Halloween Story (Learn English and About American Culture)
Jacob was twelve years old, and Halloween was his favorite day of the year. Every October 31st, he and his friends dressed up in costumes and went trick-or-treating around their neighborhood.
This year, Jacob decided to dress as a vampire. He had fake fangs, a black cape, and white face paint. His best friends, Lily and Max, were going as a witch and a zombie.
As soon as the sun went down, the three friends grabbed their candy bags and ran out the door. All around them, houses were decorated with glowing pumpkins, fake spiders, and hanging ghosts. Children in all kinds of costumes filled the streets, shouting “Trick or treat!” at every door.
After an hour, their bags were almost full. Then Max pointed to a big, dark house at the end of the street. “Let’s go there!” he said.
Lily looked nervous. “That house looks scary. I don’t think anyone lives there.”
But Jacob was brave. “Come on! It’s Halloween—we have to try!”
They walked up the path, the wind blowing the leaves around their feet. Jacob knocked on the door. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, suddenly, the door opened by itself! A spooky voice said, “Happy Halloween!”
The kids screamed—but then laughed when they saw a man dressed as Frankenstein standing behind the door. He smiled and handed them each a full-size candy bar. “Best costumes I’ve seen all night!” he said.
As they walked home, Jacob grinned. “That was awesome! Sometimes the scariest houses have the best surprises.”
💬 Conversation Questions
Comprehension
What did Jacob and his friends do on Halloween night?
What costumes did Jacob, Lily, and Max wear?
What did they see at the big, dark house?
Who was inside the house at the end of the story?
Culture and Reflection
What do children in the U.S. usually do on Halloween?
Do you think people in your country would celebrate Halloween? Why or why not?
Do people in your country celebrate anything similar to Halloween?
Do you like getting scared in a Halloween way? Why?
Personal Connection
Have you ever worn a costume for a holiday or a party? What was it?
If you could design any costume for Halloween, what would it be and why?