About Readers
What are the best graded readers for English language
learners?
That depends on the
reader! Some like romances. Some prefer thrillers or
comedies. Here is a short guide to some of main series.
Beginner/Elementary/Pre-Intermediate
Intermediate/Advanced
Macmillan
Readers
A wide range of titles
- some original and some simplified - from modern
and classic novels, and designed to appeal to all
age-groups, tastes and cultures.
The books are divided into five levels: Starter Level,
with about 300 basic words; Beginner Level (600 basic
words); Elementary Level (1100); Intermediate Level
(1600); and Upper Level (2200). Some of the titles are
also available on cassette.
ESL Reading recommends:
Love by Design: Elementary (Macmillan
Reader)
- Love by Design is a romantic story of high drama and young love. It's funny, too! First published in 1992 it's a popular choice for young adults
Rebecca (Macmillan ELT Reader & CD Pack)
- 'Last night I dreamt I went to Manderlay again ... '
- Classic romantic tale of mystery, passion, secrets and betrayal. Upper Intermediate
Oxford Bookworms
This series of readers
is aimed at students at six levels from elementary
to advanced. Most are retellings of classic
stories using a vocabulary appropriate for English
language learners. All stages have exercises for
classroom or private use, plus a glossary to help
with vocabulary.
ESL Reading recommends:
WASHINGTON SQUARE: 1400 Headwords (Oxford Bookworms Library)
Cambridge English Readers
Cambridge English
Readers is series of original fiction, specially
written for learners of English. Graded into six
levels - from elementary to advanced - the stories
in this series provide easy and enjoyable reading
on a wide range of contemporary topics and themes.
The Amsterdam Connection Level 4 (Cambridge English Readers)
A Tangled Web Level 5 Upper Intermediate Book with Audio CDs (3) Pack (Cambridge English Readers)
Oxford Progressive English Readers
This popular series of readers has now been completely revised and updated, using a new syllabus and new word structure lists.
Readability has been ensured by means of specially designed computer software. Words that are above level but essential to the story are explained within the text, illustrated, and then reused for maximum reinforcement.
Oxford Storyland Readers
A primary reading series for young learners. Carefully graded according to twelve levels of reading ability and controlled using especially designed computer software. These original stories promote language development and a sense of achievement in young learners. -
Each reader in the series includes puzzles every four pages which provide reinforcement of the content. Comprehension-type questions are provided at the end of the book and these are designed to check the learners' global and specific understanding of the story.
The books at levels 7-12 are more factual pieces. The aim of this is to relate to the learners' own experience and encourage a genuine interest in reading.