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Find a BookOnce students have their Lexile measure, they can search for titles matching their Lexile level using the free “Find a Book, Minnesota” (www.lexile.com/fab/mn/) search tool. From there, students can build custom reading lists and check the availability of books at a local library or bookseller.
Lexile MapThe Lexile map provides examples of popular books and sample text at various points on the Lexile scale, from 200L for beginning reader books to 1600L for more advanced texts. It's a quick reference guide that helps to show what a Lexile measure represents. 11x17 (ADA-compliant version)
The Lexile PowerV™ Vocabulary ToolThe Lexile PowerV Vocabulary Tool identifies up to 10 challenging words in each book that are important for students to know. These words may be difficult for a student who is reading the book. Parents and students can use the tool to identify words students might want to familiarize themselves with prior to reading a particular book.
The titles database contains Lexile measures for over 280,000 books from hundreds of publishers and is offered free of charge to educators.
Lexile Analyzer®The Lexile Analyzer measures the complexity of the text by breaking down the entire piece and studying its characteristics. The outcome is the text complexity, expressed as a Lexile measure, along with information on the word count, mean sentence length and mean log frequency.
Lexile Growth Planner™You may wonder if a child will be prepared for the reading requirements of college and the workplace upon graduation. The Lexile Growth Planner provides some insight on this topic. With the Lexile Growth Planner, you can chart a child’s reading growth across different annual state assessments, forecast future reading growth, compare that forecasted reading growth with the text demands of college and careers, and, if needed, identify a custom growth path to ensure the child graduates college- and career-ready.
This six-minute animated video on the basic concepts and uses of the Lexile® Framework for Reading is the perfect resource for educators and parents who are new to Lexile measures. Please click on the image below to view the video. For more educational videos, visit our YouTube channel.
The Lexile InfographicThe Lexile infographic explains everything you need to know about the Lexile® Framework for Reading in one easy-to-understand graphic.
Lexile by Chapter GuidesLexile by Chapter Guides explore the text complexity within a book by providing Lexile measures for every chapter in the text. Each guide includes a graph and table displaying the Lexile information to help educators, parents, and students better understand where the peaks and valleys of complexity reside within a text.
Parent’s Guide to the Lexile® Framework for ReadingThis two-page overview explains the value of the link between The Lexile® Framework for Reading and the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments and how parents and families can use this information at home to support their student’s learning.
The Lexile Measures at Home page contains topics and links that detail ways you can use a child's Lexile measure—and the Lexile measures of books and other reading materials—to foster literacy and learning at home.
Summer ReadingImprove reading during the summer months. Use Find a Book to build custom lists for readers at all ability levels, and then locate your selections at your local public library.
Additional ResourcesMore information about the Lexile Framework can be found at Lexile.com.
Lexile Measures
Revision Assistant allows teachers to see the Lexile® text measures for each source that accompanies a Revision Assistant prompt. What are Lexile measures you ask?
The Lexile Framework for Reading from MetaMetrics® is one of the most accurate and widely-used datasets for matching students with reading materials that will fit their skill levels and help them stretch those skills even further.
A Lexile measure represents both the complexity of a text, such as a book or article, and an individual’s reading ability. A Lexile reader measure is a measure of a student's reading ability. A Lexile text measure is a measure of the text complexity for a book or piece of text. Continue reading to learn more about Lexile measures.
Where Can I Find Lexile Text Measures in Revision Assistant?
Revision Assistant allows teachers to see the Lexile text measures for each source that accompanies a prompt. Teachers will be able to see the following Lexile text measure information on each prompt page and each assignment page:
- The range of Lexile text measures for a set of sources (in the right panel)
- The individual Lexile text measures for each source (under the title of each source)
Revision Assistant only shows Lexile text measures for prompt sources; not for the prompt writing instructions.
How Are Lexile Measures Calculated?
A student gets his or her Lexile reader measure from a reading test or program. For example, if a student receives an 880L on her end-of-grade reading test, she is an 880 Lexile reader. Higher Lexile measures represent a higher level of reading ability. A Lexile reader measure can range from below 200L for emergent readers to above 1600L for advanced readers. Readers who score below 0L receive a BR for Beginning Reader. In some cases, for readers, a BR code is followed by a number and L (e.g., BR150L). A Lexile reader measure of BR150L indicates that the Lexile measure of the reader is 150 units below 0L. The smaller the number following the BR code, the more advanced the reader is. For example, a BR150L reader is more advanced than a BR200L reader.
A book, article or piece of text gets a Lexile text measure when it's analyzed by MetaMetrics. For example, the first "Harry Potter" book measures 880L, so it's called an 880 Lexile book. A Lexile text measure is based on the semantic and syntactic elements of a text. Many other factors affect the relationship between a reader and a book, including its content, the age and interests of the reader, and the design of the actual book. The Lexile text measure is a good starting point in the book-selection process, with these other factors then being considered. Lexile text measures are rounded to the nearest 10L. Unlike the reader measure, all text measures below 0L are currently reported as BR. MetaMetrics has conducted research to differentiate the BR text measures, and these measures will be available at a later date.
What is a Lexile Range?
The Lexile range is the span of Lexile text measures that a particular reader is forecast to comprehend while still encountering enough challenge to grow as a reader. The Lexile text measure range for a reader is from 50L above her or his Lexile reader measure to 100L below it. The forecasted comprehension rate for the Lexile range is about 65% to 80%. When a reader reads within his or her Lexile range, this is referred to as a targeted reading experience. When a reader reads outside of his or her Lexile range, this is referred to as a mistargeted reading experience.
What Are Lexile Codes?
Sometimes a Lexile measure by itself is not enough information to choose a particular book for a particular reader.
This is why some books get Lexile codes—two-letter designations that appear before the Lexile measure (for example, AD580L).
The Lexile code gives you more information about a book that relates to its developmental appropriateness, reading difficulty, and common or intended usage. Word frequency and sentence length—the two text characteristics that determine a Lexile measure—do not describe all of the content of a book. Lexile codes provide some context to the numerical measure to further help you guide readers toward fruitful reading experiences.
The Lexile codes are listed below. Continue reading for an explanation of that Lexile code:
- AD: Adult Directed
- NC: Non-Conforming
- HL: High-Low
- IG: Illustrated Guide
- GN: Graphic Novel
- BR: Beginning Reader
- NP: Non-Prose
AD: Adult Directed | Picture books are frequently considered for an AD or "adult directed" code because they are usually read to a child, rather than a child reading them independently. This is the classic example of parent and child sitting together on the couch with the book open in their laps. Although seemingly easy reading, picture books can still present a challenging independent reading experience to an age-appropriate reader for reasons of text difficulty and book layout or design. The text difficulty of picture books varies widely across the genre. For instance, Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are (HarperCollins Publishers) is a beloved read-aloud for preschoolers. Its Lexile measure of 740L, however, is around the average reading ability for someone ending fourth grade. Additionally, picture books can have design elements that may visually complicate reading for a child. Factors such as font size, typeface, page layout, legibility, and the relationship between pictures and text may significantly impact reading comprehension. The story and illustrations in Where the Wild Things Are are perfect for young children. But the lines of the text are close together and the sentences are spread over multiple pages, often in long horizontal lines. These design elements may challenge a child's ability to read the book independently even if the text difficulty is well matched. Initially, a more advanced reader may need to read the book with a child. |
NC: Non-Conforming | The NC code is applied to books that have a Lexile measure markedly higher than is typical for the publisher's intended audience or designated developmental level of the book. The Lexile measure of a book is compared to the Lexile range of readers in the intended audience in order to make an NC code determination. The NC code is useful when matching high-ability readers with a book that's still at an appropriate developmental level. Alternatively, some picture books with disproportionately high Lexile measures may receive an AD (Adult Directed) code. Seymour Simon's Amazing Aircraft (SeaStar Books) is coded NC710L. Its spine reads "grades 1-3" but its Lexile measure is higher than a typical early elementary school student's ability range. Therefore the book is coded as Non-Conforming. |
HL: High-Low | A text designated as "HL" has a Lexile measure much lower than the average reading ability of the intended age range of its readers. Despite their short sentences and basic vocabulary, HL books are designed to appeal to readers at a more mature developmental level. For example, Beth Goobie's Sticks and Stones (Orca Soundings) is classified as a young adult book and measures 430L—an average reading ability for 2nd graders. The book's characters are high-school students who struggle with the many challenges that face high-school students such as dating and gossip. Therefore, the book is coded HL430L. |
IG: Illustrated Guide | The IG code is applied to books that consist of independent pieces or sections of text such as in an encyclopedia or glossary.
These text characteristics do not necessarily impact reading comprehension or developmental appropriateness. Instead, the IG code conveys an idea of the kind of book and what the book typically will be used for in the classroom or library. Birds of Prey by Dr. Gerald Legg (Franklin Watts Library) is coded IG. Separate paragraphs are arranged upon the page, functioning more like multiple-sentence captions. |
GN: Graphic Novel | The GN code indicates that the book is a graphic novel or comic book. The text of GN books appears primarily in voice or thought bubbles integrated into comic book-style illustrations. Graphic novels tend to contain a larger percentage of dialogue than most other genres of books. They also typically lack some of the required text conventions of dialogue, such as putting "she said" after a quoted sentence, because illustration methods are used to indicate spoken text. The impact of picture support on reading comprehension is not captured in the Lexile measure of a graphic novel. To Dance: A Ballerina's Graphic Novel (Aladdin) , written by Siena Cherson Siegel and illustrated by Mark Siegel, is coded as GN610L. |
BR: Beginning Reader | Beginning Reader (BR) is a code given to readers and text that are below 0L on the Lexile scale. Note that Beginning Reader (BR) is the only Lexile code that applies to both readers and text. All other codes apply only to text. Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss (Random House) is a BR book.
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NP: Non-Prose | The NP code is for any book comprising more than 50% non-standard or non-conforming prose. NP books do not receive a Lexile measure, merely the NP code. Some common examples of non-prose content are poems, plays, songs, recipes, and text with non-standard or absent punctuation.
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Upon a closer look, the text comprises long sentences and contains some fairly high-level vocabulary such as "mischief," "private," "gnash," and "rumpus." The parent on the couch would help the preschooler sound these words out and decipher these long sentences. Therefore the book is coded adult directed and the measure is AD740L.
Librarians and booksellers sometimes refer to young adult books with disproportionately low Lexile measures as "high-low" books, meaning "high-interest" plus "low-readability." These books receive an HL code. Often fiction, HL books are useful when matching older (grade 7 and beyond) struggling or reluctant readers with text at both an appropriate difficulty level and an appropriate developmental level.
These text pieces could be moved around without affecting the overall linear flow of the book. Usually nonfiction, IG books are often used as a reference resource rather than read in their entirety like a storybook. Their distinguishing text characteristics include:
A particular reading order is neither indicated by the layout nor important to comprehension. Thus the book measure is IG320L.
In some cases, for readers, a BR code is followed by a number and L (e.g., BR150L). A Lexile reader measure of BR150L indicates that the Lexile measure of the reader is 150 units below 0L. The smaller the number following the BR code, the more advanced the reader is. For example, a BR150L reader is more advanced than a BR200L reader. Unlike the reader measure, all text measures below 0L are currently reported as BR. MetaMetrics has conducted research to differentiate the BR text measures, and these measures will be available at a later date.
Since the Lexile Framework is based on prose analysis, Maurice Sendak's Alligators All Around (HarperTrophy) is coded NP. The text of the book is not in complete sentences and lacks punctuation entirely. The text difficulty of such a book cannot currently be assigned a Lexile measure.
| All the information on this page explaining what Lexile® Measures are, how to interpret them, how they are calculated, Lexile ranges and Lexile® codes was taken directly from MetaMetricsInc.com. The trademarks and names of other companies and products mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © 2017 MetaMetrics, Inc. All rights reserved. |
Top 8 Books ‹ Inglex
A wide vocabulary is something every English learner should strive for, because the more words you know, the more you can say. However, in addition to learning new words, you also need to learn how to combine them correctly, make sentences from them and use them in your speech. And all these tricks you will be taught by textbooks on the vocabulary of the English language. We'll cover 8 of the most popular vocabulary building aids and explain how to work with them.
We have already compiled a detailed review of the 4 best English textbooks for our readers. At the same time, we wrote that these comprehensive manuals help develop all English language skills, as well as expand your vocabulary. Below we will explain why it is worth adding a book to a universal textbook to increase vocabulary. In this review, we will present you 8 vocabulary guides.
Why additional textbooks on English vocabulary are needed
1. Learn words effectively
Each of the textbooks on English vocabulary is focused on learning new words in context.
You learn new vocabulary and immediately use it in practical exercises, see how it "works" in natural speech. This is the most productive and fastest way to improve your vocabulary.
2. Expressing Your Thoughts Accurately
Knowledge of grammar and a good vocabulary is essential to speak English confidently. In addition, if you are going to take an exam or emigrate, a large vocabulary will make your life much easier. Of course, the basic textbook provides a good supply of vocabulary for every level of knowledge, but if you want to make your speech more natural and expressive, vocabulary replenishment books will come in handy.
3. Better listening comprehension
Obviously, the more English words you know, the more you can understand. Therefore, we advise those who complain that they can hardly perceive English speech by ear to pay attention to such manuals. Quite often, the reason for such a misunderstanding is that a person has a limited vocabulary, so our brain plays a cruel joke with us - we simply do not hear all unfamiliar words.
4. Activate vocabulary
A huge plus of such manuals is that they focus not so much on learning new words as on the practice of using various words of the English language. Surely you have heard people complain: “I already read English texts, but I speak very badly.” The thing is that such students have an extensive passive vocabulary of the English language - they recognize the word when they hear it or meet it in the text. At the same time, their active stock is very small - they cannot use words that they seem to know in their speech. English vocabulary books help to solve this problem: through practical exercises and constant repetition, words move from passive to active vocabulary.
5. Reach the next level of English knowledge faster
It happens that it is a poor vocabulary that "slows down" a person, does not allow him to move to the next level. In this case, working with additional aids will help speed up the learning process.
At what level is it necessary to take such a study allowance? Each of the series of books includes textbooks for different levels of knowledge, so at any level you can pick up good material for vocabulary replenishment. If you are learning English with a teacher, you can ask him to take additional material from the textbook you like. If you study English on your own, try to regularly complete tasks from the selected manual.
The format of this textbook is similar to the editions of English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy, which we wrote about in the review "The 4 Best English Grammar Textbooks". Each lesson-unit takes 1 turn: the theory is given on the left, practical exercises are given on the right.
There are two ways to work with this tutorial. If your vocabulary is rather poor, it is best to go from the first lesson to the last one and not skip anything. If you do not have enough knowledge on some specific topics, you can choose and study them.
Vocabulary replenishment exercises in English Vocabulary in Use are tasks for choosing a word, filling in missing words in a text, crossword puzzles, writing short texts, matching a word to a picture, dividing words into groups according to some criteria, selecting definitions for idioms and phrasal verbs, selection of synonyms, etc.
Features of the textbook
If you learn English on your own, then this manual will be convenient to use. At the end of the textbook there are answers to all the exercises, you can check yourself.
The undoubted advantage of the manual is the presence at the end of the book of a list of all the words found in the units. The words are written in alphabetical order, each of them is given a transcription. Also, next to each word is the page number on which it occurs, so if you want to know how to use it correctly, just open the desired page.
2. Work on Your Vocabulary0003
We advise you to go through the textbook sequentially - step by step to analyze each of the lessons. However, there is a list of topics in the table of contents, so you can choose which vocabulary to learn first. In addition, at the end of the textbook, in alphabetical order, there is a list of all the words used in each lesson.
When completing tasks, you need to insert a missing word, underline the correct meaning, choose the appropriate option, or correctly sign the illustration.
Textbook features
Authors: Ruth Gairns, Stuart Redman.
Structure of the textbook and how it works
In this series of British vocabulary books, suitable material should be selected according to the following principle:
- Basic - for Elementary and Pre-Intermediate levels.
- Intermediate Manual - for Intermediate and Upper-Intermediate levels.
- Advanced Handbook - for Advanced and Proficiency levels.
Each book in this series contains 80 units. The lesson takes from one to three pages, depending on the topic. Practical exercises are immediately attached to blocks of theoretical material to consolidate knowledge. All units are divided by topic into groups-modules of 5 or 10 lessons. After each module in the textbook, you will be asked to take a test that will check how well you have learned the material of all the lessons you have completed.
As you work through this tutorial, you can also choose to go in order or select exactly those topics where you have gaps. However, if you are learning English on your own, the first option is preferable: this way you won't miss anything important.
Vocabulary tasks are diverse: fill in missing letters, find synonyms, answer questions, choose a word, insert a missing word in a phrase, etc. In addition to written vocabulary training exercises, Oxford Word Skills has tasks for developing speaking and listening.
Textbook features
At the end of the manual there are answers to all exercises, as well as tests following each module, so this textbook can also be recommended for self-study. At the end of the manual there is a list of words in alphabetical order. For each of them, a transcription is given and the page number on which you will find exercises with this word is indicated.
Additional online exercises for this tutorial series can be found at elt.oup.com. Follow the link to the Basic, Intermediate or Advanced section, and the exercises for the corresponding manual will be available to you.
Sign up for a speaking practice course and practice vocabulary in dialogue with a teacher.
4. Test Your Vocabulary0039 Advanced
Authors: Peter Watcyn-Jones, Olivia Johnston, Mark Farrell.
The structure of the textbook and the principle of working with it
Each of the five books in the Test Your Vocabulary series consists of 60 units, which occupy 1-2 pages depending on the topic. These English vocabulary learning tutorials will appeal to those who like to take various tests. However, the books also contain theoretical material, it is presented briefly, in the form of a small historical or grammatical reference.
Despite the fact that this series is a series of books with vocabulary tests, the tasks are very diverse. You can solve different types of crossword puzzles, sign pictures, combine words into phrases, choose phrases for comic book characters, etc.
The authors suggest working with the textbook in the following way. To memorize new words well, you need to return to them repeatedly, so make all notes in the book in pencil. After completing the exercise and self-checking, remove all answers. After 1-2 months, return to the lesson and try to go through it again. This way you will fix the vocabulary in memory.
Features of the textbook
The main advantage of this series is interesting practice tests that help you quickly memorize new words and the specifics of their use. At the end of each textbook you will find answers to tests and a list of words to study in alphabetical order.
5. Key Words for Fluency0051
Publisher: Heinle.
Author: George Woolard.
The structure of the textbook and the principle of working with it
The Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate level textbooks in this series contain 22 voluminous lessons each, which are divided into several parts. Each part is devoted to 1 word. For this word, you will be offered about 10-20 options for phrases (collocations), that is, you will see with which words and how exactly the vocabulary in question can “work”. In the manual of the Upper-Intermediate level, words are not combined by topic, but the principle of presenting the material is the same.
You can learn and remember all these useful phrases during the practical exercises. They are quite the same type, but after completing them, you will learn in which cases which expression should be used. In addition, many phrases contain prepositions, and English learners will confirm that it is not always easy to remember which preposition to use in a particular case. Having learned the expression completely, you will well remember the preposition that is used in a particular phrase.
Features of the textbook
This series of textbooks differs from other manuals in that you do not learn new words, but entire expressions. To speak confidently, you need to know how words "cooperate" with each other, that is, in conjunction with which words they are used. Knowing such expressions will allow you to speak English faster, avoiding mistakes in the use of words.
We recommend this textbook for those who are preparing for the FCE exam, because when writing an essay or passing the conversational part, it will be easier for you to operate with expressions, and not with individual words.
The Pre-Intermediate manual provides tests after studying each group of lessons, the other two textbooks do not have such tasks for checking, but you can return to the lesson after a while and try to go through it again, so you will see what has been deposited in your memory.
At the end of the textbooks there are answers to all tasks, as well as a list of words in alphabetical order indicating the pages on which they occur.
6. 4000 Essential English Words
| Basic | Elementary | Pre-Intermediate |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate | Upper-Intermediate | Advanced |
Publisher: Cambridge University Press.
Author: Glennis Pye.
The structure of the textbook and the principle of working with it
The content of the lessons fully corresponds to the name of the textbook - Vocabulary in Practice, that is, only practical exercises for expanding vocabulary are presented here, there is no theoretical information.
Each of the manuals in this series consists of 30-40 units (depending on the level). After 10 lessons, you will be asked to repeat the material and at the same time test yourself with a test.
The authors of the textbook suggest going from the first lesson to the last one, an option that will allow you to study all topics as well as possible. You can also skip lessons on topics for which you have a good vocabulary, and take only topics that are new to you for study. At the end of the course, take quizzes and, if necessary, review any misunderstood topics.
Various practical exercises: you will need to find synonyms, fill in missing words, solve crossword puzzles, label objects in pictures, make up dialogues from ready-made phrases, etc.
Features of the textbook
The peculiarity of this edition is the emphasis on grammar. It should be noted that the manual is structured in such a way that even without theoretical explanations you will understand everything. At the end of the textbook there are answers to all exercises and tests. There you will also find lists of words with transcription.
8. Boost Your VocabularyPearman Longman
Author: Chris Barker.
The structure of the textbook and the principle of working with it
The manuals include 12 lessons-units, each occupying 6 pages. After every four units, you will be asked to take a screening test. The author suggests the following scheme for working with it:
- Go in order or choose a topic that interests you.
- The first two pages of each lesson contain lists of words or expressions, this will be your reference dictionary. Next to the English words you need to write the translation.
If you are studying on your own, listen to the correct pronunciation in an online dictionary.
- Do practice exercises without looking into a dictionary.
- Check the exercises against the dictionary you have compiled.
- Finally check your answers against the clues at the end of the textbook.
- After passing four units, take a test and, if necessary, return to a misunderstood topic.
There is no theoretical reference in the textbook, but it is an excellent source of practical exercises. There are tasks in the form of tests, crossword puzzles, answers to questions, etc.
Features of the textbook
At the end of the textbook answers to tasks for self-examination are given. There you will also find brief lexical comments for each lesson. In the units you will see marks with a REF icon, this means that for explanations you should refer to the reference at the end of the tutorial.
We talked about eight textbooks on English vocabulary, tested by time and our methodologists. You can use all of them both for self-study and in lessons with a teacher. Learning new words using such aids will allow you not only to learn unfamiliar vocabulary, but also to learn how to use it correctly in your speech.
Would you like an experienced mentor to help you expand your vocabulary and speak English fluently and competently? Choose a teacher you like and start studying today.
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TOP books in English adapted by level of knowledge
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"Harry Potter" in English is not very easy to read, but much more interesting than in Russian . There is nothing to say about Alice in Wonderland: no matter how many talented translations there are, all puns can only be fully appreciated in the original. In general, reading in English is correct and useful. And we will help you choose a book for your level, so that it is also pleasant.
English test
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Why read in the original
- The more that you read, the more that you’ll know.
The more that you know, the more places you'll go. - Dr. Seuss
Any English-speaking child will confirm that Dr. Seuss does not give bad advice. If you love to read, but are afraid to start with a voluminous and full-bodied English novel, don't worry. Especially for educational purposes, publishing houses produce adapted books in English: for beginners, for the intermediate level, and so on. Yes, you will get a complete picture of the work of art a little later, but you can congratulate yourself on the first English book you read already starting from the Elementary level!
You can apply for training here
1.
Reading in a foreign language enriches vocabulary, even if we ourselves do not realize it. Of course, in order to learn new vocabulary more effectively, it is better to read a book, writing out unfamiliar words and memorizing their translation. When choosing books to read, be guided by your learning goals: if you need colloquial speech, pay attention to modern “light” prose, but if you want to master special vocabulary, the most obvious advice is to read literature from the area of your professional interests.
2. Reading improves spelling
English spelling is full of mysteries and surprises. The spelling of many words defies logic: you just have to memorize. And the best way to do this is to read more English-language literature so that the images of words are stored in memory.
3. Reading broadens one's horizons
E-books and blogs, news sites and social networking feeds: reading has reached a new level in the twenty-first century. A single information space makes it possible to learn about what is happening in the most remote corners of the world, to join the world's cultural and scientific heritage.
4. Reading in the original language boosts self-esteem
Listen to how you feel when you finish the last page of your first English novel: the sweetest feeling. “She reads Orwell in the original” sounds proud! Any psychologist will tell you that motivation is important when performing any task. So do not miss the opportunity to once again praise yourself, this one is not at all superfluous! :)
Reading English books in the original is not only useful, but also pleasant
Demo lesson for free and without registration!
Take a lesson, find out about the school and get a promotional code for English classes
How to choose a book to read
- Choose adapted books in English for your level (see the list of recommended books for levels A2-C1 later in the article).
- Choose works according to your ability: start with short stories, gradually moving to larger literary forms.
- The more exciting the learning, the more effective it is: try to find books that are interesting for you. Detectives, thrillers, mysticism - or any other topic that awakens your imagination and makes you read the book to the end will do.
Children's books in English
If you know only a few hundred words in English, pay attention to children's literature: many children's books are also interesting for adults. In addition, children's literature, as a rule, is generously provided with illustrations, which helps to understand the plot.
Fun fact: the acclaimed children's author Dr. Seuss, discussed earlier in this article, wrote his best book, The Cat in the Hat , using just 220 words. This list of the first children's words was compiled by the publisher, obliging the author to use them in his work: everything to earn the love of the target audience!
Free English-language children's books can be found on the Internet. For example, on the KidsWorldFun resource.
English comics
Like children's literature, comics are a great way to start reading in a new language. There are a great many genres of comics: there are comics for children, for adults, entertaining and educational.
- Free Online Comics Library
- Marvel Comics
- English grammar comics
Film scripts in English
One of the proven and effective methods of learning a new language, recommended by many polyglots, is to read books in the target language that are already familiar in translation. The same applies to film adaptations: it is useful to read the scripts of the films you have watched. Advantages: the context is known, the plot is clear, you can guess the meaning of new words in the course of the story.
- Movie Scripts and Screenplays
- 101 Greatest Screenplays
- Awesome Film
Books in English about personal development and professional literature
By reading them, you kill two birds with one stone: you learn the vocabulary that is relevant to you in English and learn new things about an important topic for you. If you are keenly interested in something, why not read about it in English? Another advantage of such literature is that it is easier to read than fiction novels. The style is simpler, the vocabulary is limited to the topic under consideration.
Reading in English improves vocabulary
3 "life hacks" for beginning readers of English literature
It is not necessary to understand every word
Сontext is king (context is king)! If you have grasped the main idea of the story, that is enough. Moreover, if you understand everything you read, most likely you have taken a book of too low a level for yourself. Try to find such books where about 70% of the vocabulary will be familiar (the rest will have to be written out and learned).
Read aloud in English
It may seem strange, but reading has proven itself to improve pronunciation and listening - if it is reading aloud. By reading aloud, you tune in to the sound range of the language being studied. However, it is important to work on pronunciation and in addition to reading, otherwise the incorrectly “guessed” pronunciation of a particular word may annoy you for years afterwards.
Listen to audiobooks when reading English
When learning English, in which the same combination of letters can be pronounced in a dozen different ways, it is very important to pay attention to the correct pronunciation of new words. We have already written about the book + audiobook format: when reading an English-language book, you listen to its audio version, voiced by native English speakers. Very handy for learning pronunciation!
English books: read and listen
Books adapted for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of English (A2-C1)
A2 level - elementary level
The Fisherman and His SoulOscar Wilde Level: elementary A piercing romantic tale of crazy love | |
Dracula - DraculaBram Stoker Level: elementary Chilling story of eternal love and eternal damnation: that's where all the vampire sagas of our time came from. | |
Million Pound Bank Note - The Million Pound Bank NoteMark Twain Level: elementary A witty and instructive story about the adventures of a poor man with a million pound note in his pocket. | |
Mr. Bean in the city Bean In TownRichard Curtis Level: elementary Mr. Bean will always find adventure for his wild little head! The eccentric eccentric continues to amaze and amuse the reader. |
Books in English help develop vocabulary
Level B1 - threshold or intermediate (threshold or intermediate)
The Picture of Dorian GrayOscar Wilde Level: Intermediate What is more important, the beauty of the face or the beauty of the soul? An incredible story about a beautiful mask and the terrible essence of a person. Mr. Grey, weren't you the prototype of the hero of "Fifty Shades of Grey"? .. | |
Appointment With DeathAgatha Christie Level: Intermediate Christie, Poirot, detective. | |
Forrest Gump - Forrest GumpJohn Escott Level: Intermediate The book is about a man whose fate makes you believe in the impossible.
Book: Forest Gump | |
Three Men In a Boat Jerome K. Level: Intermediate Three cheerful friends decided to go on a trip. What came of it - read in the original. Book: Three in a boat |
Read English books in the original
Intermediate English (intermediate, B1-B2)
The Curious Case of Benjamin ButtonF. Scott Fitzgerald Level: Intermediate A fantastic story about a man who "lived in reverse". But you probably already watched the movie? .. |
| 1984 George Orwell Level: intermediate A landmark work of English literature, which must be included in the reader's arsenal of every modern person. To not have to blush in a decent society. |
Gladiator - GladiatorDewey Gram Level: intermediate This book will tell about the difficult fate of the Roman gladiator. Here's someone who had a really hard job! |
Four Weddings and a FuneralRichard Curtis Level: intermediate (intermediate) The best way to know the culture of a people is to study their customs. A funny, touching, slightly frivolous book by Richard Curtis tells about the love between a British man and an American against the backdrop of four weddings and, alas, one funeral.
Book: Four weddings and a funeral |
Learning English by reading books in the original is interesting and exciting
B2 - intermediate or upper intermediate (vantage or upper intermediate)
| Airport Arthur Hailey Level: upper-intermediate Disaster novel based on real events is fascinating even after half a century. Book: Airport |
The Talented Mr.Patricia Highsmith Level: upper-intermediate Tom Ripley is a 25-year-old young man who grew up without parents in an atmosphere of hatred and fear. Is it any wonder that his attitude to the world and people is not distinguished by special tenderness? .. |
Tomes are a girl's best friend!
C1 - advanced level of English (advanced)
Jane Eyre Jane EyreCharlotte Bronte Level: advanced A classic English novel about the life of a poor orphan with remarkable strength of character, and about love that can overcome any adversity. A book dearly loved not only in England, but all over the world. |
Pride and PrejudiceJane Austen Level: advanced Elizabeth is one of five daughters in the noble but impoverished Bennett family. She is smart, beautiful, but will she be happy? When two single gentlemen move in next door, something new enters the lives of the Bennett girls: sighs, excitement, furtive glances, secret rendezvous.
Book: Pride and Prejudice |
Brave New WorldAldous Huxley Level: advanced Before you is a dystopian novel: find out what it is by reading the book. |
Check if you know the top 100 English words
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- language
The "golden age" of Anglo-Saxon literature before the invasion of the Normans - the era of Alfred the Great, the conqueror of the Danes, who devastated Britain for almost two centuries.
