English Learning for Beginners: Books & Reading

Dialogue

Current Situation

In today’s world, reading is still a very popular activity, even with many digital distractions. People read for many reasons: to learn new things, to relax, to escape into different worlds, or to follow exciting stories. Some prefer traditional paper books, enjoying the feel and smell of the pages. Others choose e-readers or tablets, which are convenient for carrying many books and reading on the go. There are countless types of books, from thrilling detective stories and magical fantasy adventures to funny comedies, inspiring biographies, and educational non-fiction. Whether you like to read quietly at home or listen to audiobooks during your commute, there’s a book out there for everyone.

Key Phrases

• What’s that…?
  Alice: What’s that big book you’re carrying?
  Example: What’s that delicious smell coming from the kitchen?
• Are you (doing something)?
  Alice: Are you studying?
  Example: Are you coming to the party tonight?
• I thought you only read (genre/type).
  Alice: I thought you only read sci-fi or fantasy!
  Example: I thought you only ate vegetables, but you’re having steak!
• Reading anything good lately?
  Bob: Reading anything good lately?
  Example: Have you been watching anything good lately?
• It was full of (something)!
  Alice: It was full of twists!
  Example: The movie was full of surprises.
• Do you prefer A or B?
  Alice: Do you prefer physical books or e-books?
  Example: Do you prefer coffee or tea in the morning?
• I get that. (meaning: I understand/agree with that)
  Alice: I get that.
  Example: It’s hard to wake up early sometimes. I get that.
• Add it to my reading list. (or “to my list”)
  Bob: I’ll add it to my reading list.
  Example: That restaurant sounds good, I’ll add it to my list.

Grammar Points

1. Present Simple Tense

We use the Present Simple to talk about habits, routines, facts, and things that are generally true.

• Structure: Subject + Verb (add -s/-es for he/she/it)
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “I thought you only read sci-fi.” (habit)
  • “I love the smell of old pages.” (general truth/preference)
• Questions: We use “Do” or “Does”.
  • “Do you prefer physical books?”

2. Present Continuous Tense

We use the Present Continuous to talk about actions happening now or around the present time.

• Structure: Subject + am/is/are + Verb-ing
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “What’s that big book you’re carrying?”
  • “Are you studying?”
  • “Reading anything good lately?” (short for “Are you reading…”)

3. “Do you prefer… or…?”

This is a common way to ask someone to choose between two options.

• Structure: Do you prefer [option A] or [option B]?
• Example: “Do you prefer coffee or tea?”

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using words from the box below.

(reading, prefer, carrying, finished, studying, full)

1. What’s that big book you’re _________?
2. Are you _________ for an exam?
3. I just _________ a great detective novel.
4. The story was _________ of exciting twists.
5. Do you _________ e-books or paper books?
6. Alice asked Bob if he was _________ anything good lately.

Show Answers

1. carrying
2. studying
3. finished
4. full
5. prefer
6. reading

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Tense

Choose the correct form of the verb (Present Simple or Present Continuous).

1. Bob (read / is reading) “The Little Guide to Not Tripping Over Your Own Feet” right now.
2. Alice always (like / likes) detective novels.
3. What (do / are) you (do / doing) this evening?
4. I often (go / am going) to the library.
5. (Do / Are) you (read / reading) a new book every week?

Show Answers

1. is reading
2. likes
3. are doing
4. go
5. Do read

Exercise 3: Answer the Questions about the Dialogue

1. What kind of book is Bob carrying?
2. What kind of books does Alice like?
3. Does Bob prefer physical books or e-books?
4. What is the funny fantasy book Alice recommends?

Show Answers

1. He is carrying “The Little Guide to Not Tripping Over Your Own Feet” (a comedy).
2. She likes detective novels and funny fantasy books.
3. He prefers physical books.
4. “Dragon’s Breath and Teacups”.