M a education paper-v methods of teaching english

4.2. Teaching Prose
According to Coleridge, “prose is words in their best order “ 
Prose is meant for learning a language. Teaching prose means teaching reading with 
comprehension. The learners are taught the skill of reading. Having taught the students how to 
read a language, the next logical step is to teach them reading with comprehension. Teaching 
prose enables the students to understand the passage, to read fluently, to enrich their vocabulary 
and to enjoy reading and writing. It enables the learners to extend their knowledge of vocabulary 
and structures and to become more proficient in the four language skills. It develops the ability 
of speaking English correctly and fluently. 
The main aims of teaching prose are: 
(i) 
Literary enrichment and 
(ii) 
Content knowledge 
To achieve these aims of the teaching of prose should be intensive as also extensive. 
4.2.1. Intensive Reading; 
Intensive reading or reading for accuracy involves approaching a text under the 
close guidance of a teacher, or through a task that forces the student to pay attention to the text. It 
involves a profound and detailed understanding of the , text not only in terms of ‘what’ it says 
but also ‘ how ‘ it says it . 
An intensive reading lesson is primarily concerned with the developing of reading 
strategies in the learners. 
1. Judgment 
2. Reasoning 
3. Interpretation and 
4. Appreciation
Generally, a short text, which can be finished in a lesson or two, is considered 
suitable
For scanning for information, paying attention to writer’s intention arguments, ideas, style, etc.
Students while reading a text do not simply look for any specific piece of information. They read 
it thoroughly so that they can pass their exam which, they know, will contain question involving 
their understanding of the text as a whole. In all respects, intensive reading is more an exercise in 
accuracy. The text books prescribed for general English courses at the secondary level are all 
meant to be read intensively. Students are supposed to read them in detail so that they can answer 

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the questions given at the end of each text, question on comprehension grammar, vocabulary, 
writing etc.
The intensive reader should be based on the structural syllabus containing 
interesting and well graded reading material accompanied by colourful pictures to create an 
interest in the lessons. All reading lessons should be preceded by plenty of oral discussions in 
which difficult words, phrases and ideas should be clearly explained by the teacher. Lessons 
based on the intensive reader should have provision for both reading aloud and silent reading, to 
give the greatest benefit to a learner of English.