Stellenbosch University Language Centre

Tag: first books in English

Reading for all levels of English with Carmen 3

You’ve been transported to Carmen’s book corner!

Hi there, bookworms! I am back with another instalment of my ESL book recommendations. It is the month of love and this month I am giving you three book recommendations that are perfect for Valentine’s Day!  

As we all know, reading is the best way to keep your English fit and what better way to train your brain than with some love-themed stories.  

Below are three book recommendations for beginners, intermediate students, and more advanced learners. This list will have something for every type of reader no matter what your level.  

Happy Valentine’s Day and happy reading!  

1.The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep by Hans Christian Anderson (Upper-Elementary – Pre-Intermediate) 

Fairy tales are the best place to start if you want to improve your English or if you just want to read a little bit more.  

This short story by the fairy tale master himself is the perfect little romance novel, filled with whimsy and an important lesson about the power of love.  

Synopsis 

‘The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep’ is a short story by the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. It is one of his fairy tale fantasies about household objects, all of which have a moral at the end.  

This story is about a romance between two china figurines, about love, bravery, cowardice and jealousy – and also about never underestimating the pleasure and contentment found in your own home and family. 

2. Charlotte’s Web by EB White (Intermediate)  

Charlotte’s Web is an English classic that has enchanted readers young and old for years. Filled with gorgeous illustrations and unforgettable characters, this book is a celebration of the love of friendship. After all, love does not always have to be romantic. The love between friends can be the most powerful.  

The story is simple and easy to follow but it is also a beautiful exploration of the power of love and loyalty. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a silly little book for children; Charlotte’s Web has powerful lessons for the youngest to the oldest of readers.  

Synopsis 

A masterpiece of American children’s literature, ‘Charlotte’s Web’ is a fable by E.B. White about a runt of a pig named Wilbur, who is loved by a little girl called Fern and befriended by a very clever spider named Charlotte. 

Together, Charlotte and Fern set out to save Wilber from being killed. With humour and heartache, this book will tug at your heartstrings and challenge your English.  

3. Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery (Intermediate-Advanced)  

This book is a staple in most readers’ bookshelves. With the fierce and feisty character of Anne at the helm, this novel is about her adoption into an unconventional family where the true meaning of love is learned.  

True love does not always have to be romantic, as Anne shows us in this book. Love between friends and family is often the most important (but there is also a sneaky little love story).  

Synopsis 

Matthew Cuthbert and his sister, Marilla, live in Avonlea on Canada’s Prince Edward Island. Needing help on their farm, Green Gables, they apply to adopt a boy from an orphanage. By mistake, however, a red-haired, freckle-faced 11-year-old girl named Anne Shirley is sent to the siblings. While Matthew instantly takes to Anne, Marilla is unsure about keeping her. However, the cheerful and highly imaginative Anne gradually transforms the joyless lives of shy Matthew and prim Marilla, and they come to view her as a daughter. 

‘Anne of Green Gables’ is a sentimental but charming coming-of-age story about a spirited and unconventional orphan girl who finds a home in the most unconventional place.  

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About Carmen

I am an English and linguistics teacher. I live in Stellenbosch with my cat and too many books!

When I grew up, my family and I were very fortunate because we had a lot of books in our home. My brothers and I would often visit the local library in the small town we grew up in and get lost in the wonderful world of books. My love of books grew as I did, and today books are a big part of my life.

I like to read books from all types of genres, but my favourites include mystery novels, historical fiction stories as well as non-fiction like biographies.

My all-time favourite quote is from the author Dr Seuss:

 

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Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

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I am currently doing my master’s degree in Linguistics at the University of Stellenbosch. Reading has always been a big part of my life and it is now part of my job; I am a book reviewer for a South African newspaper called The South African.

I first started reviewing books on my book Instagram (@carmens_book_nook) in 2020. In this same year I began writing articles for The South African. Since then, I have written for various other publications. My work has been featured in the local student newspaper Die Matie, and I have also reviewed a book for SARIE magazine.

 

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Reading for all levels of English with Carmen 2

You’ve been transported to Carmen’s book corner!

Hi there, bookworms! I am back with another instalment of my ESL book recommendations. The summer holidays are coming up and this time around, I am giving you some book ideas that are perfect for the beach. It is easy to fall into the holiday trap and forget all things English as you rest after the long year we have had and prepare for the year ahead. That is why it is so important to read some English during the holidays to keep your English muscles fit.

Below are three book recommendations for beginners, intermediate students, and more advanced learners. This list will have something for every type of reader and student.

Happy holidays and happy reading!

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton (Elementary – Pre-Intermediate 

This is a great book for learners who – like me – love Christmas. The story is exciting, and the writing is whimsical but easy to follow. This book will help students to get in a festive mood and learners of all ages will enjoy this lovely book.

Synopsis

Meet Jack Skellington. He’s in charge of making Halloweenland the coolest creepy place around. But when Jack suddenly grows bored with tricks and treats, he goes searching for new ways to celebrate … and he finds them in Christmas Town!

Christmas, Jack decides, is just what Halloweenland – and the world – needs! He sets out to take over the role of Santa. But can anything good come of a tall and lanky skeleton dressed up as everyone’s favourite jolly old elf? You will have to read and fine out …

2. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (Upper Elementary to Intermediate) 

The Little Prince is an English classic (even though it was originally written in French) and it has been a cult favourite for years. Filled with beautiful writing and gorgeous illustrations too, this book is perfect to pack for holiday.

This beloved, world-famous allegorical classic about a young prince on a quest for knowledge is an essential read for every home library.

This amazing little book will capture the hearts of readers of all ages. Few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as The Little Prince.

Synopsis

When a pilot crashes in the Sahara Desert, he meets a little boy who asks him to draw a sheep. Gradually the Little Prince reveals more about himself: He comes from a small asteroid, where he lived alone until a rose grew there.

But the rose grew demanding, and he was confused by his feelings for her. The story unfolds further from one planet to the next in a beautiful adventure of love.

3. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (Intermediate-Advanced)

This is a beautiful story with simple writing that will engage and challenge students who have some experience in English. The story is filled with unforgettable characters, a thrilling adventure and some valuable life lessons.

Synopsis

Come along, Toto, she said. We will go to the Emerald City and ask the Great Oz how to get back to Kansas again.

Swept away from her home in Kansas by a tornado, Dorothy and her dog Toto find themselves stranded in the fantastical Land of Oz. As instructed by the Good Witch of the North and the Munchkins, Dorothy sets off on the yellow brick road to try and find her way to the Emerald City and the Wizard of Oz, who can help her get home.

With her companions the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy experiences an adventure full of friendship, magic and danger. A much-loved children’s classic, The Wizard of Oz continues to delight readers young and old with its enchanting tale of witches, flying monkeys and silver shoes.

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About Carmen

I am an English and linguistics teacher. I live in Stellenbosch with my cat and too many books!

When I grew up, my family and I were very fortunate because we had a lot of books in our home. My brothers and I would often visit the local library in the small town we grew up in and get lost in the wonderful world of books. My love of books grew as I did, and today books are a big part of my life.

I like to read books from all types of genres, but my favourites include mystery novels, historical fiction stories as well as non-fiction like biographies.

My all-time favourite quote is from the author Dr Seuss:

 

[us_hwrapper]

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

[/us_hwrapper]

I am currently doing my master’s degree in Linguistics at the University of Stellenbosch. Reading has always been a big part of my life and it is now part of my job; I am a book reviewer for a South African newspaper called The South African.

I first started reviewing books on my book Instagram (@carmens_book_nook) in 2020. In this same year I began writing articles for The South African. Since then, I have written for various other publications. My work has been featured in the local student newspaper Die Matie, and I have also reviewed a book for SARIE magazine.

 

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Reading for all levels of English with Carmen 1

You’ve been transported to Carmen’s book corner!

Here you will find some great book recommendations for learners of all levels of English. I’m Carmen, and in my first blog post I talk about three books that I think everyone should read in their lifetime. You are sure to find a book suited to your level of English, from Elementary to Advanced.

Welcome and enjoy!

1. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss (Elementary to Pre-Intermediate)

This is a great book for learners who are just starting out with English. The writing is simple and easy to follow. The story is also wildly funny and can be enjoyed by young and old.

In Green Eggs and Ham, we meet Sam-I-Am who is on a mission to get his friend to eat ham and green eggs (yuck!). Sam-I-Am tries everything, but does he succeed? Well, you will have to read the book and find out.

2. Matilda by Roald Dahl (Upper Elementary to Intermediate)

This is a beautiful story with simple writing that will engage and challenge students who have some experience in English.

In this story, we meet Matilda, a sweet young girl who is very smart. She loves school, and she especially loves maths and reading. But poor Matilda has the worst family you could imagine! They are lazy and don’t like Matilda’s smart ideas. At school, even though she has a nice teacher, the principal is a scary woman who is out to get Matilda and tries to make her life awful! Matilda has a plan though …

3. The Adventures of Tintin by Hergé (Intermediate to Advanced)

These exciting comics are for more advanced students but can be enjoyed by everyone. Not only are the mysteries great, but the pictures alongside the words can also help students follow the story. If you love comic books or mysteries, you should step into the wonderful world of Tintin.

He is a fearless reporter who travels all over the world solving many mysteries. His three companions on these adventures are his dog Snowy, the weird and funny Captain Haddock, and the very smart Professor Calculus. Together they tackle some major mysteries all over the world.

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About Carmen

I am an English and linguistics teacher. I live in Stellenbosch with my cat and too many books!

When I grew up, my family and I were very fortunate because we had a lot of books in our home. My brothers and I would often visit the local library in the small town we grew up in and get lost in the wonderful world of books. My love of books grew as I did, and today books are a big part of my life.

I like to read books from all types of genres, but my favourites include mystery novels, historical fiction stories as well as non-fiction like biographies.

My all-time favourite quote is from the author Dr Seuss:

 

[us_hwrapper]

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

[/us_hwrapper]

I am currently doing my master’s degree in Linguistics at the University of Stellenbosch. Reading has always been a big part of my life and it is now part of my job; I am a book reviewer for a South African newspaper called The South African.

I first started reviewing books on my book Instagram (@carmens_book_nook) in 2020. In this same year I began writing articles for The South African. Since then, I have written for various other publications. My work has been featured in the local student newspaper Die Matie, and I have also reviewed a book for SARIE magazine.

 

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