Graded Reading Guide: Intermediate/Upper Intermediate/Advanced

What's are the best graded readers for English language learners?


Only the reader will know! Some like romances. Some prefer thrillers or comedies.

The key is to choose something you would enjoy in your first language. Here are a few suggestions

Intermediate

The Signalman: AND The Ghost at the Trial (Macmillan Reader)

WASHINGTON SQUARE: by Henry James retold by Kieran McGovern (Oxford Bookworms Library Stage 4 1400 Headwords)

  • Rejected by her cold father, a young heiress thinks she has found love in a handsome young man.

No Longer at Ease: Intermediate (Macmillan Reader)

A Morbid Taste for Bones: (Oxford Bookworms Library Stage 4 1400 Headwords)
The Amsterdam Connection Level 4 (Cambridge English Readers)


Upper Intermediate

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton (Oxford Bookworms Library: Classics: Stage 5)

Rebecca (Macmillan ELT Reader & CD Pack)
  • 'Last night I dreamt I went to Manderlay again ... '
  • Classic romantic tale of mystery, passion, secrets and betrayal.
The Oxford Bookworms Library: Stage 5: 1,800 Headwords David Copperfield (Bookworms Series)

Touching the Void (Macmillan Reader)

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (Oxford Bookworms Library)

  • Sci-fi classic and origninal story for the film 'Blade-Runner'
  • Phillip K Dick wrote strange stories about man in a hostile future
  • Ideal for readers who enjoy films like The Matrix and The Bourne Ulitmatum

The Bride Price (Oxford Bookworms Library, Stage 5)
  • When her father dies, Aku-nna and her young brother have no one to look after them. They are welcomed by their uncle because of Aku-nna's 'bride price' - the money that her future husband will pay for her.
  • Internationally aclaimed story from Nigeria
  • ‘I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a short, funny, romantic classic.’ Amazon Customer

Windows of the Mind Level 5 Upper Intermediate Book with Audio CDs (3) Pack (Cambridge English Readers)

A Tangled Web Level 5 Upper Intermediate Book with Audio CDs (3) Pack (Cambridge English Readers)

Advanced

Saving Private Ryan (Penguin Readers, Level 6) Cambridge English Skills Real Reading 3 with answers

Guide to levels here. British Council reading assessment here

About Readers

Beginner/Elementary/Pre-Intermediate