Why do you want to learn English? It’s probably to help you to communicate at work and when you’re on holiday abroad. You want to understand and to speak English at a reasonably high level. Some English learners aim for fluency.
Listening to English is easy these days. It’s everywhere. But to understand how colloquial English works, and to learn how to speak that way yourself, it’s useful to read it. That’s why Zigzag English specialises in realistic English dialogues, written in informal, everyday English. The language spoken at work is a little different, and we have books of business English dialogues too. I worked as an English lawyer for many years, and came across lots of interesting business situations, some of which I am now sharing with you!
So is your English good enough to read and enjoy our Everyday English Dialogues? Probably! We’ve just published our lowest level book of dialogues for adults. You can find it on Amazon. It’s: “50 very Easy Everyday English Dialogues“. It’s at A2 level (elementary), and there are vocabulary lists to help you. There are lots of comprehension questions too, with suggested answers. The dialogues cover all kinds of topics – the kind of things people talk about in everyday life and while on holiday.
I love dialogue, and Zigzag’s new A2 book isn’t our easiest book of dialogues. We have 2 books of dialogues designed for children who are just starting to learn English. Book 1 of our “I Speak English Too!” series is the first book I use when teaching children who are complete beginners, and it’s perfect for teachers and for enthusiastic parents.
I write dialogues which are designed to help you learn how to speak like a native speaker. If you read every dialogue in our “50 very Easy Everyday English Dialogues” book, ideally several times each, you’ll find yourself absorbing the phrases, vocabulary and grammar native English speakers use. You’ll notice the little words – for example: just, then, only, so, still, well, though – which native speakers use so often, and will probably find yourself starting to use them more often yourself. You can then move on to our next book – “50 Easy Everyday English Dialogues“. The last book in the series – “40 Advanced Everyday English Dialogues” – is a collection of much more complex, but still informal, conversations.
Our 5 Everyday English Dialogue books will take you from A2 to C1. Our 2 Business English Dialogue books will take you from B1 to C1.
Is this a fun way to improve your English? I hope so. I’ve tried to write interesting, and sometimes funny dialogues. Even at A2 level. Do you enjoy dry British humour? You’ll find it in these books. Because learning a language can, and perhaps should, be enjoyable.
For a different kind of fun, try our English language activity books for adults and teenagers: The Speak English, Read English, Write English Activity Books (from A1 to B2). They provide many hours of challenging activities for teachers and their students. We also have a non-fiction book with English language activities. Do you want to know what going over the Niagara Falls feels like? Or what it’s like to discover that your parents are actually Russian spies? And would you win a fight against a gorilla? Learn English with Fun Facts!, for intermediate learners, is new on Amazon.
Do you have any comments on the books? I’m always happy to consider making changes. And I love hearing from readers with suggestions for new books. What kind of book would you like Zigzag English to publish, for adults or children? Please let me know. The website is here: www.zigzagenglish.co.uk
