Looking through a menu in a restaurant, checking road signs, or scanning through Netflix reviews: these are all activities that involve reading. Using your English reading skills to interpret what is on a page or a sign quickly will make lots of tasks easier and could even save your life!
English Reading Tips from BSC
Have a look through our tips to improve your English reading skills.
1. Read, read, read!
This might sound obvious, but the more you read, the easier it becomes and you improve more. Could you set some time aside every day for an English reading session? One idea is to read while you travel to work or college: lots of cities publish free newspapers every day that you can find at public transport stops. Another suggestion is to read something just before you go to bed – a couple of pages of a book, something in a magazine, a message from friends or family.
2. Read something you enjoy
Tim, College Manager at BSC York, suggests “Reading something you would read in your own language.” This means you are more likely to know some of the vocabulary already, and to continue reading to the end. Tim also suggests looking for an English language version of a book you have read in your native language.
Top Tip: Lots of longer books can be found in shorter versions, specifically designed for English language learners. We call them abridged or graded readers. You can find these at many libraries (free to join if you are in the UK), at the college where you are studying English (speak to your College Manager) or via a publishing company like Penguin Books.
3. Read little and often
The more you practice something, the easier it starts to become. If you allow time to read most days, it will become a habit that is easier to keep up. Also, reading doesn’t just have to be from books, magazines or newspapers! Does your favourite football team have an English language version of their website? Can you try to read an article of news on the BBC website most days? What about changing your social media account into English?!
4. Read aloud
Reading aloud is a FANTASTIC way of practising your spoken English. Here, you have a script (something written down) for you so you don’t have to think about what to say. Maria, who teaches at BSC Malta, suggests: “Try recording yourself so that you can listen back and improve.”. This can really help with your pronunciation and is so easy to do on your phone!
This, too, is a great tip if you need to give a presentation in class or for work. If you record yourself when you practice, you can spot mistakes before giving the talk for real!
5. Read with purpose
Are you reading because you are interested in the topic? Read at your own pace! Are you reading to get the gist, or the main idea? Look through the text briefly and search for words or ideas that are repeated. Are you reading for specific information? Have the concept you are looking for in your head, and search for the term in the text. Read around the idea slowly. How are other words in the sentence connected to it?
Another suggestion here is to keep a vocabulary diary, where you can make notes about new words that you have read. Use the Cambridge Online Dictionary to look up new words. Note down what part of speech (verb/noun/adjective/adverb etc..) the are. Listen to how they are pronounced. Look at any example sentences the dictionary suggests. Can you use them in a sentence of your own?
6. Read and listen at the same time
Audiobooks are a favourite of our Group Academic Manager, Hannah. “I love listening to other people reading some of my favourite books. They’re great to have on in the background while I am walking or even to help me relax during the evening.”. One of her favourite authors is the famous crime writer, Agatha Christie. “There are lots of great Agatha Christie audiobooks that have been adapted for English language learners! Many YouTube versions also have the text version of the book so that you can read and listen at the same time.”
Her personal recommendation for people new to Agatha Christie, looking to improve their English reading? “Oh, it has to be The Death of Roger Ackroyd, which changed how mystery stories were written forever!”
Teacher Susan (based in Bangkok) also suggests reading and listening at the same time: “If you use more than one skill, you are more likely to take in new information. This can really boost your confidence!”
Improve your English reading with our experienced teachers
Do you want to learn English with native speakers? Check out our English courses in the UK, Malta, or Thailand and improve your English today.
Other tips for language learners from the BSC blog:
Best Novels for English Language Learners
