The Guardian's List of the Best English-Language Novels

May 12, 2026, 13:00
GlobalCulture

Introduction

The Guardian has published a ranked list of the 100 most important novels written in English, based on the opinions of experts from around the world.

Main Body

To create this literary ranking, the organization collected data from 172 participants, including authors, critics, and academics. Each expert had to provide a list of their top ten favorite titles. The final rankings were then decided by analyzing how often each book was mentioned and using a scoring system based on the order of preference given by the experts. The results are being released gradually, starting with the books ranked from 100 to 81, which include works such as 'My Ántonia' and 'Buddenbrooks'. The Guardian plans to reveal the remaining titles in a sequential countdown. Furthermore, the organization has created a way for the public to get involved. People aged 18 and over can use a secure online portal to suggest up to three authors and novels, which encourages a wider discussion about which genres and writers should be included.

Conclusion

The project is currently releasing the data in stages and inviting feedback from the general public.

Learning

🚀 Moving Beyond 'And' & 'But'

At an A2 level, you likely connect your ideas with simple words like and, but, or so. To reach B2, you need Logical Connectors. These are words that act like bridges, showing the reader exactly how two ideas relate.

🔍 The B2 Upgrade: Furthermore

In the text, the author doesn't just say "and the organization created a way..." Instead, they use Furthermore.

What is it? It is a formal way to say "also" or "in addition." Use it when you have already made a point and you want to add a second, stronger piece of information to support your argument.

A2 Style: The book is long and it is boring. B2 Style: The book is incredibly long; furthermore, the plot is quite boring.

⚙️ How to use it (The Mechanics)

Unlike "and," Furthermore usually starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon. It is almost always followed by a comma.

  • Pattern: [Sentence 1]. Furthermore, [Sentence 2].

🛠️ Other 'Bridge' Words found in the text

To sound more like a B2 speaker, notice how the text handles sequence and result:

  • Gradually: Instead of saying "slowly," use gradually to describe a change that happens in small steps over time.
  • Based on: Instead of saying "because of the opinions," use based on. This is a professional way to explain the origin of a decision or a list.

Pro Tip: Next time you write a paragraph, find one "and" and try to replace it with Furthermore, to instantly elevate your writing level.

Vocabulary Learning

ranked (adj.)
arranged in order of importance, size, or value
Example:The ranked list shows the top ten songs in popularity.
literary (adj.)
relating to literature or written works
Example:Her literary career began with a short story that won an award.
participants (n.)
people who take part in an event or study
Example:The participants in the survey answered questions about food habits.
critics (n.)
people who evaluate or judge artistic works
Example:Critics praised the film for its originality and depth.
academics (n.)
scholars or university teachers who study and teach
Example:Academics often publish research papers on climate change.
scoring (n.)
the process of assigning scores or marks to something
Example:The scoring of the exam was done by two independent teachers.
preference (n.)
a liking or choice for one thing over another
Example:Her preference for tea over coffee is well known.
gradually (adv.)
slowly over time or in stages
Example:The plant grew gradually throughout the week.
sequential (adj.)
arranged in a logical order or sequence
Example:The sequential steps lead to the final result of the experiment.
portal (n.)
a website or gateway that provides access to information or services
Example:The portal allows users to submit applications online.
encourages (v.)
motivates or supports someone to do something
Example:The teacher encourages students to ask questions during class.
discussion (n.)
a conversation about a particular topic
Example:The discussion lasted for an hour and covered many viewpoints.
genres (n.)
categories or styles of artistic work
Example:He enjoys all genres of music, from classical to hip‑hop.
wider (adj.)
broader or more extensive in scope
Example:A wider audience will appreciate the show if it is accessible.
involved (adj.)
actively engaged or participating in something
Example:She was involved in the community project for several months.
feedback (n.)
information about performance or quality, often used to improve
Example:The feedback from the users was positive and helped refine the app.
general (adj.)
common to all or most people; not specific
Example:The general public is invited to attend the open‑air concert.