Intensive vs. Extensive Reading
In most ESL classes, reading means Intensive Reading: taking a 300-word text, dissecting every sentence, answering deep comprehension questions, and translating unknown words. It's hard work, and students often dread it.
Extensive Reading (ER) is the exact opposite. It means reading a lot of easy material quickly, for pleasure or general information, without stopping to look up every word.
Research consistently shows that students who engage in regular extensive reading naturally acquire vocabulary, internalize grammar structures, and improve their writing faster than those who only do intensive study.
Why Extensive Reading Works
1. The Comprehensible Input Hypothesis
Stephen Krashen's theory states that we acquire language when we understand messages (input) that are just slightly above our current level (i+1). ER provides massive amounts of this comprehensible input.
Stephen Krashen's theory states that we acquire language when we understand messages (input) that are just slightly above our current level (i+1). ER provides massive amounts of this comprehensible input.
2. Implicit Grammar Learning
You don't learn the past perfect continuous by memorizing the formula. You learn it by seeing it used in context 50 times in a compelling story until it 'feels right'. ER builds an intuitive sense of grammar.
You don't learn the past perfect continuous by memorizing the formula. You learn it by seeing it used in context 50 times in a compelling story until it 'feels right'. ER builds an intuitive sense of grammar.
3. Vocabulary Consolidation
Learning a word from a flashcard is only step one. Seeing that word used in different contexts across five different chapters is what locks it into long-term memory.
Learning a word from a flashcard is only step one. Seeing that word used in different contexts across five different chapters is what locks it into long-term memory.
The Rules of Extensive Reading
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It Must Be Easy
Students should know 95-98% of the words on the page without a dictionary.
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Choose Your Own
Students must select what they read based on their own interests.
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No Tests
Don't ruin the pleasure with quizzes or book reports. Just read.
How to Build an ER Habit
Start with Graded Readers
Don't let A2 students try to read Harry Potter. They will look up 20 words per page, get frustrated, and quit. Use 'graded readers' — books rewritten specifically for different CEFR levels.
Don't let A2 students try to read Harry Potter. They will look up 20 words per page, get frustrated, and quit. Use 'graded readers' — books rewritten specifically for different CEFR levels.
Sustained Silent Reading (SSR)
Dedicate the first 10 minutes of class every Friday to silent reading. The teacher reads too. It demonstrates that reading is a valued activity, not just homework.
Dedicate the first 10 minutes of class every Friday to silent reading. The teacher reads too. It demonstrates that reading is a valued activity, not just homework.
The 5-Finger Rule
Teach students how to choose a book: Open to a random page. Hold up a finger for every word you don't know. If you reach 5 fingers on one page, the book is too hard for extensive reading. Put it back and choose another.
Teach students how to choose a book: Open to a random page. Hold up a finger for every word you don't know. If you reach 5 fingers on one page, the book is too hard for extensive reading. Put it back and choose another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can my students find graded readers?
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Oxford, Cambridge, and Pearson publish excellent series. For free digital options, look at English e-Reader, News in Levels, or basic Wikipedia articles.
If there are no tests, how do I know they are reading?
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Use low-stakes alternatives. Have students give a 60-second 'book pitch' to a partner, or maintain a simple reading log with the title, pages read, and a 1-5 star rating.