Choosing the right books for your English level can make reading more enjoyable and effective.
Here’s a simple guide to help you pick books suited to your CEFR level, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced reader.
A1,A2 (Beginner to Elementary)
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Books use very simple vocabulary and short sentences.
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Stories are often about everyday life, with familiar topics like family, school and hobbies.
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Examples: children’s books, simplified stories, basic graded readers.
B1 (Intermediate)
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Language is more natural and varied but still clear and straightforward.
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Stories may have more detailed plots and character development.
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Examples: young adult novels, simple classics, popular fiction with accessible language.
B2 (Upper Intermediate)
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More complex sentence structures and richer vocabulary.
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Books explore deeper themes and sometimes use idioms and figurative language.
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Examples: modern literary fiction, popular adult novels, some classics.
C1 (Advanced), C2 (Proficient)
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Complex language with advanced vocabulary, idioms and cultural references.
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Themes are often abstract, philosophical or nuanced.
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Examples: literary classics, challenging contemporary fiction, specialised non-fiction.
Tips for Choosing Books
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Start with stories that interest you – motivation is key!
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Use graded readers to build confidence if you’re at beginner or intermediate levels.
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Don’t worry about understanding every word – try to get the overall meaning first.
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Consider audiobooks or dual-language editions to support your reading.
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Gradually challenge yourself by trying slightly harder books over time.