Looking for the best way to teach books & reading vocabulary to your ESL students? You’ve just found it. This post gives you 110 carefully chosen words with clear meanings, example sentences, IPA pronunciation, and CEFR levels. It’s more than just a list—it’s a complete classroom tool.
Whether you’re planning vocabulary lessons, guided reading sessions, or even warm-up activities, this post will help you prepare fast and teach smarter. The words are organized into 11 easy-to-use categories like book types, story elements, and digital reading terms. That means no more wasting time searching for the right words. It’s all here.
You can also use this list for conversations about books, questions in reading comprehension, or writing book reviews. Want to try idioms related to reading? Use the “Reading Emotions” section. Need words for a role-play at a library or debate about digital books? We’ve got that covered too.
This post also supports common expressions your students will hear in real life, in bookstores, libraries, and even online reading platforms. No matter the level—from A1 to C1—there’s something here for every learner.
So if you want a resource that works across all skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—this is it. Bookmark it, print it, or share it with your team. Let’s make vocabulary lessons easier and more exciting!
Table of Contents
Why Books & Reading Vocabulary Is Important in the ESL Classroom
Books & reading vocabulary helps ESL students talk about one of the most common learning activities—reading. If they don’t know words like chapter, author, or plot, they may struggle to understand class tasks or follow reading exercises.
This vocabulary also helps students use school or community libraries. Words like borrow, librarian, or overdue make it easier for them to ask for help or find what they need.
When learners read stories or textbooks, knowing reading-related words helps them understand how a book is organized. It supports reading comprehension, especially when they can talk about main ideas, characters, or themes.
It also gives students the power to express opinions about what they read. They can say if a book is boring, exciting, or confusing. This builds confidence and makes class discussions more meaningful.
Teachers can also use books & reading vocabulary to plan fun activities. Role-plays, reading games, or group projects all become easier when students know the right words.
In short, this vocabulary connects students to real-life learning and makes reading activities much more effective and enjoyable.
1. Types of Books
When teaching ESL learners, introducing books & reading vocabulary can be a great way to encourage curiosity and classroom discussions around reading habits. One effective starting point is helping students name and describe different types of books. This not only builds vocabulary but also prepares them for real-life conversations at libraries, bookstores, and reading clubs. Below is a table of commonly used vocabulary related to types of books, including pronunciation, CEFR level, meaning, and example sentences.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| novel (n.) | /ˈnɒv.əl/ | B1 | A long story in book form, usually about imaginary characters | She’s reading a novel about life in medieval France. |
| biography (n.) | /baɪˈɒɡ.rə.fi/ | B2 | A written account of someone’s life | I read a biography of Nelson Mandela last year. |
| comic (n.) | /ˈkɒm.ɪk/ | A2 | A book with stories told in pictures and speech bubbles | He enjoys reading comics more than traditional books. |
| textbook (n.) | /ˈtekst.bʊk/ | B1 | A book used in schools or colleges that contains information on a subject | The biology textbook explains human anatomy clearly. |
| fairy tale (n.) | /ˈfeə.ri ˌteɪl/ | A2 | A children’s story about magical creatures or events | Cinderella is my favorite fairy tale. |
| autobiography (n.) | /ˌɔː.təʊ.baɪˈɒɡ.rə.fi/ | B2 | A book someone writes about their own life | Her autobiography reveals her struggles and success. |
| magazine (n.) | /ˌmæɡ.əˈziːn/ | A2 | A thin book with articles, photos, and advertisements, often published weekly or monthly | He bought a fashion magazine at the airport. |
| manual (n.) | /ˈmæn.ju.əl/ | B1 | A book that explains how to do or use something | Please read the manual before installing the software. |
| journal (n.) | /ˈdʒɜː.nəl/ | B2 | A serious magazine or newspaper that is published regularly about a particular subject | She published an article in a medical journal. |
| graphic novel (n.) | /ˌɡræf.ɪk ˈnɒv.əl/ | B2 | A book that tells a story through illustrations and text | He collects Japanese graphic novels. |
2. Parts of a Book
When building your students’ books & reading vocabulary, understanding the parts of a book is a must. It helps learners describe books clearly, follow instructions, and navigate texts with confidence—especially in academic settings. Use the table below to introduce these essential words during interactive classroom activities like book scavenger hunts or library tours.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cover (n.) | /ˈkʌv.ər/ | A2 | The outside front or back part of a book | The cover of that novel looks very interesting. |
| spine (n.) | /spaɪn/ | B1 | The edge of a book that holds the pages together and shows the title | The title is printed on the spine of the book. |
| index (n.) | /ˈɪn.deks/ | B2 | A list at the back of a book showing where to find information | Look up the topic in the index to find the right page. |
| blurb (n.) | /blɜːb/ | B2 | A short description of a book, usually on the back cover | The blurb made me want to read the whole book. |
| title page (n.) | /ˈtaɪ.təl ˌpeɪdʒ/ | B2 | The page at the beginning of a book showing the title and author | The title page includes the name of the publisher too. |
| table of contents (n.) | /ˈteɪ.bəl əv ˈkɒn.tents/ | B1 | A list of chapters or sections in a book with page numbers | Use the table of contents to find the right chapter. |
| preface (n.) | /ˈpref.ɪs/ | C1 | An introduction written by the author at the beginning of a book | The preface explains why the author wrote the book. |
| chapter (n.) | /ˈtʃæp.tər/ | A2 | A main division of a book or story | I’ve only read the first chapter so far. |
| glossary (n.) | /ˈɡlɒs.ər.i/ | B2 | A list of difficult words and meanings at the end of a book | You can check the glossary if you don’t understand a word. |
| footnote (n.) | /ˈfʊt.nəʊt/ | C1 | A note at the bottom of a page giving extra information | There’s a useful explanation in the footnote. |
3. People Involved in Books
Another key area of books & reading vocabulary is learning about the people who create books. This is especially helpful when students are writing book reviews, reports, or learning about the publishing process. Here’s a vocabulary list to help learners talk about the different roles in book production and writing.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| author (n.) | /ˈɔː.θər/ | A2 | The person who writes a book | J.K. Rowling is the author of the Harry Potter series. |
| editor (n.) | /ˈed.ɪ.tər/ | B1 | A person who checks and prepares text for publication | The editor corrected grammar and improved the flow. |
| illustrator (n.) | /ˈɪl.ə.streɪ.tər/ | B2 | A person who draws pictures for books | The children’s book has a famous illustrator. |
| publisher (n.) | /ˈpʌb.lɪ.ʃər/ | B2 | A company or person who produces and distributes books | The publisher released the book in over 20 countries. |
| translator (n.) | /trænzˈleɪ.tər/ | B2 | A person who converts text from one language to another | A translator worked on the French edition of the novel. |
| proofreader (n.) | /ˈpruːfˌriː.dər/ | C1 | Someone who checks writing for spelling and grammar errors | A proofreader makes sure there are no mistakes in the text. |
| co-author (n.) | /ˌkəʊˈɔː.θər/ | C1 | A person who writes a book with one or more other people | He was the co-author of the academic textbook. |
| critic (n.) | /ˈkrɪt.ɪk/ | B2 | A person who gives opinions about books or films in public | The critic gave the novel a five-star review. |
| reader (n.) | /ˈriː.dər/ | A2 | A person who reads books | She’s an enthusiastic reader of historical fiction. |
| book designer (n.) | /ˈbʊk dɪˌzaɪ.nər/ | C1 | A person who plans the visual layout of a book | The book designer chose the font and cover layout. |
4. Book-Related Verbs
To strengthen students’ books & reading vocabulary, it’s important to teach action verbs that describe what we do with books. These verbs are frequently used in classroom instructions, reading tasks, and assessments. Teaching them helps learners follow directions and discuss reading habits fluently.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| read (v.) | /riːd/ | A1 | To look at and understand written words | I read a chapter every night before bed. |
| skim (v.) | /skɪm/ | B1 | To read quickly to get the main idea | Skim the article to get a general idea before answering. |
| scan (v.) | /skæn/ | B1 | To look for specific information in a text | Scan the page for the date of the next event. |
| summarize (v.) | /ˈsʌm.ər.aɪz/ | B1 | To give a short version of something with the main points | Summarize the story in your own words. |
| highlight (v.) | /ˈhaɪ.laɪt/ | B1 | To mark words or sentences to show they are important | Highlight the key phrases in the paragraph. |
| borrow (v.) | /ˈbɒr.əʊ/ | A2 | To take a book for a short time, usually from a library | You can borrow three books at a time from the library. |
| return (v.) | /rɪˈtɜːn/ | A2 | To give something back after using it | Don’t forget to return the book by Friday. |
| underline (v.) | /ˌʌn.dəˈlaɪn/ | B2 | To draw a line under words for emphasis | Underline the verbs in each sentence. |
| cite (v.) | /saɪt/ | B2 | To mention the source of information in writing | You must cite the book you used in your essay. |
| flip through (v.) | /flɪp θruː/ | B2 | To quickly look at the pages of a book without reading closely | He flipped through the magazine while waiting. |
5. Reading Skills & Strategies
For more advanced learners, it’s helpful to introduce books & reading vocabulary that focuses on how we read. These words describe mental strategies and actions that boost comprehension. Teachers can use this set to guide students in using active reading techniques.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| predict (v.) | /prɪˈdɪkt/ | B1 | To guess what will happen next in a text based on clues | Try to predict what might happen in the next chapter. |
| infer (v.) | /ɪnˈfɜːr/ | B2 | To understand something not directly stated | From her words, we can infer she was unhappy with the book. |
| analyze (v.) | /ˈæn.əl.aɪz/ | B2 | To study or examine something in detail | Analyze the author’s tone in the final paragraph. |
| annotate (v.) | /ˈæn.ə.teɪt/ | C1 | To add notes or comments to a text | Annotate the passage to show how the character changes. |
| question (v.) | /ˈkwes.tʃən/ | B1 | To ask questions about what you’re reading | Good readers question what the author really means. |
| summarize (v.) | /ˈsʌm.ər.aɪz/ | B1 | To tell the main points briefly | Can you summarize what the article is about? |
| connect (v.) | /kəˈnekt/ | B1 | To relate the text to your life or other knowledge | Try to connect the story to something in your own experience. |
| visualize (v.) | /ˈvɪʒ.u.əl.aɪz/ | B2 | To form a picture in your mind while reading | Visualize the setting described in the paragraph. |
| clarify (v.) | /ˈklær.ɪ.faɪ/ | B2 | To make something easier to understand | Reread the section to clarify what the author means. |
| evaluate (v.) | /ɪˈvæl.ju.eɪt/ | B2 | To judge or assess the value or quality of something | Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the article. |
6. Library & Bookstore Vocabulary
This category introduces learners to common books & reading vocabulary used in libraries and bookstores. These words are essential for real-world English interactions like borrowing a book, asking for help, or finding a specific genre. Use these terms in role-play activities to simulate real-life situations.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| shelf (n.) | /ʃelf/ | A2 | A flat surface where books are stored, usually in a row | The history books are on the top shelf. |
| checkout (n.) | /ˈtʃek.aʊt/ | B1 | The place or process of borrowing a book from a library | Go to the checkout to borrow the book. |
| librarian (n.) | /laɪˈbreə.ri.ən/ | B1 | A person who works in a library and helps people find books | The librarian helped me find a good mystery novel. |
| overdue (adj.) | /ˌəʊ.vəˈdjuː/ | B2 | Describes something not returned on time | The book is overdue, so I have to pay a fine. |
| library card (n.) | /ˈlaɪ.brər.i ˌkɑːd/ | A2 | A card that allows you to borrow books from the library | You need a library card to borrow books. |
| fine (n.) | /faɪn/ | B1 | Money you pay as a penalty for returning books late | I had to pay a fine for not returning the book on time. |
| bookstore (n.) | /ˈbʊk.stɔːr/ | A2 | A place where books are sold | She went to the bookstore to buy a new novel. |
| catalogue (n.) | /ˈkæt.əl.ɒɡ/ | B2 | A list of books or items arranged in a specific order | You can search the library catalogue online. |
| library (n.) | /ˈlaɪ.brər.i/ | A1 | A place where books are kept for people to read or borrow | We went to the library after class. |
| reserve (v.) | /rɪˈzɜːv/ | B2 | To ask for a book to be saved for you to borrow later | I reserved the book online and picked it up the next day. |
7. Genres and Themes
Understanding genres and themes is crucial for helping learners choose books that interest them and participate in discussions or reviews. This part of books & reading vocabulary supports learners in classifying stories and expressing reading preferences with confidence.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mystery (n.) | /ˈmɪs.tər.i/ | A2 | A story about a crime or puzzle that needs solving | She loves reading mystery novels about detectives. |
| adventure (n.) | /ədˈven.tʃər/ | A2 | A story full of exciting and risky events | The book is an adventure story set in the jungle. |
| romance (n.) | /ˈrəʊ.mæns/ | B1 | A love story between characters | This is a light romance perfect for summer reading. |
| dystopian (adj.) | /dɪsˈtəʊ.pi.ən/ | C1 | Relating to an imagined society that is unpleasant or frightening | Many teens enjoy dystopian novels like The Hunger Games. |
| science fiction (n.) | /ˌsaɪ.əns ˈfɪk.ʃən/ | B1 | A story based on imagined future science or technology | He enjoys reading science fiction set in space. |
| fantasy (n.) | /ˈfæn.tə.si/ | B1 | A story that involves magic, mythical creatures, or imaginary worlds | Harry Potter is a well-known fantasy series. |
| horror (n.) | /ˈhɒr.ər/ | B1 | A story meant to scare or shock readers | I don’t like horror books—they’re too scary. |
| historical fiction (n.) | /hɪˈstɒr.ɪ.kəl ˈfɪk.ʃən/ | B2 | A story set in the past with some real historical elements | She reads a lot of historical fiction about World War II. |
| non-fiction (n.) | /ˌnɒnˈfɪk.ʃən/ | B1 | Books based on facts, real people, and events | This non-fiction book explains climate change in simple terms. |
| thriller (n.) | /ˈθrɪl.ər/ | B2 | A story with lots of suspense and excitement | He couldn’t put the thriller down—it was so gripping! |
8. Reading Emotions & Opinions
This category of books & reading vocabulary helps students express personal reactions to what they read. Words like boring, thrilling, or inspiring allow learners to participate in book discussions, reviews, and reflection activities more naturally and confidently.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| boring (adj.) | /ˈbɔː.rɪŋ/ | A2 | Not interesting; dull | I stopped reading because the story was boring. |
| thrilling (adj.) | /ˈθrɪl.ɪŋ/ | B1 | Very exciting and full of suspense | The final chapter was absolutely thrilling! |
| confusing (adj.) | /kənˈfjuː.zɪŋ/ | B1 | Difficult to understand | The plot was confusing, and I couldn’t follow the timeline. |
| inspiring (adj.) | /ɪnˈspaɪə.rɪŋ/ | B2 | Making you feel hopeful or encouraged | The story of the young scientist was truly inspiring. |
| funny (adj.) | /ˈfʌn.i/ | A2 | Causing laughter or amusement | This book is really funny—I laughed out loud several times. |
| emotional (adj.) | /ɪˈməʊ.ʃən.əl/ | B2 | Causing strong feelings, especially sadness or joy | It’s an emotional story about a mother and her son. |
| powerful (adj.) | /ˈpaʊə.fəl/ | B2 | Having a strong effect on the reader | The novel delivers a powerful message about justice. |
| dull (adj.) | /dʌl/ | B2 | Not lively or interesting | The characters were flat, and the story felt dull. |
| uplifting (adj.) | /ʌpˈlɪft.ɪŋ/ | B2 | Making someone feel better or more hopeful | I love books with uplifting endings. |
| meaningful (adj.) | /ˈmiː.nɪŋ.fəl/ | B2 | Having deep value or significance | The final scene was short but very meaningful. |
9. Academic & Textbook Vocabulary
This part of the books & reading vocabulary is essential for helping learners navigate academic materials. These words appear frequently in textbooks, reference books, and study guides. Mastery of this vocabulary supports effective study habits and classroom performance.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| chapter (n.) | /ˈtʃæp.tər/ | A2 | A main section in a book | Please read chapter 5 before the next class. |
| glossary (n.) | /ˈɡlɒs.ər.i/ | B2 | A list at the end of a book explaining hard words | Use the glossary to check the new science terms. |
| heading (n.) | /ˈhed.ɪŋ/ | A2 | The title of a section in a book or chapter | Each section has a clear heading to guide the reader. |
| reference (n.) | /ˈref.ər.əns/ | B2 | A source of information or a citation in academic writing | You should include at least one reference for each claim. |
| paragraph (n.) | /ˈpær.ə.ɡrɑːf/ | A2 | A group of related sentences in a text | The introduction has three short paragraphs. |
| diagram (n.) | /ˈdaɪ.ə.ɡræm/ | B1 | A drawing that explains information visually | There’s a helpful diagram showing the water cycle. |
| footnote (n.) | /ˈfʊt.nəʊt/ | C1 | A note at the bottom of a page that adds information | The footnote explains the Latin phrase. |
| appendix (n.) | /əˈpen.dɪks/ | C1 | Extra information at the end of a book or document | The full chart is included in the appendix. |
| index (n.) | /ˈɪn.deks/ | B2 | An alphabetical list of topics and page numbers | Look up “climate change” in the index. |
| citation (n.) | /saɪˈteɪ.ʃən/ | C1 | A formal note of where information came from | Every quote must be followed by a proper citation. |
10. Digital Reading Terms
In modern ESL classrooms, students often engage with digital texts, making it important to include books & reading vocabulary related to technology. These words help learners use e-books, websites, and educational platforms effectively while reading online.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e-book (n.) | /ˈiː.bʊk/ | B1 | A book in digital form that can be read on a screen | I downloaded an e-book to read on the bus. |
| scroll (v.) | /skrəʊl/ | B1 | To move text or images up or down on a screen | Scroll down to find the next chapter in the app. |
| download (v.) | /ˌdaʊnˈləʊd/ | B1 | To transfer data from the internet to your device | She downloaded a free novel from the library website. |
| hyperlink (n.) | /ˈhaɪ.pə.lɪŋk/ | B2 | A clickable link that opens a webpage or document | Click the hyperlink to read the full article online. |
| PDF (n.) | /ˌpiː.diːˈef/ | B1 | A file format often used for reading documents digitally | The teacher shared the reading in a PDF format. |
| highlight (v.) | /ˈhaɪ.laɪt/ | B1 | To select and mark text on a screen, often in color | Highlight the main ideas in the paragraph using the app. |
| navigate (v.) | /ˈnæv.ɪ.ɡeɪt/ | B2 | To move through a website or digital document | Students need to learn how to navigate online textbooks. |
| bookmark (v.) | /ˈbʊk.mɑːk/ | B2 | To save your place in a digital book or webpage | You can bookmark the page to read it later. |
| audiobook (n.) | /ˈɔː.di.əʊ.bʊk/ | B1 | A book that is read aloud and recorded for listening | I listened to an audiobook while cooking. |
| font (n.) | /fɒnt/ | B1 | The style or size of printed or digital text | Increase the font size for easier reading. |
11. Story Elements Vocabulary
Understanding story structure is key to developing reading and writing skills. This final category of books & reading vocabulary introduces learners to terms that help them analyze and discuss narrative texts—essential for writing reviews, summaries, or storytelling.
| Word | IPA Pronunciation | CEFR Level | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| plot (n.) | /plɒt/ | B1 | The main events of a story | The plot was full of unexpected twists. |
| character (n.) | /ˈkær.ək.tər/ | A2 | A person or figure in a story | My favorite character is the young detective. |
| setting (n.) | /ˈset.ɪŋ/ | B1 | The time and place where a story happens | The setting is a small village in the 1800s. |
| climax (n.) | /ˈklaɪ.mæks/ | B2 | The most exciting or important moment in a story | The story builds slowly, then reaches a dramatic climax. |
| conflict (n.) | /ˈkɒn.flɪkt/ | B2 | A problem or struggle between characters or forces | The conflict between the hero and villain drives the story. |
| resolution (n.) | /ˌrez.əˈluː.ʃən/ | B2 | The way a story’s problem is solved | The resolution was satisfying and realistic. |
| theme (n.) | /θiːm/ | B2 | The main idea or message of a story | Friendship is the central theme of the book. |
| narrator (n.) | /nəˈreɪ.tər/ | B2 | The person or voice telling the story | The narrator is a child remembering her past. |
| protagonist (n.) | /prəˈtæɡ.ən.ɪst/ | C1 | The main character in a story | The protagonist is a teenage girl who loves science. |
| dialogue (n.) | /ˈdaɪ.ə.lɒɡ/ | B1 | Conversation between characters | The dialogue in the story sounds very natural. |
Conclusion
Teaching books & reading vocabulary in the ESL classroom opens the door to better reading, speaking, and thinking. It helps learners talk about books, follow instructions, and share their ideas more confidently.
This vocabulary also supports other skills like writing book reviews, doing library tasks, or joining discussions. When students know these words, they enjoy reading more and feel proud to use real-life English in and out of class.
Make sure to introduce the vocabulary step by step, use lots of examples, and practice it in fun ways. That’s how learners remember the words and enjoy the process.
FAQs about using books & reading vocabulary in ESL class
What is the best way to introduce books & reading vocabulary to ESL students?
Start with familiar book types and basic terms. Use real books, flashcards, and pictures to make learning visual and fun.
At what level should I begin teaching this vocabulary?
You can start with simple words like book, read, or author from A1, and gradually introduce more complex ones like climax or dystopian at B2–C1 levels.
How can I help students remember the new vocabulary?
Use the words in reading tasks, games, group work, and writing activities. Repeating them in different contexts helps students remember them better.
Can this vocabulary support writing activities too?
Yes! It’s great for writing book summaries, reviews, or essays where students analyze texts.
How can I use this vocabulary in speaking practice?
Let students describe their favorite books, give opinions using emotional words, or role-play library situations using the new terms.
Should I teach the vocabulary before or after reading?
Teach key terms before reading to prepare students, then reinforce them after the reading with practice and discussion.
Can I use this list with mixed-level classes?
Absolutely. Just group words by CEFR level and give easier or more advanced terms based on each student’s ability.
What classroom activities work best with this vocabulary?
Try vocabulary bingo, reading scavenger hunts, flashcard games, pair interviews, and book report posters.
Is this vocabulary useful for academic English learners?
Yes, especially the sections on academic and textbook terms, digital reading, and reading strategies.
Where can I find materials to support this vocabulary?
Use classroom books, free library apps, online stories, or make your own worksheets based on the word list provided.
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