Table of contents planning your day 2

#10 READING COMPREHENSION

Reading comprehension is an essential skill for language learners, and it is especially important for those who are studying a foreign language. Reading can help you to expand your vocabulary, improve your grammar, and gain a deeper understanding of the language and culture you are studying. However, reading in a foreign language can be challenging, and many learners struggle to understand what they are reading. In this article, we will explore some strategies that can help you to improve your reading comprehension in a foreign language.

Choose texts at your level
One of the most important things you can do to improve your reading comprehension is to choose texts that are appropriate for your level of proficiency. If you are a beginner, it may be tempting to try to read authentic texts such as newspapers or novels, but these texts are likely to be too difficult for you at this stage. Instead, start with simplified texts such as graded readers, which are designed specifically for language learners. These texts use simpler vocabulary and sentence structures, making them easier to understand. As you progress, you can gradually move on to more complex texts.
Activate your background knowledge
Another strategy that can help you to improve your reading comprehension is to activate your background knowledge. Before you start reading, take a moment to think about what you already know about the topic. This can help you to make connections between the new information in the text and what you already know. For example, if you are reading an article about a famous artist, you might think about other artists you know, or other works of art you have seen. This can help you to better understand the text and make it more meaningful.
Use context clues
When you encounter words you don't know, it can be tempting to reach for a dictionary. However, looking up every unknown word can be time-consuming and can disrupt your reading flow. Instead, try to use context clues to help you understand the meaning of new words. Look at the words and sentences around the unknown word to see if you can infer its meaning. For example, if you see the phrase "he was very apprehensive," you might not know what the word "apprehensive" means. However, if you look at the context of the sentence, you might be able to guess that it means he was worried or anxious.
Read actively
Another way to improve your reading comprehension is to read actively. This means that you are actively engaging with the text and thinking about what you are reading. You might ask yourself questions about the text, make predictions, or summarize what you have read so far. This can help you to stay focused and retain information as you read.
Take notes
Taking notes as you read can also help you to improve your reading comprehension. You might write down key points, new vocabulary, or questions you have about the text. This can help you to remember what you have read and can also serve as a reference later on.