Improve Your English FASTER by Reading (It really works!)

Summary

In this engaging lesson, James from engVid introduces a secret to language learning: reading. He explains how understanding the movement of the eyes, known as 'saccades,' can help improve language skills. By focusing on three essential techniques—smooth pursuit, sub-vocalization, and sustained reading—learners can enhance vocabulary, listening, speaking, and writing. James explains that the more you read, the faster and more effectively you comprehend. With practical tips and tricks, including using your finger to guide reading, this video provides a powerful method to boost language learning through reading, comprehension, and consistent practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Reading is a powerful tool for language learning that many overlook in favor of speaking, listening, or vocabulary building.
• 😀 Saccades, the way our eyes move, can make reading difficult, but understanding and controlling them helps improve reading speed and comprehension.
• 😀 To maximize learning through reading, pick material where you know at least 85% of the vocabulary to prevent frustration and maximize comprehension.
• 😀 The 'Three S's' – Smooth Pursuit, Sub-vocalization, and Sustained practice – are key to enhancing language learning through reading.
• 😀 Smooth Pursuit involves using your finger or pencil to guide your eyes along the text, helping you stay focused and process information more effectively.
• 😀 Sub-vocalization refers to silently 'speaking' the words in your head while reading, which reinforces both your speaking and listening abilities.
• 😀 Reading faster leads to better comprehension because the brain starts recognizing words automatically, improving recognition and fluency.
• 😀 Sustained reading practice builds recognition and comprehension of vocabulary, enabling you to read faster and understand more over time.
• 😀 The act of repeated exposure to words and phrases leads to automatic recognition, making it easier to understand and use the language.
• 😀 Reading is not just for comprehension, but also for improving speaking, listening, and writing skills by immersing yourself in correct grammar and vocabulary.
• 😀 Speed reading techniques like skimming can be helpful for absorbing general ideas quickly, but should not replace deep reading for language acquisition.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the presentation?

The main topic of the presentation is how reading can significantly improve language learning, particularly focusing on reading speed, comprehension, vocabulary, speaking, and listening skills.

What is a saccade, and why is it important in reading?

A saccade is the rapid movement of the eye when reading. It is important because it influences how we process written information. Understanding saccades helps us control our eye movement and improve our reading efficiency.

How does reading help improve vocabulary?

Reading helps improve vocabulary by exposing learners to new words in context. The repetition of words throughout a text, especially when 85% of the vocabulary is already familiar, helps reinforce understanding and retention.

What is the significance of the 'three S's' in reading?

The 'three S's'—smooth pursuit, sub-vocalization, and sustained reading—are techniques that enhance reading comprehension and learning. Smooth pursuit involves following the text with your finger, sub-vocalization is silently pronouncing words in your head, and sustained reading refers to reading regularly to build recognition and comprehension.

What is the role of smooth pursuit in reading?

Smooth pursuit involves using your finger or a pencil to guide your eyes across the text. This helps maintain focus, prevents distractions, and improves the flow of reading, which aids in better comprehension and learning.

What is sub-vocalization, and how does it benefit language learning?

Sub-vocalization is the silent, internal repetition of words as you read. It benefits language learning by helping learners practice speaking without actually speaking, which improves pronunciation, listening skills, and comprehension.

How does sustained reading contribute to faster reading and better comprehension?

Sustained reading builds familiarity with words over time, which helps increase reading speed. As learners recognize words more quickly, they spend less time decoding them, resulting in faster reading and improved comprehension.

What is the connection between reading and speaking skills?

Reading improves speaking skills because it involves sub-vocalization, which is an internal practice of pronunciation. As learners read and mentally pronounce words, they get better at speaking without direct verbal practice.

How does reading impact listening skills?

Reading enhances listening skills because it helps learners internalize the sounds and structures of the language. As words are read and silently spoken in the head, they become more familiar, which improves the ability to understand spoken language.

What is the trick for speed reading, and when should it be used?

A trick for speed reading involves skimming the first and last sentences of a paragraph to quickly grasp the main idea. This technique is useful for advanced learners who need to process large amounts of text quickly, though it may sacrifice in-depth comprehension.