Why You Must Read (English) | Graded Reader | Improve Your English | Learn English Though Story

Summary

This engaging script emphasizes the critical role of reading in learning English and improving overall language skills. It highlights that reading for pleasure—rather than just textbooks—can significantly enhance vocabulary, writing, and grammar. The speaker references various experiments showing how enjoyable reading positively impacts students' attitudes and abilities. They encourage readers to choose easy, fun materials, including fairy tales and translations, to build confidence and understanding. Ultimately, the message is clear: reading is a powerful tool for language acquisition and personal growth.

Takeaways

• 📚 Reading is essential for improving English skills, as it enhances vocabulary, grammar, and overall proficiency.
• 👨‍🎓 The demand for reading and writing in jobs has increased significantly, making reading more important than ever.
• 🎉 Enjoying what you read is crucial; reading for pleasure is more effective than reading boring textbooks.
• 🔬 Studies show that students who read for enjoyment significantly improve their reading and writing skills compared to those who do not.
• 🌍 Language learning experiments in various countries demonstrate that sustained silent reading is highly effective for ESL students.
• 📖 Easy and enjoyable reading material is key; struggling with difficult texts can discourage learners.
• ✨ Fairy tales can be valuable for learning, as they often contain a high percentage of academic vocabulary.
• 📝 The speaker shares a personal experiment where reading a million words in Spanish led to significant language improvement.
• ⚡ You should aim to read texts where you understand at least 98% of the words for a more enjoyable experience.
• 🎧 The speaker offers a podcast with weekly stories to encourage continued reading and listening practice.

Q & A

Why do students question the need to read in English?

Students often believe that attending classes, completing homework, and watching films in English are sufficient for learning the language, making them skeptical about the necessity of reading books.

What evidence does the speaker provide to support the importance of reading?

The speaker cites a 1965 experiment with juvenile delinquents who were given exciting books to read. Those who engaged with the books improved their reading and writing skills significantly, while those who did not engage showed no improvement.

How does reading impact vocabulary and grammar according to the script?

Reading is presented as the most effective way to improve vocabulary and grammar naturally, as opposed to traditional grammar exercises, which often require memorization.

What is meant by 'reading for pleasure'?

'Reading for pleasure' refers to choosing books that are enjoyable and engaging, rather than being assigned reading that may feel tedious or obligatory.

How can fairy tales be beneficial for language learners?

Fairy tales are beneficial because they often contain a high percentage of useful vocabulary found in academic word lists, making them relevant for learners despite being perceived as children's stories.

What personal experiment did the speaker conduct in 2017?

The speaker decided to learn Spanish by reading one million words, which included a mix of easy books, translations of familiar English novels, and eventually new Latin American literature, leading to significant language acquisition.

What recommendations does the speaker make about the difficulty of reading materials?

The speaker emphasizes that readers should choose books that are easy and enjoyable, advising that if a book is too difficult or boring, it should be set aside for something more accessible.

What percentage of words should a reader understand in a text for effective reading?

The ideal comprehension rate is at least 98% of the words in a text. This ensures that the reader can understand the meaning from context without relying on a dictionary.

What approach does the speaker suggest for learners who feel overwhelmed by reading?

The speaker suggests starting with easier materials and gradually moving up in difficulty, which can help learners absorb new language concepts more effectively.

Why does the book contain no exercises after the stories?

The absence of exercises is intentional, as the speaker believes that the best use of time is to read for pleasure, which enhances language learning more effectively than traditional exercises.