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Originals
Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.
Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.
The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.
Visit the Penguin Readers website
Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.
Being an original thinker can change the world. Learn how to recognize a great idea, to speak up for yourself, to choose the right time to act, and to manage fear and doubt by standing out from the crowd.
Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.
The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.
Visit the Penguin Readers website
Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.
Being an original thinker can change the world. Learn how to recognize a great idea, to speak up for yourself, to choose the right time to act, and to manage fear and doubt by standing out from the crowd.
- GenresBusiness
112 pages, Paperback
Published September 5, 2019
8 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
April 6, 2020
“Originals” by Adam Grant became my first non-fiction book, read in English and also at level B2.
What is it about? This book is about originality and creative thinking and how they can be encouraged. Also it examines examples from the worlds of business, sports, politics, and entertainment to see what it is that makes people think originally, and how we can learn from them. We can learn how to recognize a great idea, to speak up for yourself, to choose the right time to act, and to manage fear and doubt by standing out from the crowd.
What can I say about the book? Surprisingly, this book contains very few original ideas on its own.
The author tells interesting stories about successful and not very people, about their good luck and mistakes in choosing and defending their ideas. But behind all these stories, in my opinion, Grant forgets about the tasks he set for himself – specific conclusions about the nature of originality and creative thinking. Moreover, sometimes it is even asserted that the episode isn't the rule, and everything can be the other way around.
Sometimes I had questions about the author’s statements. For instance, about the benefits of Martin Luther King's procrastination!? during writing his famous speech “I have a dream ...” on the last night before the performance. But Grant also says that King began to discuss it with his advisors long before the event, and did the first drafts 4 days before it. Or do I not understand the meaning of the word “procrastination”?
So, my verdict: the book is interesting, but perceptibly superficial and frequently unfounded.
P.S. About the English language of the book: it was very easy for me to read this edition. Maybe because it's non-fiction genre? To be honest, I didn't even feel the transition to a higher B2 level for myself. I really came across fewer unfamiliar words than usual. I can recommend it even to students with a confident B1 English level.
What is it about? This book is about originality and creative thinking and how they can be encouraged. Also it examines examples from the worlds of business, sports, politics, and entertainment to see what it is that makes people think originally, and how we can learn from them. We can learn how to recognize a great idea, to speak up for yourself, to choose the right time to act, and to manage fear and doubt by standing out from the crowd.
What can I say about the book? Surprisingly, this book contains very few original ideas on its own.
The author tells interesting stories about successful and not very people, about their good luck and mistakes in choosing and defending their ideas. But behind all these stories, in my opinion, Grant forgets about the tasks he set for himself – specific conclusions about the nature of originality and creative thinking. Moreover, sometimes it is even asserted that the episode isn't the rule, and everything can be the other way around.
Sometimes I had questions about the author’s statements. For instance, about the benefits of Martin Luther King's procrastination!? during writing his famous speech “I have a dream ...” on the last night before the performance. But Grant also says that King began to discuss it with his advisors long before the event, and did the first drafts 4 days before it. Or do I not understand the meaning of the word “procrastination”?
So, my verdict: the book is interesting, but perceptibly superficial and frequently unfounded.
P.S. About the English language of the book: it was very easy for me to read this edition. Maybe because it's non-fiction genre? To be honest, I didn't even feel the transition to a higher B2 level for myself. I really came across fewer unfamiliar words than usual. I can recommend it even to students with a confident B1 English level.
Displaying 1 of 1 review