Tips on Reading in English

Posted on June 8th, 2021 by Joanne Hayden

Getting Started: 

Reading is an excellent way to improve your language efficiency. However, it can be a daunting task to get started. 

Taking the first steps.

If you are a beginner, children’s books are a fantastic place to start. The language used is simple and contains basic words and sentence formation that can be applied to daily life. 

Read what you are interested in.

There is no point in trying to read a book because it uses hard English. If you love crime novels, pick up a John Grisham book, or if you love nothing more than a chick flick, grab anything by Nicolas Sparks.

Read what you already know.

Another great way to read in English is to read a book you have already read in your native language. That way you already know the structure of the book, the characters and the context. You can then focus more on the language used in the book.

Kindles and eReaders. 

Kindles and eReaders are brilliant pieces of technology that provide books by any author with the touch of a button. Some downloadable books come with a built-in dictionary that allows you to translate a word by tapping on it. This allows for an easier flow of reading. 

Where to buy/get books?

Your local library should be the first place to go. Membership is free or usually very cheap, requiring only a proof of address. 

With shops opening back up, I cannot recommend enough going to charity shops and second-hand stores. They have a huge variety of books and the books are very cheap. 

Book Recommendations:

Beginner, Intermediate;  

(Because I’m Irish, I have a passion for Irish authors!)

  • Books by Michael Morpurgo, like War Horse or The Butterfly Lion.
  • George Orwell’s Animal Farm. 
  • Roald Dahl books, like The Fantastic Mr. Fox.