Top 10 English classic novels

English novels not only help us entertain after stressful school and work hours but also help improve English vocabulary, structure and knowledge. Join PREP to learn about the benefits, reading apps/websites, and the list of the 10 most English classic novels of our time. Refer now!

I. Benefits of Reading English Novels

Reading English novels offers numerous benefits that help learners acquire the language from various perspectives. If you haven't tried reading English novels yet, here are some amazing benefits to consider:

• Enhance Language Skills: Reading English novels helps expand vocabulary and improve language skills. You'll encounter complex sentence structures, diverse vocabulary, and real-world language contexts.

• Deepen Cultural Understanding: English novels often reflect the culture and society of the author's background. Reading them helps you gain a better understanding of the history, education, imagination, and cultural values of English-speaking cultures.

• Develop Imagination: English novels often contain imaginative worlds and complex stories. Reading stimulates creativity and enhances your ability to imagine.

• Improve Reading Comprehension: Reading English novels is an effective way to improve comprehension skills. You'll need to understand the content, learn about the characters, and follow intricate events.

• Develop Writing Skills: Reading a variety of English novels can help you grasp story structure, plot development, and writing style, which can support your own writing development.

• Relieve Stress and Anxiety: Immersing yourself in an engaging story can help reduce stress and anxiety while learning a new language. Reading novels is a great form of entertainment for relaxation.

II. Common Mistakes When Learning English Through Novels

Although learning English through novels offers many benefits, as PREP has outlined above, there are some mistakes learners may encounter during the reading process:

• Choosing Books That Are Too Difficult: Some learners often select novels that are overly complex, with difficult vocabulary or intricate grammar. This can lead to frustration and an inability to understand the content.

• Not Using a Dictionary Properly: Overusing a dictionary can disrupt the reading process and break the flow of understanding the story. Instead of looking up every new word immediately, try to grasp the overall meaning of the paragraph.

• Focusing Too Much on Vocabulary and Grammar: Some learners become overly concerned with memorizing vocabulary and grammar, especially minor and less significant details. This can detract from the enjoyment and comfort of reading.

• Not Being Proactive in Discussion and Language Use: If learners only read without discussing or using the language in other activities, they may not develop their communication skills effectively.

• Being Subjective About Book Choices: Choosing books simply because they are popular or recommended, without considering whether they suit one's own level, can be a mistake. Everyone has different preferences and levels of English proficiency.

• Not Setting Reading Goals: Establishing specific reading goals helps learners maintain commitment and provides direction in their studies.

• Lacking Patience: Learning English through novels is a time-consuming process. Learners need to be patient and should not get discouraged when faced with difficulties.

To learn effectively through English novels, it is essential to understand that the learning process is a journey, not a race. Enjoy the reading process and naturally enhance your language skills!

III. Websites/Apps for Reading English Novels

Below, PREP will reveal 5 of the most popular and high-quality websites for reading English novels. Check them out to choose a suitable reading channel for yourself!

1. Wattpad

Wattpad is a community platform for writing and reading novels online. Users can search for and read thousands of novels for free, as well as share their own works.

Key Features:

• Thousands of free novels.

• A community of readers and authors.

• Widely used in the online writing and reading community.

2. Goodreads

Goodreads is a website and mobile app focused on the reading community. Users can rate, tag, and review books, as well as participate in reading groups and discussions.

Key Features:

• Track books you have read, are currently reading, and want to read.

• Rate and tag books.

• Receive book recommendations based on your reading preferences.

3. Libby

Libby is an app from the OverDrive library system, providing a convenient way to borrow and read eBooks from public libraries.

Key Features:

• Borrow eBooks from the library.

• Integrated with public libraries.

• User-friendly and easy-to-navigate interface.

4. Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg offers a large collection of free eBooks, particularly important cultural and literary works that are in the public domain.

Key Features:

• Free eBooks in a variety of genres.

• Works that are in the public domain.

• Easy to download in text or HTML format.

5. Amazon Kindle

Amazon Kindle is an app and eBook reading device from Amazon. Users can purchase and download books from the Kindle Store, as well as read eBooks stored in Amazon Cloud.

Key Features:

• A vast eBook store.

• Sync books across multiple devices.

• Integrated reading and smart search functionality.

IV. Famous English Novels of All Time

Below, PREP has gathered and compiled a list of the 10 most influential English novels of all time. Not only are these novels captivating in terms of content, but they have also maintained top positions for decades due to the lessons they subtly convey. Let’s explore the list of these 10 English novels with PREP!

1. Game of Thrones - George R. R. Martin

Game of Thrones is a work by George R. R. Martin, a famous American author. It depicts the brutal war between various families vying for power in Westeros. The story focuses on the Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, and Targaryen families. It includes elements of magic, strange monsters, and intense, direct conflicts.

2. Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter is a work by J. K. Rowling, a famous British author. The story revolves around Harry Potter, an orphaned boy who discovers he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts. Harry's adventures include the battle against the evil Voldemort, uncovering his family's past, and the formation of memorable friendships.

3. Sherlock Holmes - Arthur Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes is a work by Arthur Conan Doyle, a famous Scottish author. The stories about Sherlock Holmes focus on solving intricate cases. Holmes, with his sharp intellect and exceptional powers of observation, collaborates with his close friend Watson to uncover secrets and seek justice.

4. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games is a work by Suzanne Collins, a famous American author. The Hunger Games takes place in a dark future where 24 teenagers are chosen to participate in a deadly competition. Katniss Everdeen, who lives in the impoverished District 12, struggles not only to survive but also to change the tyrannical system of the Capitol.

5. Twilight - Stephenie Meyer

Twilight is a work by Stephenie Meyer, a famous American author. Twilight focuses on the relationship between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. As they discover love between a human and a vampire, the book explores the dangers and difficult choices they must face.

6. Wuthering Heights - Emily Brontë

Wuthering Heights is a work by Emily Brontë, a famous British author. Wuthering Heights tells the tragic love story between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, a tumultuous relationship filled with jealousy, hatred, and self-destruction.

7. Lords of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings is a work by J.R.R. Tolkien, a famous British author. Frodo and his companions journey through Middle-earth to destroy the One Ring and prevent Sauron from rising to power. This adventure is filled with significant challenges while also telling a story of courage and friendship.

8. Peter Pan - J.M. Barrie

Peter Pan is a work by J.M. Barrie, a famous Scottish author. Peter Pan is a story about dreaming and keeping the spirit of childhood alive. Peter Pan is a boy who lives in Neverland, a place where no one ever grows old, and he embarks on adventures with his close friends Wendy, John, and Michael.

9. The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby is a work by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a famous American author. The Great Gatsby reflects the lavish lifestyle and regrets of the 1920s. Gatsby, a wealthy man, seeks the love of Daisy and navigates the extravagant world of the upper class.

10. To Kill a Mockingbird - Nelle Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird is a work by Nelle Harper Lee, a famous American author. To Kill a Mockingbird tells the story of a white family and their fight against racial discrimination in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama. Love and justice are emphasized through the eyes of a child named Scout Finch and her brother Jem.

V. How to Learn English Through English Novels

Learning English through English novels is an enjoyable way that combines entertainment with skill enhancement. So how can you effectively learn English through novels? Below, PREP will share detailed tips to help you!

• For Those with a Strong English Foundation: The method of learning English through novels is best suited for those with a solid foundation, such as an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher, who are aiming for 7.5 or 8. When starting out, choose novels that are of moderate length and easy to read. For those looking to enhance their translation skills, consider reading longer series with profound meanings.

• Focus on Understanding Vocabulary and Structure Contexts: If you want to comprehend the content of the work and the deeper implications of the author, strive to understand the context in which words and structures are used to infer the meaning of entire sentences and paragraphs.

• Listen to Stories on YouTube or Radio: If you want to improve your English listening skills, you can search for channels on YouTube or eBooks. Just type in "stories to read," and then practice active listening to enhance your knowledge.

• Take Notes on Important Knowledge: While reading English novels, you can jot down important vocabulary, grammar, and useful phrases in a notebook. Over time, you can create a helpful English dictionary for your future studies.

In summary, PREP has shared all the useful knowledge about learning English through English novels. We hope the insights from this article will help you quickly master English in the shortest time possible. Wishing you success!