1. READING COMPREHENSION III EXTENSIVE READING INTRODUCTION
FIRST ACTIVITY
1. It is always necessary to read every word of a passage.
2. It is a good idea to say the words aloud when you read.
3. Reading more slowly improves comprehension.
4. Knowing every word is necessary for comprehension.
5. As you read, you should always look up the meaning of words you do not know.
6. To read well, you need to know the pronunciation of every word.
7. Learning vocabulary is the only way to improve reading ability.
8. Learning grammar is the only way to improve reading ability.
9. You can read all kinds of texts (books, newspapers, etc.) the same way.
10. Reading in different languages requires some different reading methods.
SECOND ACTIVITY
How to choose a book for extensive reading
1. Choose a book that interests you. Your teacher and classmates may have good
suggestions, but choose the book that is best for you, not for them.
2. Choose a full-length book, not a collection of articles or stories. Reading a whole book by a
single author allows you to become comfortable with the writer’s style and vocabulary.
3. Avoid a book whose story you are already familiar with because you have read it in
another language or have seen the movie made from it. Knowing what will happen may
make it less interesting for you.
4. Evaluate the book. To find out about the author and the genre (type of book), read the
front and back covers. Read the first few pages, to find out about the style and the
subject.
5. Check the level of difficulty. If a book is too easy, it may be boring; if it is too difficult, you
may become discouraged and stop reading. To find out how difficult the book is for you,
count the number of unknown key words on a typical page. (A key word is a word you
must know in order to follow the general meaning.) Five unknown key words on one page
means the book is difficult for you. No unknown key words means the book is easy.
HINTS FOR SUCCESS IN EXTENSIVE READING

2. READING COMPREHENSION III EXTENSIVE READING INTRODUCTION
• Set a goal for yourself. Decide how many books you would like to read during the
semester.
• Make reading a part of your daily routine. Set a time and place for reading. Read for at
least thirty minutes at a time so that you can become involved in your book.
• Carry your book wherever you go and read it whenever you have time.
• Keep a journal. Write about your reactions to the book or any thoughts that are
stimulated by your reading.
• When you finish a book, complete a Book Response Form then make an appointment
with your teacher for a book conference to share your thoughts and reactions to it.
When you finish reading a book, complete a copy of this form and give it to your teacher
Book Response Form
Book title:
Author:
Publisher: Year published: Number of pages: Genre:
Why did you decide to read this book?
Were you glad that you decided to read it? Explain.
What did you like best about this book?
What did you like least?

3. READING COMPREHENSION III EXTENSIVE READING INTRODUCTION
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Explain.
On a scale of 1-10, how difficult was this book for you? (1=easy, 10=difficult) Why?

4. READING COMPREHENSION III EXTENSIVE READING INTRODUCTION
A book presentation is a brief (about four minutes) oral report to the class about a book that you
have finished reading. To prepare a presentation, make four note cards, one for each of the
following points:
Book Presentation
1. About the book and the author: Title, author, and year first published; information about
the author, genre and number of pages.
2. Key elements of the plot (very briefly)
3. Your reaction to the book: Did you enjoy it? Why or why not? Would you read another
book by the same author? Would you recommend this book to your classmates?
4. One or two of the following topics: A part of the book or one of the characters that
interests you particularly; one of the characters that you like and identify with; personal
experiences or thoughts related to the book; larger issues that are dealt with in the book
(e.g., racism, poverty, war, etc.)