Bone Mystery: B1 English Reading Text Modal Verbs, Phrasal Verbs and Advanced Vocabulary

This reading text is for intermediate English learners at CEFR level B1. It is based on a remarkable real news story from February 2026, when workers discovered a very old skeleton in a church in Maastricht, in the Netherlands. Scientists believe the skeleton could belong to D’Artagnan, the legendary French soldier who inspired one of the most famous novels in the world, The Three Musketeers.

The text includes a range of grammar features that are ideal for B1 learners. These include modal verbs such as “could”, “may” and “would”, common phrasal verbs such as “stumbled upon”, “gave way” and “put to rest”, and a variety of more challenging vocabulary in context.

This text is perfect for intermediate learners who want to develop their reading skills, expand their vocabulary and see grammar structures working naturally in a real and engaging context.