Light literature in English. Lion cubs learn to read, or books in English for beginners

First level knowledge of English implies knowledge of the translation of individual words, expressions and a vague idea of ​​grammar. Listening to the text, a person understands its subject matter and can highlight the main points. Books adapted for this level are usually aimed at children and teenagers, but there are also adaptations for adults. Most often, these are fairy tales and short stories that use a limited set of the most simple and common vocabulary (500-700 unique words). The text is characterized by short sentences and the absence of complex structures and turnovers. In books of this level, the authors express their thoughts as simply as possible so that reading does not cause difficulties.

Elementary level books

Pre-intermediate

A person with a lower intermediate level of language proficiency can carry on conversations on several topics, distinguishes tenses and is familiar with grammar. Vocabulary is limited to frequently used words, the person has some difficulty building sentences. Reads simple texts, understands well what in question. Books adapted for this level use common vocabulary, simple and complex sentences. The number of unique words used in the literature of this level is 1000-1200. Pre-intermediate books are no longer limited to topics or age groups. Even if the first page is difficult, there is no need to despair, with each next page there are fewer new words, it is easier and clearer to read.

Pre-intermediate books

intermediate

Average level knowledge of the language speaks of the ability to quickly and simply express one's thoughts, to express oneself clearly. A person understands what the text is about, including from the context. At this level, it is not difficult to distinguish text styles, write letters, fill out documents. It is assumed that from this level begins the ability of a person to competently express his thoughts on various topics in the morning and in writing. Books adapted to this level are intended mainly for adults. These are stories, novellas and even novels. The content of unique words in such a book is usually 1500-1700 words. This and previous levels suggest that at first, reading will be problematic, you will often need to look into the dictionary. After the first ten pages, a person gets used to the vocabulary and style and uses hints less and less, and by the end of reading, there is a feeling that the book was written in their native language.

Intermediate books

Upper-intermediate

At the upper intermediate level, people can correctly express their thoughts in different styles speech. In addition, a person is able to notice errors in his own and someone else's written and oral speech. The level involves easy reading of magazines and newspapers, simple books in the original. Adapted editions are distinguished by the transfer of the author's thoughts without loss of meaning, the use of complex structures. The number of unique words in a work is 2000-2200. If in the adaptation of previous levels, turns, metaphors and established expressions, in most cases, were replaced simple explanations, then at this level, most of them are accurately transmitted. Upper-intermediate books, for a person with the appropriate language skills, are easy to read due to their extensive vocabulary, and good knowledge grammar. Some literature of this category is specific and narrowly focused, dedicated to some field of activity. Large difficult novels and short scientific articles are also adapted to this level.

Upper-intermediate books

Advanced

The advanced level offers no difficulty in any area of ​​English language use. It includes understanding any information for the first time, the ability to reproduce information in any form without lexical, grammatical and phonetic errors, the ability to write works and documents. At this level, a person can easily read many original works and modern literature. Books for this level are adapted to any subject, volume and purpose. Often the originals are taken as a basis, written in a medieval language, in which there are words that are dead today or terms that are already used in a different meaning. The number of unique words in such a book starts from 2500 and is not limited. It is expected that a dictionary will be required to read them much less frequently due to the reader's extensive vocabulary.

Belinsky wrote that the greatest treasure is a good library. Today we invite you to visit 10 "treasures" where you can read online and download books on English language. Moreover, you will get acquainted with a resource that will make sure that you do not forget to read the next chapter of the work.

1. BookRix

The first site is a large online library that presents classic literature and books by so-called independent authors. The latter are our contemporaries, they present their works free of charge to the reader's judgment. The site has a sorting of books by language (languages), you can find here the books of our compatriots in Russian. You can also select the genre of the work and sort the books by popularity. All books in English can be read online for free in a convenient built-in program, most of the works can be saved to your computer or e-book.

2. Project Gutenberg

We present to you the website of the world-famous Project Gutenberg. The goal of the project is to create a free electronic library accessible to everyone. To do this, various works are digitized and stored on the specified site. Here are works that are in the public domain, that is, they are mostly classics and not very well-known modern authors. On the this moment representatives of the project said that they have already managed to digitize more than 57,000 texts. You can find books on specific topics by clicking Book Categories in the menu on the left. If you need to find a specific work, enter its title or author in the search box. Any book on the project can be read online or downloaded for free.

3 Pupil Garage

This free library in English contains not only fiction, but also books on programming, mathematics, management, etc. We recommend that you pay attention to this site for those who are looking for professional literature: you will find useful information and at the same time learn terminology in English. All books can be read online or downloaded for free in PDF format. To open or download a book, click on its title and in the window that opens, click on the inscription Click here.

4.ManyBooks

5. DailyLit

Can't find time to read? Then we recommend using this interesting site. To get started, register on it, it's completely free and, to the credit of the owners, they won't send you a single unnecessary letter: you decide what will come to your mail. You need to select a book and click the Read Online button on the page with its description, so you can read the book directly on the site in good quality.

What about those who have absolutely no time to read? Try the following convenient method. Subscribe to the book: on the days you have chosen, another excerpt from the work will come to the mail, the length of which, again, is determined by you. To do this, on the book page, click the big green Read button, then select the days on which it will be convenient for you to receive and read letters, as well as the length of the passage. After that, click Create Subscription. Now you will receive parts of the work by mail, for reading which you can set aside a few minutes. In this way, you will both improve your English and develop. Very handy thing for busy people!

6 Read Print

This resource presents the works of the classics of world literature in English. Books can not be downloaded, but you can read online for free. The site is easy to navigate, the works are conveniently divided into chapters. The Quotes section contains wonderful quotes from works published on the site. All wise thoughts are classified by topic and by author. By the way, there are works of Russian classics in English here. You can start reading with Russian literature already familiar to you, then unfamiliar words will not prevent you from understanding what you read.

7. Ebooks for everyone

Another large free library with easy navigation. All books are sorted by genre, and the site has a convenient search that allows you to find any work. Any of the presented works can be read for free, most of the books are available for download. In addition to fiction, the library also contains books on medicine, law, economics, etc. In addition to works by English-speaking authors, the site has masterpieces of world literature, including books by Russian writers.

8. [email protected]

The University of Adelaide is one of the oldest public universities in Australia. On their website, they host digitized books, mostly classics. Site navigation is simple: you can sort books by author, title, subject, or use the site search. Any work can be read online for free. To do this, select a work and in the window that opens, turn the pages using the buttons in the upper left corner or at the bottom of the page. Also at the bottom of the page you will find a button that will allow you to download any book in English for free. Several formats are available for download, including for mobile devices.

9. Public Bookshelf

Love to read novels? Then this site will be to your liking. Here is one of the largest collections of novels in English on the Internet. There are both classical masterpieces and works contemporary authors. Books can not be downloaded, but you can read online for free.

10. Quotev

Quotev is one of the favorite publishing places for young obscure writers. They, as a rule, post on the site not too voluminous works of various subjects. Here you will find thrillers, fantasy, adventure, and other genres. Most of the books are aimed at a youth audience. Don't know what to read? Try to choose your favorite genre and sort books by popularity.

Remember famous saying Voltaire "Reading authors who write well, you get used to speaking well"? This principle also works in English: the more you read, the easier it is for you to speak. Moreover, now you know where you can read online and download books in English for free. Use these wonderful resources and improve your knowledge!

Treasure Island is an adventure novel by Scottish author Robert Stevenson about "pirates and buried gold". First published as a book on May 23, 1883, it was originally serialized in the magazine of young people, children between 1881 and 1882 under the title "Treasure Island" or "Mutiny in Hispaniola" under the pseudonym Captain George North.

Download the most famous treasure book in English for the Elementary level.

original description

Treasure Island is an adventure novel by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, narrating a tale of "buccaneers and buried gold". First published as a book on 23 May 1883, it was originally serialized in the children's magazine Young Folks between 1881 and 1882 under the title Treasure Island or, the mutiny of the Hispaniola with Stevenson adopting the pseudonym Captain George North. Traditionally considered a coming-of-age story, Treasure Island is a tale noted for its atmosphere, characters and action, and also as a wry commentary on the ambiguity of morality – as seen in Long John Silver – unusual for children’s literature. It is one of the most frequently dramatized of all novels. The influence of Treasure Island on popular perceptions of pirates is enormous, including such elements as treasure maps marked with an "X", schooners, the Black Spot, tropical islands, and one-legged seamen bearing parrots on their shoulders.

Anonymous

King Arthur is one of the greatest legends of all times. From that magical moment when Arthur unleashes the sword in the stone in search of the Holy Grail and the ultimate tragedy of the last battle, the author brings the enchanting world of King Arthur and brings it to life amazingly.

Download the book about King Arthur in English for the Elementary level of preparation.

original description

King Arthur is one of the greatest legends of all time. From the magical moment when Arthur releases the sword in the stone to the quest for the Holy Grail and the final tragedy of the Last Battle, Roger Lancelyn Green brings the enchanting world of King Arthur stunningly to life. One of the greatest legends of all time, with an inspiring introduction by David Almond, award-winning author of Clay, Skellig, Kit’s Wilderness and The fire-eaters.

Neil Philip

Tells about the life and adventures of Robin Hood, who, along with his group of followers who lived as outlaws in Sherwood Forest, dedicate themselves to the fight against tyranny. Illustrated notes throughout the text will add a historical background to the story.

Download an interesting book about the legendary Robin Hood in English for the Elementary level.

original description

Recounts the life and adventures of Robin Hood, who, with his band of followers, lived in Sherwood Forest as an outlaw dedicated to fighting tyranny. Illustrated notes throughout the text explaining the historical background of the story.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Kidnapped is a novel by Robert Louis Stevenson that he wrote in early 1886. The work is narrated in the first person - the protagonist, who recalls incidents during his adventures.

original description

Kidnapped is a novel by Robert Louis Stevenson wrote in early 1886. The work is narrated in first person by the protagonist, who remembers the incidents of his adventure.

Edith Nesbit

When the father's business collapses, the six children decide to restore the family fortune. But although they cannot think of many clever ways to do it, they decide on a way that will either bring more pleasure than benefits, or lead to disaster ...

Download an interesting book about little treasure hunters in English for the Elementary level.

original description

When their father's business fails, the six Bastable children decide to restore the family fortunes. But although they think of many ingenious ways to do so, their well meant efforts are either more fun than profitable, or lead to trouble…

Vicky Shipton

London is the most Big city in the UK and in Europe. In 1900, it was the largest city in the world. In this book you will find many interesting information about this city. You will read about its history. You will learn about famous people, palaces and museums of this exciting city.

Download an interesting book about London in English for the Elementary level.

original description

London is the biggest city in Britain and Europe. In 1900, it was the biggest city in the world. In this book you will find a lot of interesting information about London. You will read about its history. You will learn about its famous people, museums and palaces of this exciting city.

John Whitman

Damn bracelet. Embittered Mummy. Buried Warrior. And majestic civilization...

Completed with over 100 photographs and interesting facts about ancient Egypt. The Mummy Returns is the ultimate guide to cinema. Read action-packed stories in English, watch your favorite scenes, and discover the wonders of Egypt - the mummy pyramids.

original description

A cursed bracelet. An Evil Mummy. A Buried Warrior. And a magnificent civilization…

Filled with more than 100 photos and fascinating facts about ancient Egypt, The Mummy Returns Scrapbook is the ultimate guide to the movie. Read the action-packed story, see your favorite scenes, and discover the wonders of Egypt - from pyramids to mummies. Here's an exciting look at a thrilling film and an extraordinary place.

Reading in the original is one of the surest ways to master grammar and vocabulary English words. In addition, reading books in the original will help you understand the author, his style and style even better. Agree that reading Harry Potter in English is not so easy, but much more interesting. And “Alice in Wonderland” has been translated so many times that you can completely get confused in the meanings that the author wanted to convey. In general, reading in English is useful, correct and exciting.

A useful selection of online libraries with free books in English for those who love and want to read in English.

Online library sites

The library has a large selection of e-books sorted by genre. In addition to e-books, there are free magazines, and you can replenish the resource with your own books. To access you need to register. It's free.

An online resource with almost 5,000 e-books. All of them are free and located in 96 categories. By the way, there is not only fiction, but also useful educational and business books. You don't need to register to download.

The resource provides access to more than 33,000 e-books. Literature is easy to search through the title, recommendations or recent reviews on the site. The book format is suitable for reading on PC, Kindle, Nook, iPad. The main advantage of the site is that many books are presented in more than 20 formats.

consists of huge collection free books programming, mathematics. Among other things, there are lectures and textbooks. Everything is perfectly classified into topics in which it is difficult to get confused.

another resource that collects free and legal books on computer science, engineering and programming, as well as textbooks and lecture notes.

An online library where you can find many science fiction novels. You can read online, or you can download the file to the reader.

Free eBooks eBookLobby is divided into different categories: business, art, education... Choose a category and download the e-book you need.

Wikimedia community to create a free library of educational textbooks. Literature can be edited by anyone.

The project has already digitized over 75,000 books. For the convenience of readers, all books are in categories. Just enter the name of the book or author in the search box on the right and read literature online or download in a convenient format.

The e-library includes 8172 e-books in 91 categories. Over 500 books are freely available. Books are easy to search through the search bar or using ratings.

Free e-books for students and travelers in PDF format. Registration is not required.

Website with access to short stories classic writers. Free books can be read online.

The library has a huge amount of classical literature and books by "independent authors". The latter offer their works to readers free of charge. Many books can be read online or downloaded to gadgets.

The site contains novels in English. This includes both classical literature and works by young authors. Books can only be read online.

Online library with legal digitized books. For convenience, all books are sorted by genre: fiction, books on economics, medicine, law, and more. Everything is easy to find with a search engine. Literature can be downloaded or read online.

Free apps with books in English

Home Library. A very handy book reader app that contains more than 2400 classics of English literature and covers almost all genres: fiction, philosophical treatises, memoirs, children's books and others.

There is a myth that only English speakers can read original books. But today you will be convinced that even a beginner is able to master a literary work and understand its meaning (especially if it is adapted books in English for beginners). In addition, you can always click on an unfamiliar word and see its translation.

Why is it so important to read books at an elementary level?

• First, reading books guarantees a deeper immersion in the language than texts from textbooks.
• Secondly, this is a huge plus for self-esteem and motivation, which is very important for further language learning.
• And, finally, this is one of the easiest and most interesting activities, if the appropriate literature is selected.

That's why we found for you the best adapted versions of foreign works(just follow the links). All books have been rewritten by professional linguists and significantly reduced: the average volume of a simplified version is about 10-20 pages, which is quite realistic to read in one evening.

A story about the friendship of two smart mice from France and Great Britain, who are concerned about the fate of Shakespeare's cultural heritage. This book uses direct speech a lot, which means you won't have problems speaking English in the future.

by Mark Twain (beginner - 7 pages) It's hard to find someone who hasn't heard about the thrilling adventures of Tom Sawyer. And reading about them in the original is even more fun. The vocabulary of the story is suitable even for those who "yesterday" began to learn English.

by Sally M. Stockton (elementary - 6 pages) An ageless tale of a brave archer who fights for justice. After reading the book, you can watch one of the many film adaptations.

by Andrew Mathews (elementary - 6 pages) A beautiful story about a teenage girl, Susie, living in the shadow of her more attractive friend Donna. Susie hates her freckles and thinks they make her look ugly. Find out how the story ends and whether Susie's attitude towards herself will change.

by John Escott (elementary - 8 pages) In our selection there was a place for a story about ghosts. The author has a very bright style of narration, so it is difficult to break away from the story. So, you can easily master 8 pages in one go.

by Mark Twain (elementary - 9 pages) Another work of Mark Twain in our selection will delight you with the story of Huckleberry Finn. A great chance to remember your childhood. The adapted version of this children's book is a real boon for the beginner!

More than ten pages - success! Simple books in English for beginners

by Peter Benchley (elementary - 12 pages) An adapted version of the famous "Jaws" - a novel about a great white shark attacking vacationers in a resort town (brrr, horror!). Long, common sentences can make the book difficult to read. elementary level, but we believe that 12 pages is not a problem for you.

by Lewis Carroll (elementary - 13 pages) A wonderful opportunity to once again be in Wonderland and learn the names of the characters in English. The book is read very quickly and easily - tested on own experience in primary school.

by Jack London (elementary - 15 pages) A heartbreaking story about the life of a dog during the gold rush. The book focuses on the relationship between man and animals. In my opinion, this work is one of the best in our selection in terms of plot and style of writing.

by Roger Lancelyn Green (elementary - 16 pages) A great opportunity to get acquainted with the exploits of King Arthur and the famous knights round table. Welcome to the era of the English Middle Ages.

For those who are serious. Reading books in English for beginners

The second story by Arthur Conan Doyle, dedicated to the investigations of Sherlock Holmes. In the simplified version of the work, the beauty of the story and the mystery of this detective story are perfectly preserved.

by Elizabeth Gaskell (pre-intermediate - 51 pages) The novel "North and South" describes the confrontation between manufacturers and aristocrats during the industrial revolution in England. The book will appeal not only to fans of the romantic classics performed by Jane Austen, but also to those who like historical works.

Books in English with translation for beginners