Want to enrich your knowledge of the language of Shakespeare?

Reading texts in English is one of the best ways to improve your skills. But how do you find content that is just right – neither too hard nor too easy for you? Which books should you spend your time and money on, and which websites should you visit?

Discover our collection of sites recommended for both beginners and advanced English readers!

Lists of English Texts Classified by Level

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) classifies different levels of language proficiency, including English, for foreign speakers. There are 6 levels:

• A1 (the lowest level)
• A2
• B1
• B2
• C1
• C2 (the highest level)

To help A1 learners avoid feeling overwhelmed by C2 texts (and to keep C2 learners from getting bored with A1 texts), we have selected content adapted to each of these levels!

Texts for Level A1

Level A1 is for elementary users; it’s an “introductory” or “discovery” level. At this stage, you can understand and use basic, everyday expressions and very simple sentences.

5 Resources for Reading in English at A1 Level

We recommend the following for A1 learners:

1. A restaurant menu: Practice reading familiar food items and simple phrases.
2. An airport departures board: Learn to recognize travel vocabulary and time expressions.
3. My Wonderful Family: For simple texts about family members and relationships.
4. My day: A basic description of daily routines and activities.
5. Growing Things in Pots: Easy-to-understand content about gardening and related words.

Reading for Level A2

Level A2 is for elementary users at an “intermediate” or “usual” level. At this stage, you can describe your background and immediate surroundings using simple language.

5 Resources for Reading in English at A2 Level

We recommend the following:

1. An email from a friend: Practice understanding informal language and everyday topics.
2. An invitation to a job interview: Learn to recognize formal language and key details about events.
3. The pet store: Simple texts about animals and shopping.
4. Doctor: Basic dialogues and descriptions related to health and medical visits.
5. Bowling: A straightforward explanation of the game and related vocabulary.

For Level B1

Level B1 is used to classify independent users at a threshold level. At this stage, you can understand the main points of a discussion when clear and standard language is used.

5 Resources for Reading in English at B1 Level

We recommend the following:

1. A travel guide: Learn about places, cultures, and travel tips with straightforward language.
2. Encyclopedia entry: Gain knowledge on various topics using clear and factual language.
3. Thanksgiving: Read about the history, traditions, and cultural significance of this holiday.
4. The Grand Canyon: Discover this natural wonder with descriptions of its history and geography.
5. A Beginners Guide to Growing Roses: Follow step-by-step instructions and gardening advice.

For Level B2

Level B2 is used to indicate independent users at an advanced or independent level. At this stage, you can understand the main ideas in complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics.

5 Resources for Reading in English at B2 Level

We recommend the following:

1. Asteroids: Explore scientific articles on space and celestial objects.
2. Work-life balance: Read about the challenges and strategies for balancing work and personal life.
3. Human body parts and organs: Study detailed descriptions and functions of the human body.
4. Las Vegas: Learn about the city’s history, culture, and entertainment options.
5. Popcorn: Discover the history, production, and cultural significance of this popular snack.

For Level C1

Level C1 is for experienced users at an autonomous level. At this stage, you can understand long and complex texts and grasp implied meanings.

5 Resources for Reading in English at C1 Level

We recommend:

1. A biography of Kilian Jornet: Dive into the life and achievements of this renowned mountain athlete.
2. Horror film clichés: Analyze the common expressions and themes in the horror genre.
3. Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918: Study a detailed historical account and its global impact.
4. The Environment: Explore in-depth discussions on environmental issues and sustainability.
5. The Republic of Colombia: Learn about the country’s history, culture, and political landscape.

For Level C2

Level C2 is for experienced users at a mastery level. At this stage, you can effortlessly understand almost everything you read or hear.

5 Resources for Reading in English at C2 Level

We recommend:

1. Kew Gardens: Delve into detailed descriptions and the history of this famous botanical garden.
2. Language, Prehistoric Tools, and Evolution: Explore complex texts connecting language development and human evolution.
3. The Attractions of Devon and Cornwall: Read about the cultural and historical highlights of these regions in England.
4. Where do emotions come from?: Understand advanced psychological theories and discussions on the origins of emotions.
5. Is the internet changing our lives?: Analyze in-depth articles on the social, economic, and cultural impacts of the internet.

For Kids

A child’s brain is amazing, capable of learning a foreign language much more easily than adults! Take advantage of this and read or have short texts in English texts read to your children.

5 Resources for Reading in English: Special for Children

We advise you to try the following:

1. Toys are toys: A fun story about different types of toys.
2. At the aquarium: Explore sea life through a simple and engaging visit to an aquarium.
3. The Kind Dentist: A gentle story of helping children understand dental visits.
4. Father’s Day: Learn about this special day through a heartwarming story about celebrating fathers.
5. The Wooden Horse: A classic tale or story about imagination and playtime with a wooden horse.

For Teenagers

Learning English isn’t just for the classroom; middle and high schools do not have a monopoly on teaching English. Outside of school textbooks, teenagers can find fantastic reading content online, with comic, dramatic or educational stories adapted to their level.

5 Resources for Reading in English: Special for Teenagers

We recommend:

1. Mind maps: Learn how to organize thoughts and ideas creatively using mind maps.
2. FOMO: Explore the concept of the “Fear of Missing Out” and how it affects teens.
3. Dance Macabre: Dive into a dramatic tale that captures the imagination.
4. The Girl in the Denim Jacket: A relatable story about a teen’s experiences.
5. How to Cook Pasta: Easy instructions to learn a practical and fun cooking skill.

The Best Books to Start Learning English

What are the reference books for getting familiar with the English language? Check out our selection, perfect for all ages—from 7 (or even younger) to 77 (or beyond)!

Here, we’ve chosen to highlight books focused on the strict learning of English, including methods and collections of short, educational stories.

Some English Learning Books for Adults

We recommend:

1. Learn English for Adult Beginners

2. English Grammar in Use Book with Answers
3. The English Grammar Workbook for Adults
4. The Vocabulary Builder Workbook
5. Learn English for Adult Beginners

Some English Learning Books for Teenagers

We recommend the following:

1. English for Everyone: English Vocabulary Builder
2. Basic Grammar in Use
3. Cambridge English Young Learners
4. Practice Makes Perfect: English Conversation
5. English Made Easy Volume One: A New ESL Approach

Some English Learning Books for Children

We recommend:

1. The Usborne First Thousand Words in English
2. My First Box of Books
3. The Cat in the Hat Beginner Book Dictionary
4. I Say Yes! I Say No!
5. Diary of a Wimpy Kid

The Best Sites to Find Texts in English

Whether you’re using Wi-Fi or 4G, the internet is your best friend for finding free English texts to read! You’ll discover 3 reference digital libraries, as well as 3 essential media sites to follow the news in the language of Shakespeare.

Digital Libraries in English

Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, Charlotte Brontë—along with many other more contemporary authors—can be found on some platforms that allow you to access novels in their entirety. Priceless!

Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg is a digital library that offers electronic versions of books, mostly those in the public domain. It’s a great resource for discovering classics like Frankenstein, Pride and Prejudice, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland!

Z-Library

Z-Library is known as “the largest electronic library in the world.” Its search options let you select the language of the book you’re looking for, as well as the file format. You can then download it to your Kindle or as a PDF, for example.

Open Library

Open Library is a project aimed at cataloging all published books, in any language, within a freely accessible online database. You can read a vast collection of digitized works in English on the project’s official website.

English New Sites

We chose these media outlets because they offer free access to their content. This allows you to keep up with the news from both sides of the Atlantic without breaking the bank!

BBC News

BBC News is one of the major divisions of the British public service broadcaster, the BBC. Its articles are easy to read, thanks to the format: each paragraph is very short, usually consisting of just one sentence.

CNN

CNN is one of the most famous 24-hour news channels in the U.S. It’s perfect for getting familiar with the often sensationalist style of news coverage that emphasizes breaking news.

Questions About Reading Texts in English

Reading in English when you’re not used to it can feel quite intimidating. But don’t worry—it’s something anyone can do! To help you get started, here are answers to some of your most common questions.

How to Learn to Read in English?

Here are our 5 tips for learning to read a text in English:

1. Select a text that is appropriate for your level. Don’t be embarrassed to start with very simple texts, like cooking recipes.
2. Choose topics that you like. For example, opt for a summary of an episode from your favourite TV show rather than a topic you know nothing about.
3. Make the effort to check unknown words in a dictionary. It might take time at first, but chances are you’ll see the same words repeated throughout the text.
4. Don’t get stuck on difficult passages. Highlight or underline them and come back later, once you have a better understanding of the overall text.
5. Using your smartphone’s timer. Set a time limit based on your experience, like 30 seconds for 100 words, to help you read faster and more efficiently.

How to Understand a Text in English?

On your first reading, focus on identifying the tone (journalistic, humorous, scary, etc) and try to answer a few basic questions: Who is telling the story? Where are the main characters? When is the scene happening? What is the main subject of the text?

How Do I Choose a Book That Suits My Level of English?

In a bookstore, ask the salesperson for recommendations and take the time to read a few paragraphs; this will help you determine if the book is accessible to you. If you’re buying online, many merchant websites offer a preview of the book; spend a few minutes reading an excerpt to measure its difficulty.

What Are the Best Books for Learning English?

Here are some of the top books for learning English, in our opinion:

1. Hatier: English from A to Z
2. Assimil: English
3. First Editions: English in 5 Minutes a Day
4. Langues pour tous: 40 Lessons to Speak English
5. Larousse: My first English method

For more details, links, and additional ideas, check out our suggestions above!

Is Reading an Effective Way to Learn English?

Reading comprehension is one of the four pillars of language mastery, along with listening comprehension, written expression, and oral expression. However, reading is an essential way to quickly and effectively expand your vocabulary. Unlike films or series, it also helps improve your spelling and writing skills, creating a positive learning cycle!