The Best Books to Learn French: French learning books and free materials for reading practice

If you've studied Language at school, you're likely very familiar with textbook learning.

A tried-and-tested traditional method, textbook study involves working through lessons and exercises either on your own or with a teacher. But if you're not in school and don't already have a textbook, which one should you choose?

Below, we'll outline some of the most popular choices as well as other helpful materials.

For a complete guide to the best resources for learning Language—including apps, online communities, podcasts, and more—be sure to visit Essential Language Resources and Tools for Practice. It's packed with recommendations to complement any study method and level.

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Table of Contents

Upper-Beginner to Intermediate Textbook

For a book that walks you through beginner and intermediate Language, try the Complete Language All-in-One textbook. This resource is widely regarded as the gold standard for Language learning books, having sold over 2 million copies.

The textbook includes more than 500 exercises to reinforce what you learn through recall and reconsolidation. Plus, it works in tandem with the McGraw Hill Language Lab app, which adds audio to the learning process.

However, this isn't designed for learning Language from scratch. It focuses heavily on grammar rather than starting with basic vocabulary. If you are starting from the very beginning, try using Language learning apps instead.

Advanced Textbook

Most Language learning textbooks are designed to help learners reach an intermediate level. But where do you go from there?

The Discovering Language series offers a textbook specifically aimed at advanced learners. The two volumes before it, Bleu and Blanc, build up the advanced textbook: Rouge. Its exercises and lessons will build on your existing intermediate skills to help you reach advanced-level Language.

Advanced Resources

What if you're already an advanced Language user?

To take your skills beyond C1 into the realm of native speakers, textbooks aren't the best option. A better use of your time is immersing yourself in real day-to-day Language.

Start by chatting with Language speakers in person or online to see how your skills hold up in practice. For solo study, try reading Language news articles. As these are created for a native-speaking audience, they'll help you isolate which areas you aren't yet proficient in and what to study next.

Free Resources

Of course, highly comprehensive textbooks aren't free. But many resources are!

If you enjoy textbook-style learning, here are some free PDFs with a specific focus:

For more interactive resources, take a look at our free materials! We offer hundreds of grammar lessons, exercises, and kwizzes from A1 to C1 level Language. They're created by native Language teachers who know exactly which areas trip learners up and how to overcome these challenges.

How to Access More Materials

Our library of free resources is only the beginning. Whether you want to hone your reading, writing, or listening skills, we have hundreds of exercises in our Language Learning Library.

Get access to our free exercises made by expert Language teachers by creating your Kwiziq account today!

 

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