match together?

This story is fun and shows how sports can bring people together — or not!

Story 5: Wedding Day

Now it is one year later. Susan and David are getting married. It is their wedding day. David says, “I’m not nervous.” But maybe he is a little nervous inside!

The story is sweet and happy. It shows love and family. The Green family is back, and now they are all together for a happy day.

This story is nice for people who like happy endings.

Story 6: The English Teacher

Mr. Brown is an English teacher. He asks his students to say new sentences in English. One student says, “The school is on fire!”

Mr. Brown thinks this is a new sentence and smiles. But then… he smells something! Is it really a new sentence, or is it true?

This story is very funny. It shows that sometimes, teachers don’t listen carefully — and that can be a big mistake!

Why Should You Read This Book?

Six Sketches is a good book for new English readers. Here’s why:

• Short stories: You can read one story quickly.
• Everyday English: You learn simple, useful words.
• Funny and interesting: The stories are fun and easy to understand.
• Practice reading: It helps you get better at English.

Each story is about something simple, like a train ride, a football game, or a shop. You can understand the stories because they are about real life.

Who is the Author?

The writer of Six Sketches is Leslie Dunkling. He is from the UK. He has written many books for people learning English. He writes books that are fun and easy to read.

Leslie Dunkling knows how to write for beginner students. His books help you learn English step by step.

Vocabulary in the Book

Here are some new words from the book:

• Inspector – a person who checks tickets on a train.
• Cheese – a food made from milk.
• Photographer – a person who takes photos.
• Supporter – a person who likes and follows a sports team.
• Wedding – a day when two people get married.
• Fire – hot flames, often dangerous.

You will see these words in the stories. Don’t worry if you don’t know them now. When you read the stories, you will learn them!

How to Read the Book

Here are some tips for reading Six Sketches:

1. Read one story each day.
2. Use a dictionary if you don’t know a word.
3. Read the story again the next day. It helps you remember.
4. Talk about the story with your teacher or friends.
5. Write a sentence about each story. This helps you use new words.

Conclusion: Start Reading Today!

Six Sketches is a great book for you. It is simple, short, and fun. You can read it and enjoy it, even if your English is just starting. You will learn new words and understand English better.

So, get the book and start reading. You will laugh, smile, and learn!

Leslie Dunkling an author known for his authoritative work on names books 

Leslie Dunkling: The Name Whisperer Who Gave Words a Story

Introduction: A Legacy Etched in Names

Leslie Alan Dunkling, born in 1935 in Willesden, London, is a distinguished British author renowned for his extensive work in onomatology—the study of names. His prolific career encompasses a diverse range of publications, from scholarly dictionaries to engaging readers for English language learners. Dunkling's fascination with names has not only enriched linguistic studies but also provided cultural insights into the significance of naming conventions.

Early Life and Academic Pursuits

Growing up in the working-class neighborhood of Acton in West London, Dunkling's early experiences shaped his appreciation for language and culture. As a mature student, he qualified as a teacher in 1961, later earning a BA (Hons) in English from University College London. His academic journey continued with an MA in Linguistics from Stockholm University, Sweden, where he also taught English language and literature. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future explorations into the world of names.

Broadcasting and the BBC Years

Dunkling's career took a significant turn when he joined the BBC as a producer of educational radio and television programs. Over two decades, he contributed to the development of content aimed at enhancing language education. His work at the BBC not only honed his skills in communication but also deepened his interest in the nuances of language, particularly the cultural and historical contexts of names.

Onomatology: A Passion for Names

In 1970, Dunkling's interest in onomatology blossomed, leading him to co-found the Names Society, where he served as president for many years. His dedication to the study of names resulted in numerous publications that delve into various aspects of naming, including personal names, surnames, pub names, and more. Notable works include:

• English House Names (1972)
• First Names First (1977)
• A Dictionary of Pub Names (1987)
• The Guinness Book of Names (1989)
• Dictionary of Surnames (1998)

These publications have become essential references for linguists, historians, and enthusiasts interested in the etymology and cultural significance of names.

Contributions to English Language Teaching (ELT)

Beyond his scholarly work, Dunkling has made significant contributions to English Language Teaching. He authored several graded readers designed to aid non-native speakers in language acquisition. Titles such as Six Sketches (2008), Mike's Lucky Day (2008), and The Battle of Newton Road (2000) offer engaging narratives that facilitate learning through storytelling. These works reflect his commitment to making language learning accessible and enjoyable.

Cultural Explorations and Miscellaneous Works

Dunkling's curiosity extended beyond names into various cultural domains. He explored topics like drinking customs and curious phrases, resulting in publications such as:

• The Guinness Drinking Companion (1992)
• The Guinness Book of Curious Phrases (1993)
• The Guinness Book of Curious Words (1994)

These works showcase his ability to intertwine linguistic analysis with cultural commentary, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of language in context.

Personal Life and Legacy

Since 1971, Dunkling has resided in Thames Ditton, Surrey, with his French wife, Nicole. His personal experiences and multicultural background have undoubtedly influenced his perspectives on language and culture. Through his extensive body of work, Dunkling has left an indelible mark on the fields of linguistics and English language education, inspiring future generations to explore the rich tapestry of names and their meanings.

Conclusion: A Name Synonymous with Linguistic Insight

Leslie Dunkling's lifelong dedication to the study of names and language has provided invaluable resources for scholars, educators, and language learners alike. His interdisciplinary approach, combining linguistic expertise with cultural exploration, has enriched our understanding of how names shape and reflect our identities. As we continue to navigate a world where language is ever-evolving, Dunkling's work remains a testament to the enduring significance of names in human society.