What is reading?

Reading is the process of perceiving and actively processing graphically encoded information. This means that any text is encoded information – if we know the language, we can decode it. This means we recognize the letters and mentally relate them to how they sound. This skill is called reading technique. Then, we connect words with images, understand their meanings, combine words into sentences, and grasp the meaning of the statements and the whole text. 

What are the different reading skills?

To understand what we read, we need the following skills, from the simplest to the most complex:

• Recognize letters and how they sound;
• Have enough vocabulary to understand word meanings;
• Understand words in conjunction with other words (this is why it’s important to learn words in phrases and understand what they mean together);
• Understand sentence structure – where the subject, verb, compliment etc. (grammar comes in handy here!);
• Understand text structure – headings, paragraphs, captions, etc.;
• Use various reading strategies (skimming, scanning, reading in detail, etc.) to extract necessary information;
• Understand unfamiliar words through word formation and context.

It doesn’t seem simple at all. But don’t worry! If you’re reading and understanding this text, you already possess all these skills. This means you have an excellent foundation to further improve them.

Why should I develop reading skills?

Reading is as essential in learning English as speaking, listening, and writing.

Firstly, reading significantly enhances lexical skills. When we see words in context, it’s much easier to understand their meanings and usage. When encountering an unfamiliar word, we can sometimes understand its meaning even without a dictionary. Our brain immediately creates a certain image (picture, synonym, antonym, context, etc.) and connects it with the written form of the new English word, just like in our native language. With this method of vocabulary acquisition, you are highly likely to use these words in speech. 

Secondly, when we read, our brain absorbs much more information than you might think! Reading is not only about understanding the text but also the subconscious absorption of grammatical structures, collocations, idioms, and conversational phrases (when reading fiction). Regular reading can significantly improve your spoken language. You will not only have a considerable vocabulary but also know how to use words, expressions, and even grammatical constructions to sound natural, which is the ultimate goal of learning a foreign language.

How to Develop Reading Skills?

The simplest answer is to read, read, and read. However, it’s worth mentioning some nuances that will make this process more effective.

1. Don’t try to understand every word in the text. There are different types of reading. Sometimes we read to get the general content (reading for gist, skimming), find specific information (scanning), understand as much as possible (reading for detail or intensive reading), or simply for pleasure (reading for pleasure or extensive reading). In everyday life, when we read in our native language, we use the first, second, and third types of reading. So, usually, we don’t need to understand every word in the text – remember this when reading in English. If you see an unfamiliar word and it doesn’t hinder your understanding of the text, just keep reading. This will save you a lot of time and make the reading process more enjoyable overall.
2. Choose books according to your level.
   • Beginner level (A1-A2).There are several websites where you can find so-called adapted literature. These books don’t have many unfamiliar or difficult words. If you just want to read for pleasure, check here. If you feel that exercises help you understand better, or long stories seem too challenging, check here.
   • Intermediate level (B1-B2).At this level, you should try reading longer stories, which you can find here. Initially, choose an interesting and not too complicated book. As your reading experience grows, you can read more complex ones. If you don’t have enough time or simply aren’t interested in fiction, I highly recommend short news articles from The Guardian (free, British English), short and long articles on BBC News (free, British English), and long articles on The Conversation (free, American and British English).
   • Advanced level (C1-C2).At this level, you can read literature of any complexity. These can be both fiction and scientific articles. If your goal is to form a habit of reading constantly, you can choose either any book you like or read articles on various topics daily. You can find them on The Guardian, BBC News, The Conversation (free) or on The Economist, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The New York Times (very high-quality articles, written in interesting and literate language, but all are paid).

3. Read what really interests you. You don’t need to read, for example, Shakespeare just because everyone says that anyone studying English should read him. Start with very simple but personally interesting works. It’s a good idea to start with your favorite books that you’ve already read in your native language. Try to enjoy reading and use a dictionary only when you truly don’t understand the meaning of a sentence due to a specific word.

Although reading is indeed a complex process, you gain numerous additional benefits in the form of new vocabulary and improved speaking skills. Try to develop this useful habit – read regularly – and you will soon notice how rich and diverse your speech has become.

Sources:

1. Theory of Teaching Foreign Languages. Linguodidactics and Methodology: a study guide for students of linguistic universities and faculties of foreign language higher education institutions, N.D. Galskova, N.I. Gez. – 3rd edition, revised. – Moscow: Publisher Center “Academy”, 2006.
2. Learning Teaching, The Essential Guide to English Language Teaching, Jim Scrivener, Third Edition, 2011.