Many students question the need to read in English despite engaging in classes, homework, and films in English.
Reading is crucial for improving English skills.
Reasons for Reading
1. Job Market Demand
One in four people go to university.
More jobs require reading and writing skills than in the past.
Relevant for all professions, from office work to trades.
2. Improvement of Language Skills
Reading enhances speaking, writing, vocabulary, and grammar.
While it doesn't directly improve listening, a larger vocabulary aids comprehension.
Contrary to school assignments, reading for pleasure is emphasized.
Benefits of Pleasure Reading
Engaging with enjoyable books leads to better outcomes in reading and writing.
Experiment in American schools showed that students who read for enjoyment performed better academically.
Similar findings in English-learning students from Fiji and Singapore highlighted the effectiveness of reading in improving grammar and overall language proficiency.
Reading Experience
Initial resistance to difficult texts can be overcome by choosing enjoyable, easy reading material.
The importance of understanding 98% of words in a text to facilitate enjoyable reading.
Recommendations for Reading
Start with easy and fun stories, gradually increasing complexity.
Genres can include comics, magazines, detective stories, etc.
Reading translations is also valid and beneficial.
Personal Experience and Experiments
Reading in Spanish
The speaker undertook an experiment to read a million words in Spanish, leading to significant language improvement.
Overcoming Difficulties
It's essential to find enjoyable material; boredom leads to disengagement.
Tips for Improving English Fluency
1. Speak Freely
Do not worry about judgment; speak whenever and wherever possible.
Practice makes you comfortable.
2. Immerse Yourself
Listen to music, watch movies, and engage with English content extensively.
3. Interact with English Speakers
Hang out with English speakers to practice conversational skills.
4. Embrace Correction
Be open to corrections to learn and improve.
5. Overlearning
Train beyond your current level for quicker improvement.
Personal Journey of an English Learner
Story of a Brazilian student who began learning English at 15.
The importance of taking action, seeking resources, and not delaying speaking practice.
Gained fluency through work experiences that required English interaction.
Conclusion
Continuous learning, immersion, and teaching can significantly enhance language proficiency.
Engage actively with the language to achieve fluency.