1.If there're more than 5 words you don't know in 3 sentences, try something easier!
2.BUT – you don’t need to understand every word. Guessing is an important skill to develop! Try to guess by:
Skimming (searching for the main idea only). This quiz will help you. www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/reading/techniques/skimming/index.shtml
Scanning (searching for details quickly). This game is a fun way to practice. www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/reading/techniques/scanning/index.shtml
3.To read the news,
Advanced learners -> You can try anything (CNN? BBC? Google News?), but for something different, try the very cool - www.wired.com/
Intermediate learners -> try BBC made simple www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/ or follow @SeanBanville for links to www.breakingnewsenglish.com on twitter. MP3
Elementary learners > try www.newsenglishlessons.com/. MP3
4.To read fairy tales, try http://storynory.com/ It is a great site with stories and MP3. To read other children’s stories , try www.starfall.com/n/level-c/index/play.htm?f
Reading children’s stories is one of the best ways to pick up grammar points (such as past tenses & articles) naturally. Sentence patterns are often repeated many times.
Fairy tales help us understand modern culture, eg Tim Burton's movies are more meaningful if you've read Brothers Grimm stories.
The language is often simple, but colourful.
5.To read conversations:
Advanced learners – try movie transcripts. Check out www.script-o-rama.com
Elementary learners – try comics. Here’s Snoopy with some wise words to motivate you. http://comics.com/peanuts/
Intermediate learners – try both!
6.To read quizzes, try http://www.bbc.co.uk/switch/slink/play/quizzes/
Reading quizzes can help us pick up question forms
Personality quizzes often have a lot of useful descriptive adjectives
Quizzing your friends can be a good way to practice reading aloud
Of course there are lots of other things you can do too. Please leave a comment or tweet @getgopam with suggestions for Tip No. 7!
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