Learn English: 12 Essential Words to Talk About Books

Why Reading Books is Great for Learning English

Reading is one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to learn English. When you read books, you enter a whole new world of language. You do not just memorize lists of words; you see how words work together in real sentences. This helps you understand English grammar naturally. Furthermore, reading improves your spelling because you see the correct forms of words on the page repeatedly.

Many English learners feel nervous about reading a whole book in a new language. However, you do not need to start with difficult literature. There are many simple stories and graded readers created specifically for A2 and B1 students. When you read a story you actually enjoy, you forget that you are studying. You simply want to know what happens next! If you ever feel confused about a story, you can always discuss it with your private English tutor at See Guru. Talking about a story is a fantastic way to practice your speaking skills.

12 Essential English Words About Books

To talk about books with your friends, teachers, or See Guru tutors, you need the right vocabulary. Here is a helpful list of 12 essential words about books. We have included simple definitions and example sentences to help you understand and remember each word.

1. Author

Definition: The person who writes a book, article, or document.

The author is the creator of the story. Some authors write many books, while others write only one. When you find a book you love, you might want to read other books by the same author. Example sentence: J.K. Rowling is the famous author of the Harry Potter books.

2. Character

Definition: A person, animal, or imaginary creature in a story.

Characters are the people you follow in a story. A good book usually has a main character (the hero) and several minor characters. Sometimes, you love the characters, and sometimes you hate them! Example sentence: My favorite character in the story is the brave young girl who saves her town.

3. Plot

Definition: The main events or the story of a book, movie, or play.

The plot is what actually happens in the book. It is the sequence of events from the beginning, through the middle, to the end. A good plot keeps you interested and makes you want to keep reading. Example sentence: The plot of this mystery novel is very exciting and full of big surprises.

4. Chapter

Definition: One of the main sections into which a book is divided.

Most long books are broken into chapters. Chapters make it easier to read a long story because you can stop and take a break. Some chapters are very short, while others are long. Example sentence: I was so tired last night that I only read two chapters of my book before going to sleep.

5. Novel

Definition: A long written story about imaginary people and events.

A novel is a specific type of book. It is always a work of fiction and usually has hundreds of pages. Novels can be about romance, mystery, science, or history. Example sentence: She loves reading, and she hopes to write a romance novel of her own one day.

6. Fiction

Definition: Books and stories about imaginary events and people; not real.

When you read fiction, you are reading a story that comes from the author's imagination. It is not a true story, even if it happens in a real city. Example sentence: I prefer reading fiction because it helps me escape reality and use my imagination.

7. Non-fiction

Definition: Books about real facts, real people, or true events.

Non-fiction is the opposite of fiction. These books teach you about the real world. Cookbooks, history books, and biographies (books about a real person's life) are all examples of non-fiction. Example sentence: He loves learning new facts, so he reads a lot of non-fiction, especially history books.

8. Publisher

Definition: A company or person that produces and sells books, magazines, or newspapers.

The author writes the book, but the publisher is the business that prints the book and puts it in stores. A successful author usually has a very good publisher. Example sentence: The publisher decided to print one million copies of the new book because it is highly anticipated.

9. Bestseller

Definition: A very popular book that sells a very large number of copies.

If everyone is buying and reading a certain book, it becomes a bestseller. You will often see a list of bestsellers in bookstores or online. Example sentence: Her new healthy cooking guide became a bestseller in just one week after it was released.

10. Cover

Definition: The outside part of a book that protects the pages inside.

The cover usually has the title of the book, the author's name, and a beautiful picture or design. There is a famous English idiom: "Do not judge a book by its cover." This means you should not form an opinion about something based only on how it looks. Example sentence: The book has a beautiful blue cover with a picture of a silver moon on it.

11. Genre

Definition: A particular style or category of literature, art, or music.

Genre is the type of story. Examples of genres include romance, horror, fantasy, science fiction, and thriller. Knowing your favorite genre helps you choose your next book. Example sentence: Science fiction is my absolute favorite genre of books because I love reading about space and the future.

12. Review

Definition: A written opinion or report about a book, movie, or product.

Before you buy a book, you might want to know if it is good. You can read reviews written by other readers or professional critics. A review tells you the good and bad parts of the book. Example sentence: I read a great review of this new mystery book online, so I decided to buy it for my trip.

How to Choose the Right Book for Your English Level

Choosing the right book is very important. If a book is too difficult, you will feel frustrated and stop reading. If it is too easy, you will not learn anything new. Here are some simple tips for English learners at the A2-B1 level.

First, try reading Graded Readers. These are books written specially for English learners. The publishers use simple vocabulary and basic grammar. You can find graded readers about famous movies, classic novels, or real-life events.

Second, choose a genre that you already love. If you enjoy romance movies, read a romance novel. If you like sports, read a non-fiction book about your favorite athlete. When you are interested in the topic, reading feels like fun, not work.

Third, do not use your dictionary for every single word. If you stop reading every minute to check a word, you will lose the plot of the story. Try to guess the meaning of the word from the sentence. Only use your dictionary if the word appears many times and you cannot understand the sentence without it.

Practice Talking About Books with See Guru

Reading is a solitary activity, which means you do it alone. But talking about books is a social activity! Discussing a book with another person is an amazing way to practice your English speaking and listening skills.

At See Guru, our private English tutors love talking about books, movies, and hobbies. You can tell your tutor about the plot of your favorite novel, describe the main character, or explain why a book is a bestseller. Having a 1-on-1 online English lesson gives you a safe space to practice your new vocabulary. Your tutor will listen to your ideas, help you with pronunciation, and correct your grammar gently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between fiction and non-fiction?

Fiction refers to stories that are created in the author's imagination. They are not real. Examples include fantasy novels, science fiction, and fairy tales. Non-fiction refers to books based on real facts, real people, and true events, such as history books, biographies, and science textbooks.

How can reading books help me learn English?

Reading helps you learn English by exposing you to new vocabulary in context. It shows you how grammar rules are used in real sentences. Reading also improves your spelling and helps you think in English, which makes speaking and writing much easier.

What kind of books should a beginner read?

Beginners (A1-A2) and intermediate learners (B1) should start with graded readers. These are special books designed for language learners. You can also read children's books, comic books, or short stories. It is best to choose a topic you already enjoy so you stay motivated.