110 Most Common Books and Reading Expressions for Speaking Fluency

If you’re teaching an ESL lesson about books and reading expressions, you’re in the right place. This post gives you everything you need to help your students speak confidently about books—no more guessing the right words during conversations!

We’ve put together 110 useful expressions in 11 easy-to-use categories. Your students will learn how to talk about genres, characters, endings, writing styles, and more. Whether they’re answering questions, giving opinions, or discussing a book in depth, these expressions will help them sound natural and fluent.

Why is this the best resource for your class? Because it’s not just a list. It’s a full teaching tool. You can use the expressions in vocabulary games, conversation tasks, debates, or even role-plays. Plus, the format makes it super easy to create worksheets or warm-up activities for all levels.

We know how often students struggle to describe what they read. They may enjoy the book, but they don’t always have the language to talk about it. With this list, your learners can finally express their thoughts, ask and answer discussion questions about reading, and even understand common book-related idioms.

So whether you’re planning a book club, a reading project, or just a speaking lesson, bookmark this post. These books and reading expressions will help your students enjoy reading—and talking about it—even more.

Let’s dive in!

Why Books and Reading Expressions Are Important in ESL

Talking about books is a common topic in English learning. Using the right books and reading expressions helps students explain what they think and feel about what they read. This makes their speaking and writing more clear and interesting.

When students learn these expressions, they can join conversations about books more easily. They can describe stories, share opinions, and ask questions. This builds their confidence and helps them practice English in real situations.

Books are also a great way to learn new vocabulary and ideas. Knowing how to talk about books encourages students to read more. The more they read and discuss, the better their English becomes.

Teachers can use books and reading expressions to create fun lessons. Activities like role-plays, debates, and discussions become more meaningful when students know the right language. This helps them stay motivated and improve faster.

Book Genres and Types

To talk naturally about books, ESL learners need expressions to identify what kind of book they’re discussing. These books and reading expressions help students label genres, explain preferences, and connect with others through shared interests. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or graphic novels, knowing the right terms makes book conversations easier and more fun.

Common Expression	Situation
“It’s a science fiction novel.”	You’re describing a book with futuristic or scientific themes.
“It’s a historical fiction story.”	You’re explaining that the story is set in a past time period.
“It’s a young adult fantasy.”	You’re describing a fantasy book written for teens.
“It’s a romantic comedy.”	You’re talking about a lighthearted love story.
“It’s a self-help book.”	You’re referring to a book meant for personal development.
“It’s a mystery novel.”	You’re explaining the book involves a puzzle or crime to solve.
“It’s a graphic novel.”	You’re talking about a book that uses comic-style illustrations.
“It’s based on a true story.”	You’re saying the book is inspired by real-life events.
“It’s part of a series.”	You’re explaining the book is one of several connected books.
“It’s a bestseller.”	You’re saying the book is very popular and widely sold.

Talking About the Plot

Understanding the storyline is key when discussing books. ESL students need specific books and reading expressions to describe what happens in the story, how it unfolds, and what keeps readers engaged. These phrases help learners summarize events, explain conflicts, and share how the plot develops—all important skills for classroom discussions and book reviews.

Common Expression	Situation
“The story revolves around a young detective.”	You’re explaining who the main character is and what the story focuses on.
“It’s about a girl who finds a magical door.”	You’re giving a short summary of the plot.
“It takes place in a small village.”	You’re describing the setting of the story.
“The plot is full of twists and turns.”	You’re saying the story has many surprises or unexpected moments.
“There’s a big twist at the end.”	You’re referring to a surprising change or revelation near the conclusion.
“It’s a slow-burning story.”	You’re saying the plot develops gradually, often with tension.
“The storyline is hard to follow.”	You’re saying the events are confusing or not clearly connected.
“Everything comes together in the end.”	You’re explaining that the ending ties up the different parts of the story.
“It’s driven by character decisions.”	You’re saying the plot moves forward because of what the characters do.
“It follows two timelines.”	You’re explaining that the story jumps between two different time periods.

Describing Characters

Characters are often what readers remember most about a book. To help ESL students talk about them, we use books and reading expressions focused on describing character traits, roles, and development. These expressions allow learners to explain who the characters are, what they do, and why they matter to the story.

Common Expression	Situation
“The protagonist is really relatable.”	You’re saying the main character feels realistic or easy to connect with.
“The villain is very complex.”	You’re describing a bad character with depth or mixed motivations.
“I didn’t like the main character at first.”	You’re expressing a personal reaction to a central figure in the story.
“She goes through a lot of changes.”	You’re talking about a character who develops or grows.
“He’s just a side character.”	You’re explaining someone’s role is not central to the story.
“The characters are well-developed.”	You’re saying the author gave them realistic traits and backstories.
“I couldn’t stand the love interest.”	You’re expressing dislike for a character involved in a romance.
“Each character has a clear personality.”	You’re saying the characters are distinct and easy to tell apart.
“The narrator is unreliable.”	You’re saying the character telling the story may not be telling the truth.
“She’s the most interesting character.”	You’re picking a favorite or most engaging person in the book.

Giving Personal Opinions

When students talk about books, they often want to express how they felt while reading. These books and reading expressions help learners share opinions clearly—whether they loved the book, found it boring, or were emotionally moved. Being able to give opinions with confidence makes book discussions more engaging and personal.

Common Expression	Situation
“I couldn’t put it down!”	You’re saying the book was so interesting that you read it all at once.
“It wasn’t really my cup of tea.”	You’re politely saying that you didn’t enjoy the book.
“I absolutely loved it.”	You’re showing strong positive feelings about the book.
“I found it kind of boring.”	You’re saying the book didn’t keep your interest.
“It made me cry.”	You’re saying the book was very emotional.
“It was hard to get into at first.”	You’re saying the beginning was slow or confusing.
“I didn’t expect to enjoy it.”	You’re surprised that you liked the book more than expected.
“I thought it was overrated.”	You’re saying the book is not as good as others claim.
“It really made me think.”	You’re saying the book was thought-provoking.
“It’s now one of my favorites.”	You’re saying the book has become one you truly love.

Describing the Writing Style

Different authors write in different ways, and ESL learners should know how to describe those differences. These books and reading expressions focus on tone, language, and pacing to help students comment on how a book is written, not just what it says. This skill is great for advanced discussions and reviews.

Common Expression	Situation
“The writing is rich and poetic.”	You’re saying the language is artistic and descriptive.
“It’s written in a very simple and clear style.”	You’re describing writing that’s easy to understand.
“The language is a bit too flowery for me.”	You’re saying the writing is too decorative or wordy.
“The dialogue feels natural.”	You’re saying the characters’ conversations sound realistic.
“The author uses a lot of imagery.”	You’re noticing many descriptive pictures created by words.
“The tone is quite dark.”	You’re saying the book feels serious or gloomy.
“It’s fast-paced and exciting.”	You’re describing writing that moves quickly and keeps your interest.
“It’s full of long, detailed descriptions.”	You’re saying the author goes into deep detail.
“The writing style is very unique.”	You’re saying the author’s way of writing stands out.
“It flows really well.”	You’re saying the writing is smooth and easy to follow.

Discussing the Ending

Endings can shape a reader’s final impression of a book. Students need books and reading expressions that help them describe how a story wraps up—whether it was satisfying, shocking, or confusing. These expressions are especially useful for encouraging reflection and sharing interpretations in group discussions.

Common Expression	Situation
“The ending took me by surprise.”	You’re saying the final part was unexpected or shocking.
“It left me with more questions than answers.”	You’re saying the ending was confusing or unresolved.
“Everything wrapped up nicely.”	You’re saying the story had a clear and satisfying conclusion.
“It had a really sad ending.”	You’re describing a tragic or emotional finish.
“I didn’t see that coming.”	You’re expressing surprise about how the story ended.
“The ending felt rushed.”	You’re saying the story finished too quickly or without enough detail.
“It ended on a cliffhanger.”	You’re saying the book ended without full resolution, possibly setting up a sequel.
“It was a perfect ending.”	You’re saying the conclusion fit the story well.
“The last chapter changed everything.”	You’re pointing out a major twist or reveal right at the end.
“I wish the ending was different.”	You’re expressing disappointment or personal preference.

Comparing Books

Once learners read more than one book, they often compare them. These books and reading expressions help ESL students describe similarities or differences between books, plots, characters, or authors. Comparing helps deepen comprehension and builds stronger discussion skills in the classroom.

Common Expression	Situation
“It reminded me of another novel by the same author.”	You’re noticing similar themes or styles across books.
“This one is far better than the last one I read.”	You’re expressing preference when comparing two books.
“The plot is similar, but the tone is very different.”	You’re comparing storyline and writing mood.
“I liked the characters more in this book.”	You’re focusing on how character development compares.
“They both deal with similar themes.”	You’re pointing out shared subjects or ideas.
“The writing in this one is more poetic.”	You’re comparing the author’s language or style.
“This book felt more realistic.”	You’re saying the story was more believable than another.
“The other book had a stronger ending.”	You’re comparing how the stories conclude.
“I read them back to back, and this one stood out more.”	You’re saying one left a bigger impression than the other.
“I prefer this author’s earlier work.”	You’re comparing different books by the same writer.

Talking About the Author

Authors often shape the entire feel of a book. These books and reading expressions allow students to talk about who wrote the book, what they’re known for, and how their background or style influences the story. This helps learners explore authorship as part of their reading experience.

Common Expression	Situation
“She’s known for her psychological thrillers.”	You’re describing the type of books the author is famous for.
“His books are always full of historical detail.”	You’re pointing out a recurring feature in the author’s writing.
“He’s one of my favorite authors.”	You’re expressing personal admiration.
“She’s won several awards.”	You’re mentioning the author’s professional recognition.
“This is her debut novel.”	You’re talking about an author’s first published book.
“He’s written over twenty books.”	You’re describing the author’s experience or body of work.
“I usually enjoy her writing style.”	You’re commenting on consistency in her books.
“This book felt different from his other ones.”	You’re noticing a shift in tone or style.
“She has a very unique voice.”	You’re describing her writing style as distinctive.
“He writes across multiple genres.”	You’re saying the author doesn’t stick to just one type of story.

Making Recommendations

Book conversations often include giving or asking for suggestions. These books and reading expressions help students recommend books naturally and clearly, making it easier to start conversations, build friendships, and share their reading experiences with others in or outside the classroom.

Common Expression	Situation
“You should definitely read it.”	You’re strongly recommending the book to someone.
“If you liked [Book Title], you’ll love this.”	You’re making a recommendation based on similar taste.
“I think you’d enjoy it.”	You’re gently suggesting the book might suit their preferences.
“It’s a must-read.”	You’re saying the book is essential or very popular.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about it.”	You’re recommending based on the book’s impact.
“It’s perfect for fans of mysteries.”	You’re matching the book to a specific genre interest.
“You’d really connect with the main character.”	You’re recommending based on emotional connection.
“It’s a quick and easy read.”	You’re suggesting a book that isn’t too challenging.
“I think you’ll find it inspiring.”	You’re recommending for personal motivation or lessons.
“This is one I always go back to.”	You’re saying it’s worth re-reading, which adds value.

Book Formats and Reading Habits

Not everyone reads books the same way. These books and reading expressions help ESL learners talk about their reading routines and preferences, whether they love audiobooks, e-readers, or paperbacks. Talking about reading habits also makes the topic more relatable and personalized.

Common Expression	Situation
“I listened to it as an audiobook.”	You’re saying you experienced the book by listening rather than reading.
“I prefer paperbacks over e-books.”	You’re expressing a preference for physical books.
“I read it on my Kindle.”	You’re talking about using an e-reader device.
“I borrowed it from the library.”	You’re saying you didn’t buy the book but loaned it.
“I’m re-reading it.”	You’re reading the same book again.
“I read a few chapters every night.”	You’re describing your reading routine.
“I finished it in one sitting.”	You’re saying you read the whole book at once.
“I usually read before bed.”	You’re talking about your typical reading time.
“I like to annotate while I read.”	You’re describing a study or note-taking habit.
“I switched to the audio version halfway through.”	You’re saying you changed the format while reading the book.

Quoting or Referring to the Book

Sometimes a book leaves a strong impression through specific lines or scenes. These books and reading expressions help learners refer back to those moments. Whether quoting directly or describing a powerful scene, these phrases give students a way to reflect on the text and share their insights with others.

Common Expression	Situation
“There’s this line that really stuck with me…”	You’re about to quote or paraphrase something memorable.
“One part that really hit me was…”	You’re sharing a meaningful or emotional moment.
“It says something like…”	You’re quoting loosely from memory.
“The book talks a lot about…”	You’re referring to a major theme or idea in the book.
“The author mentions this idea of…”	You’re highlighting a repeated concept or message.
“Remember that scene where…?”	You’re trying to bring someone’s attention to a specific moment.
“That quote at the beginning really set the tone.”	You’re referencing a memorable line that shaped your impression.
“He keeps repeating the same phrase throughout the book.”	You’re noting a repeated quote or motif.
“That chapter with the dream sequence was wild.”	You’re talking about a standout scene or moment.
“The way she described the house was so vivid.”	You’re pointing out powerful or visual writing.

Conclusion

Using books and reading expressions in your ESL classroom can make a big difference. These expressions help students talk more clearly and confidently about what they read. They support better speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills. When students have the right language to discuss books, they feel more involved and motivated to learn English.

This resource gives teachers easy ways to bring books into lessons through conversations, role-plays, debates, and questions. It also helps learners build useful vocabulary and practice natural expressions. By including these expressions in your teaching, you create a richer and more engaging learning experience.

Try using these expressions in your next class to see how they can open up discussions and make reading more exciting for your students. It’s a great step toward stronger English skills and more enjoyment in learning.

FAQs About Using Books and Reading Expressions

Why are books and reading expressions important for ESL learners?

Books and reading expressions give students the words they need to talk about stories, characters, and opinions clearly, helping improve their speaking and writing.

How can teachers use books and reading expressions in class?

Teachers can use them to create activities like discussions, role-plays, vocabulary games, and debates that make learning fun and practical.

Do these expressions work for all levels of ESL learners?

Yes, the expressions cover a wide range of difficulty levels, so teachers can select those that fit beginners to advanced students.

Can these expressions help improve students’ confidence?

Absolutely. When students know how to express their thoughts about books, they feel more comfortable participating in class conversations.

Are these expressions useful for writing tasks too?

Yes, they help students organize ideas and use clear language when writing book reports or reviews.

How can students practice these expressions outside the classroom?

Students can join book clubs, chat with friends, or use online forums to discuss books using these expressions.

What role do these expressions play in developing critical thinking?

They encourage students to analyze plots, characters, and endings, helping them think deeper about what they read.

Can teachers adapt this list for other reading materials like articles or stories?

Yes, many expressions are flexible and can be used to talk about different kinds of texts.

How can teachers assess students’ use of these expressions?

Through speaking activities, presentations, and written assignments focused on book discussions.

Is it helpful to combine these expressions with reading comprehension lessons?

Definitely. It reinforces understanding and gives students more ways to engage with the text.