Guide to Reading for English Learners

Kampunginggris-speaking.com - In this guide you will learn about: reading and why it matters; reading materials for English language learners; typical tasks found in English-language reading tests; general reading tips to become a stronger reader; where you can find reading materials; reading strategies for better comprehension; and common reading categories to choose from.

Why Read?

You probably know that even in your own language reading is regarded as important because it can be entertaining and educational, can open up new worlds and enrich your life, and can improve hand-eye co-ordination and enhance social skills.

But for learning a foreign language, in this case English, reading in that language has additional important benefits that can help you learn the language faster and more completely.

Reading is an essential skill for language learners. When your reading skills improve, your listening, speaking and writing skills improve too. Here are some of the specific reasons why English learners are encouraged to read in English:

• The constant repetition of words and patterns in reading helps you learn and remember vocabulary and grammar structures.
• Reading helps you become familiar with the rhythm of English. Over time it will start to feel natural and you will notice when a sentence or phrase doesn't seem right.
• Unlike conversation, reading is something you can do on your own.
• Reading is not expensive, often free.
• Good reading skills can improve your other language skills. You need to learn to read before you can write.
• Reading is the best way to learn and remember the proper spelling of words.
• Listening as you read aloud can help you improve your pronunciation skills.

If you want to improve your English, learn to love reading in English. The best readers often get the best grades, jobs and opportunities.

What to Read

Are you overwhelmed by the reading materials that are available? Without spending a penny, you can read printed texts (books, magazines, newspapers at the library), online materials (websites and blogs), and ebooks (on your mobile devices).

Think about what you like to read in your native language. Can you find these written materials in English?

Here are some types of reading material to try:

• books (including children's books and graded readers)
• newspapers
• online news articles
• online blogs about topics that interest you
• letters (personal and commercial)
• transcripts (of some online videos) and sub-titles on films
• short stories
• poetry
• proverbs
• cartoons and jokes
• recipes for cooking
• advertisements and brochures

10 Reading Tips

1. Read at a level slightly lower than what you understand. You should not have to look up a lot of words. It's okay to look up a few words.
2. Make reading a ritual. Choose a time and place to read every day or week. Commit to this reading time as if it were a job.
3. Read what interests you.
4. Understand what you'll be tested on. If you're working on your reading skills for a particular test, make sure to learn about the test. There may be specific formats such as advertisements that you'll have to read in the test.
5. Find free reading materials. Project Gutenberg is an excellent source, but be careful with public domain books that are written in outdated English. Some words and expressions are no longer in use.
6. Visualize what you are reading. Some people try to imagine they are reading a movie or a how-to video.
7. Listen and read. Find podcasts or videos that have transcripts and read along silently. You can also read out loud with the recording.
8. Relate what you read to your own life. How does the reading apply to you?
9. Think about the author or journalist.  How would the reading differ if you were the author?
10. Check your eyesight. If you haven't had your eyesight checked in the last few years, make an appointment.

Reading Strategies

Here are some strategies for improving your comprehension skills.

• Skim: read for the brief idea or overview.
• Scan: read for specific details or a specific reason.
• KWL: determine what you Know about the topic, what you Want to know, and what you Learned.
• Skip: if you don't understand a word or section, keep reading ahead. Come back to the section or word again and try to figure out the meaning. Use a dictionary if necessary.
• Look for headings, subtitles and keywords.
• Read out loud: children read out loud when they first start reading. You can too. Get comfortable hearing your English voice.
• Create timelines or charts: reorganize what you read in a different format.
• Rewrite in a different tense.
• Rewrite in a different format: for example, rewrite an article in letter or list form.
• Illustrate: if you think you're a visual learner, sketch images or an infographic related to what you read.
• Write the questions: as you read, think about which questions you might find on a test or quiz. Write them down and answer them, or quiz a friend.
• Summarize or retell: you can do this by writing a letter to a friend, writing a blog post, making a web cam video, or just starting a conversation on this topic.
• Learn affixes: knowing prefixes and suffixes will increase your word recognition.
• Keep a vocabulary journal.
• Get a vocabulary partner.
• Use a pen or ruler: some people find it is easier to read with a pacer. A pen, ruler or fingertip can help you keep your place and prevent your eyes from wandering off. This may not be suitable if you are reading on a computer or mobile device. Adjust the screen to a larger size if necessary.

Reading Categories

Read what interests you. Here are some categories that can help you find what you are looking for in a library, bookstore or online search. Other categories such as poetry and drama may also interest you.

Fiction

Writing that describes imaginary events and people (such as short stories and novels):

• classics
• crime and mystery
• fantasy
• horror
• literary fiction
• popular fiction
• romance
• science fiction
• short stories
• women's fiction
• young adult fiction

Non-fiction

Writing about facts, real events and real people (such as history or biography):

• arts and crafts
• autobiography
• biography
• cooking
• gardening
• history
• how to
• memoir
• science
• self-help
• technology
• travel

 Source: englishclub.com

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