Language Lab – Improve Your English with Books

Summer is the perfect time to relax and steal away with a good book. You dive into a new world, live the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the protagonists whilst leaving behind all the stresses and strains of daily life. You are right in thinking that you can improve your English with books. Although it may be difficult at the beginning, you soon notice your progress.

Language experts advocate reading fiction and non-fiction books as a way to improve your language skills. Multiple reading aids are available, with many classic works available in simplified English. This post lists level-appropriate titles and provides a reading guide. And if you don’t see yourself as much of a reader, you can always opt for audiobooks and reap similar rewards.

Am I Ready to Read a Book in English?

ESL teachers often hear this question from their students. Many believe they need to reach at least a B2 level before even considering it. But that is not so. Firstly, you can start with a children’s book, and secondly, thousands of adapted books are available. You can read simplified books, that is, classic titles like Little Women, adapted for English learners.

Once you’ve reached intermediate, you can choose from a wealth of novels famous for their clear and easy-to-understand language.

Paper or Ebook?

The paper vs ebook debate continues among book lovers. Some just don’t feel right scrolling through beautiful literature, while others can’t imagine doing without their Kindle.

As an English learner, both choices have merit. Physical books allow you to read the old-fashioned way, noting down expressions in a vocabulary book and looking up new words in a dictionary. In contrast, reading devices come with features such as a translator or a dictionary. You can highlight text and quickly get a translation or definition.

The choice is ultimately a personal one which depends on your preferences.

What About Audiobooks?

Audiobooks are also a great resource for honing your English skills. The focus turns to listening, although many titles are available in text and audio for you to enjoy simultaneously.

Most audiobook publishers feature a series of audiobooks for English learners, while websites like Breaking News English and News in Levels offer simplified news articles in writing and often in an audio version too.

Again, your choice will depend on personal preferences and learning methods. Some people find reading easier, whereas others prefer listening.

Summer Book Reading Suggestions for all Levels

A fail-safe method of choosing a book is via the Oxford Bookworms Library. Featuring non-fiction, modern fiction, classics and more, you can select books for all levels from A1 to C2.

Educators can access teaching and learning resources to accompany the books.

Similarly, the English E-Reader lists hundreds of fiction and non-fiction books for all levels. The works are available as text downloads or audio files.

A1-A2 Favourites

Here are some title suggestions for beginners:

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle

This is a popular children’s book, perfect for beginners.

Books by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Kids and adults alike love the world created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The language is simple, the lines rhyme, and the illustrations conjure up a whole new wonderful world. For English learners, the books provide an entertaining, captivating, and educational path to expanding vocabulary, comprehension, and speaking skills.

B1-B2 Favourites

While you can access adapted books for these levels, some novels feature clear and easy-to-understand language and storylines. You may not understand every word, but you will be able to get the gist of the story and grasp the essentials.

“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio

You may be familiar with the movie, but the book is well worth a read. Clear language makes it a great choice for all B1-level students.

“The Giver” by Lois Lowry

Again, written in easy-to-understand English, The Giver is a dystopian novel, great for anyone with an interest in this sphere.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

A modern American literary classic, this novel blends serious issues with warmth and humour. Harper loosely based the story on observations of his Alabama community in the 1930s.

“Fever Pitch” by Nick Hornby

Read and loved by millions of readers, Fever Pitch has several movie adaptations. The author is an avid football supporter coping with personal troubles while living the highs and lows of Arsenal Football Club’s fortunes.

C1-C2 – The Bookworld Is Your Oyster

Once you have reached C1, you can read whatever book you like. Although you are unlikely to understand every word, you will be able to tackle any book, even classics.

You may wish to be entertained by a gripping story or seek to level up your English. If the latter is the case, use a dictionary and have a pen and paper at hand.

Check out bestseller lists across the English-speaking world or seek guidance on classics on the above-mentioned websites.

And if you start a book and find it too challenging, locate a simplified version or try a different title.

And remember, reading always impacts your language skills positively.