Thinking Matters: Inferencing in ESL Reading Lessons
This article discusses the significance of inferencing in reading comprehension and addresses theoretical and practical issues related to teaching inferencing in English classrooms. The author explains the nature of inferencing in reading and, drawing on previous research findings and his own reflections on teaching reading to English as a second language (ESL) students, proposes a framework in which inferencing is taught via an explicit instruction approach. A sample lesson is included. Although the focus is on inferencing in an ESL context, the discussion has implications for the general English learning domain.
What is reading? How do you teach someone to do it, especially in a second or foreign language? These are very large questions that, of course, cannot be addressed in much detail in a single article. However, as the Chinese say, the longest journey begins with one step, and I hope that this brief overview of these issues will help current and prospective ESL reading teachers take a new or first step in the right direction.
Reading Clue is a three-level reading series for high beginners. This series helps students to read passages smoothly and quickly while understanding the main ideas presented in them. Reading Clue contains a balance of fiction and nonfiction texts combined with systematic activities. All readings are based on word lists that have been carefully selected to expand students’ vocabulary and develop their reading fluency. Throughout Reading Clue, students will master the basic skills needed in reading comprehension. Engaging illustrations and reading passages with meaningful follow-up activities are designed to attract the interest of students and make learning enjoyable.
Reading Clue is a three-level reading series for high beginners. This series helps students to read passages smoothly and quickly while understanding the main ideas presented in them. Reading Clue contains a balance of fiction and nonfiction texts combined with systematic activities. All readings are based on word lists that have been carefully selected to expand students’ vocabulary and develop their reading fluency. Throughout Reading Clue, students will master the basic skills needed in reading comprehension.
- Workbook for vocabulary and sentence practice: to expand students’ vocabulary and allow them to review the reading passages
The Lexical Advantages of Narrow Reading for Second Language Learners
Narrow reading is reading on the same topic over the course of a number of texts. One advantage of narrow reading is that readers become familiar with the topic and have much better background knowledge for future passages on that topic. Another advantage has to do with the mechanics of vocabulary distribution. Key words in topic-related passages tend to recur, easing the lexical burden on readers as they become familiar with this vocabulary. From a reading perspective, focusing on texts on a recurrent topic should give learners the chance to practice reading more quickly and fluently.
