What makes a bestseller?

Answer each question with 2–3 sentences.

1. How often do you read books?
2. Do you prefer paper books or e-books?
3. What was the last book you read?
4. Do you choose books by their covers?
5. Do you read the reviews before you buy?
6. Which book would you recommend to everyone?

Read each word and the example. Then say a sentence about books.

Choose the word that fits.

1. A book that sells in very large numbers is a .
2. The is the person who writes a book.
3. A company that prints and sells books is a .
4. Crime, romance and fantasy are different kinds, or , of book.
5. A book that continues the story of an earlier book is a .
6. A story that is so interesting that you cannot stop reading is .
7. Advertising and promotion of a product is called .
8. A set of books about the same characters is a .

Choose the right answer, then press Check answers.

1. a bestseller is a book that
   is very shorthas no wordssells very well
2. an author
   sells bookswrites booksprints books
3. a sequel continues
   a recipean earlier storya journey
4. gripping = so
   old you forgetinteresting you cannot stopboring you stop
5. a review is a written
   mapreceiptopinion
6. a translation is a text in
   a shorter sizea better colouranother language

Use these phrases to shorten your sentences.

• Written in 1997,...Написана в 1997 році,...Written in 1997, the book was a success.
• Having read the book,...Прочитавши книжку,...Having read the book, I wanted the sequel.
• a book telling the story of...книжка, що розповідає історію...a book telling the story of a young wizard.
• Published by a small company,...Видана невеликою компанією,...Published by a small company, it grew by word of mouth.
• Not knowing what to expect,...Не знаючи, чого очікувати,...Not knowing what to expect, I opened it.
• people reading on trainsлюди, що читають у потягахI often see people reading on trains.
• Translated into many languages,...Перекладена багатьма мовами,...Translated into many languages, it reached readers everywhere.
• Feeling tired,...Відчуваючи втому,...Feeling tired, I closed the book.

Read the text. Hover over the dotted words for help.

1. The New York Times has had a bestseller list since 1931.
   TrueFalse
2. The text says marketing is the only important factor.
   TrueFalse
3. Readers trusting friends is one reason for success.
   TrueFalse
4. The first Harry Potter book was reportedly refused by a number of publishers.
   TrueFalse
5. The text says luck plays no part.
   TrueFalse

1. Why do people trust friends more than advertisements?
2. Is a bestseller always a good book?
3. Would you read a book because of its cover?
4. Should publishers take risks with unknown authors?

Common mistakes: the subject of both parts must be the same, -ing for active meaning, and -ed for passive meaning. ✗ Walking home, the rain started → Walking home, I got wet. ✗ A book writing by a child → A book written by a child.

1. A book
   toldtelling
   the story of a young wizard sold millions.
2. A novel
   writingwritten
   by a teacher won the prize.
3. Having readHaving reading
   the book, I wanted the sequel.
4. FeelingFelt
   tired, I closed the book.
5. PublishingPublished
   in 1997, the book was a success.
6. Not
   knownknowing
   what to expect, I opened it.
7. People
   readingread
   on trains often look relaxed.
8. TranslatedTranslating
   into many languages, it reached readers everywhere.

Each sentence has one mistake. Type the correct words.

1. A book writing by a child was a hit. →
2. A film direct by Spielberg won the prize. →
3. Having finish the book, I slept. →
4. The people sit there are readers. →
5. Knowing not the story, he asked. →
6. A song sang by millions became famous. →

Answer in detail. Use participle clauses with -ing, -ed and having + past participle.

1. Which book, written long ago, do you still enjoy?
2. What have you learnt having finished a good book?
3. Which book translated into your language is your favourite?
4. What happens in a story involving a mystery?
5. Tell me about a time when, feeling bored, you read something great.
6. What would you recommend, having read so much?

Three people talk about bestsellers. Compare their views. Who trusts reviews the most? Who thinks luck is important? What was the last book you could not put down?

Your teacher will time you.

1. Plan for one minute, then speak for one or two minutes.
2. Part 1: describe a book or film using -ing and -ed clauses (a story telling about..., a book written by...).
3. Part 2: say what you did after finishing it (having + past participle).
4. Part 3: give your opinion about why it was a success.

1. What kind of books do you like?
2. Do you read in the evening or in the morning?
3. What was the last book you finished?
4. Having finished a good book, how do you feel?
5. What book written by a woman do you like?
6. Do you read books translated from other languages?
7. Which book would you take to a desert island?
8. What do you do when feeling bored?

1. Who in your family reads the most?
2. Who recommended your last book?
3. Who is the author whose books you always read?
4. Who gave you your first book?
5. Who do you talk to about books?
6. Who do you know that writes?

1. Are e-books better than paper books?
2. Is reading less popular now?
3. Should schools make children read classics?
4. Are book awards important?
5. Can anyone write a good book?