Reading

Reading is a fundamental skill and this section provides reading activities in 3 levels of difficulty to improve your reading skills in English.

Reading Activities to Improve Your English

Fundamentals of Reading

Boosting Your English Reading Skills: From Beginner to Advanced

Reading in a foreign language can be daunting. If you’re learning English and want to enhance your reading skills, you’re in the right place! Let’s take a step-by-step journey, moving from beginner to advanced, to help you grasp the English language with confidence.

1. Start with the Basics:

a. Children’s Books:
They may seem simple, but children’s books are designed for those just starting to read. Think of titles like “Goodnight Moon” or “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”. They have repetitive vocabulary and are rich in illustrations, making them perfect for beginners.

b. Label Everything:
Put sticky notes on objects around your house – ‘chair’, ‘table’, ‘window’ and so on. Every time you use or see the object, say the word out loud. This will build your basic vocabulary.

2. Enhance Your Vocabulary:

a. Daily Reading Habit:
Dedicate 15 minutes daily to reading. Start with simple online articles or news websites designed for ESL learners, like Voice of America’s Learning English or News in Levels.

b. Maintain a Vocabulary Journal:
Whenever you come across a new word, jot it down. Write its meaning, and try to form a sentence using it. Review this journal regularly.

3. Dive into Intermediate Materials:

a. Magazines and Newspapers:
Switch to regular newspapers or magazines. Topics you’re interested in will motivate you more. Love fashion? Go for Vogue. Keen on world events? The BBC website is a great option.

b. Books for Young Adults:
Titles like “Harry Potter” or “The Hunger Games” are perfect. They’re engaging and slightly more complex in language and structure.

4. Challenge Your Comprehension:

a. Summarize:
After every article or chapter, pause and summarize what you’ve read in your own words. This ensures you’re actively comprehending.

b. Question Yourself:
Ask questions like “Who was the main character?”, “What was the central idea?”, or “Why did an event occur?”

5. Advanced Reading:

a. Literary Classics:
Dive into the deep end with authors like Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, or Charles Dickens. Their intricate language and detailed plots will push your reading skills to the limit.

b. Academic Articles:
Read papers related to your field of interest. These texts often have specialized vocabulary and complex sentence structures.

c. Opinion Pieces:
These will not only expose you to advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions but also to cultural nuances and varied viewpoints.

6. Final Tips for Every Level:

a. Use Technology:
Digital tools like e-readers or apps can help. They often come with built-in dictionaries, so you can instantly look up words you don’t understand.

b. Join a Book Club:
Discussing what you read helps in reinforcing comprehension and introduces you to multiple interpretations of the same text.

c. Don’t Overwhelm Yourself:
If you find a text too difficult, it’s okay to step back and try something a bit simpler. The key is persistence and regular practice.

Reading is a journey, not a race. Every level you reach will open new doors, not just in language learning but in understanding cultures, perspectives, and stories. Embrace the adventure, and soon enough, the words on the page will feel just like home. Happy reading!