5 Ways to Use Classic Novels as Reading Practice
Classic novels have beautiful examples of language, great stories and strong messages that have stood the test of time.
Do you love classic books? Would you like to start reading classic novels in English but don’t know where to start?
Follow my 5 tips!
1. Try a reader
To enjoy a classic novel, it doesn’t have to be in the original version. Many publishing houses (Macmillan, Penguin, Black Cat) produce ‘graded readers’ – well-known stories by famous authors in simplified English. These stories have all the excitement of the original but are more approachable because they provide help with more difficult words or phrases and often include comprehension questions and CD or mp3 download. Choose one that suits your level of English.
2. Try an e-reader
When you want to read a classic book, modern technology is on your side! With e-readers and tablets if you don’t know a word you can click on it and read the definition. On Kindle, the words are stored in a Vocabulary Builder that records the definition and the usage in the book. Whispersync for Voice connects to Audible, an application with professionally narrated audiobooks so you can switch between reading and listening.
3. Watch the movie
Is there a film based on the novel? I say ‘based on’ because as we all know a film can be quite different from the book. However, a film can help to bring the story to life and motivate you to go deeper into the book. You can use the same strategy when watching a film or reading a book. First, read a chapter or watch a scene to get a general understanding. Then watch a short clip or read a paragraph and try to understand just that part in more detail.
4. Choose a short story
Many famous stories from the Victorian period were originally published as serialised fiction in magazines or newspapers. Others were sold as ‘penny dreadfuls’ or ‘shilling shockers’ – short, cheap books for the mass market. ‘A Christmas Carol’, for example, has only 28,000 words. Keep it simple at first with a novel like ‘Animal Farm’. George Orwell was a relatively modern writer who had a reputation for his clear, clean writing.
Remember a classic can come in different forms. A short story like ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ by Ernest Hemingway is also a classic. ‘Dubliners’ by James Joyce is a collection of 15 short stories. You don’t have to read them all. Why not try one?
5. Research the past.
Do some research into the time period and the life of the author. This will give you a deeper understanding of the context of the novel. Then ask yourself how it relates to our world and experience today. You will develop empathy with the characters and their situations and consequently understand their message better.
I run three-week intensive programmes where I help English language learners and classics lovers unlock the secrets of these lessons from the past so that they can approach reading classic novels without fear.
http://www.lostinclassics.club/
Click here to find out more and get a free guide to our next chosen novel containing plot summaries and explanations of difficult words and phrases.
Join our classics-loving community at https://www.facebook.com/lomastroannafrances/
Thank you very much.
Anna Lo Mastro
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Good luck with your English!
Sarah x