Reading in English is one of the best ways to improve your English language skills.
And guess what (idiom; used to announce surprising or exciting information)? You don't have to read an entire novel (n. a long story) to practice in this way. Reading short texts regularly is just as effective!
So, how does reading help you improve your language? And what is the right way to go about (phrasal verb: begin or continue doing an activity) improving your language skills with reading?
Check out our guide below!
Why reading is GREAT for improving your English
better understanding - you will expose (v. reveal or make something visible. ) yourself to new words in context (n. the setting of a circumstance or situation); which will help you process the meaning in English (you'll remember it better!)
elevated speech - reading gives you exposure to elevated (adj; higher level) forms of language which will increase your chances of using more elevated speech
more comfortable - reading increases your comfort level with the language, more exposure means more comfort
thinking in English - reading gives you an opportunity to process information in English - and thinking in English is the key to fluency.
How to read effectively
read regularly; read something in English every day, or every other day,
start small; short texts every day,
record new vocabulary; if you come across (phrasal verb: meet or find something by chance) any new words, write them down and try to make sentences with them
read materials that are appropriate; read texts that are appropriate for your level of English. If you read things that are too difficult, this can make you feel frustrated and have a negative impact on your motivation (Why can't I understand anything!?!?)
Try using this guide below to help you select materials that are good for you:
Beginner / Elementary level (CEFR A1/A2)
online food menus
children's books
any products (bags of chips, soda cans, boxes of food, etc.) that have English written on them
Pre-intermediate / Intermediate level (CEFR B1/B2)
magazine articles (online)
blogs
short stories (online)
change your electronic devices' phone settings to English (e.g. phones, computers, etc.)
Upper-Intermediate to Advanced (CEFR C1-C2)
newspaper articles
books (novels)
TIP
There are several blogs available that cover many topics; which is wonderful! Check out our blogs which are language-learner friendly! You can find blogs that are appropriate for all levels (A1-C2) to help you improve your skills.
Remember, learning a language is a process, take it step by step (idiom; to make progress gradually) and you will be successful!
Happy reading and let us know how/ what you are reading to improve your English in the comments section!
Would you like to test your knowledge of some of the vocabulary/phrases used in this post? Try this quiz!
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