Short Stories in English for Beginners

W
wad of cash
a pile of paper money
wagon
 a large open vehicle with four wheels, usually pulled by an animal
wake (up)
 to stop sleeping, or to make someone stop sleeping
warrior
 a soldier, especially in the past
watchmaker
a person who makes watches

---

wave
to move your hand to say hello or goodbye or to attract someone’s
attention
weapon
 something that is used for fighting, such as a gun or a knife
whisper
to talk very softly so that other people cannot hear
wife
the woman who a man is married to
wood
 the hard substance that trees are made of
wooden
 made of wood
woods
an area where a lot of trees grow closely together
work to have a job that you are paid to do
workshop
 a place where people build or repair things
Y
Your Majesty
a title used when speaking to a king or queen

---

Acknowledgements
If my strength is in the ideas, my weakness is in the execution. I owe a huge
debt of gratitude to the many people who have helped me take these books
past the finish line.
Firstly, I’m grateful to Aitor, Matt, Connie, Angela and Maria for their
contributions to the books in their original incarnation. To Richard and Alex
for their support in expanding the series into new languages.
Secondly, to the thousands of supporters of my website and podcast, I Will
Teach You a Language, who have not only purchased books but who have
also provided helpful feedback and inspired me to continue.
More recently, to Sarah, the Publishing Director for the Teach Yourself
series, for her vision for this collaboration and unwavering positivity in
bringing the project to fruition.
To Rebecca, almost certainly the best editor in the world, for bringing a
staggering level of expertise and good humour to the project, and to Karyn
and Melissa, for their work in coordinating publication behind the scenes.
My thanks to James, Dave and Sarah for helping I Will Teach You a
Language continue to grow, even when my attention has been elsewhere.
To my parents, for an education that equipped me for such an endeavour.
Lastly, to JJ and EJ. This is for you.
Olly Richards

---