Audiobook read-along
The Outline of Science, Vol. 1 (of 4) / A Plain Story Simply Told
A full, narrated read-along — listen and follow the text while every word above your level is graded and explained on tap.
Reading The Outline of Science, Vol. 1 (of 4) / A Plain Story Simply Told in English
Best for: B1–B2 (Intermediate–Upper intermediate), with read-along support
Reading it at your level: B1B2
J. Arthur Thomson set out to explain the natural world to ordinary readers in plain, encouraging English, and that purpose makes this early-twentieth-century science survey surprisingly accessible. Each chapter introduces a different area of biology or natural history, using clear analogies and short, well-structured sentences. You will meet precise scientific vocabulary alongside everyday comparisons, which is good practice for reading non-fiction in English.
What you'll practise
- Scientific nouns and their definitions built into the surrounding sentences
- Present simple used to state general facts and natural laws
- Cause-and-effect connectors: therefore, consequently, as a result
- Read along as each line is highlighted to follow the author's explanations at your own pace
How to read it here: press play and follow the highlighted text as it's read aloud, and tap any word you don't know for a definition graded to your level. Start reading free →
Prefer a printout? Download the free companion PDF — the cover, your best-for level, what you'll practise, and the link back to read it along with audio. There's also a free key vocabulary PDF — the words from this book grouped by CEFR level, with definitions and examples.
New to reading along? How reading while listening works →
Common questions about reading The Outline of Science, Vol. 1 (of 4) / A Plain Story Simply Told
What level of English is The Outline of Science, Vol. 1 (of 4) / A Plain Story Simply Told best for?
The Outline of Science, Vol. 1 (of 4) / A Plain Story Simply Told suits B1–B2 (Intermediate–Upper intermediate) learners. With read-along audio and tap-to-define vocabulary, you can read it a little above your comfort level without getting stuck.
Is The Outline of Science, Vol. 1 (of 4) / A Plain Story Simply Told free to read in English?
Yes. The Outline of Science, Vol. 1 (of 4) / A Plain Story Simply Told is free to read here with synced read-along narration — no signup and no payment.
Does The Outline of Science, Vol. 1 (of 4) / A Plain Story Simply Told come with audio?
Yes. Every book on The Reading Corner is narrated, with the words highlighting in time as you listen and every difficult word explained on tap — so you read and hear English together.
